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Boardwalk, Beach & Waterfront Bars
Boardwalk Bowl
115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.426.3324
The bowling isn't always the main attraction at Boardwalk Bowl, right next to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The bowling alley, restaurant, and bar host five nights of karaoke a week and live local bands on Tuesdays and Fridays every week. Atomic bowling nights on Thursdays and Sundays mean specials on bowling and pitchers of beer. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk isn't just for tourists anymore; locals can take advantage of the specials and call the Boardwalk Bowl home too.
Carniglia's Seafood
49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.458.3600
Carniglia's Seafood is easily on of the best seafood restaurants in Santa Cruz, not to mention it's right on the wharf. The cocktail lounge is the perfect place to relax after a long day and enjoy the beach from the bar. Sure the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a huge tourist destination, but that doesn't discount the fact that they have this amazing bar and restaurant in the prime location. Happy hour is from 3-5pm, and during the winter, that's the perfect span of time to get a few drinks in and watch the sunset.
Gilbert's Seafood Grill
460 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.423.5200
Overlooking the Santa Cruz Harbor, Gilbert's Seafood Grill is a restaurant where you can expect a reasonably priced meal and good drink. Everyone from out-of-towners to UC Santa Cruz students are welcomed to Gilbert's for a good meal; plus on the walk to the restaurant you can enjoy the cool beach air and the Boardwalk. There's no better way to get a taste of Santa Cruz.
Ideal Bar and Grill
106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.423.5271
Refreshing drinks and sunny afternoons on the large open-air deck overlooking the beach must be how this bar and grill got its name. The outdoor tiki bar offers karaoke on Saturday afternoons. After night falls, head inside to enjoy Monday Night Football parties, karaoke on Friday nights and live music on Saturday nights.
The Mainsail Restaurant
175 W. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.426.4330
Located in the Coast Hotel above Cowell's Beach, the Mainsail restaurant boasts a beautiful ocean view. The adjoining bar has a funkier feel. Although the only beer is bottled, the full bar will satisfy your craving for a cocktail. Afterwards, you can stumble down the stairs for a beach stroll.
The Miramar
45 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.423.4441
Great food, even better drinks, and friendly service attract tourists and Santa Cruz locals alike to the Miramar Fish Grotto on the Santa Cruz municipal Wharf. The restaurant features live music on summer weekends and overlooks Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The cocktail lounge is a great place to relax with a margarita and enjoy the happy hour from 2:30-6pm.
Neptune's Kingdom
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.426.7433
Neptune's Kingdom is a fun for the whole family kind of place not to mention their upstairs bar serves beer. Take the whole family to enjoy the arcade, a round of miniature gold, the air hockey, foosball, pool tables, and many more activities. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk location is great for tourists or those who are just looking to spend the day around the beach.
Olitas
Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.458.9393
Located on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Olitas is not your everyday Mexican food place. They might have a drink and taco $5 special on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but they also have an extensive wine list, margarita menu, and most impressively, a long list of quality tequilas. Gourmet Mexican fusion food is served up in the restaurant where you can enjoy the view of the beach and satisfy your hunger.
Riva Fish House
500 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.429.1223
The cocktail lounge of Riva Fish House isn't just popular for its amazing view of the Santa Cruz Beach, it's also known for the best Bloody Marys anyone has ever tasted. The food at the Santa Cruz restaurant also can't be overlooked with its stupendous flavor and reasonable prices. After a long day on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Rive Fish House is an excellent option for a good meal and an excellent drink.
Stagnaro's
59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, California; Tel. 831.423.2180
Stagnaro's claims to have the to have the "freshest and widest selection of seafood possible." Plus they have a cocktail lounge—of the drink, not seafood, variety. Their extensive wine list features wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and other California varieties sure to please the palate of any diner or drinker.
