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Burgers
Betty Burgers
505 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.8190.
Why the long lines on the weekends? Must be the generous burgers slathered with “secret lube” that this newish Seabright stand serves up with bacon, cheese, guacamole and anything else a burger-lover might desire. Shoestring fries or onion rings accompany. Betty also serves exotically flavored shakes (like blackberry) made with local Marianne’s ice cream. $
Carpo’s
2400 Porter St, Soquel, CA. Tel. 831.476.6260.
When the namesake burger is a half-pound Angus situation on a sourdough baguette, you know you’re in a place where they do things right. This Santa Cruz institution is also beloved for its French fries. $$
Jack’s
202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.423.4421.
Two dings of the bell at Jack’s elicits a pavlovian response for a whole subset of Santa Cruz locals, for it means a cheeseburger basket with fries and onions is on the way. Damn, these are good burgers—not too big, not too sloppily dressed, wrapped in wax paper and served with perfect, crispy fries on a sunny downtown patio. That’s living. $
Saturn Café
145 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.8505.
Only in Santa Cruz would the Metro Santa Cruz Goldies bronze medal for best burger go to a vegetarian joint. We’re just guessing here, but we think the fact that Saturn Café also rates high in the fries category is helping its gardenburgers achieve greatness. $$
99 Bottles of Beer
110 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.459.9999.
Enormous, warm, freshly grilled burgers topped with blue cheese and thick-cut bacon, or guacamole and melted jack, or chili or cheddar or mushrooms and swiss. It’s big, it’s fresh, it comes with addictive crispy waffle-cut fries and any one of a vast assortment of cold, delicious beers. $$
