Santa Cruz Outdoor Dining Guide

Views don’t come much better than this. This beachfront, harbor side favorite has been a Santa Cruz destination since 1969. Gaze out over the sparkling blue waters of Monterey Bay from the upper deck of their Breakwater Bar & Grill while enjoying a lavish lunch or happy hour special in the sunshine. Happy Hour half-price appetizers include fresh seared ahí, succulent smoked salmon, perfectly crispy crab cakes and devilishly delicious nachos. Enjoy beer, wine and cocktail specials as well. A top spot among locals for drinks and live entertainment.

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Created by Timmy Hunt who opened Aloha Island Grill in 2004, Pono Hawaiian Grill is a great spot to enjoy alfresco dining. The restaurant's large patio has plenty of tables, luscious plants, and spots in sun or shade to suit your needs. Pono's inspired menu uses local and organic ingredients and includes a poke bar. The poke bowls are by far the most popular item on the menu, but Pono's Coconut Prawns, Kalua Pork, Korean Short Ribs and Loco Moco Burrito also receive rave reviews. Next time you're in downtown Santa Cruz, spend cocktail hour at Pono's outdoor patio with an out-of-this-world Mai Tai. Pooches are welcome.

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Featuring crepes both savory and sweet, this funky California-French restaurant doubles as a popular live music venue. It’s tiny inside but has a lovely garden oasis patio out back. Famous for their late night dining hours, you can enjoy a live music show in the bar or feast upon one of their generous meals after most places have stopped serving dinner. Dogs are welcome; they even have a “Doggie Drive-In” movie night. Try the Crepe Gatsby, a divine combination of sautéed chicken, sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach, feta and mozzarella with mushrooms, garlic scallions and tomatoes. Brunch is brilliant as well.

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The upstairs balcony of this trendy bar and restaurant is a great place to people-watch in downtown Santa Cruz. The venue fosters a relaxed atmosphere while serving tasty seasonal California fare and a giddy selection of inspired cocktails. Their wine list is more than ample and their chic signature cocktails come custom-made with house-infused spirits and artisanal ingredients. For Happy Hour, try the Cucumber Rhubarb Cooler or a glass of The Spanish Quarter and share an order of the Truffled Pommes Frites. A fire is lit in the evenings, taking the chill off and making for a cozy, conversational ambiance.

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The patio behind Michael’s on Main boasts the scenic splendor of Soquel Creek and is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic, relaxing evening. Chef Michael Clark dishes up fresh, seasonal upscale comfort cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Watch the sunlight filter through the trees while listening to live jazz. Try their mouthwatering Pistachio Crusted Salmon – baked and drizzled with mint vinaigrette, over wild mushroom risotto with seasonal vegetables. The paramount compliment to this memorable dish is a glass of local Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Dogs are allowed on the patio.

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It doesn’t get much better than the highly coveted tables on this charming patio overlooking the Soquel Creek on Capitola Beach. Perfect for a sunny lunchtime treat, Happy Hour or a full dinner experience, this aptly named award-winning restaurant offers true beach-side dining without sacrificing on quality of food or service. Locals and visitors alike favor Paradise Beach Grille; the patio features an outdoor fireplace and that classic Capitola view of the historic colorful Venetian condominiums, the beach and the wharf, all graced by the dazzling Monterey Bay.

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