Guidebook for Aptos
Food Scene
It has great coffee and lots of seating with tables for eating or surfing the web. It also displays local artists' work.
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Aptos Coffee Roasting Co
It has great coffee and lots of seating with tables for eating or surfing the web. It also displays local artists' work.
The Sicilian pizzas are the real deal and similar to L&B pizza in Brooklyn.
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Mangiamo Pizza
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdThe Sicilian pizzas are the real deal and similar to L&B pizza in Brooklyn.
The smoked BBQ is the best and the portions are large enough for two meals. If you like craft beer there are over 30 taps, including local brews. There is live blues music too!
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Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos StThe smoked BBQ is the best and the portions are large enough for two meals. If you like craft beer there are over 30 taps, including local brews. There is live blues music too!
It offers quality county French cuisine. It is a bit pricy but if you are an experienced purveyor of French cuisine you will not be disappointed.
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Café Sparrow
8042 Soquel DrIt offers quality county French cuisine. It is a bit pricy but if you are an experienced purveyor of French cuisine you will not be disappointed.
This is a not pretentious wine and craft beer bar that also offers tapas. There is a an outdoor deck with great views of the redwoods.
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Cantine Winepub
8050 Soquel DrThis is a not pretentious wine and craft beer bar that also offers tapas. There is a an outdoor deck with great views of the redwoods.
Just opened in February 2017 and offers traditional Italian cuisine. It’s located in the famous Bayview Hotel, in Aptos Village. Known for the hand rolled gnocchi and ravioli.
Bella Vista Italian Kitchen & Bar
8041 Soquel DriveJust opened in February 2017 and offers traditional Italian cuisine. It’s located in the famous Bayview Hotel, in Aptos Village. Known for the hand rolled gnocchi and ravioli.
This location is currently closed due to the severe storms in 2023. I am hoping it will reopen soon. Its on the beach with partial ocean views. Offers a bit pricey seafood dishes and you have to option to eat on the outdoor patio.
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Café Rio Aptos
131 EsplanadeThis location is currently closed due to the severe storms in 2023. I am hoping it will reopen soon. Its on the beach with partial ocean views. Offers a bit pricey seafood dishes and you have to option to eat on the outdoor patio.
Right next to the Rio Del Mar beach so you can grab a quick bite and a beer and then soak up the rays on the beach. They offer tables outside in the sunshine, and a few indoors for cold days.
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Pixie Deli
111 Venetian RdRight next to the Rio Del Mar beach so you can grab a quick bite and a beer and then soak up the rays on the beach. They offer tables outside in the sunshine, and a few indoors for cold days.
A favorite Mexican place among locals. Offers traditional Mexican cuisine such as enchiladas & tamales. Has a full service bar with tasty margaritas and other drinks. The space is festive but small so you may have to wait for a table if you go during peak dining hours.
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Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
261 Center AveA favorite Mexican place among locals. Offers traditional Mexican cuisine such as enchiladas & tamales. Has a full service bar with tasty margaritas and other drinks. The space is festive but small so you may have to wait for a table if you go during peak dining hours.
They have great coffee, smoothies, small menu items including deserts and great outdoor seating!
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Pacific Coffee Roasting Co
7554 Soquel DrThey have great coffee, smoothies, small menu items including deserts and great outdoor seating!
Blend of traditional Mexican and seafood dishes with yummy sauces. Ocean views from every dining table and outside patio.
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Palapas Restaurant & Cantina
21 Seascape VillageBlend of traditional Mexican and seafood dishes with yummy sauces. Ocean views from every dining table and outside patio.
Great coffee and croissants and. occasionally chocolate filled croissants.
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Norma Jean's Coffee
8043 Soquel DrGreat coffee and croissants and. occasionally chocolate filled croissants.
Californian cuisine & cocktails served in a cozy 1930s cottage with a fireplace & outdoor seating. Offers a gluten-free menu!
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The Hideout
9051 Soquel DrCalifornian cuisine & cocktails served in a cozy 1930s cottage with a fireplace & outdoor seating. Offers a gluten-free menu!
Chill restaurant with Moroccan-inspired decor & a patio offering gyros & other Mediterranean food.
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Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine
7528 Soquel DrChill restaurant with Moroccan-inspired decor & a patio offering gyros & other Mediterranean food.
Offers traditional Mexican meals and has an outdoor deck with a view of the redwoods. Great margaritas too!
Rio Del Mar Mexican Cuisine
9067 Soquel DriveOffers traditional Mexican meals and has an outdoor deck with a view of the redwoods. Great margaritas too!
Taqueria Los Gordos
7488 Soquel DrTraditional taqueria with a salsa bar.
Its a bakery that offers a large variety of pastries, breads and cakes. Has yummy breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals ready to carry out to the beach or stay and sit by the fireplace.
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Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay AveIts a bakery that offers a large variety of pastries, breads and cakes. Has yummy breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals ready to carry out to the beach or stay and sit by the fireplace.
Offer fine meat entrees. They serve free range chickens
fresh, local seafood. It is an ideal place to watch your favorite sports team
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Hindquarter Bar & Grille
303 Soquel AveOffer fine meat entrees. They serve free range chickens
fresh, local seafood. It is an ideal place to watch your favorite sports team
This Michelin rated Italian restaurant is a gem for Aptos Village! It offers tasty food and drinks. It is a bit expensive but you could order a tasty thin crust pizza cooked to perfection in a brick oven. I love their homemade mozzarella when it is offered. It is located at 174 Aptos Village way.
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Mentone
174 Aptos Vlg WyThis Michelin rated Italian restaurant is a gem for Aptos Village! It offers tasty food and drinks. It is a bit expensive but you could order a tasty thin crust pizza cooked to perfection in a brick oven. I love their homemade mozzarella when it is offered. It is located at 174 Aptos Village way.
Persephone serves a seasonally changing farm to table menu with influences ranging from Italian to Middle Eastern. All of the dishes are based upon the locally available products and produce. Chef Cori has an unwavering commitment to only using the freshest and highest quality ingredients available, if it is not available from a local farmer then it is not on the menu. Their philosophy is to promote a sustainable food culture. Located at 7945 Soquel Drive, Aptos.
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Persephone
7945 Soquel DrPersephone serves a seasonally changing farm to table menu with influences ranging from Italian to Middle Eastern. All of the dishes are based upon the locally available products and produce. Chef Cori has an unwavering commitment to only using the freshest and highest quality ingredients available, if it is not available from a local farmer then it is not on the menu. Their philosophy is to promote a sustainable food culture. Located at 7945 Soquel Drive, Aptos.
Located at 644-670 W. Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. It is a seaside snack shack dishes up affordable, from-scratch, handheld meals across from Steamer Lane, the city’s most iconic surf break. A butcher paper menu lists Sharpie-scrawled items including salmon poke bowls, fresh fish tacos, and panini-pressed quesadillas such as the Break-A-Dilla with scrambled eggs, hash browns, queso fresco, and salsa verde. Nab one of the Adirondack chairs scattered among the park-like setting outside, or head to the benches overlooking surfers shredding massive swells.
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Steamer Lane Supply
644-670 W Cliff DrLocated at 644-670 W. Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. It is a seaside snack shack dishes up affordable, from-scratch, handheld meals across from Steamer Lane, the city’s most iconic surf break. A butcher paper menu lists Sharpie-scrawled items including salmon poke bowls, fresh fish tacos, and panini-pressed quesadillas such as the Break-A-Dilla with scrambled eggs, hash browns, queso fresco, and salsa verde. Nab one of the Adirondack chairs scattered among the park-like setting outside, or head to the benches overlooking surfers shredding massive swells.
Located at 221 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It has a robust outdoor dining option. There are more than a dozen seafood options, and the cocktails, such as the fruit punch and rum Hawaii 5.0 are refreshing. The jungle tofu bowl with plantains, peanuts, and the housemade “jungle curry sauce”
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Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart StLocated at 221 Cathcart St, Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It has a robust outdoor dining option. There are more than a dozen seafood options, and the cocktails, such as the fruit punch and rum Hawaii 5.0 are refreshing. The jungle tofu bowl with plantains, peanuts, and the housemade “jungle curry sauce”
Located at 1501 41st Ave suite 1 in Capitola and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It is hidden away in a nondescript strip mall in beachy Capitola. High ceilings and an open kitchen keep the split-level interior buzzing, as do the numerous taps of house and guest beers, wine, and cocktails. Located aThe menu features farm-to-table takes on gastropub staples, think burgers and Brussels, but don’t overlook the vibrant cheese plate, house salad with pumpkin brittle, and anything out of the wood-fire oven.
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East End Gastropub
1501 41st AveLocated at 1501 41st Ave suite 1 in Capitola and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It is hidden away in a nondescript strip mall in beachy Capitola. High ceilings and an open kitchen keep the split-level interior buzzing, as do the numerous taps of house and guest beers, wine, and cocktails. Located aThe menu features farm-to-table takes on gastropub staples, think burgers and Brussels, but don’t overlook the vibrant cheese plate, house salad with pumpkin brittle, and anything out of the wood-fire oven.
Located at 1010 Fair Ave in Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It is a transformed warehouse space on the hip westside, owners Ben (Chez Panisse) and Sarah Sims have been cranking out wood-fired Neapolitan pies since 2012. Yet, pizzas are only half the story. There’s also a sizable, daily selection of bites and entrees such as the fried chicken with chili butter. Local beers and wines keep the lively dining room humming, while a succinct cocktail menu nails variations on the classics.
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Bantam
1010 Fair AveLocated at 1010 Fair Ave in Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It is a transformed warehouse space on the hip westside, owners Ben (Chez Panisse) and Sarah Sims have been cranking out wood-fired Neapolitan pies since 2012. Yet, pizzas are only half the story. There’s also a sizable, daily selection of bites and entrees such as the fried chicken with chili butter. Local beers and wines keep the lively dining room humming, while a succinct cocktail menu nails variations on the classics.
Located at 1203 Mission St in Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It offers homestyle Oaxacan fare to the California coast, most notably in the form of moles — Mendoza is particularly known for her bold mole negro, gaining acclaim prior to Copal at pop-ups and festivals. Get it served with chicken or pork, or in tamales wrapped in banana leaf; and don’t miss the tlayuda, an Oaxacan favorite.
Copal Restaurant
Located at 1203 Mission St in Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. It offers homestyle Oaxacan fare to the California coast, most notably in the form of moles — Mendoza is particularly known for her bold mole negro, gaining acclaim prior to Copal at pop-ups and festivals. Get it served with chicken or pork, or in tamales wrapped in banana leaf; and don’t miss the tlayuda, an Oaxacan favorite.
Located at 233 Cathcart St in Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. This taproom feature brews from Santa Cruz and beyond, while a notable food menu eschews the usual pub grub for Mexican and Spanish plates — family recipes of husband-and-wife owners Stuyvie Bearns-Esteva and Noelle Antolin — sourced exclusively from local organic farms. Think boquerones, cochinita pibil tacos, and empanadas. A cold case offers way more cans and bottles to crack open on-premises or take to go.
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Lupulo Craft Beer House
233 Cathcart StLocated at 233 Cathcart St in Santa Cruz and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. This taproom feature brews from Santa Cruz and beyond, while a notable food menu eschews the usual pub grub for Mexican and Spanish plates — family recipes of husband-and-wife owners Stuyvie Bearns-Esteva and Noelle Antolin — sourced exclusively from local organic farms. Think boquerones, cochinita pibil tacos, and empanadas. A cold case offers way more cans and bottles to crack open on-premises or take to go.
Located at 3070 Porter St, Soquel and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. Chef Matt McNamara, former co-owner of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, teamed up with other Sons & Daughters alums to open this casual breakfast and lunch spot in Soquel. The seemingly simple menu features homemade bread and ingredients sourced from McNamara’s farm in items such as fried egg sandwiches and sesame cashew brittle yogurt (there are burgers too).
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Pretty Good Advice
3070 Porter StLocated at 3070 Porter St, Soquel and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. Chef Matt McNamara, former co-owner of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, teamed up with other Sons & Daughters alums to open this casual breakfast and lunch spot in Soquel. The seemingly simple menu features homemade bread and ingredients sourced from McNamara’s farm in items such as fried egg sandwiches and sesame cashew brittle yogurt (there are burgers too).
Located at 3101 N Main street, Soquel and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. Housed in a charming, early 20th century Soquel bungalow, this cozy and aptly-named restaurant features owner Brad Briske’s deeply flavorful cooking, which incorporates the bounty of local produce, meats, and seafood. In addition to an in-house butchery program that yields the restaurant’s beloved charcuterie, Briske is renowned for homemade pastas that’ll dazzle even the most noodle-jaded diners with dishes such as squid ink spaghetti with manilla clams, pork belly, and fermented chili miso.
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HOME
3101 N Main StLocated at 3101 N Main street, Soquel and listed in the must try places to eat in 2023. Housed in a charming, early 20th century Soquel bungalow, this cozy and aptly-named restaurant features owner Brad Briske’s deeply flavorful cooking, which incorporates the bounty of local produce, meats, and seafood. In addition to an in-house butchery program that yields the restaurant’s beloved charcuterie, Briske is renowned for homemade pastas that’ll dazzle even the most noodle-jaded diners with dishes such as squid ink spaghetti with manilla clams, pork belly, and fermented chili miso.
Located at 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, right on the beach with breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, lighthouse and wharf. They offer award-winning cuisine, spirits and live entertainment. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner in our downstairs dining room offer fresh seafood, pasta creations, Midwestern aged beef and daily chef's specials. Upstairs, the Breakwater Bar & Grill features a variety of appetizers and casual meals throughout the day, and dancing to live entertainment by night. On both levels, expansive shoreline decks offer a friendly and casual atmosphere. It is a bit pricey. They offer a good happy hour M-F.
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Crow's Nest Restaurant
2218 E Cliff DrLocated at 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, right on the beach with breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, lighthouse and wharf. They offer award-winning cuisine, spirits and live entertainment. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner in our downstairs dining room offer fresh seafood, pasta creations, Midwestern aged beef and daily chef's specials. Upstairs, the Breakwater Bar & Grill features a variety of appetizers and casual meals throughout the day, and dancing to live entertainment by night. On both levels, expansive shoreline decks offer a friendly and casual atmosphere. It is a bit pricey. They offer a good happy hour M-F.
Located at 215 Esplanade in Capitola, Paradise has an outdoor patio, views of the historic Venetian condominiums, and the ocean. They have an outdoor fireplace perfect for that cozy dinner or wine tasting. They offer high top tables in the bar area for drinks or dining, as well as an attractive and spacious dining room.
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Paradise Beach Grille
215 EsplanadeLocated at 215 Esplanade in Capitola, Paradise has an outdoor patio, views of the historic Venetian condominiums, and the ocean. They have an outdoor fireplace perfect for that cozy dinner or wine tasting. They offer high top tables in the bar area for drinks or dining, as well as an attractive and spacious dining room.
Located at 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd 15 in Aptos. Offers breakfast and lunch. I have not eated here. The but reviews say it offers delicious food and is a quaint place with outdoor seating. The standard Benedict and spiced apple almond pancakes were excellent. Others raved about the Maryland crab cakes.
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Red Apple Café
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdLocated at 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd 15 in Aptos. Offers breakfast and lunch. I have not eated here. The but reviews say it offers delicious food and is a quaint place with outdoor seating. The standard Benedict and spiced apple almond pancakes were excellent. Others raved about the Maryland crab cakes.
Essentials
First shopping center off State Park Drive exit from Highway 1 on the way to the Fox's Den.
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Safeway
2720 41st AveFirst shopping center off State Park Drive exit from Highway 1 on the way to the Fox's Den.
Locally owned and operated by the Monte family and offers a wide selection of basic groceries to hard-to-find gourmet specialties. Has a huge wine selection, a cheese shop, a deli, a bakery and a Peet’s coffee kiosk.
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Deluxe Foods of Aptos
783 Rio Del Mar BlvdLocally owned and operated by the Monte family and offers a wide selection of basic groceries to hard-to-find gourmet specialties. Has a huge wine selection, a cheese shop, a deli, a bakery and a Peet’s coffee kiosk.
New Leaf Community Market www.newleaf.com
161 Aptos Village Way Aptos
It has a large selection of organic groceries. Its mission is to nourish and sustain our Central Coast communities by sourcing the very best, sustainably produced ingredients and products.
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New Leaf Community Markets
1101 Fair AveNew Leaf Community Market www.newleaf.com
161 Aptos Village Way Aptos
It has a large selection of organic groceries. Its mission is to nourish and sustain our Central Coast communities by sourcing the very best, sustainably produced ingredients and products.
Sightseeing
Offers a long paved sidewalk that stretches miles down the beach. There is also the famous SS Palo Alto aka the cement ship at Seacliff State beach that has recently tipped over from the February 2017 storm surf. You can also walk along the sand and pick up seashells and drift wood. There is a parking lot and restaurants so no need to pack a lunch.
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Rio Del Mar State Beach
Offers a long paved sidewalk that stretches miles down the beach. There is also the famous SS Palo Alto aka the cement ship at Seacliff State beach that has recently tipped over from the February 2017 storm surf. You can also walk along the sand and pick up seashells and drift wood. There is a parking lot and restaurants so no need to pack a lunch.
Parks & Nature
Located right outside the Fox's Den it consists of pristine 2nd and 3rd growth redwood forest that rises from almost sea level to the steep coastal mountains that gives Aptos its beauty. Visitors can picnic near Aptos Creek or to hike, jog, or bike on 30 miles of trails in rugged semi-wilderness rising of more than 2,600 feet. Be aware there are wild animals including mountain lions in the forest. Due to severe weather, please call for trail closures updates (831) 763-7063.
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포리스트오브나이센마크주립공원
Aptos Creek RoadLocated right outside the Fox's Den it consists of pristine 2nd and 3rd growth redwood forest that rises from almost sea level to the steep coastal mountains that gives Aptos its beauty. Visitors can picnic near Aptos Creek or to hike, jog, or bike on 30 miles of trails in rugged semi-wilderness rising of more than 2,600 feet. Be aware there are wild animals including mountain lions in the forest. Due to severe weather, please call for trail closures updates (831) 763-7063.
Wine Tasting
This winery just opened this tasting location in March 2023 and there is not photo yet. It is located at 10 Parade Street Suite B in Aptos Village. It is one of my favorite local wineries. In 1986 Bonny Doon Vineyard released the inaugural vintage (1984) of Le Cigare Volant, an homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this continues as the winery’s flagship/starship brand.
Since then, Bonny Doon Vineyard has enjoyed a long history of innovation – the first to truly popularize Rhône grapes in California, to successfully work with cryo-extraction for sundry “Vins de Glacière, the first to utilize microbullage in California, the first to popularize screwcaps for premium wines, and, quite significantly, the first to embrace true transparency in labeling with its ingredient labeling initiative.
Bonny Doon Vineyard
This winery just opened this tasting location in March 2023 and there is not photo yet. It is located at 10 Parade Street Suite B in Aptos Village. It is one of my favorite local wineries. In 1986 Bonny Doon Vineyard released the inaugural vintage (1984) of Le Cigare Volant, an homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this continues as the winery’s flagship/starship brand.
Since then, Bonny Doon Vineyard has enjoyed a long history of innovation – the first to truly popularize Rhône grapes in California, to successfully work with cryo-extraction for sundry “Vins de Glacière, the first to utilize microbullage in California, the first to popularize screwcaps for premium wines, and, quite significantly, the first to embrace true transparency in labeling with its ingredient labeling initiative.
Located at 105c Post Office Dr, Aptos. It is not a food scene. The estate vineyard is situated at 1500 feet above the Monterey Bay and redwood forest, with a perfect combination of warm sunny days and cool nights. They focus on crafting wines that express the full potential of the varietals and terroir. You can schedule tasting on their website.
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Armitage Tasting Room
5610 Post Office DrLocated at 105c Post Office Dr, Aptos. It is not a food scene. The estate vineyard is situated at 1500 feet above the Monterey Bay and redwood forest, with a perfect combination of warm sunny days and cool nights. They focus on crafting wines that express the full potential of the varietals and terroir. You can schedule tasting on their website.