Santa Cruz Guide

 Don't miss it,  07/03/09 at 9:10 AM I love Fall Creek. The lime kilns are are really cool relic from yesteryear.

Don't let the lack of bathrooms or visitor center deter you from going. Most hikes can be done pretty quickly and it's just so beautiful and peaceful.

 Usually pretty good, but last time...,  07/03/09 at 8:57 AM First few times I went I dug this place, but the last time I got the prawns and chips and the prawns were a bit overdone.

They do have a unique offering--a veggie burger topped with bacon. Only in Santa Cruz I guess.

They do have a nice selection of beers on tap.

 Fond memories,  07/03/09 at 8:55 AM I grew up near Emily's and I have fond memories of walking over to buy bread and their awesome muffins. I really dig the side patio too. With the Food Bin across the street this is a cool little area.

 Best taqueria in Scotts Valley,  01/22/09 at 8:11 AM Not that it has a lot of competition, but this is the best taqueria in Scotts Valley. Tasty and cheap!

 I too have had good times at Gabriella's,  01/22/09 at 8:06 AM I've had pretty good experience's at Gabriella's. They frequently change their menu which is cool, except that lately they hardly have anything vegetarian, so my wife and I rarely go anymore.

I learned that a Lobster Mushroom Risotto does not in fact come with lobster, but that there is a particular kind of mushroom called the lobster mushroom. The staff made me feel sort of dumb when they said, "You know this doesn't have lobster in it, right?"

I've never got sick from them, though. I was sorry to read that from a different review here.

 Decent food, great bartender,  11/28/08 at 2:23 PM Just ate lunch here. Had the calimari sandwich--it was ok but nothing to write home about. There was sort of an interesting smell in the whole place, and it wasn't very pleasant.

The bartender Chris rocks though.

 A classic,  07/22/08 at 10:01 AM Why buy anything else? It's the best. For the longest time I didn't even know it was local!

 Great service,  07/22/08 at 10:00 AM I ride my bike to work, so I need it working at all times. One day after work I came to my bike to discover a flat tire. 15 minutes I was back on the road thanks to Spokesman. Thanks for the quick, cheap, and great service!

 The smells...,  07/22/08 at 9:58 AM Walking by their location downtown always makes my mouth water. You can smell the goodness from outside! What can I say--their cookies are amazing. I think my favorite is Cahootz--I'm a sucker for macadamia nuts.

If you're in the know, you can get a deal by visiting their factory over by the sash mill.

 Pleasantly surprised,  07/03/08 at 1:07 PM The ambiance isn't amazing, and it's no Palomar, but Acapulco has some good stuff going for it. I went for lunch and had a tropical chicken salad with pineapple--it was pretty good. If it's nice out try to sit outside and take in the locals ambling by.

 Sushi fusion?,  07/03/08 at 1:04 PM I commend Aqua Bleu for taking a chance--they have interesting Sushi rolls that you probably won't find anywhere else. I just find that it's not really my scene there--it's going for pretty upscale but I don't find that the food is that amazing. I do appreciate that they have other dishes as well, but nothing has blown me away.

 Unlike any other Mexican food in town,  07/03/08 at 1:01 PM Cafe Campesino's food is amazing. I believe it's more authentic than most of the fare served in Santa Cruz. There are a lot of options and a lot of items let you choose exactly what items you want in it--regular stuff like chicken and lettuce, but others like cactus, queso fresca, and potatoes. Be prepared to wait a few extra minutes than you would at a place like Vallarta--but it's well worth it.

My friend Jamie swears by the horchata, and I have to agree--it's fresh and not made from a mix.

 Good stuff,  07/03/08 at 12:57 PM Las Palmas is a Santa Cruz mainstay. It's right by the beach and they're always serving up fresh tacos and burritos. I was blown away by what a good deal their food is, and what large portions you get. It was pretty awesome.

For taste, I have to give the edge to La Hacienda, which is right down the street, but you really can't go wrong with Las Palmas.

Very vegetarian friendly!

 Get here early,  07/02/08 at 11:09 AM Or else you'll be waiting for hours to get a table! This place is that popular, and well-deserved. There's no other place like in in Santa Cruz.

 Best Mexican Restaurant in Santa Cruz,  07/02/08 at 11:05 AM Really good food. If I'm in a rush I'll just pop over to the Taco Bar, but you can't beat the Palomar either way. Really good food at ok prices. The chips and tortillas are really first-rate.