Capitola Village and Beach, Capitola, California
Britannia Arms-Capitola
I measure our seasons by the flow of tourists through Santa Cruz County. When the beaches and restaurants are empty, the locals reclaim the area. But let’s face it, without tourism here, many of us would be jobless. So, for as much as we need tourists, we also enjoy a little time without them.
One of my favorite Fall season spots is Britannia Arms in Capitola, California. Once the majority of the tourists have gone home, I am able to easily find a seat at the bar with the rest of the locals flocking to their Fall perch.
The owner, Andy Hewitt, originally opened Britannia Arms in Aptos, Ca. in 1995, but due to high rent and an economic slump, he had to close the doors in 2012. Since then, Hewitt has opened Britannia Arms with an ocean view in Capitola Village. Chef Sydney N. at the helm in the kitchen and sometimes the bar, serves up some amazing meals and drinks!
Traditional British Breakfast
Let’s start with breakfast…and it’s a hearty one! English bacon, eggs, bangers (sausages), potatoes, toast and black pudding (pork blood, pork fat, oats or barley mixed with herbs and spices). You have a choice of English beans, grilled mushrooms or grilled tomatoes.
Clam Chowder
Santa Cruz County has a few places that does clam chowder well. Britannia Arms, in my opinion, is one of those places. I grade clam chowder on three things: taste, softness of the clams, and thickness of the soup! If the chowder sticks to my spoon, my taste buds light up from the flavor of the soup, and I’m not overly chewing my clams…then the clam chowder is a hit with me!
Steamed Mussels
Steamed mussels is another favorite of mine. This has white wine, garlic and other spices. The mussels are tender and the soup base is packed with flavor! It’s the perfect dipping sauce for garlic bread!
Bacon Wrapped Prawns
Jumbo prawns wrapped in bacon, packed with mozzarella cheese and placed on top of gingery cream sauce…it tastes as amazing as it looks!
The Ruben Sandwich
I’m a big fan of Ruben sandwiches. This one comes with corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing stuffed in between grilled rye bread.
Steak Pie
During Fall weather when we have warm days and cold nights, the house made meat pies are the best in the late afternoon or early evenings as the temperature cools down for the day. This one is a steak pie with savory brown gravy baked in a fluffy pastry.
Irish BLT
If you are looking for a light sandwich…try out the Irish BLT. The bacon is a loin cut of pork with lettuce and tomato.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
The corned beef and cabbage plate is straight up good eats!
The Bar...
Britannia Arms has a full bar…so find your favorite beer or hard liquor drink, sit back, and decompress from your day while taking in the ocean view.
Britannia Arms is currently open for limited indoor dining. They have outdoor dining as well. They are open everyday. Average hours on weekdays: 10:30am to 2am and weekends: 9am to 2am. Sometimes their hours change. Give them a call at (831) 464-2583.
Britannia Arms is located at: 110 Monterey Ave, Capitola, California. You can find them on Facebook @britanniaarmscapitola
English Ales Tap Room...aka: The Husband Day Care Center.
Just around the corner from Britannia Arms is a place called English Ales Craft Beer and Wine. This is the sister establishment to the one located in Marina, California (same owner).
Craft Beers on Tap
English Ales has plenty of beers on tap and wine bottles to crack open. Come down and try them all. You can sit inside or outside this cozy beer and wine bar.
The Bartender...
If you stop in at English Ales on Wednesdays or Thursdays say hello to the bartender, Cathy B. She’s not only a fun, quick witted, energetic bartender to hang out with while sampling the Ales, she’s also a good friend and former colleague of mine from our previous professional work life together.
English Ales Tap Room is located at: 111 Capitola Ave. Capitola, California. Open every day from 12noon to about 8pm.
Mi Tierra Taqueria
One taqueria I frequent in my home town is Mi Tierra. There are a couple of meals I eat here and of course, I love drinking the chavelas outside on warm days!
This location is Mi Tierra II. The other Mi Tierra is just a few blocks away (1471 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville, (831) 722-2022) and just as good as this one.
Caldo De Siete Mares
Caldo de siete mares or also known as 7-mares. This seafood delight is a tasty meal especially during the fall-winter seasons.
Botana Grande
The Botana Grande is a loaded appetizer platter full of goodness! It’s a meal all on its own! Goes great with beer or chavelas.
Jefe De Jefe
And like I said, on warm days, sitting outside and drinking a few of these is a great day! It’s the real reason I come to Mi Tierra.
Mi Tierra II is located at: 1726 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville, California. They are open for take out and outside dining only. They do have a drive-up window at this location. They are open everyday from 930am to 9pm. (831) 724-5880.
You can follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Sal Martinez...Photographer
My long time friend and classmate, Sal Martinez (we’ve known each other since elementary school) travels with me sometimes during my foodie-booze stories. So, in return, he takes me on his photo shoots.
I usually end up doing the grunt work hauling his equipment all over the place, but trust me, I don’t mind or complain at all! The benefits far out weigh the labor!
He has a day job, but moonlights as a photographer, photographing people who are putting together their model portfolios, hoping for that big break into the industry.
Later this month I am back on the road exploring outside of the State. Fresh materials to write another food and booze story. Until next time on Foodie Booze Explorers.
I totally agree with your delicious assessments and plan to especially check out Mi Tierra’s Chavela and to go say hi to Cathy at English Ales! Thanks for your “hard work” and research in bringing us this information. Be sure to have Bob Erikkson (former Corrections) on your mailing list! he is a beer guy too (like me)
Awww…thank you Christine!