Santa Cruz County, California
There’s a lot to do within Santa Cruz County and all of it only moments away from each other. I live in a unique micro climate area. Most of the county stays 65 to 70ish degrees throughout the year with an occasional cold or hot spell. People who live in real weather, with four distinct seasons, rightfully laugh at us when we complain about it being too hot or too cold around here.
But there is so much one can do here throughout the entire year. I can go to the beach and hangout or surf. I can go boating in the ocean and troll for salmon or go crabbing. I can head to the mountains and hike along the massive Redwoods trees, take my mountain bike for a cruise into the woods, or I can hit up a local farmer in south county and pick up fresh vegetables and assorted fruits. But most of all, I have a large variety of restaurants to eat and drink at on a regular basis when I’m not traveling abroad.
Hindquarter Bar & Grille
One of my long time favorite restaurants resides in the city of Santa Cruz. It has been in business over 30+ years. My office (before I retired) was just a couple of blocks away and an easy walk to the restaurant after work.
The smoked prime rib (served on Fridays and Saturdays) is one of the best I have ever had in this county!
And of course, it’s a local’s bar. Hindquarter is off the beaten path of tourists! Making it ideal for locals to be able to grab a seat and have a few drinks all year long.
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub
Just a few blocks down from Hindquarter and onto the Pacific Garden Mall, is Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub and Restaurant!
Another local’s bar mixed in with tourists and UCSC students, it has also been in business for sometime now.
The Jameson and two favorite dishes of mine brings me back a lot.
The Irish Burger and the bacon wrapped prawns are two of my favorites! Along with a Jameson chaser, makes the whole meal perfect!
The Point Market and Cafe
Along East Cliff Drive in the Live Oak area is The Point Market and Cafe. A great breakfast burrito place! A popular market of the local surfers. From here, it’s a short walk to the cliff, down the stairs and into the water to surf!
The only burrito I order from here is the “It’s Burrito”! This massive roll has sausage, bacon, ham, eggs, cheese, potatoes, avocado and hot sauce! I take it to go and sit along the cliff at sunrise and watch the surfers hit the water for the day.
Located at: 2-3040 E. Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062. (831) 475-3356. They can be found on Facebook under Point Market and Cafe.
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant has been in business over 50 years. They opened in 1965. Located in Aptos, Ca. Right now, during covid, they opened their backyard for outdoor dining. It’s a cool little spot to have a drink and some lunch.
I usually order a cheese enchilada combo plate with Jameson on the rocks! It’s a nice back patio mixed into their flower garden. It’s also a short walking distance to Seacliff State Beach.
Village Host Pizza & Grill
I love a good combo pizza right out of the oven! And I love a cold left over pizza right out of the frig the next morning! Village Host Pizza & Grill is located in the southern part of Aptos, Ca. and is a great stop to dine. It’s hidden between a residential neighborhood and Seascape Beach Resort. Making it a great local’s hangout.
Cilantros Parrilla Y Cantina
As many of you know by now, Cilantros is my main hangout! Mainly for the drink shenanigans! Contrary to popular belief, I do eat here as well. And why do I eat here…you might ask? Because the food is exceptionally good. In fact, I have become a bit of a Mexican food snob when I visit other Mexican restaurants…thanks to the great food at Cilantros and El Palomar Restaurants (same owners) for ruining me! There’s no comparison in my opinion.
Breakfast at Cilantros is no joke either. This plate is named the Gringo. It’s a rib eye steak with a teriyaki glaze and mushrooms, two eggs anyway you like it, and potatoes!
The Pozole is amazing! It’s simmered bone-in pork and hominy with a New Mexico chile broth as a soup base. Sprinkle cabbage, cilantro, onion and jalapenos over it and it’s ready to consume. It always goes down well with Jameson!
One of their best selling soups during brunch, and only served on the weekends, is their Caldo De Mariscos! It’s seafood soup with whatever fresh fish they have for the day! Typically, salmon, prawns, and clams in a nice zesty broth. Perfect on cold weather days and goes great with a bloody mary, red beer or Jameson. It sells out fast…so get here early.
Beer Mule
I will give Beer Mule an honorable mention, only because this establishment is a 3 minute walk from my house to their doorstep!
It’s a bottle shop and pour house that has been in business for a couple of years now.
Each week new beers rotate through so the menu changes all the time! It has a great outdoor area for soaking up some sun and drinking cold beer!
The Villager
And finally, the infamous Villager bar. It’s an old school bar from way-way back in the day. As in 1970’s way back.
It’s a shit hole with moments of violence! It’s dark, dank and smells of old cigarettes inside. I have mentioned this before in a previous blog. But, it’s a favorite bar of mine to hang out. The drinks are cold, cheap and the pour is generous. That’s all you need!
Since Covid 19, the bar has been closed to the public. Who knows if they will ever reopen. But if they don’t, I would love to buy their liquor license!
That’s it for this episode of Foodie Booze Explorer. It’s a small glimpse into some of the places I frequent in the county. And since we are all stuck on the Covid island, as I like to call it, I have been frequenting the local establishments more often than I usually do these last few months.
Outstanding presentation of our county, and of course the food and drinks that are in it. You sure do stay busy. Nice job!!
Thanks Dave!
Thanks for another great blog,cant wait for your next one keepem coming Paul.
Thanks Kevin!