Prior to opening Lúpulo in 2014, owners Noëlle Antolin and Stuyvie Bearns met while working in the San Francisco restaurant scene, each racking up a decade of industry experience. In 2010, they found themselves inspired by the growing momentum and popularity of craft beer.
Bearns had been homebrewing as a hobby and they took several beer-centric vacations, visiting many taprooms locally and abroad. They thought opening a taphouse/tasting room here would be a good idea, and one that would provide them the means to stay living in Santa Cruz.
Lúpulo is the manifestation of that, initially what Antolin called a “moonlight” before it became their full-time passion. The space’s décor is described as natural organic meets industrial, an amalgamation of repurposed materials, eclectic local art and old-growth redwood accents.
Antolin says their beer is a “unique, coveted worldwide craft selection,” along with local wines and ciders that complement a food menu featuring Latin American and Spanish-inspired plates with Santa Cruz twists. Small bite favorites are papas machas, roasted potatoes that are at once crispy, smoky and spicy, and a light and bright shrimp aguachile. Entrée hits include Antolin’s personal favorite, Cajun shrimp in a rich spicy cream sauce, and the tacos are another best-seller with protein options of carnitas, blackened snapper and Yucatecan-style chicken slow-roasted in banana leaves with citrus and achiote. They also have extensive vegan and vegetarian options, like the popular lion’s mane mushroom “crab cake”.
What are Lúpulo’s ambiance goals?
NOËLLE ANTOLIN: Our main intention was to create a community gathering space. Stuyvie and I love the show Cheers and wanted a similar vibe here. We were proud when after only a few days of being open, guests kept saying it felt so welcoming and this really made us feel like we accomplished our mission. That was 12 years ago, and our incredible and friendly staff are key in making that still true today.
Tell me about some special events.
We host a “Beer With Friends” where we showcase a craft brewery and guests can meet the brewmaster, with music provided by Redwood Records curating vinyl sets. We also have a monthly jazz night with live music by Death and Saxes and a popular trivia night. All these events give our community a reason to come together in a relaxed atmosphere and share some good times.
233 Cathcart Street, Santa Cruz, 831-454-8306; lupulosc.com
