Best Alternative Health Services

Santa Cruz Naturopathic

1. Founded in 2009, Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center is celebrating its ninth anniversary this year.
2. Housed in an old Victorian in a quaint historic corner of downtown, there’s a homey and inviting feel to the waiting room and offices.
3. Santa Cruz Naturopathic hosts four naturopathic medical doctors.
4. The center specializes in hormone therapy as well as intravenous and vitamin injection therapy—a more direct delivery method for vitamins and nutrient supplements. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the center hosts vitamin B12 Happy Hours, with discounted prices and several add-on options.
5. SCNMC specializes in integrative and alternative holistic medicine for the whole family—men, women, children—so clients get care that can be integrated into current conventional treatment plans. MARIA GRUSAUSKAS

 

Best Book Store

Bookshop Santa Cruz

1. Bookshop Santa Cruz is located in the same spot on Pacific Avenue as its spiritual forebear, the Hip Pocket bookstore, which was open for less than two years in the early 1960s. Among those who could regularly be found hanging out at the Hip Pocket—sometimes pulling a shift behind the cash register—was Jack Kerouac literary hero Neal Cassady.
2. Bookshop’s first employee back in 1966 was Jon Scoville, accomplished composer and husband of celebrated dancer/choreographer Tandy Beal.
3. The wooden rocking horse in Bookshop’s beautiful children’s books section has been the bookstore’s symbol going back four decades.
4. That rocking horse was one of the first things rescued from the store’s damaged interior by then-owner Neal Coonerty after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
5. In the 2000s, Bookshop sold a Bush Countdown Clock, which tracked the number days, hours, minutes and seconds before George W. Bush left office. Today, Bookshop sells a similar Trump Countdown Clock. WALLACE BAINE

 

Best Flower Shop

Flower Shack

1. In May, the Flower Shack will celebrate 30 years under the ownership of Cathy Britton.
2. The shop purchases all of their blooms locally, and works directly with flower growers in Watsonville.
3. The Flower Shack is a full-service florist, including deliveries and weddings.
4. One of their craziest orders the shop ever filled, says Britton, was when a woman discovered her husband had cheated on her. She decided to leave him and used his credit card to purchase everything in the shop. Britton says they had to close for the day because they had nothing left.
5. In addition to the longtime storefront next to the Buttery on Branciforte Drive, the Flower Shack opened a second location in Pleasure Point on 41st Avenue last fall. LILY STOICHEFF

 

Best Hair Salon

L’Atelier

1. L’Atelier means “the workshop” in French. It captures the artistic approach the stylists take, as well as the general Pearl Alley vibe.
2. With its inviting chalkboard messages regularly on view outside, the salon gets walk-ins every day. They encourage spontaneous visits.
3. Dedicated to customer care, they provide in-depth consultations and customize each guest’s service for lifestyle and hair type.
4. If you are one of 65 percent of people with curly hair, the salon can help you embrace the curls with a special cut called the DevaCut.
5. L’Atelier is known among regular clients for its positive energy and family atmosphere. ANDREA PATTON

 

Best Headshop

Pipeline

1. Pipeline is celebrating 40 years of providing the essential gear to the Santa Cruz cannabis community.
2. Last year, they opened up a wall that led to the back section, creating a more open setting in which to browse their large selection of glass and vaping supplies. With new cannabis laws, now customers have to be 21 to enter the back third of the store, though, instead of 18—and yes, they check. Visitors of all ages are welcome in the front portion of the store.
3. Coral Reefers, a famous cannabis-loving YouTuber, makes art in the front part of the studio. You can watch her from Pacific Avenue through the glass windows.
4. If discretion is your concern, Pipeline has you covered. They offer several herbal vaporizers for a smoke-free delivery of your favorite herb.
5. Pipeline has been home to several generations of cats. Bowie and Sigmund are the latest felines to serve as the fuzzy, purring heart of the store. AP

 

Best Roofers

Knox Roofing

1. Through their Roofs for Troops program, Knox Roofing gives veterans a $250 rebate, and it also supports the Boys and Girls Club.
2. The company works with several solar companies, including Independent Energy Systems and Allterra.
3. Knox donated a new roof to the Scotts Valley Historical Society for its renovation of the Scott House, one of the oldest buildings in Scotts Valley.
4. Sister company Knox Garden Box provides elevated (3 feet tall) garden boxes for easy access to plants, vegetables, or anything you can grow in 1-30 cubic feet of soil.
5. The average roof lasts around 15-20 years. Signs that your roof is due for repair include a leak in the attic, blistering or peeling interior paint, and stains on interior ceilings or walls. AP

 

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Adult Store

Pure Pleasure Shop

111 Cooper St., Santa Cruz,

466-9870, purepleasureshop.com

RUNNERS-UP Camouflage, Frenchy’s

 

Alternative Health Services

Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center

736 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz

477-1377, scnmc.com

RUNNERS-UP Santa Cruz CORE Fitness, Thrive Natural Medicine

 

Antiques

Center Street Antiques

3010 Center St., Soquel

477-9211, centerstreetantiques.com

RUNNERS-UP Edwards and Sons Antiques, Wisteria Antiques and Design

 

Arts and Crafts

Palace Arts & Office Supply

1407 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-1550,

1501 41st Ave., Capitola, 464-2700,

gopalace.com

RUNNERS-UP Art Supplies Ink, Lenz Arts

 

Auto Dealer (New)

Toyota of Santa Cruz  

4200 Auto Plaza Drive, Capitola, 465-8600, santacruztoyota.com

RUNNERS-UP Ocean Honda, Subaru of Santa Cruz

 

Auto Dealer (Pre-Owned)

The Argus Company

905 Water St., Santa Cruz, 457-1900, thearguscompany.com

RUNNERS-UP Auto One, Toyota of Santa Cruz

 

Auto Repair

Lloyds Tire and Auto Care

303 River St., Santa Cruz, 426-4363, lloydstires.com

RUNNERS-UP Mick’s Automotive, Specialized Auto

 

Bank (Local)

Santa Cruz County Bank

7775 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-6000

819 Bay Ave., Capitola, 464-5300

720 Front St., Santa Cruz, 457-5000

4604 Scotts Valley Drive, # 10, Scotts Valley, 461-5000

RUNNERS-UP Lighthouse Bank

 

Bank (Credit Union)

Bay Federal Credit Union

Multiple Locations

RUNNERS-UP Santa Cruz Community Credit Union

 

Barbershop

Montgomery’s Barber Shop

1047 Water St., Santa Cruz, 713-5038

RUNNERS-UP Live Oak, West Side Barbershop

 

Bed & Breakfast

Inn at Depot Hill

250 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 462-3376, innatdepothill.com

RUNNERS-UP Babbling Brook Inn, Monarch Cove Inn

 

Beauty Supply

Westside Beauty Supply

Multiple Locations

RUNNER-UP Olympia Beauty Supply & Salon

 

Bookshop (new)

Bookshop Santa Cruz

1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0900, bookshopsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Kelly’s Books, The Baytree Bookstore

 

Bookshop (used)

Goodwill Central Coast – Bookstore

815 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-2005, ccgoodwill.org

RUNNERS-UP Bookshop Santa Cruz, The Literary Guillotine  

 

Butcher

Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP El Salchichero, Deluxe Foods, Freedom Meat Locker

 

Car Wash

Whalers Car Wash

2001 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-0676, whalerscarwash.com

RUNNERS-UP Cruz Car Wash, Master Car Wash

 

Carpet Cleaning

Connoisseur

1521 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 476-9721, santacruzclean.com

RUNNER-UP Cesar’s Cleaning, Quality Carpet Care

 

Children’s Day Care

Coastal Community Preschool  

900 High St., Santa Cruz, 462-5437, coastalcommunitypreschool.org

RUNNERS-UP Happy Days, Simcha Preschool

 

Computer Repair

ClickAway  

303 Potrero St., Santa Cruz, 420-1200, clickaway.com

RUNNERS-UP Abacus Computer Repair, Affordable Computer Repair

 

Consignment Clothing

Closet Shopper

504 Front St., Santa Cruz,

427-0400, theclosetshoppersantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Crossroads Trading Co., Jet Set Bohemian

 

Coworking Space

NextSpace

101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 420-0710, nextspace.us

RUNNERS-UP Cruzioworks, The Satellite

 

Custom Framing

Santa Cruz Picture Framing

1430 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8029, santacruzpictureframing.com

RUNNERS-UP Frame Circus, Lenz Arts

 

Dry Cleaners

Mission Dry Cleaners

1224 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 426-4226

RUNNERS-UP Almar Cleaners, Del Mar Cleaners

 

DVD Rental

Westside Video

2334 Mission St., Santa Cruz,

458-0134

RUNNERS-UP Capitola Video, DVD To Go

 

Eyewear

EyeQ

1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

466-3937, eyeqsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Midtown Optometry, Spex

 

Fabric

Harts Fabric

1620 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz,

423-5434, hartsfabric.com

RUNNERS-UP Crossroad Fabrics, Judy’s Sewing and Vacuum Center

 

Feed Store

Mountain Feed & Farm Supply

9550 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond,

336-8876, mountainfeed.com

RUNNERS-UP Scotts Valley Feed, Westside Farm and Feed

 

Financial Planner

Christine McBroom / Lanai Financial Solutions

1066 41st Ave a101, Capitola,

476-7300, lanaifinancialsolutions.com

RUNNERS-UP Cheryl Rebottaro, Kyle Sharp

 

Flooring

Bay Area Floors

2617 41st Ave., Soquel

662-3000, bay-area-floors.com

RUNNERS-UP Interior Vision, San Lorenzo Floors

 

Flower Shop

The Flower Shack

614 S Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-3877

RUNNERS-UP The Bonny Doon Garden Company, Santa Cruz Floral

 

Free Wifi

Verve Coffee Roasters

1010 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 431,6547,

1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7784,

104 Bronson St., Santa Cruz, 471-8469,

Vervecoffee.com

RUNNERS-UP Abbott Square, Ugly Mug

 

Furniture

SC41

2647 41st Ave., Soquel,

464-2228, sc41.com

RUNNERS-UP Couch Potato, Sweets Wood Furniture

 

Garden Supply

Dig Gardens

420 Water St., Santa Cruz,

466-3444, diggardens.com

RUNNERS-UP Garden Company, San Lorenzo Garden Supply

 

Gift Shop

Zinnia’s Gift Boutique

Graham Plaza, 219 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley,

430-9466, zinniasgiftboutique.com

RUNNERS-UP BaronHook Boutique, Outside-In

 

Green Business

Greenspace

719 Swift St., Santa Cruz,

423-7200, greenspacecompany.com

RUNNERS-UP Eco Goods, L’Atelier Salon   

 

Grocery Store (local)

Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz,

423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP Deluxe Foods, Scotts Valley Market

 

Grocery Store (natural)

New Leaf Community Markets

1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-1306

1134 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-1793

1210 41st Ave., Capitola, 479-7987

RUNNERS-UP Aptos Natural Foods, Staff of Life

 

Hair Salon

L’Atelier

114 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz

423-4247, lateliersalon.com

RUNNERS-UP Lavish, The Nook

 

Hardware Store

Ace Hardware

1214 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 457-2222

72 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, 662-0222

849 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-7650

RUNNERS-UP San Lorenzo Lumber, Scarborough Lumber  

 

Headshop

Pipeline  

818 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

425-7473, pipesinthecity.com

RUNNERS-UP Needful Things, Puff n Pass

 

Home Decorating

Dig Gardens

420 Water St, Santa Cruz,

466-3444, diggardens.com

RUNNERS-UP Botanic & Luxe, Stripe

 

Hotel

Dream Inn  

175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz,

426-4330, dreaminnsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Hotel Paradox, Sea and Sand

 

House Cleaner

Sunrise Cleaning Service

332-1909, sunriseclean.com

RUNNERS-UP Christi’s Green Cleaning, Maria Garcia

 

House Painter

T Paul Sek Eco-Friendly Painting

721 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz,

588-4080, greenpaintingcontractor.com

RUNNERS-UP Andson Painting, Spectrum

 

Hydroponic Supplier

The Grow Biz

2450 17th Ave., #100, Santa Cruz,  475-9900

thegrowbiz.com

RUNNER-UP Global Garden Supply

 

Internet Service Provider

Cruzio  

877 Cedar St. #150, Santa Cruz,

459-6301, cruzio.com

RUNNER-UP Got.Net

 

Jewelry

Dell Williams  

1320 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

423-4100, dellwilliams.com

RUNNERS-UP Amory Body Arts, Artisans Gallery

 

Kids’ Clothing

Jelli Beanz

2555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz,

462-6700, jellibeanzonline.com

RUNNERS-UP Childish, Hopscotch

 

Kitchen Store

Toque Blanche

1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

426-1351, mytoque.com

RUNNER-UP Outside-In

 

Landscaper

Dreamscape Creative Landscape Solutions

1916 Encina Drive, Santa Cruz

476-6800, dreamscape-cls.com

RUNNERS-UP K&D Landscaping, Paradise Landscape

 

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair and Skin Solutions

783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., #71b, Aptos, 689-9830

RUNNERS-UP Monterey Bay Laser Aesthetics, UltraDerm

 

Laundromat

Sudz

7887 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 688-7839

709 Lighthouse Ave., Santa Cruz, 324-4920

RUNNERS-UP Bubbles, Seabright Laundromat, Seaside Wash & Dry

 

Lawyer

Carmela Woll

765 Cedar St. #202, Santa Cruz,

471-7458, carmelawoll.com

RUNNERS-UP Ben Rice, Brady Law

 

Life Coach

Bernadine Rosso

http://4stages4agracefuldivorce.com

RUNNERS-UP Karin Leonard, Jennifer Turner-Davis

 

Lighting

Riverside Lighting & Electric

300 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz,

423-7411, riversidelightingandelectric.com

RUNNERS-UP Illuminée, Om Gallery

 

Lingerie

Camouflage  

1329 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

423-7613, shopcamouflage.com

RUNNERS-UP Amoureuse, Legs  

 

Mani/Pedi

Opal Spa & Boutique

1066 41st Ave. A103, Capitola,

854-2434, opalspacapitola.com

RUNNERS-UP JC Nails, Oasis Hair and Skin

 

Massage School

Cypress Health Institute School of Massage

1119 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300, Santa Cruz,

476-2115, cypresshealthinstitute.com

RUNNER-UP Five Branches University

 

Men’s Clothing

Stripe Men  

107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz,

421-9252, stripedesigngroup.com

RUNNER-UP Berdels

 

Men’s Shoes

Sockshop & Shoe Company

1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com

RUNNERS-UP Beck’s, Old School Shoes

 

Music Instruction

Santa Cruz Children’s Chorus

facebook.com/santacruzchildrenschorus

RUNNERS-UP Music Together, Rhan Wilson 


 

Musical Instruments

The Starving Musician

1003 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz

426-1975, starvingmusician.com

RUNNERS-UP Thomas Musical Instruments, Ukuleles of Felton

 

Pet Grooming

The Whole Kitten Capoodle

1720 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz,

454-8311, kittencapoodle.com

RUNNERS-UP Animal House, The Dog Tub

 

Pet Sitting

GoDogz

818-3365, godogz.com

RUNNERS-UP Little Pup Lodge, Woofpack 831

 

Pet Store

Pet Pals

3660 Soquel Drive, Soquel,

464-8775, petpals.com

RUNNERS-UP Aptos Feed & Pet Supply, Scotts Valley Feed

 

Pharmacy

Westside Pharmacy   

1401 Mission St., Santa Cruz,

423-7175, westsidepharmacyrx.com

RUNNERS-UP Frank’s, Horsnyder

 

Photo Developing

Bay Photo Lab

715 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-1100

2959 Park Ave., Soquel, 475-6090

900 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, 475-6686, bayphoto.com

 

Piercing Studio

Amory Body Arts

1720 Brommer St, Santa Cruz

600-7801

RUNNERS-UP Mission Street Tattoo & Piercing, Staircase

 

Plumbing

Bellows Plumbing, Heating & Air

2562 Research Park Drive, Soquel,

219-8644, bellowsservice.com

RUNNERS-UP Expert Plumbing, Tino’s Plumbing

 

Produce

Farmers Markets

RUNNERS-UP New Leaf Community Markets, Sunnyside Produce

 

Real Estate Agency

Coldwell Banker

824 B Mission St., Santa Cruz,

469-8000, coldwellbanker.com

RUNNERS-UP Bailey Properties, Sereno Group

 

Real Estate Agent

Lauren Spencer, My Santa Cruz Real Estate

7979 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-6522

RUNNERS-UP Gretchen Bach, David Lyng

 

Record / CD Store

Streetlight Records  

939 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

421-9200, streetlightrecords.com

RUNNERS-UP  MetaVinyl, Undefeated Records  

 

Roofers

Knox Roofing   

46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley,

461-0634, knoxroofing.com

RUNNERS-UP Daddario Roofing, Moriarity’s Roofing

 

Senior Home Care

ComForCare  

100 Doyle St., #F, Santa Cruz,

427-1553, comforcare.com/california/santa-cruz-county

RUNNERS-UP Lifespan, Visiting Angels  

 

Senior Residential Community

Dominican Oaks

3400 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz,

462-6257, dominicanoaks.com

RUNNERS-UP Aegis, Sunshine Villa  

 

Sign Shop

Stokes Signs

303 Potrero St., Santa Cruz,

426-1570, stokessigns.com

RUNNERS-UP Santa Cruz Signs, Signs Up

 

Solar Company

Allterra Solar

207 McPherson St., Santa Cruz,

425-2608, allterrasolar.com

RUNNERS-UP Sandbar Solar & Electric, Solar Technologies  

 

Tanning

Glimmer & Glow

153 S. Morrissey Ave., Santa Cruz, 469-4569

266-L Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, 471-8201,

glimmerandglow.com

RUNNERS-UP Paradise Tanning Co., Tan

 

Tattoo Studio

Mission Street Tattoo

1515 Mission St., Santa Cruz,,

466-9417, mission-street-tattoo.com

RUNNERS-UP Good Omen Tattoo, O’Reilly’s Tattoo   

 

Thrift Store

Goodwill Central Coast

350 Encinal St., Santa Cruz,

423-8611, ccgoodwill.org

RUNNERS-UP Abbot’s Thrift, Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop

 

Tires

Lloyd’s Tires

303 River St., Santa Cruz,

426-4363, lloydstire.com

RUNNER-UP Dixon & Son Tires

 

Toy Store (kids)

Childish   

1127 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz,

454-8208, childishsantacruz.com

RUNNER-UP Wonderland

 

Veterinarian

Adobe Animal Hospital

1600 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz,

462-5293, adobevets.com

RUNNERS-UP Scotts Valley Vet, Soquel Creek Animal Hospital

 

Video Game Shop

Level Up

113 Locust St., Santa Cruz, 295-6329

RUNNERS-UP GameStop, Mythic Games

 

Vintage Clothing

Moon Zooom  

813 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8500

RUNNERS-UP Cognito Clothing, Tomboy

 

Waxing

European Wax Center

1955 41st Ave., Capitola,

477-9331, waxcenter.com

RUNNERS-UP Smooth Body Lounge, Waxing by Madison

 

Women’s Clothing

Pacific Trading Company

1224 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-3349,

504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 476-6109, pacifictradingonline.com

RUNNERS-UP Aptos Shoes & Apparel, Stripe

 

Women’s Shoes

Sock Shop

1515 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

429-6101, sockshopandshoeco.com

RUNNERS-UP Aptos Shoes & Apparel, Bunny’s Shoes

 

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MORE BEST OF 2018: COMMUNITY | FOOD & DRINK | MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & RECREATION | EDITOR’S PICKS

PHOTOS BY KEANA PARKER

 

Best Bread

Companion Bakeshop

1. Companion was founded in 2006 by self-taught baker Erin Lampel, opened its Westside location in 2010, and now has about 30 employees.
2. Lampel found her “companion” Jeremy in 2008. He is a coffee lover, business partner and co-manager, and also works full-time as a registered dietitian.
3. Their most popular bread is their Light and Fluffy Super Sourdough; it sells out often and is also their largest loaf.
4. The bakery offers workshops that teach homebakers how to make a variety of breads and pastries at home.
5. Companion also prepares their own spreads—including hummus, cream cheese and avocado—and house-made preserved items such as marmalades, jams and quick-pickled radishes and beets. ANDREW STEINGRUBE

 

Best Breakfast San Lorenzo/Scotts Valley

Mollie’s Country Café

1. Mollie’s is a dog-friendly restaurant that encourages customers to bring their pups with them to the outside patio.
2. Breakfast is served all day; they are most famous for “The Hungry One” breakfast that includes three pancakes; two eggs any style; a choice of bacon, sausage, or ham; and potatoes.
3. The tri-tip-steak-and-egg breakfast is also very popular.
4. There is an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays.
5. The popular Scotts Valley café supports many local charities and organizations. AS

 

Best Burrito

Planet Fresh

1. Planet Fresh offers not only traditional burritos like chicken, steak and pork, but also barbecue and Cajun-style burritos as well.
2. In Spanish, the word “burrito” means “little donkey,” and there are multiple theories as to the exact origin of the food item and how it got its name.
3. Their most outside-the-box burrito is the Pacific Rim ($8.75), which features fresh chicken breast with zucchini, corn, carrots, marinated shrimp, and fresh ginger teriyaki pineapple sauce.
4. They recently started offering bottled beer.
5. Besides burritos, Planet Fresh also offers quesadillas, tostadas, burrito bowls, nachos, and tubular, crispy rolled tacos. AS

 

Best Date Night Capitola

Shadowbrook

1. If a couple in their 20s had their first date at Shadowbrook when it opened in 1947, they would now be in their 90s today (and hopefully still together).
2. The owners of the Capitola fixture continue to modernize and renovate the restaurant’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere, staying current while retaining a classic feel.
3. Shadowbrook offers complimentary shuttle service in an old-school taxi cab every night of the week within a three-mile radius.
4. Many famous athletes and celebrities have dined at Shadowbrook over the years.
5. Shadowbrook was originally one dining room with fewer than 10 tables, and now features seven dining rooms, three patios, and a bar and lounge. AS

 

Best Deli

Zoccoli’s

1. Zoccoli’s was opened in 1948 by two Italian immigrants, Robert and Augusta Zoccoli, in the same downtown location where the deli still resides.
2. It is still operated by the Zoccoli family, now in its third generation of owners, making it one of the oldest family-run businesses in all of Santa Cruz.
3. The deli also serves pastas—including spaghetti, lasagna, and ravioli—with homemade sauces that draw rave reviews from locals.
4. Zoccoli’s uses a famous, authentic, and highly secret family recipe for tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert that is one of their most popular items.
5. In Italian, “tiramisu” means to “pick me up”—which is literally what its mixture of espresso-soaked lady finger cookies, mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and cocoa will do. AS

 

Best Falafel

Falafel House

1. Falafel House has been serving Middle Eastern food favorites at its current location for 21 years, and for 35 years total in Santa Cruz.
2. Quick primer on a falafel wrap: it’s basically a vegetarian Middle Eastern sandwich in a pita featuring falafel balls—which are made of fried chickpeas and spices—along with tahini sauce and vegetables.
3. Tahini sauce is a condiment made from sesame seeds that typically also contains garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and yogurt. Falafel House also makes a non-dairy tahini.
4. Also on the menu is baba ganoush, which is not only fun to say, but also an eggplant dip flavored with tahini, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and special seasonings.
5. In addition to their famous falafels, the longtime downtown spot also offers salads, veggie burgers, hamburgers, gyros and chicken shawarma. AS

 

Best Greek

Vasili’s

1. Vasili’s has been offering fresh and authentic Greek food at its Mission Street location since 1991.
2. The most popular menu items are gyros and souvlaki plates (grilled meats, salad, rice, pita, and tzatziki), and they also offer gluten-free and vegan items as well.
3. Their Saganaki dish is Kasseri cheese (similar to a softer parmesan) that is breaded and fried in butter (!), splashed with brandy (!!), and served literally flaming at the table (!!!).
4. “Opa” is the Greek equivalent to the English “cheers” or “hooray,” and is a good word to use when enjoying their selection of wine and beer—or when you hear a glass break.
5. Vasili’s offers a happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3-6 p.m., with half off all appetizers and $2 off wine and beer. Opa, indeed. AS

 

Best New Restaurant

Sotola Bar & Grill

1. Sotola was founded exactly one year ago by Adam and Ashley Bernardi.
2. The restaurant’s name comes from a combination of Capitola and Soquel—two villages which back in 1929 flirted with the idea of merging townships.
3. Chef Anthony Kresge once worked at the original India Joze restaurant.
4. The cypress wood dining tables in the restaurant are handmade by Adam Bernardi.
5. Sotola is perched over the confluence of two bodies of water—the Soquel Creek estuary and the Monterey Bay. CHRISTINA WATERS

 

Best Pizza Watsonville

Cassidy’s Pizza

1. Not much has changed in the décor or on the menu at Cassidy’s since it first opened in 1970—and loyal customers like it that way.
2. This old-school pizza place is known for focusing on consistent quality rather than trends.
3. They roll their own dough, shred their cheese, and cut fresh vegetables for their salad bar daily.
4. Much of the staff has been with them for more than 10 years.
5. Cassidy’s best-selling pizza is the classic combo. ANDREA PATTON

 

Best Vegetarian

Dharma’s

1. Menu rule of thumb: If it had a mother, Dharma’s does not serve it.
2. Dharma’s is where vegan doubt goes to die: 95 percent of its vegetarian menu is actually vegan.
3. For the first five years of its vibrant life, Dharma’s was called McDharma’s—melding its concept for fast food and the sanskrit word for virtue. Blind to the virtue side of things, McDonalds sued.
4. The Dharma’s dining room is a cell-phone free zone. It’s a plant-lined refuge from your ever-terrifying Twitter feed, where the ancient art of real, face-to-face interaction can be practiced—possibly even with Kenny Loggins, one of Dharma’s celebrity followers.
5. The ultimate comfort food for political times can be found here, in the form of, perhaps, the Big Cheese, Bo Thai, or, our editor’s favorite sandwich of all time, the Nuclear Bluff. MARIA GRUSAUSKAS

 

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Acai Bowl

Samba Rock Acai Café  

291 Water St., Santa Cruz, 458-2224

RUNNERS-UP Amazon Juices, Café Brasil

 

Appetizers

The Crow’s Nest  

2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Hula’s Island Grill, West End Tap Room

 

Bagel

Bagelry

320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 429-8049;

1636 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-8550;

4763 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-9888

RUNNERS-UP House of Bagels, Main Street Bagels

 

Bakery

Gayle’s Bakery

504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com

RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, The Farm

 

Barbecue

Aptos St. BBQ  

8059 Aptos St., Aptos, 662-1721, aptosstbbq.com

RUNNERS-UP Cole’s BBQ & Catering, Mission St. BBQ

 

Bar Food

Parish Publick House

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 421-0507, thepartishpublick.com

RUNNERS-UP 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, The Crow’s Nest

Bread

Companion Bakeshop  

2341 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 252-2253, campanionbakeshop.com

RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Gayle’s Bakery

 

Breakfast—Santa Cruz

Zachary’s Restaurant

819 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-0646, zacharyssantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Harbor Café, Walnut Avenue Café

Breakfast—Aptos / Soquel

Red Apple Café

783 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 685-1224, redappleaptos.com

RUNNERS-UP Silver Spur, Sunrise Café

Breakfast—Capitola

Gayle’s Bakery

504 Bay Ave., Capitola, 462-1200, gaylesbakery.com

RUNNERS-UP Avenue Café, Cook House

Breakfast—San Lorenzo Valley

Mollie’s Country Café

219 Mt Hermon Rd F, Scotts Valley, 438-8313, molliescafe.com

RUNNERS-UP Auntie Mame’s, Heavenly Roadside Café

Breakfast—Watsonville

Red Apple Café  

589 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville, 761-9551

RUNNERS-UP Beach Street Café, Cowboy’s Corner Café

 

Brunch

Harbor Café  

535 7th Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-4948, harborcafesantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Chaminade

 

Burger—Santa Cruz

Betty Burgers

505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190, bettyburgers.com

1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056  

RUNNERS-UP burger., Jack’s Hamburgers  

Burger—Aptos/Soquel

burger.  

7941 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 662-2811, burgeraptos.com

RUNNERS-UP Carpo’s, Parish Publick House Aptos  

Burger—Capitola

Betty Burgers

1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-5901, bettyburgers.com

RUNNERS-UP East End Gastropub, Paradise Beach Grille  

Burger—San Lorenzo Valley

Malone’s Grille

4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com  

RUNNERS-UP Cowboy Bar & Grill, Cremer House

Burger—Watsonville

Wooden Nickel  

1819 Freedom Blvd., Freedom, 724-2600

RUNNERS-UP California Grill, Main Street Burgers  

 

Burrito—Santa Cruz

Planet Fresh Burritos  

1003 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 423-9799

RUNNERS-UP Tacos Moreno, Taqueria Vallarta

Burrito—Aptos/Soquel

El Chipotle  

4724 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 477-1048, elchipotletaqueria.weebly.com

RUNNERS-UP Manuel’s, Taqueria Los Gordos

Burrito—Capitola

Taqueria Vallarta

893 41st Ave.,Capitola, 464-7022

RUNNERS-UP El Toro Bravo, Tacos Moreno

Burrito—San Lorenzo Valley

Los Gallos Taqueria

18 Victor Square, Ste. A, Scotts Valley, 439-9803

RUNNERS-UP Maya Mexican Restaurant, Taqueria Vallarta

Burrito—Watsonville

Taqueria Mi Tierra  

1471 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 722-2022, taqueriamitierra2.com/taqueria-mi-tierra.html

RUNNERS-UP D’La Colmena Market & Catering, El Frijolito Restaurant

 

Calamari

The Crow’s Nest

2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Johnny’s Harborside, Zelda’s

 

Caterer

Barbara & Company

2431 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-6051, barbara-company.com

RUNNERS-UP Affordable Chef Services, Mickey’s Catering

 

Cheap Eats

Jack’s Hamburgers

202 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, 423-4421

RUNNERS-UP Charlie Hong Kong, El Palomar Taco Bar

 

Cheese Selection

Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP New Leaf Community Market, Deluxe Foods of Aptos

 

Chinese

Canton  

900 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-8751, cantonsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP ABC Chinese Restaurant, Shun Feng Restaurant  

 

Chocolatier

Donnelly’s Chocolates  

1509 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 458-4214, donnellychocolates.com

RUNNERS-UP Mackenzies Chocolates, Mutari Chocolate House and Factory

 

Clam Chowder

Stagnaro Brothers   

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-2180, stagnarobros.com

RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Riva Fish House  

 

Coffeehouse (Independent)

Lulu Carpenter’s

1545 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, lulucarpenters.com

RUNNERS-UP Coffeetopia, Santa Cruz Roasting Company

 

Cookies

Pacific Cookie Company

1203 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 429-6905, pacificcookie.com  

RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Gayle’s Bakery

 

Cupcakes

Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting

1411 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 466-0373, farmhousefrosting.com

RUNNERS-UP The Buttery, Cutesy Cupcakes

 

Date Night Restaurant—Santa Cruz

Laili  

101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Oswald  

Date Night Restaurant—Aptos/Soquel

Home  

3101 N. Main St., 431-6131, homesoquel.com

RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, Café Sparrow  

Date Night Restaurant—Capitola

Shadowbrook Restaurant

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511  

RUNNERS-UP Paradise Beach Grille, Sotola Bar & Grill

Date Night Restaurant—San Lorenzo

Cremer House

6256 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-3976, thecremerhouse.com

RUNNERS-UP Casa Nostra, Malone’s Grille

Date Night Restaurant—Watsonville

Ella’s at the Airport

100 Aviation Way., Watsonville, 728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com

RUNNERS-UP California Grill, Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina

 

Deli

Zoccoli’s Deli

1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1711, zoccolis.com  

RUNNERS-UP Erik’s DeliCafe, Garden Deli

 

Desserts (Bakery)

The Buttery

702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 458-3020, butterybakery.com

RUNNERS-UP Gayle’s Bakery, Kelly’s French Bakery

 

Desserts (Restaurant)

Chocolate

1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 427-9900, chocolatesantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, Shadowbrook Restaurant

 

Donut Shop

Ferrell’s Donuts  

2227 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 457-2760

RUNNERS-UP Allbright’s Donut Shoppe, Dunlap Donuts

Falafel

Falafel House Downtown

113 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 459-9770, falafelhousesantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP AJ’s Chevron Mart & Car Wash, Falafel of Santa Cruz

 

Food Event

Greek Food Festival

Downtown Santa Cruz

RUNNERS-UP Clam Chowder Cook Off, Grazing on the Green

 

French Fries

Betty Burgers

1000 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 475-5901

505 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-8190

1222 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7056

RUNNERS-UP 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, Carpo’s

 

Frozen Yogurt

Top-A-Lot Yogurt

738 Water St., Santa Cruz, 426-1375, topalot.com

RUNNERS-UP Cruz Creamery, Juicy Sweet

 

Greek

Vasili’s Greek Restaurant

1501A Mission St., Santa Cruz, 458-9808, vasilisgreekrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Mozaic, Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine  

 

Hawaiian Cuisine

Pono Hawaiian Grill

120 Union St., Santa Cruz, 426-7666, ponohawaiiangrill.com

RUNNERS-UP Aloha Island Grille, Hula’s Island Grill  

 

Hot Dog

Gary’s Old Fashioned Snappy Dogs  

930 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz, 295-3610

RUNNERS-UP Happy Dog Hot Dog, Taylor Bros Hot Dogs  

 

Ice Cream

Marianne’s  

1020 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 458-1447

218 State Park Drive, Aptos, 713-4746

mariannesicecream.com

RUNNERS-UP Mission Hill Creamery, Penny Ice Creamery  

 

Indian Cuisine

Ambrosia India Bistro

207 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos, 685-0610, ambrosiaib.com

6006 La Madrona Dr., #D, Scotts Valley, 713-5594

RUNNERS-UP Mumbai Delights, Sitar Indian Cuisine  

 

Italian Cuisine

Lillian’s Italian Kitchen  

1148 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-2288, lilliansitaliankitchen.com

RUNNERS-UP Ristorante Avanti, Ristorante Italiano  

 

Juice Bar / Smoothies

New Leaf Community Markets

1101 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-1306

1134 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-1793

1210 41st Ave., Capitola, 479-7987

RUNNERS-UP Amazon Juices, Staff of Life

 

Kid-Friendly Eatery

Carpo’s

2400 Porter St., Soquel, 476-6260, carposrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar, Woodstock Pizza  

 

Late-Night Eatery

Saturn Café

145 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, 429-8505, saturncafe.com  

RUNNERS-UP Charlie Hong Kong, Crepe Place

 

Mexican Cuisine—Santa Cruz

El Palomar

1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP El Jardín, Jaguar

Mexican Cuisine—Aptos / Soquel

Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant

261 Center Ave., Aptos, 688-4848, manuelsrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Palapas Restaurant y Cantina, Tortilla Flats

Mexican Cuisine—Capitola

El Toro Bravo

123 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 480-7544  

RUNNER-UP Casa Rosita’s, Margaritaville  

Mexican Cuisine—San Lorenzo Valley

Maya Mexican Restaurant

3115 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-7004

RUNNERS-UP Café Carlos, Los Gallos

Mexican Cuisine—Watsonville

Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina

1934 Main St., Watsonville, 761-2161, elpalomarcilantros.com

RUNNERS-UP El Frijolito, Jalisco Restaurant

 

Middle Eastern

Laili  

101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Mozaic, Zameen Mediterranean Cuisine

 

New Restaurant

Sotola Bar & Grill

231 Esplanade #102, Capitola, 854-2800, sotolabarandgrill.com

RUNNERS-UP Jaguar, Persephone

 

Patio Dining—Santa Cruz

Laili  

101 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, 423-4545, lailirestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Crepe Place, The Crow’s Nest

Patio Dining—Aptos / Soquel

Café Cruz

2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801, cafecruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, The Hideout  

Patio Dining—Capitola

Zelda’s on the Beach

203 Esplanade, Capitola, 475-4900, zeldasonthebeach.com

RUNNERS-UP Paradise Beach Grille, Shadowbrook

Patio Dining—San Lorenzo

Malone’s Grille

4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com

RUNNERS-UP Casa Nostra, Cowboy Bar & Grill

Patio Dining—Watsonville

Ella’s at the Airport

100 Aviation Way, Watsonville, 728-3282, ellasinwatsonville.com

RUNNERS-UP Appleton Grill, Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina

 

Pizza–Santa Cruz    

Pizza My Heart

1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-2511, pizzamyheart.com

RUNNERS-UP Pleasure Pizza, Woodstock’s Pizza  

Pizza–Aptos/Soquel

Village Host

4 Seascape Vlg., Aptos, 685-8646, villagehostpizza.com

RUNNERS-UP Pizza 1, Showtime Pizza

Pizza–Capitola

Pizza My Heart

2180 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-6000

209 Esplanade, Capitola, 475-5714,
pizzamyheart.com

RUNNERS-UP East End Gastropub, Pleasure Pizza

Pizza–San Lorenzo

Redwood Pizzeria

6205 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-1500, redwoodpizza.com

RUNNERS-UP Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub, Tony & Alba’s

Pizza–Watsonville

Cassidy’s Pizza

1400 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 724-2271, cassidyspizza.net

RUNNERS-UP Big J’s Pizza, Corralitos Pizza

 

Restaurant—Santa Cruz

Akira Sushi

1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7093, akirasantacruz.com   

RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Laili, Oswald   

Restaurant—Aptos/Soquel

Café Sparrow

8042 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-6238, cafesparrow.com

RUNNERS-UP Bittersweet Bistro, The Hideout

Restaurant—Capitola

Shadowbrook Restaurant   

1750 Wharf Road, Capitola, 475-1511

RUNNERS-UP Paradise Beach Grille, Sotola Bar & Grill

Restaurant—San Lorenzo

Cowboy Bar & Grill

5447 Hwy. 9, Felton, 335-2330, feltoncowboy.com

RUNNERS-UP Casa Nostra, Cremer House

Restaurant—Scotts Valley

Malone’s Grille

4402 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 438-2244, malonesgrille.com  

RUNNERS-UP Jia Tella, Otoro Sushi

Restaurant—Soquel

Star of Siam

3005 Porter St., Soquel, 479-0366, starofsiamsoquel.net

RUNNERS-UP Cafe Cruz, Michael’s on Main

Restaurant—Watsonville

California Grill  

6008, 40 Penny Lane, Watsonville, 722-8052, californiagrillrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Ella’s at the Airport, Jalisco’s

 

Salad

The Crow’s Nest

2218 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Carpo’s, Dharma’s

 

Sandwich

Zoccoli’s

1534 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1711, zoccolis.com

RUNNERS-UP Garden Deli, Surf City Sandwich

 

Seafood—Santa Cruz    

Stagnaro Bros.

59 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 423-2180, stagnarobros.com

RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Johnny’s Harborside

Seafood—Aptos/Soquel

Café Cruz

2621 41st Ave., Soquel, 476-3801, cafecruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Café Rio, Palapas Restaurant & Cantina

Seafood—Capitola

Paradise Beach Grille

215 Esplanade, Capitola, 476-4900, paradisebeachgrill.com

RUNNERS-UP Shadowbrook, Sotola Bar & Grill

Seafood—San Lorenzo/Scotts Valley

Otoro

235 Mt. Hermon Road, #G, Scotts Valley, 440-9040

RUNNERS-UP Malone’s Grille, Rumble Fish

Seafood—Watsonville

Fish House Bar & Grill

972 Main St., Watsonville, 728-3333, fishhousewatsonville.com

RUNNERS-UP California Grill, La Perla del Pacifico

 

Small Plates

515 Kitchen & Cocktails

515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 425-5051, 515santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Lúpulo Craft Beer House, Soif

 

Soup

Erik’s DeliCafé

1475 41st Ave., Capitola, 475-4646

1664 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, 462-1919

155 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 425-5353

222 Mt Hermon Rd J, Scotts Valley, 438-4646

RUNNERS-UP Betty’s Noodle House, New Leaf Community Markets

 

Steak

Hindquarter Bar & Grille

303 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 426-7770, thehindquarter.com

RUNNERS-UP Café Cruz, Shadowbrook Restaurant

 

Sushi/Japanese—Santa Cruz

Akira Sushi

1222 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 600-7093, akirasantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Mobo, Shogun  

Sushi/Japanese—Aptos/Soquel

Akira Sushi

105 D Post Office Drive, Aptos, 708-2154, akiraaptos.com

Sushi/Japanese—Capitola

Sushi Garden

820 Bay Ave., #148, Capitola, 464-9192, sushi-garden.com

RUNNERS-UP Geisha Japanese Restaurant and Tea House, Takara

Sushi/Japanese—San Lorenzo

Otoro    

235 Mt. Hermon Road, #G, Scotts Valley, 440-9040

RUNNERS-UP Rumble Fish, Sushi Garden  

Sushi/Japanese—Watsonville

Imura

1994 Main St., Watsonville, 761-8799, imurasushi.com

RUNNERS-UP Miyuki, Sushi Qu

 

Taqueria—Santa Cruz    

Tacos Moreno

1053 Water St., Santa Cruz, 429-6095

RUNNERS-UP Taqueria Los Pericos, Taqueria Vallarta

Taqueria—Aptos/Soquel    

Taqueria Los Gordos

7488 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 688-0911

RUNNERS-UP El Chipotle, La Cabana

Taqueria—Capitola   

Taqueria Vallarta

893 41st Ave., Santa Cruz, 464-7022

RUNNERS-UP El Toro Bravo, Tacos Moreno, Tepeque

Taqueria—San Lorenzo Valley

Los Gallos

243 Mt. Hermon Road #A, Scotts Valley, 439-9507

RUNNERS-UP Maya, Taqueria Vallarta

Taqueria—Watsonville

El Frijolito

11 Alexander St., Watsonville, 724-8823

RUNNERS-UP Delicias Taqueria, Super Taqueria

 

Tea House

Hidden Peak

1541 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-4200, hiddenpeakteahouse.com

RUNNERS-UP Café Delmarette, Lulu Carpenter’s

 

Thai Cuisine

Sawasdee

101 Main St., Santa Cruz, 466-9009, sawasdeesoquel.com

5050 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-5051

RUNNERS-UP Real Thai Kitchen, Sabieng

 

Vegetarian

Dharma’s

4250 Capitola Road, Capitola, 462-1717, dharmasrestaurant.com

RUNNERS-UP Café Gratitude, Saturn Café

 

Winery

Bargetto Winery

3535 N. Main St., Soquel, 475-2258, bargetto.com

RUNNERS-UP Alfaro Family Vineyard & Winery, Storrs Winery & Vineyards

 

Wine List

Soif

105 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-2020, soifwine.com

RUNNERS-UP The Crow’s Nest, Shadowbrook Restaurant

 

Wine Selection (Retail)

Shopper’s Corner  

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1398, shopperscorner.com

RUNNERS-UP Deluxe Foods of Aptos, Soif

 

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MORE BEST OF 2018: COMMUNITY | FOOD & DRINK | MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & RECREATION | EDITOR’S PICKS

PHOTOS BY KEANA PARKER

 

Best Bar

JJ’s Saloon

1. This unpretentious, no-nonsense dive bar in downtown Soquel just celebrated its 30th anniversary as JJ’s Saloon, named for co-owners Joe and Judy Vierra, the latter of whom still presides over the bar.
2. With March Madness basketball (on 10 TVs) and St. Patrick’s Day specials, March is the most lively time of year at JJ’s, which is ironic considering that the bar officially opened on April Fool’s Day in 1988.
3. No hibiscus margaritas or raspberry cosmopolitans—JJ’s plays it straight down the middle with uncomplicated beer, wine and spirits.
4. For those people who feel that the video game industry achieved a high point with Ms. Pac-Man that it has never equaled since, JJ’s is the place to go for your wacca-wacca fix.
5. During the epic flood of 1982, before the bar was called JJ’s, floodwaters rushed into the building and, when they receded, left every glass in the place full of muddy water. No record on whether they were served as cocktails. Floody Marys? WALLACE BAINE

 

Best Dance Club

Blue Lagoon

1. There’s a goth dance night every Sunday, which started as a monthly event in 1999 and became weekly in 2000.
2. Not every bar has an aquarium full of fish, but this one sort of delivers on the name.
3. There’s a slushie machine in the bar. For $7, you can order a vodka lemonade slushie.
4. The Blue has the most consistent line-up of punk and metal shows downtown, not to mention the most affordable.
5. It also has the longest-running weekly comedy night in downtown every Thursday—11 years as of this May. AARON CARNES

 

Best Cocktails

515 Kitchen & Cocktails

1. This retro saloon is housed in a restored vintage office building on the site of the city’s original Wells Fargo stagecoach stop.
2. Arguably the most popular cocktail here in recent years has been the Negroni, and right now it’s the West Coast Negroni, in which grapefruit bitters and Hop Nosh IPA help put New World spin to the classic gin/campari/vermouth cocktail.
3. You gotta love a saloon that stocks 25 different kinds of gin. And over 20 ryes!
4. Germaine Akin (a busy restaurateur who also owned or founded the Swan/Heavenly Goose, the Red, and Splash) founded 515 Kitchen & Cocktails on June 6, 2006—6/6/6.
5. The most popular appetizer is the truffle fries, a platterful of crisp, glistening, flavorful, addictive carbs that can help to carry patrons on to the next cocktail. CHRISTINA WATERS

 

Best Place to Play Pool

Fast Eddy’s Billiards

1. Fast Eddy’s gets its name from the main character of the 1961 film The Hustler, starring Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason.
2. A friend of owner Todd Cady recently brought him a poster of the film to hang in the pool hall, alongside other paraphernalia, including a movie poster for the sequel Color of Money, starring Newman and Tom Cruise.
3. Fast Eddy’s has 18 pool tables, six dart boards, two arcade games, one ping pong table, a pinball machine, and a foosball table. Cady, who’s had the business in his family for 38 years, will soon bring in a shuffleboard, too.
4. Fast Eddy’s employees vacuum and brush each table daily, and re-felt them a couple of times a year.
5. The pool hall also has two plastic dart boards, each with its own camera that allows players to remotely challenge competitors in other parts of the world. A game costs about $1 to play. JACOB PIERCE

 

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Bar

JJ’s Saloon

4714 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 462-1631

RUNNERS-UP 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, Red Room  

 

Bartender

Ethan Samuels @ 515 Kitchen & Cocktails

RUNNERS-UP Mariah Brown @ burger., Molly McVeigh @ Rush Inn

 

Craft Brewer (local)

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, scmbrew.com

RUNNERS-UP Seabright Brewery, Shanty Shack Brewing

 

Dance Club

Blue Lagoon

923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

423-7117, thebluelagoon.com

RUNNERS-UP Moe’s Alley, Motiv

 

Fancy Cocktails

515 Kitchen & Cocktails

515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz,

425-5051, 515santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Abbott Square, The Red Room, Front & Cooper

 

Happy Hour

The Crow’s Nest

2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz,

476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Hula’s Island Grill, Parish Publick House

 

Karaoke

Boardwalk Bowl / Coasters Bar & Grill

115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz,

423-5590, beachboardwalk.com

RUNNERS-UP I Love Sushi, Hindquarter Bar & Grille

 

Live Music

Moe’s Alley

1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz,

479-1854, moesalley.com

RUNNERS-UP Catalyst, Kuumbwa Jazz

 

Local Band

Extra Large

extra-large.net

RUNNERS-UP Coffis Brothers, Wicked Tinkers

 

Local Musician

Pat Baron / Tiki King

tikiking.com

RUNNERS-UP Jesse Daniel, James Durbin

 

Margaritas

El Palomar

1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,

425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Margaritaville, Tortilla Flats

 

Microbrewery

Discretion Brewing

2703 41st Ave., Soquel, discretionbrewing.com

RUNNERS-UP Humble Sea, Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

 

Place to Play Pool

Fast Eddy’s

4300 Capitola Road, Capitola 462-1882

RUNNERS-UP The Catalyst, Surf City Billiards

 

Place to Play Darts

Poet & Patriot Irish Pub

320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 426-8620

RUNNERS-UP One Double Oh Seven Club, Surf City Billiards

 

Pub

Parish Publick House

841 Almar Ave., Santa Cruz

426-8620, theparishpublick.com

RUNNERS-UP Poet & Patriot, Rosie McCann’s  

 

Tap Room

Pour Taproom

110 Cooper St., Suite 100B

535-7007, pourtaproomsantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Beer Thirty, West End Tap & Kitchen

 

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MORE BEST OF 2018: SHOPPING & SERVICES | FOOD & DRINK | COMMUNITY | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & RECREATION | EDITOR’S PICKS

PHOTOS BY KEANA PARKER

 

Best Derby Girl

Ima Hotmess

1. Ima Hotmess isn’t skating right now after breaking her ankle, but she coaches the Santa Cruz Derby Girls team, as well as the junior team.
2. Mom of a derby family—her husband, Neoscorin, is a referee and co-coach, and her son, Killa Kee, is a junior referee.
3. She started skating seven years ago.
4. Ima came from Monterey Bay Derby Dames, where she used to be the team captain.
5. When she’s not coaching, she is working at Skateworks … and thinking about coaching. GEORGIA JOHNSON

 

Best Dog Park

Frederick Street Park

1. Frederick Street Park is one of nine off-leash dog areas in the city of Santa Cruz.
2. It is known for its oceanside view of the harbor.
3. There are water fountains on site to allow pooches and humans to hydrate after all that running around.
4. Also features a fenced-in area. Who’s a safe doggie? Is it you? Oh yes it is! Oh yes it is!
5. Did you forget your poop bag? Don’t worry, you can find plenty on site. GJ

 

Best Neighborhood

Seabright

1. Nobody knows for sure how much of Seabright is in the mysteriously defined area known as “Midtown.” If someone tells you they know, don’t believe them.
2. If you spend any serious amount of time in Seabright, you will end up at Day’s Market at least once. It’s just a thing that happens. Try to not go there. You can’t.
3. On any given weekend morning, Seabright has a larger per capita percentage of people waiting to be seated for breakfast than anywhere in Santa Cruz County—possibly the world.
4. Most summer nights after dark, the many fires on Seabright Beach make it look like something out of a Mad Max movie, only without all the black leather. Okay, sometimes there’s black leather.
5. Seabright Beach was once home to a bathhouse shaped like a castle. It was built around 1900 and demolished in 1967, so if that sounds like fun, you missed your window. STEVE PALOPOLI

 

Best Nonprofit Group

Grey Bears

1. Founded by two UCSC students in 1973, Grey Bears delivers fresh produce and healthy staples to more than 4,000 Santa Cruz County seniors each week.
2. Last year, they delivered 2.3 million pounds of produce and foods, totaling more than 1.9 million meals.
3. Grey Bears operates two recycling centers, a thrift store, a computer electronics store and bookstore.
4. They had more than 700 volunteers in 2016.
5. They recently installed solar panels to their thrift store at 2650 Chanticleer Ave. Ninety-three percent of their electrical use is now solar-powered. GJ

 

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Beach

Seabright Beach

East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

RUNNERS-UP Capitola Beach, Twin Lakes Beach

 

Bike Ride

West Cliff Drive

RUNNERS-UP Nisene Marks, Wilder Ranch

 

Boardwalk Ride

Giant Dipper

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz,

423-5590, beachboardwalk.com

RUNNERS-UP Carousel, Log Ride

 

Derby Girl

Ima Hotmess

RUNNERS-UP Alicia Moss, Def Jen Wreckers, Shamrock N. Roller

 

Dog Park

Frederick Street

168 Frederick St., Santa Cruz

RUNNERS-UP Aptos Polo Grounds, Its Beach

 

Farmers Market

Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market at Cabrillo College  

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 728-5060

RUNNERS-UP Downtown, Westside  

 

Local Athlete (non-Derby)

Nat Young

RUNNERS-UP Tobin Ortenblad, Luke Rockhold

 

Neighborhood

Seabright

RUNNERS-UP Pleasure Point, Westside

 

Nonprofit Group

Grey Bears  

2710 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz

479-1055, greybears.org

RUNNERS-UP Homeless Garden Project, Save Our Shores

 

Place of Worship

Holy Cross

210 High St., Santa Cruz

459-0631, holycrosssantacruz.com

RUNNERS-UP Inner Light Ministries, Land of Medicine Buddha, Peace United Church of Christ

 

Place to Walk/Jog/Hike

West Cliff Drive

RUNNERS-UP Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Wilder Ranch State Park

 

Retreat Center

Land of Medicine Buddha

5800 Prescott Road, Soquel

462-8383, landofmedicinebuddha.org

RUNNERS-UP 1440 Multiversity, Mount Madonna Institute

 

Wedding Venue

Seascape Beach Resort

1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos

688-6800, seascaperesort.com

RUNNERS-UP Chaminade Resort & Spa, Hollins House

 

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