Dining Reviews

Slam Dunk

Alley Oop finally opens in downtown Santa Cruz with date-night energy and chef-driven plates, as SF Beer Week and local breweries raise the bar across the county.

Mad Drip

Pearl’s stunning cocktails anchor this week’s Dining column, with Valentine’s sips, floating feasts, and local Good Food Awards finalists rounding out the menu.

Airwave Crave

The food revolution isn’t being televised — it’s broadcast. Santa Cruz’s culinary sleuth has taken to the airwaves, finding the best new restaurants, food stories, and people who make the scene hum.

Game of Life

A Santa Cruz Warriors game night delivers more than basketball—local food partnerships, community spirit, and a feel-good dining experience.

For Shore

Cliffside Coffee occupies a rare locale—a postage-stamp-sized space next to storied Pleasure Point surf break and The Point Market.

Come and Get It

From buzzy brunch debuts to airport dining and free tastings, here’s a roundup of the food and drink projects shaping Santa Cruz County in 2026.

Animal Instincts

Bad Animal—part bookstore, part wine bar, part restaurant—returns to in-house bistro cooking with chef Nick Hahn, bringing Parisian bistro flair and Santa Cruz soul to downtown.

Level-Up Liquids

Other Brother Beer Co. has debuted its second location in Aptos Village with a strong roster of craft sours, IPAs, lagers and collaborative brews.

Franchise Player

The Breakfast Club at Midtown, a buzz-worthy hit since its line-out-the-door debut in San Jose, is coming to Santa Cruz Downtown in 2026.

City Centered

Downtown Santa Cruz is finding fresh momentum through food, drink, and community—from a thriving farmers market to pop-up taprooms and creative holiday markets.