Chris Hickock of Companion Bakeshop, a winner in the best bread category. Photo by Chip Scheuer.
Best Parked Van in Which To Eat A Basic Breakfast
Paula's
A specific category, yes, but an important one nonetheless. See, the light yellow ’70s-era Dodge van parked outside Paula's is rigged for your dining pleasure. From hardwood floors and condiment table to a folded-up futon mattress and massage beads on the front seats, you haven't really eaten eggs until you've tried them in a van. Sure, the Tigerpaw tires are a bit flat and some rust is creeping over the exterior, but step inside and you feel like you're on a road trip to the movie Dazed and Confused. Got a group? The Dodge can seat five, allowing you to sit back, relax, adopt a McConaughey-esque Southern drawl (don't fight it) and leisurely chow down on Paula's patented $2.99 Basic Breakfast: eggs, potatoes and toast. Going solo? There are plenty of VHS tapes on surfers and surfing—which is popular around these parts—along with a small TV/VCR, which seems appropriate. The best part: now you can use the pickup line “Have you ever eaten breakfast in a van?” and have it mean something. Try it, people. And we're not going to finish this Goldie without proclaiming that Paula's nostalgia-inducing breakfast spot is absolutely vantastic. (JJ)
3500 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz. 831.464.0741
The Real Best $6 Burger
Surfrider Cafe
Always choose the homemade sourdough bun, and don’t get the fries. You won’t be able to finish them because your six dollar burger will be so massive and heartrending that even avocado fries or onion rings on top is pushing it. Nothing tastes better after a hard day of surfing or rock climbing or shopping or eating ice cream than organic beef piled so high that only the Mouth of Sauron could take a full bite of it. (KJ)
429 Front St, Santa Cruz. 831.713.5258
Drippiest Burrito
Jalapenos Taqueria
A super burrito from this dive, which you probably walked past 100 times, is about the soggiest kind you can buy without actually having the whole creation dunked in enchilada sauce. The tasty chicken mole burritos, as well as creative recipes like Chicken Nitza (marinaded with orange juice and soy sauce), are moist and messy. So don't forget to bring a change of clothes and fresh socks. In a worst-case scenario, the Ultramat laundry joint, another local hangout, is found conveniently just down the street. (JP)
206 Laurel St, Santa Cruz. 831.457.0159
Best Deal
Joe’s Pizza and Subs
Every Friday and Saturday $3 will get you a pint and a slice of cheese pizza, or $12 will get you more pizza and beer than can be finished comfortably. The giant slice is usually $2.50, so on $3 dollar days a Sierra Nevada, Humboldt Hemp Ale or some other pint from a respectable brewery is FIFTY CENTS. They should open a gas station out back so the pump man can fill 'er up for a nickel. (KJ)
1207 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.713.5650
Best Seafood House with Gelato
Riva Fish House on the Wharf
You go for the giant crab sandwiches dripping with melted cheese, but you stay for the authentic, densely-textured gelato. Especially the chocolate, which somehow tastes even better after a basket of fried calamari and a bloody mary. Even those addictive chiles stuffed with mozzarella can't kill the appetite for pistachio gelato topped with a scoop of nocciola. Yes, you just might be in Genoa given Riva's matchless Mediterranean combo of ocean view, sensuous seafood platters and endless gelato possibilities. (CW)
31 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz. 831.429.1223
Best Cafe for Lounging Around All Day
The Abbey
Peter, Paul and Mary once harmoniously wondered, aloud, where all the couches had gone. Or something to that effect. And the question lingers throughout a county filled with numerous lovely coffee shops, each able to comfortably hold six people, tops, (and, when doors are left open, two additional seabirds). But then The Abbey opens shop in a wing of Vintage Faith Church — a sanctuary in every sense of the word off Mission Street — and decorates the room to high heavens and voila! There are racing-green couches and golden brown comfy chairs and windows hanging from the ceiling, along with a stage, a conference table, a refrigerator full of board games and throw-pillows available for gentle throwing. It's a comfortable place to cram for chemistry, or finish your Great Santa Cruzian Novel, or even catch a free weekend concert. And never once will you receive the “You've Stayed Too Long Evil-Eye” from the help. The place is the size of a football field (more or less). And all eyes are filled with acceptance and tolerance. So unpack, stretch out, endlessly nurse your $2 coffee, and move in. You live here now. (P.S. The Abbey also wins the Goldie for “Best Place to Hear Bon Iver A Lot.”) (JJ)
350 Mission St, Santa Cruz. 831.429.1058
Best Fusion Burrito
Planet Fresh
The burrito is the staple of any Mexican food establishment, from your corner taco truck to the gourmet-style “wet” burritos found in any sit-down restaurant. Calling Planet Fresh “Mexican” may only be applicable in the loosest sense of the term. While you can order up classic favorites like chicken or beef, what makes Planet Fresh’s versions unique is their selection of fanciful fusion creations featuring cuisine inspired by far-off climes. Like pineapple in your burrito? Try the Hawaiian style wrap. Bored with plain old chicken? May I suggest the Thai Curry Chicken wrap. Best of all, Planet Fresh uses only the freshest ingredients at a price that won’t break the bank. (JG)
1003 Cedar St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.9799
Best Vintage Lounge in The Mountains
Scopazzi's Restaurant & Lounge
A serious old roadhouse and watering hole since before the First World War, Scopazzi's has seen the Wild West in all its lusty appetites. Early movie stars, loggers, mountain mavens and international visitors have lined the main bar for a few righteous cocktails and some tall tales. The menu spans Italian classics as well as hearty carnivore specialties: fine hot sandwiches, legendary burgers, fresh seafoods and plentiful pastas. But it's the old-time feel, the dark wood and lumbering proportions of this former early 20th century hotel that whisper volumes about the way things were in the logging heyday of the San Lorenzo Valley. Worth its weight in dry martinis. (CW)
13300 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek. 831.338.6441
Best Cheap Thrill
Mini Cupcakes at Buttercup Cakes and Farm House Frosting
On many afternoons a procession of ladies sets out from the Santa Cruz Weekly offices, parasols a-twirling, little dogs a-yapping, for a walk on the wild side. Our destination? The tiny storefront of Buttercup Cakes and Farm House Frosting, where $2 buys three bites of pure decadence (four if we remember our manners). Perfect orange cupcakes with Earl Grey frosting. Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. White cake with raspberry buttercream, anything with the chocolate frosting. It’s all so good it makes us think the naughtiest, most intemperate thoughts. And it’s fewer than 300 steps from the office! Pray for us. (TH)
109 Locust St, Santa Cruz. 831.466.0373
—Juan Guzman, Traci Hukill, Kate Jacobson, Jory John, Jake Pierce and Christina Waters
