Nothing says “I’m not at work right now” like eating outside. Lunch on the patio, dinner under the stars—it’s like an instant transport system to summer vacation on the Mediterranean or a tropical island getaway, where the tables are set out on the sidewalks and decks as a matter of course and where the night air is balmy enough for tank tops.
Life in a Northern California coastal town offers one or two factors complicating this fantasy. Brisk ocean breezes, cool nighttime temperatures and fog, summer’s evil little joke, interfere with the scheme. Fortunately restaurateurs are getting hip to heat lamps, outdoor fireplaces and wind breaks (and, of course umbrellas for the hot-blooded types), and the outdoor dining options in our fair county have never been greater or afforded more comfort. Here’s to experiencing the great outdoors—the civilized way.
—Traci Hukill
SUN TRAPS
Daytime al fresco hot spots
Aldo’s Harbor Restaurant
When it’s cold everywhere else, this sweet harborside institution with the sunny deck is just right. When it’s too hot the umbrellas come out, and when Aldo’s serves dinner (starting Memorial Day weekend), so do the heat lamps.
616 Atlantic Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.426.3736
The Bagelry
The jasmine always seems to be blooming on this perpetually sunny patio with the built-in wooden benches along the perimeter.
320 Cedar St, Santa Cruz. 831.429.8049
Bluewater Steakhouse
Bluewater Steakhouse, right along Capitola’s waterfront, combines seafood favorites with trendy fusion. Small patio that looks out on Capitola Beach is good for receptions and get-togethers.
110 Monterey Ave., Capitola. 831.475.6544
Cafe Bittersweet
Cheerful red umbrellas festoon a new tiled patio at this South County favorite, where chef Thomas Vinolus’ lavish pastries rule the day.
787 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos. 831.662.9899
Café El Palomar
Café el Palomar is a favorite among locals for its breakfast burrito and its ocean view.
2222 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz. 831.477.0371
Cilantro’s
Cilantro’s is the sister restaurant to the beloved El Palomar in Santa Cruz. Its cantina patio looks out onto the street.
1934 Main St, Watsonville. 831.761.2161
Cypress Dine and Lounge
Tucked behind the Cypress Lounge (in turned tucked away on a side street in downtown Santa Cruz) is a cute sunny back deck strung with bistro lights.
120 Union St, Santa Cruz. 831.459.9876
Dolphin Restaurant
Dolphin Restaurant is a classic catch-of-the-day style waterfront eatery, with picnic tables and benches on the wharf. Good for large groups and families.
71 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz. 831.426.5830
Harbor Café
Picnic tables and heat lamps populate this cute, cozy patio that’s filled with greenery. Serves breakfast and lunch.
535 7th Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.475.4948
Ideal Bar & Grill
Brunch, lunch, and dinner in a beach-shack atmosphere. An outstanding beachfront location, patio looks across the street and onto the beach.
106 Beach St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.5271
Jia Tella’s
A cool but casual Cambodian restaurant with a large outdoor patio. In the Scotts Valley Junction Shopping Center.
18 Victor Square, Scotts Valley. 831.438.5005
Kelly’s French Bakery
Essentially a small south-facing plaza enclosed on three sides, Kelly’s casual patio with its aluminum tables and chairs and canvas umbrellas is usually sunny and almost always crowded.
402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.9059
Live Oak Café
Live Oak Café, though it’s located in a business park, manages to pull off a comfy, homey vibe. Patio is decorated with fountains and flowers and offers heat lamps.
5400 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.475.7757
Red Apple Café in Aptos
Devotees dig in to the Bear Claw French Toast, the Bacon Waffle and one of the best Eggs Benedicts around on the sun-kissed back patio of this breakfast institution.
783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos. 831.685.1224
Rock of the Sea
Cantina-style Mexican restaurant has a small outdoor section that faces the street. Patio sometimes plays host to live music.
3910 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz. 831.464.1104
Stockton Bridge Grille
A few sunny tables overlook Soquel Creek and Capitola Beach.
231 Esplanade #12, Capitola. 831.464.1933
The Wharf House
Classic seafood fare on the Capitola Wharf. The rooftop deck catches sunbeams and the plexiglass windbreak stops the breeze.
1400 Wharf Rd, Capitola (at the end of the wharf). 831.476.3534
HEATED HAVENS
Dining under the stars in comfort
515 Kitchen and Cocktails
It isn’t very big, but sitting on the upstairs deck is a nice way to connect with the festive downtown Santa Cruz atmosphere while sipping extraordinary cocktails. Heat lamps keep it comfy.
515 Cedar St, Santa Cruz. 831.425.5051
Cafe Cruz
Local fans of the rotisserie chicken and smoked pork chops flock to this cozy landscaped patio dotted with cheerful flowerpots. A generous fireplace and plenty of heat lamps ward off the chill.
2621 41st Ave, Soquel. 831.476.3801
Center Street Grill
Charming brick patio has cast iron tables and chairs, appealing landscaping and heat lamps.
1001 Center St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.4745
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Perched above emerald lawns and offering an unparalleled view of Monterey Bay, Linwood’s Bar & Grill is one of the best places in town for sunset cocktails and snacks. Heated by lamps and fireplaces.
1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz. 831.475.5600
Ciao Bella
Hearty Italian fare served on a unique heated patio built into a large redwood round used to be the main attraction here; now it’s the singing and dancing wait staff.
9217 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond. 831.336.8547
Crepe Place
Lush plants, twinkly lights, cool arbors for really hot days and heaters for chilly nights have made this a favorite outdoor dining spot for years. It’s also dog-friendly.
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.429.6994
Crow’s Nest
Hands down one of the best views in town, especially on Wednesday evenings, when the sailboat races are on. Calamari and cocktails on this deck? Yes, please. Heaters and umbrellas make for maximum comfort.
2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz. 831.476.4560
DeLaveaga Lodge Restaurant
The DeLaveaga Lodge is an old-school, country-club lodge that’s good for grown-ups. The deck offers heat lamps and a view of the course (of course).
401 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz. 831.423.7214
El Jardin
At the bustling intersection of 7th Avenue and Capitola Road, El Jardin has an atmosphere that can only be described as warm: there’s the balmy patio (courtesy of well-placed heaters), the hot house-made tortillas—and even warm (deep-fried) ice cream.
655 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz. 831.477.9384
Laili
The Silk Road restaurant’s elegant enclosed patio may be one of the prettiest outdoor eating spots in town. Fortunately it has heaters, as sunlight rarely makes it over the high walls.
101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.4545
Main Street Garden & Cafe
Limited outdoor seating offers a view of organic gardens that supply the kitchen with produce year-round. With heaters.
3101 N Main St, Soquel. 831.477.9265
Malone’s Grille
There’s live music on the festive back patio at this family-run Scotts Valley grill. Heaters available.
4402 Scotts Valley Dr, Scotts Valley. 831.438.2244
Michael’s on Main
Gorgeous deck, gazebo and garden area are surrounded by lush vegetation and dripping with the graceful Soquel vibe. Comfortably heated.
2591 S Main St, Soquel. 831.479.9777
Mobo Sushi
A small heated patio area is out back, in the garden-like heart of the Galleria.
105 S. River St, Santa Cruz. 831.425.1700
Oak Tree Ristorante
A fountain burbles and a strolling troubadour serenades customers on the garden patio of this romantic mountain ristorante. It actually doesn’t have heaters, but in summertime the San Lorenzo Valley is considerably warmer than coastal Santa Cruz.
5447 Hwy 9, Felton. 831.335.5551
Palapas at Seascape
The upscale Mexican restaurant has a breathtaking view of the ocean, ample sun and, yes, a few of the grass umbrellas from which it took its name. Heat lamps keep the terrace warm come nightfall.
21 Seascape Vlg, Aptos. 831.662.9000
Paradise Beach Grille
Patrons cozy up to the outdoor fireplace and enjoy island-inspired appetizers, seafood, steaks and salads at this beachfront establishment in Capitola Village.
215 Esplanade Ave, Capitola. 831.476.4900
Peachwood’s
A second-floor deck runs along one side of the graceful, French-countrified Inn at Pasatiempo, where it’s always a little warmer than in Santa Cruz. Heat lamps and umbrellas available.
555 Hwy 17, Santa Cruz. 831.426.6333
Pink Godzilla
Small, cute patio complements this small, cute sushi restaurant. Seating is limited, but humorously leaves patrons staring down a different sushi restaurant across the street.
830 41st Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.464.2586
Ristorante Italiano
This classic family-style Italian restaurant serves big portions on a roomy patio. Outdoor heat lamps keep things cozy on foggy nights.
555 Soquel Ave. # 150, Santa Cruz. 831.458.2321
Sanderling’s at Seascape
The luxe resort restaurant boasts a million-dollar view of a manicured lawn stretching down to a cypress-dotted stretch of beachfront—and it has umbrellas and heaters to boot.
1 Seascape Resort Dr, Aptos. 831.662.7120
Seabright Brewery
Gloriously sunny and hugely popular, this dog-friendly restaurant and brewery keeps the patio open well into the night with plenty of heat lamps.
519 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.426.2739
Severino’s Grill
The restaurant serves classic continental fare on its patio and provides heaters for comfort.
7500 Old Dominion Ct, Aptos. 831.688.7300
Zelda’s On the Beach
In Capitola, the famous striped umbrellas of Zelda’s announce that summer’s arrived. With heat lamps for nighttime revelry.
203 Esplande, Capitola. 831.475.4900
SIDEWALK CAFES
Euro-style dining downtown
99 Bottles
A few tables out front catch the sun nicely during daytime. No heaters, though, so only the hardy sit there at night to hoist their pints.
110 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.459.9999
Acapulco
This Mexican eatery’s small outdoor seating area is heated—the secret to happiness when margarita consumption is a top priority.
1116 Pacific Ave Ste A, Santa Cruz. 831.426.7588
Alfresco
Adorable tables and chairs are set up around this downtown kiosk in front of Pacific Wave. Serves healthy, tasty food for a fair price.
Cooper Street and Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz.
Aqua Bleu
Trendy sushi joint with a small fenced-in outdoor area that’s typical of Pacific Avenue eateries.
1108 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.6999
Asana Teas Kiosk
Soups, snacks and raw foods, not to mention teas galore, are on tap at the kiosk in front of New Leaf downtown. Comfortable seating available.
Pacific and Soquel, Santa Cruz.
Café Campesino
A smattering of tables and chairs surround this downtown kiosk specializing in healthy Mexican food. In front of the Bank of America, down from New Leaf.
Pacific and Soquel, Santa Cruz
Cafe Mare
Italian-accented wait staff serves up authentic cuisine on a shady sunken sidewalk patio flanked by overflowing flower boxes in downtown Santa Cruz.
740 Front St, Santa Cruz. 831.458.1212
Chocolate
Large, ingeniously deployed planters form a picturesque screen from the sidewalk at this bistro with the inventive menu. Twinkly lights spiff it up at night.
1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.427.9900
Emily’s Good Things to Eat
Right outside the Bookshop Santa Cruz entrance, Emily’s offers pastries and a few sandwiches as well as charming seating options in the sun.
Pacific at Locust, Santa Cruz.
Hoffman’s Bakery
This bistro-style eatery that excels in both Euro-inspired cuisine and classic baked goods has a small street patio. Heat lamps provide warmth when the temperature dips around dinnertime.
1102 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.420.0135
Kianti’s
The Italian restaurant and pizzeria’s sunny patio, nicely set back from the commotion on Pacific Avenue, is warmed by a fireplace and heat lamps.
1100 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.469.4400
Pizza My Heart
The small seating area out front isn’t heated, but how long does it take to eat a slice of pizza?
1116 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.426.2511
209 Esplanade, Capitola, 831.475.5714
Walnut Avenue Café
Longtime local fave Walnut Avenue Café has limited street-side seating, but it’s worth the long wait on sunny mornings.
106 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.457.2307
Woodstock’s Pizza
This pizzeria’s wildly popular patio is heated by a gas fireplace and has a glass windbreak that screens off the street nicely.
710 Front St, Santa Cruz. 831.427.4444
Zoccoli’s Deli
Everybody’s favorite downtown deli has a few tables and chairs under shade trees. They fill up fast on hot days, so go to lunch early if you want to snag one.
1534 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.1711
NOTHING FANCY
A place to sit, a table and plenty of fresh air
Betty Burgers
Because you shouldn’t have to eat a cheeseburger indoors if you don’t want to.
505 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.423.8190
1000 41st Ave, Capitola. 831.475.5901
burger.
A small patio provides a shady place to work your way through the epic beer menu and a Snooki (a grass-fed beef patty served between two grilled cheese sandwiches).
1520 Mission St, Santa Cruz. 831.425.5300
Heavenly Cafe
Regulars come hungry for a hearty breakfast spread and chow down at tree-shaded tables outside this rustic Scotts Valley roadhouse.
1210 Mount Hermon Rd, Scotts Valley. 831.335.7311
Jack’s Hamburgers
Some people’s idea of heaven is a cheeseburger basket at a sunny table at Lincoln and Cedar, and for good reason.
202 Lincoln St, Santa Cruz. 831.423.4421
Las Palmas
A crispy chicken taco just tastes better when consumed on a tiny sun-warmed patio mere steps from the Wharf. There’s also shaded seating in back.
55 Front St, Santa Cruz. 831.429.1220
River Street Café
Ridiculously charming wooden deck has a few small tables and morning sun for savoring gourmet pastries and coffee.
415 River St Ste K, Santa Cruz. 831.420.1280
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing Co
402 Ingalls St #27, Santa Cruz. 831.425.4900
Dogs, bikers (of the pedal-powered variety) and other Westsiders drink up the sun and put back a pint or two of organic grog on the parking lot patio at the brewery, conveniently (fish taco-wise) adjacent to Kelly’s Bakery.
IN-N-OUT
Intriguing spaces that offer the best of both worlds
Betty’s Eat Inn
Adjustable windows open to transform the entrance of this new burger joint into a sheltered breezeway. With ceiling heaters.
1222 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.600.7056
Charlie Hong Kong
An ingenious addition to the tiny purveyor of organic Asian street food provides a roof and three-quarter walls that can be closed up in inclement weather or left open to allow a breeze. With heaters.
1141 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. 831.426.5664
Coldwater Bar & Grill
The roof stays in place, but the glass patio “walls” at this seafood-intensive Westside spot allow a breeze to cool things off in hot weather. Heated.
1917 Mission St, Santa Cruz. 831.458.3474
Little Tampico
The Mexican restaurant’s atrium room overlooking Soquel Creek has large windows that are opened in warm weather.
2605 S Main St, Soquel. 831.475.4700
Star Bene
Hearty Italian fare is served on the landscaped garden patio, which is heated and sheltered by a canvas roof.
21245 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz. 831.479.4307
Tyrolean Inn
Both the German restaurant’s outdoor deck and its screened-in beer garden (buttoned up during winter) are heated.
9600 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond. 831.336.5188
SPECIAL EVENTS
One-of-a-kind opportunities to nosh in the great outdoors
May 22
Outstanding in The Field
The ultimate in gourmet al fresco events, OITF sets up at a farm or a beach and fetes diners with stunning food and wine. Most dates are sold out, but tickets remain for May 22 (Freewheelin’ Farm) and Dec. 4 (Pie Ranch).
http://outstandinginthefield.com
June 25
Kelly’s Annual Dinner Market
The Swift Street Courtyard fills with food purveyors and long community tables for a huge neighborhood feast. Check these pages for details as the date draws near.
September 17
Gourmet Grazing on The Green
The Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group holds its magnificent annual fundraiser featuring food and wine galore at sunny Aptos Village Park.
http://www.sccbg.org
