Kid-friendly spot for breakfast all-day, classic American eats & international options such as pho.
Erin Joo
came in for breakfast with my dad. we got country fried steak & blueberry pancakes. the food was good but not amazing, & it was a little expensive. but the portions were generous & our waiter was very nice & constantly came by our table to check up on us. the menu is huge & diverse, so i might come back another time for lunch or dinner. i think my favorite thing about this place is its atmosphere- it’s unmistakably retro american but with the unique beach town charm that santa cruz has.
… moreSherry Chiang
We randomly picked a breakfast spot near our hotel; however, we got lucky. This place is awesome! The service was excellent. We went there on a Monday morning. Our server was a lady and she was the best server! She was very genuine and caring. The food was awesome too. The flavor and the serving were amazing! If we come back to Santa Cruz, we’ll come back here!
… moreMichael Smith
This spot checks out all the hallmarks of an old fashioned diner: a long counter, plenty of booths and tables, all sorts of funky signs hanging on the wall or from the ceiling and even a jukebox in the corner. The menu is long and full of comfort food. Service is formal but friendly with portions just the right size. Prices, like everywhere else these days, are too high.
… moreLiz Peddy
You know what the best thing about Santa Cruz Diner is? It’s the people who work there! They’re warm and welcoming. That’s why I keep going back. The decor is fun and the food is good, but the people are just amazing. You don’t just have a full stomach after leaving but their kindness fills you up too.
… moreVyacheslav Romanenko
Nice diner in traditional American style. Burgers where tasty(we took California, Mushrooms and Double Bacon). Special praise to the dessert(Death by Brownie). Service also was great.
… moreDiane Deaton
Such a great diner! Great service. Friendly staff. Great food at a fair price. Loved it! The hamburgers were incredible. I got the California and my husband got the double bacon cheese. So good. Their fries are outstanding too.! Easy 5 stars
… moreErik Kolacek
Santa Cruz diner is our family’s official rest stop when we’re driving southward from The Bay down the coast. Always a welcome sight, always a friendly place for parents with kiddos.
Fun fact: in addition to the many, many staple American diner foods on their menu, Santa Cruz diner makes a ginormous, delicious bowl of authentic chicken and beef phó!
Mama bear and I usually share a bowl, and let the kids order breakfast. Portions are huge (really big) and staff are always really fun to visit with.
We love this place so much. It’s a great value, and it’s really representative of the town itself.
Do not pass this place up. You’ll be glad you stopped in!
… moreRoxanne V
I like the atmosphere of the Diner, it has its spunk to it. Old fashioned that’s why I’m giving it a 4 out of 5. The food on the other hand is Middle tier, it’s not BAD but it’s not great either. They have a variety of food including Asian cuisine. Id rather come here than a Denny’s any day.
… moreIgo Mu
Fun diner, crazy memorabilia, service is ok but the portions are huge. It’s a blast from the past, focusing on culture of Santa Cruz. Very cute, no pressure to leave. A must for locals and tourists. Prices are well worth it. Hit the weekly specials for extra savings.
… moreBay Walker
Four of us had an excellent late breakfast. Decent coffee. Excellent waffles, omelettes, scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit. Feels a bit expensive but the quality is there!
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