Contents |
Late-Night
Chocolate
1522 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.427.9900
Organic ingredients in decadent, inspired combinations (think warm artichoke and cheese pot served with fresh bread or spicy chocolate barbecued pork roast) makes this eatery a favorite with the late crowd (service is til 11pm nightly). If the heated patio isn't warm enough, perhaps a glass of insanely rich hot chocolate (try the Sofia—Italian style) will do the trick. $$$
Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.6994
For years a Santa Cruz institution, the Crepe Place has always been known for its excellent patio, full bar and enormous crepes and salad served late. Now a happening night spot with indie music almost every night of the week, the Crepe Place serves food until midnight Sunday-Thursday and 1am Friday-Saturday. Full bar. $$ Read Review
Manuel's
261 Center Ave, Aptos, CA; Tel. 831.688.4848
The favorite late-night destination for the Aptos crowd serves up hot platters of flavorful enchiladas and chile rellenos alongside ice-cold margaritas. $$
Pizza My Heart
1116B Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.426.2511
The Esplanade, Capitola, CA. Tel. 831.457.5714
After a trip to the bars, nothing satisfies like a delicious, flexible, foldable slice of pepperoni pizza at PMH. Ask for two paper plates if you’re taking it home in the cab. Open til midnight Sunday-Thursday and until 2am Friday-Saturday. $
Red
200 Locust St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.425.1913
If the salads don’t get you, the Wimpy Burgers will. The kitchen at this plush, popular downtown nightspot is open til midnight most nights, turning out generous platters of surprisingly sophisticated fare (like ribeye rubbed with espresso and pizzettas with smoked salmon, crème fraiche and chives). It’s also pleasantly easy on the wallet. $$
Santa Cruz Diner
909 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.426.7151
When the post-party calls for a pile of hefty pancakes served with ice cream scoop-sized mounds of whipped butter, this is your place. With plenty of crazy stuff on the walls to distract you from the gyrations of the other late-night revelers, this is the perfect meal to have right before a long, well-deserved rest. $$
Saturn Café
145 Laurel St, Santa Cruz, CA. Tel. 831.429.8505
For almost three decades this late-night, all-day vegetarian diner has been serving up instant comfort of the edible variety. The condiment-friendly menu is long on cheeses, salads, faux burgers, french fries and cheeses. Veggie corndogs, mac and cheese, fakin bacon BLTs and mega-salads with vegan dressing all pair nicely with luscious ice cream desserts. Playful décor and rock & roll restrooms, plus inventive meat-free cuisine that caters to the munchies until 3am. Awesome. $$
