Stopped by for brunch for the first time and I can't believe I had never been here before. It is across the boardwalk so parking can be a bit hard to find, but we got lucky with one right in front. We were immediately seated, but noticed the tables quickly filled up after, leading to a wait time. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is a bit small and seating is limited so I definitely recommend getting there early.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Otherwise, customers were instructed to write their name on the wait list outside and wait for their name to be called. We tried their chorizo scramble and buttermilk pancake. Everything was good, and service was fast. Would definitely recommend this place if in the area. read more

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If you're looking for a family friendly cafe to enjoy good food and the ambiance, don't waste your time at this spot. Food was okay, however our rude waiter ruined the experience. read more

Should be ZERO stars. Tried this restaurant. Opened the door and the server rudely told us to sign in and wait outside. There was a party of five waiting and three empty two-seater tables available. Server came out to tell that party that it would be a bit longer as other large parties weren't yet leaving. We asked to be seated at one of the empty tables. I use a cane and have difficulty standing for long periods. The server said they seat people in order (so smaller parties have to wait unnecessarily?). She finally decided we could be seated, after waiting much longer than the five minutes she originally stated...even though there were now four open two-seaters. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is very unfriendly to elderly with mobility issues.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The window table she gave us was in full sun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When we asked to move to the more shaded table, she shot us a look and said a delivery was scheduled to come through the adjacent door. Though I said I was ok with that, the server got angrier. Server clearly didn't like that we wanted a different table. Before we even settled into our seats, she started in...rudely asking us for our order. She was very abrupt when taking our order...like we, the customers, were interrupting her day. I ordered a Mocha...my wife hadn't had a chance to look at the menu. Before walking off, that server said: "Are you going to sit here and judge me all morning?" Another server/manager came right up to explain how we were wrong. Even though we had no issue with her, she told us to leave...after having already ordered something. Extremely rude staff. Pulled attitude from the get go. Raised their voices for no good reason and kicked us out after ordering. Maybe they shouldn't be in the service industry if they can't work with customers. If you're looking for a tasty and enjoyable breakfast, I recommend driving about a mile to The Walnut Café on Walnut Avenue. Easy street parking. Relaxed setting. The Walnut Café charges less AND has great staff and tasty food. read more

One star is very generous. We have been coming here as a family for over 20 years. It's a cute little restaurant that always had kind people and good food. BUT things have changed for the worse. My husband came to the door and a gentleman pointed to a table for him to sit when he said party of three. As he was sitting at the table, my daughter and niece went to go sit down with him. And this lady with long brown hair in a ponytail started screaming that they cannot sit down and she's not ready for them. My husband said that the guy sat them and the tables available, but she went to their table and told him get up and get out. She said that she won't be ready for them for 15 minutes and for them to wait outside and put their name on the form outside. She was so rude and very loud, she created a huge scene. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The whole restaurant is staring at my husband and daughter and niece wondering what is happening.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] As they exited, he turned around to ask her a question and she slammed the door on his face. My husband is in food sales and has been doing this for 30 years and has never ever came across anybody in all his years as rude as this server. She is a nasty lady with no manners and should not be in the foodservice industry. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place until this lady is not involved with the restaurant. read more

This is my first time visiting Santa Cruz but I can definitely say it's not worth coming back. I went here to eat breakfast with my service dog and was questioned about his use and asked to disclose my personal medical information. I'm an RN so I know how this works and I also know that that is illegal. I've never been told I had to disclose information infront of other people I don't even know and the staff was completely rude about it. read more

Still just as amazing! Came on Monday morning at about 11am and there was no line , only had to wait about 3 minutes to be seated. Food is always so good here. The French toast was a new item we choose and we didn't like it as much. We got our usual and I love the salsa for my burrito! read more

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BSC just sat all 12 of us for brunch! The service staff were attentive and kept the coffee coming! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Old school Santa Cruz lunch spot![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super fun and a great location![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Awesome breakfast. The food was fresh, cooked perfectly, and hit the spot. Jen and Samantha were great -- friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. I'll definitely be back. read more

Beach Street Cafe - Rye toast baby! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I've been coming to this little place in Santa Cruz for years. Their breakfasts are just wonderful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small place and they are working with a minimal staff so it's important to be patient with respect to how many people they can seat at a time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's totally worth it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a great little neighborhood place with homey charm, reasonably priced, and the food is just delicious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Always. Get the eggs sardou! Anyway, they're really kind folks there - I enjoyed chatting with Jennifer and her service was great. Please show them some love because this is a real Santa Cruz treasure. read more

Beach Street Cafe - I enjoyed the Eggs Sardou. My partner had the crab Benedict. Both were superb! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Cute little spot right next to the boardwalk with friendly staff and yummy food. The crab Benedict was delicious! I will definitely go back again. read more

Overall the worst experience ever the customer service was horrendous and you had to order everything in one go so I went to go get my brother some tweezers because he got bit by a bee and I came back not being able to order anything because you had to order everything at the same time. so that was just great. But when my brother ordered his food he specifically asked the guy for some of the stuff on the side but when the food was served it was not on the side but anyways the server had the nerve to say "oh the chef is probably in a bad mood today and he just put it all together" so first of all you don't even say that to the customer and if you were even a good server you could help the chef out and do it yourself. So yes I do not recommend this cafe at ALL! Please do not waste your time at this place. and this place does not even deserve one star. read more

Came here with my family and left feeling very disappointed. The staff was friendly, but the cook came across as rude and unwelcoming, which really affected the experience. I especially felt bad for the wait staff, since it seemed like they were just following his directions. After our meal was served, we asked to order an extra side and were told no because the cook declined. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I wouldn't recommend coming here. The cook gave off some very strong soup nazi vibes.. read more

Do Not Eat Here!!! I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience at Beach Street Cafe was so disappointing that I feel compelled to warn others. From the moment we walked in, we were met with hostility rather than hospitality. The man who greeted us immediately barked at my children that they were not allowed to bring their drinks from outside into the restaurant and told them the drinks could be kept "in the back" for them. It felt unnecessarily rude and unwelcoming, especially toward kids. One member of our group has significant dietary restrictions and had brought food because the restaurant's menu offered absolutely nothing she could eat. We quickly learned that this was apparently a major issue. The restaurant refused to allow her to eat there and essentially forced her to leave. At that point, the rest of us stayed because everyone was hungry and we had already been seated. That turned out to be a mistake. The food was expensive, mediocre at best, and certainly not worth the price. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant itself felt small, dated, and far from inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Then came the check. Although our original party consisted of six people, one person had been forced to leave, and one of the 4 children didn't even eat. Leaving 4 eating customers. Despite this, the restaurant automatically added gratuity. We politely asked for it to be removed and were told no--it was "policy." To add for 5+. Even though only 4 people ate. After all of this, we asked for the owner's contact information so we could share our concerns. We were told they do not provide the owner's information, not even a name. The staff then informed us that the owner was old, didn't care much about the restaurant anymore, and that it would likely be sold soon. Whether true or not, that's a shocking thing for employees to tell customers. To make matters worse, when we paid, we were informed there would be an additional 3% fee for using our debit card. Yet another unpleasant surprise. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Between the rude service, lack of accommodation, overpriced food, automatic gratuity, payment surcharge, and overall unfriendly atmosphere, this was one of the most disappointing restaurant experiences I've ever had.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There are plenty of dining options in Santa Cruz. I would strongly encourage visitors and locals alike to choose one of them instead. Beach Street Cafe was, unfortunately, a terrible experience from start to finish. read more

Cute little beach cafe that just a short walk from the Marea Sol hotel that had good food and good service. I would go there again.

No good morning or hello, just yelled at to sign in by a waiter and waitress. Asked to see a menu and was told to just look at the one outside. Very rude, don't even open your doors to the public if you hate people. read more

Food was AMAZING! [[HIGHLIGHT]]a little cramped in there but very cozy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was great, my kid was grumpy and they got the food out FAST. Great treat on mothers day! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great little Lunch/Brunch place right across for the Santa Cruz boardwalk, about 10 tables with a Maxwell Parrish posters decor[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], friendly smiling waitress (Kaila) good food well prepared, prices commensurate with latest food price surge, i.e. Eggs Benedict, Cobb salad, Coffees, with tax & tips $75, to my thinking much better than the greasy fast food at the Boardwalk. read more

Great place to have family breakfast. Staffs from here is helpful, courteous and respectful. I enjoyed my family time here in the morning. Food was delicious. Thank you so much for providing an amazing service! read more

Beach Street Cafe - Lobby - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This is a great breakfast spot located across the street from the north end of the Board Walk. There is a sign-in board outside the door and the wait really depends on how quickly customers eat LOL The staff is very friendly and our waiter was knowledgeable of the menu. The place is pretty busy so if you like to linger after your meal this is not the place for you because there is a line to get in. My Son had the Salmon Scramble w/ sour cream & breakfast potatos & I had the French Toast Combo w/ bacon & egg. Both meals came out quickly and were delicious!!! I highly recommend, this is a perfect beach town breakfast cafe :) read more

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Great food and service , [[HIGHLIGHT]]really small place but they are super fast[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . [[HIGHLIGHT]]Usually really packed but line moves fast[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Beach Street Cafe - Combo $18 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Great food, had the combo breakfast meal and the bacon was great!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice view and friendly staff![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

TLDR: listen to the multiple reviews talking about the same issues. it's not worth it. we got to the restaurant and signed up on their list as it states on door sign. after 15 minutes, i opened the door to see how busy it was since we had not been acknowledged. i opened the door to MULTIPLE open tables (3 tables occupied in total) and walked back out to still wait. after another 5-10 minutes, they let us know we will be let in soon. once we're in, we order everything in 1 go and the staff took a very long time to even get us water for the table. by the time we received the drinks we ordered, the food had just came out. i've had this happen to me before at restaurants. it's irritating, but it's not the end of the world, and i was able to look passed it. the food was good, the chefs seems to be the only employees who care about the establishment. the servers seem angry at the world and are inconvenienced at the site of customers whether you follow the directions and sign up on the list or walk in expecting to be seated. the restaurant was not busy at all or i'd be able to understand. as we waited for the check, the servers walked right past us multiple times, started conversations between themselves (talking badly about each of the tables they are serving) and continued to ignore us. after about 10 minutes of having the card on the tab, i decided to walk up to the register and pay that way. they did not seem to like that and asked us to stand outside as if the business was sooo busy. we stood outside as they took the 2 minutes to ring us up and suddenly decided to start conversation with us as if we just had a great experience with them. that was actually the friendliest they were to us... seconds before mentioning that we can leave a tip on the top receipt. as i mentioned previously, i'm usually able to look passed things like this and i even saw MULTIPLE reviews stating a similar experience, but i was genuinely dumbfounded at how bad service at a restaurant could be. read more

Food, great. Service, terrible.. waitresses are rude. We openly heard them talking bad about customers as they left. This restaurant has 8 tables and they still manage to ignore you and take forever. My 2 year old nephew has better people skills than the people working there. Oh and don't forget to sign yourself in outside because they won't help you if you don't. I didn't know I was on the clock as a hostess! read more

Eggs Benedict is a must!! They include a muffin that was incredible. Staff were very friendly! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance is great right next to the beach!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Best to come in the morning for breakfast! read more

My first visit here; breakfast on Dec 26th, 2024. I'm traveling around California to visit friends and family. You can see and hear the ocean from this place. Friendly and accommodating staff; I'm here in off season so parking, is easy. Plenty nearby. Relaxed decor, nice menu choices. I went with a time honored favorite of Eggs Benedict. Side of roast potatoes and a muffin and orange slice. Glass of fresh squeezed orange juice to complete the meal. All of it was very tasty; eggs were poached just right. Prices are good; after all it's beach front! read more

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Great food and great people! The cafe is such an amazing quaint little local cafe, and the close location to the boardwalk provides a nice break from the greasy overpriced food that is in that area. I ordered the pesto chicken sandwich as a recommendation from our waiter, and it was so good! Not too greasy or dry, and it's incredibly flavorful. The pesto sauce was so good and would have definitely liked just a little bit more on each bite. The bread was fresh and perfectly soft and toasted, and the veggies inside the sandwich were fresh and crisp. The chicken was a little bit dry on its own, but when it was inside the sandwich you really couldn't tell. Finally the portion sizes were perfect. Not too big or too small. My friends ordered the inlets (breakfast is served all day) and the Ruben sandwich, and every bite was eaten on the plate. And the staff.... Where to begin! Every person in the restaurant was amazing! They provided great menu recommendations, and interesting facts about the decor of the cafe. They were always right there to check on us, and our water glasses never got below half empty. This is such a good place to stop at if you are at the boardwalk and want better quality food and pricing (as the restaurant is right across the street), or if your just in the area and looking for a good meal. read more

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The waitress was extremely loud and came across as obnoxious, which made the experience uncomfortable. It was fascinating behavior--but not in a good way. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Especially considering how expensive everything was, I expected a much more professional atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] She even rejected a DoorDash order and said it wasn't her problem, which felt pretty unprofessional. That said, the food was amazing and definitely the highlight of the visit. Chef Leo was a great guy and clearly knows what he's doing in the kitchen. Expected better from Beach Street Cafe! read more

Beach street cafe update your hours!!!! Yelp says u open at 8am and u have a sign that says opens at 8:30am! I stood outside at 7:45am thinking u will open at 8am! Not gonna wait another 30 mins til u open! Update your real hours on yelp. I saw workers inside just standing around. U could have at least let us know u open at 8:30am!! Lost my business! read more

Beach Street Cafe - Time they actually open. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Tried to come in for breakfast today. No one in the restaurant, we were the first table. The waitress was unfriendly, so we decided it was best to go somewhere else. read more

Small cafe located right across the boardwalk, but had a decent seating area. Wasn't really busy on a Friday afternoon with many tables open. If you can bring *cash* since a 3% charge is applied to credit cards Pancakes were light and fluffy, but the stack is deceiving eating it at once. The chorizo breakfast burrito was pretty big and filling. The salsa was thinly diced and paired well with it. Was a tasty burrito but more minimal fillings with just eggs, potato, cheese and chorizo and a bit on the pricier side at $16. Most dishes seemed to be priced more given its location. read more

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We decided to check this place out after a 5k run not too far from the boardwalk. It was in such a convenient location near the ocean. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor was so adorable inside especially since I love antiques so much.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was amazing I felt really well taken care of the whole time. The food was delicious and full of flavor as well. And let me tell you they definitely arn't stingy with the food portions!! I'd definitely recommend trying this place out if you are in the area! read more

Beach Street Cafe - Omlete - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This a cute little place right across from the beach.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great service & good food. Price not too bad (65$ for 2). Definitely recommend and will come back again read more

Beach Street Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

For starters, the waitress had an attitude not sure why she sat the 4 us at the smallest table. Ordered simple meals that were bland and not Tasty. We went there only because it was one of the only restaurants that was open. We should've walked a little bit further to the Mexican restaurant a block and a half away. Breakfast potatoes were over cooked eggs were overcooked muffin lacking everything overpriced and no presentation when served. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you want to be disappointed read more

Food was good, it was kinda tight in there. The customer service was ok but the employees all looked like they came back from a smoke break. Tired and not too happy to be there. The best part is that it's literally across the street from the boardwalk. Very old timey feel inside. read more

Beach Street Cafe - Breakfast burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Man we wanted this place to be good. Looks super local, but... First off, they make you wait outside to be seated, even if the place is empty. Also. $5 for a can of soda, really? $5 for a split plate charge.20% surcharge for party's 5+, and 3% for card. There were 5 of us, my wife didn't order food, yet, we still got charged for having 5 people. 3 "pesto" chicken sandwiches - mostly mayo, and an overcooked burger was $120! The burger looked like to was made from frozen. They charge basically for everything. Servers were all over us under we ordered, then showed up once to ask if we wanted another $5 can of soda, and drop off the bill. read more

Very disappointing. Didn't even stay and eat. Have been there before in the past quite a while ago, thought the food was great. This time I was questioned and made to feel very unwelcome about my service animal. I'm fully aware they were just doing their job to question me but they made us feel very unwelcome. I also had a open container energy drink and they requested me to not bring that in which I also understand but they could have been a little more welcoming, had a better tone in their voice and possibly a smile on their face. read more

Never the type to leave reviews but this place exceeded expectations. The bacon was thick, we loved the coffee, and the food was overall exactly what we wanted. (Not pictured because we dug in before thinking to snap a photo). Service was quick and our server stayed on top of refills. The atmosphere was also very cozy, with plenty of paintings and a shelf of books on the way to the restrooms. We fully plan on returning whenever in the area. read more

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The food was amazing. I got an avocado sandwhich and my boyfriend a bacon and cheese omelet. Each delicious. Price is ok. A little pricey but not terrible. The waitress looked as though she wasn't happy about being at work but still polite. Fast service. read more

this place was good! the hostess was nice. i felt bad she had to run the whole place but she did a good job. the pancakes where really good plenty of butter with delicious syrup. [[HIGHLIGHT]]also right across from the boardwalk! and you can see the ocean, very pretty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]it was cozy inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] i don't know if id come back, but it was a nice experience. read more

Beach Street Cafe - short stack pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Shared a benedict with my boyfriend (pictured), it was delicious! Young server with the vest kept trying to take my plate when I was obviously not finished, but other than that the service was lovely. $3 beers on weekends, come get some! read more

Beach Street Cafe - The aftermath. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Cruz, California