It's a pub, so you probably wouldn't expect anything special from the food, and you would expect loud, very loud tables of boisterous men who the staff let yell and be generally troublesome - so, that's what you get. What you don't expect is poorly washed glasses that leave a decidedly chemical-floral taste in your mouth glass after glass. Yuck. I thought a fluke, but then it happened the next time I visited. The staff busts butt to give good service. If you dig sports t.v., you'll have lots of screens to look at - if you don't, it is very distracting. I've had the fish and chips (overcooked, greasy) and the 'BBC' (Bangers, Beans, and Chips - little taste and the sausage was textureless oddness) The price is right for a beachside establishment, but I think I'll go elsewhere from here out. read more

Overpriced, lousy service, mediocre food. Calamari, mussels, fish & chips, 2 glasses of juice: $60 At one point, a waiter walked out on the patio and called out: "Anyone want anything?" Then turned around and went back inside. Our order came after 25 minutes. Fish & chips: fish seemed ok, but hot fish came with cold rubber chips. Left an awful taste. Go somewhere else! read more

Friendly staff, food taste really good . Vegetarian options nice outdoor seating with beachfront .

We ran up quite the tab at this place. My group of degenerate friends and I who only meet up once or twice a year (we all live in different cities) so it's a rare and treasured occurrence. We decided to drive up from SJ to hang out there for the weekend. Found this place and immediately was drawn to the divey & pub vibe. So its 7 of us, all admittedly heavy drinkers. Now I'm not stretching the truth here, we are all respectful, courteous, and friendly. We honestly have no idea why our waitress was so unfriendly to us. Very blunt, short tempered (you can tell by my tone and facial expressions), and standoffish. At one point our friend Jill asked about food and menus and was pretty much blown off so we went to the bar to peruse the menu. We really didn't know what her problem with us was. We had a 350 dollar tab at the end of the night so it sucked that she did not appreciate our patronage. read more

I'd give 4-5 stars for friendly staff, fun and casual Capitola ambiance, and generous pours. The issue I had was with the karaoke, which is the reason my friends and I go here to begin with. Recently we went in for a birthday celebration, and every song we put in took forever to come up. Not because the bar was crowded and a lot of people were signing up, but because the woman running the karaoke kept singing songs. Then towards the end of the night, we tried to put in one more song before closing and were told there wasn't enough time, and then the karaoke woman performed three more times! I completely understand getting up there and singing when you have that job. Obviously anyone who works there has got to love karaoke, and props to her for getting in on the fun. ... But turning paying customers away--or making them wait a ridiculously long time--in order to have a concert of your own, is frustrating. I'll return--we do love it here--but I'll also be looking for other places to karaoke. read more

We used to live in Capitola and went to the Brit frequently. It was never great but it was hardly ever bad. We moved up to the mountains just over 3 years ago and made it back last Saturday night for the first time in a while. It was TERRIBLE! The DJ was awful, the karaoke was even worse, the place was full of idiots, and the staff were almost all jerks (except the bouncer, who was new, and agreed the place sucked). The food is 3rd rate, the service is worse. We will never go back, and suggest you avoid this slum as well. This place takes 'dive' to a whole new low. read more

Britannia is one of my favorite places in Capitola Village. It's just a really nice place to chill and get drinks and food, especially appetizers. Their margaritas are the only drink I've gotten, but are very strong and delicious. When it comes to food, they have really good beef or chicken nachos on their appetizers list. I always want to get them. They also have a huge platter on the appetizers with all these different kinds of food, which is really good. It should be split between four people. They have plenty of indoor seating but also a really nice patio for when the weather is nice. The service can sometimes be a little slow, but overall I've had very good experiences! read more

The calamari was great! My 2 & 3!year old enjoy it as well. That is our go to dish.ya

This is a sports bar, not actually a pub. The Crown & Anchor in Monterey is a pub. Servers/bartenders here never tell you when they're doing last call, nor do they post regular kitchen hours - it's a crapshoot as to if they'll be serving food, drinks, or both. Food is iffy and overpriced. Basically only the place to go if you're nearby and absolutely craving a pint. read more

My lady and I were on a quick getaway to Capitola and was making our way through the strip, having drinks along the different places. When we got here, the atmosphere was nice , lively and we were seated right away. We wanted to switch it up a bit and have a little grub so we both ordered a Black and Tan and split the 2 piece fish and chips. Now for $17 your hoping that it's the best fish and chips in the world, and I must say, it was incredible. The two pieces were huge, the batter was cooked to perfection and even the chips were cooked well. The homemade tarter sauce and vinegar was a perfect addition. Overall, leaving the place happy and satisfied with our visit, would def come back. read more

Britannia Arms - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

Love this pub! Right on the edge of the water. My husband and I were spending the weekend in Santa Cruz and came here twice. Once on Friday night - awesome karaoke night and again on Saturday morning to enjoy the ocean views good food and friendly service. The owner Andy and his wife are so sweet. I will definitely be back! read more

Cool spot. I like it. Cool cool cool. I am a mom it's a cool spot to hang and let loose

Stopped here on a whim. Great view, excellent service. Not a drop of Guinness is wasted. Ordered the nachos witch chicken and was not disappointed. read more

Britannia Arms - Chicken nachos - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

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What a prime location for a pub. Right off the beach! After a long day in the sun and water we just wanted to go somewhere to grab a quick bite and watch the game and this place was perfect! Amazing atmosphere, everyone was super laid back and really into the baseball game. Our server was super attentive but not rushing us at all even after we were done eating. I ordered the ahi tartare which was really good, the only downside was there's bell peppers mixed in and the flavors didn't mesh well so I picked them out (minus on star) read more

Always great service. Enjoyed being there on the patio while the kids play on the beach before we ate awesome burgers and I enjoy an adult beverage!!! read more

Britannia Arms - Before enjoying an amazing burger at the Brit, at the beach and my daughter challenged her Uncle Leo to #22day #22pushup So proud of her!!! - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

Came here on our first night in town and enjoyed the live music around the corner on a Wednesday night. Location is prime! food is eh. Had a bunch of food for our party, including the bacon wrapped prawns (which were the best item of the night) mussels which were over cooked but served in a delicious scampi sauce, potato skins which were burnt and dry, and I had the ribeye with baked potato for dinner. the ribeye was overcooked and grisly. Service was fast and friendly which is the reason I'm giving them 3 stars! read more

Had their "signature" fish and chips last week. unfortunately it was just ok. The batter was like rock and it was pretty bland tasting. Service was great and the food came out quickly. They have "old speckled hen" on tap which in my opinion was a little too chilled. read more

Not too busy (patio full), sat inside for about 5mins before becoming impatient and flagging-down a server. Ordered iced tea ($4.5) and a 1-pc fish and chips ($13), which they kindly subbed slaw for chips. Food came in a reasonable time. Slaw was fresh, good dressing. Fish was a 2" x 8" filet and exquisitely fresh---but the batter encasing it was unseasoned and far too greasy to consume. Overall, it was an "acceptable" $10 meal that actually cost $17.50. That said, servers were friendly and the place was clean. Folks on the patio have a beach-side view. Inside, plenty of TVs to watch sports and a full bar with friendly patrons. read more

Great location, good atmosphere, decent food. High prices though but it is a tourist town. NOT an English pub but rather more of an American sports bar. Typical, run of the mill beers on tap. Stella, IPA, Guiness, etc. Everything else is in a can or bottle. Newcastle, Boddingtons, etc. Supposedly they are getting more taps soon. U20 World Cup Final and at least 2 MLS games were available but they had the pre-season 49ers v Raiders game on and then let it go to some sitcom after until I finally reminded them to change the channel. I'll probably go back for the view, but I was disappointed for the most part. For my regular fix, I'll go to the Aptos Brit. read more

I ordered the Castroville Omelet, while my wife selected the Fish & Chips. The omelet was sufficiently edible, but the fish in Fish & Chips were absolutely tasteless. I ended up eating a large portion of it, as my wife really disliked it. The Fish & Chips portion was enormous - but I would have preferred a smaller, but higher quality portion instead. For a British Pub, the Fish & Chips is a staple that must be well prepared. This was a huge disappointment. read more

The sign states "Please come in and order drinks at bar". We walk in and greet the bartender. He looked at us and seemed irritated and didn't even greet us. He said "please go outside and order your drinks!" A couple "white customers where inside having some drinks. Seems like we didn't have the "white privilege" pass. I sensed rejection. I had a good day at this beach and this turd ruined the day. read more

Been here a few times. It's okay. I recommend it to friends traveling over the mountain for dinner as an after-spot stop. It's VERY close to the beach in fact, taking off your shoes and walking the shoreline fora few minutes before entering the pub should be mandatory. Which I do. Every. Single. Time. And I use the word 'pub' very loosely. There's nothing pub-ish about this place. They don't serve beer in mugs, you cannot tell the wait staff from the guests, I didn't see any darts happening and there's karaoke, on the dance floor. So, no one can dance, cause people are trying to sing, to like, Eminem, and Kid Rock... NKOTB . .... ho hum. I think next time I know I'm going here with friends, we'll drink a bit more at dinner. $7.00 for a small luke-warm Stella served in a pint glass (shivers), so not worth it. And although I really don't want to make this a big deal, they reeeeaalllly shouldn't let smokers sit so close to the non-smokers. I dunno. It just makes the place seem a bit less classy. Other than that: They play the music loud + It's open and airy + It's so not a dive with creeps hitting on you constantly + A lot of cute, fun locals walk by, tipsy. A Lot. And it's cute + They're open later than any place else is, so it's this or.. go home + I really want to give this place 3-Stars buuuut, my dear friend knows the bouncer so, I don't want it getting back to any one I was a b*tch, especially to anyone in the close proximity of the person who pours my beers. THAT would be bad! read more

Do not order the chicken pie, I mean it was a TERRIBLE blob of gooey dough on top of 1/2 cup of what appeared to be frozen veggies and a few small pieces of meat and two slices of mushrooms. The crust should have been flaky. Nope, when you microwave bread products they become hard to cut through, tough and one big glob. I stuck my fork in it and lifted the whole top off in one piece which is what allowed me to see the 1/2 cup of ingredients below. I mentioned to the waitress as I sent it back that they should really consider removing this item from the menu. It could NOT get any worse. We will not return for another 18.00 chicken pie. read more

Fun to visit Capitola and the beach. I wanted fish and chips. I ordered two pieces and only got one and had to ask for the second again. It was okay, but not phenomenal. Nice lemonade refills. read more

So, I love the location of this place. I sat outside, they had live music, it was great. They have a pretty great menu. I did think it was a bit pricey, though. I got the tuna tar tar app, and it was THE MOST DELICIOUS app ever. I also got two beers. After tip my bill was $40. They food was good, but I dont feel like it was $40 good. Would I go back, YES! The staff was friendly, the scenery was beautiful, overall I had a great dinner. A lady has to wine and dine herself every now & then, right?!!! read more

Britannia Arms - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

Absolutely love this place! The atmosphere and service is great here. My sister and I have been here a few times, and each time we got Tess as our server. Tess always takes great care of us and constantly checks in on her customers to make sure they are happy. Looking forward to the next trip here! read more

Britannia Arms - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

I went there with my wife on a Friday night around 6pm. The place was mostly full. Jackie was our waitress and did a good job of keeping my beer glass full. The food we tried was typical British food, it was alright. Ironically, there was French couple sitting next to us that seemed to be enjoying their meal too. French couple in the Brit? Isn't that some sort of oxymoron? Overall, I think it's worthy of 4 stars. read more

Britannia Arms in Capitola Village is the place to hear Irish music, eat classic pub fare, and drink a cool mug of stout to toast St. Paddy's Pride - no matter your age! read more

Britannia Arms - GREAT service, even on the busiest night of the year! - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

This review is for the karaoke on Saturday nights. Pros + Really fun, welcoming crowd that seemed to be a mixture of locals and out-of-towners + Get there early and they'll give you extra sheets to put in your song requests + As the evening progresses, they clear away tables so there's more space for dancing Cons - Room setup is not ideal because the screen with the lyrics is facing the same direction as all the patrons, so you have to turn your back to everyone if you don't know the song by heart - They charge $3 for each soda water, which seems a bit steep, especially since my group spent more than $100 on other drinks read more

Place is fun for drinks, atmosphere but food is awful! Chicken tenders tasted frozen and old. Clam chowder was so clammy and fishy tasting was hard to eat. The pasta tasted almost spicy bc of how much garlic or pepper it had in it, let alone the chicken was hard as a rock !! If your going to charge so much better make it good food. read more

This is an outstanding pub/restaurant, the perfect location with ocean views...the ideal place to enjoy a pint of beer and just relax. The atmosphere is laid back and casual. Nice selection of beer and the food is typical of a pub...not too bad. Finally, the owner, Andy, is respectable and friendly, as are the wait staff. Highly recommended. read more

It is a pub/sports bar so set your expections accordingly. Just because it is beachfront does not mean it is anything more. I took the family here for dinner last week and we were able to get seated fairly quickly. Our server was really nice and she was on the ball. We got seated next to some locals who chatted with us most the time. It is weird to me how almost all the locals are so nice in Capitola. Not like San Jose at all. Food was mediocre at best. I had a steak and it was overdone and not all that tasty. The side veggies had to be frozen and nuked. My wife had the fish & chips which were ok. Not the best, not the worst. What is great is they have a really good Pinot Noir for like $30 a bottle. That is a heck of a deal at any restaurant, let alone one that has the location they do. I would go back just to sit on the patio and drink that wine. read more

I've never had Shepard pie and I was totally won over by it! Came with a side of veggies and the mash potatoes acted as the pies crust. Sooo good! The boyfriend had the traditional fish and chips and boy that fish was huge! Incredibly tender with a light airy crisp! It had a nice pun touch to it. Had the futbol game playing and I peeped the owner having a small lunch with his daughters. Made me enjoy my meal even more knowing it was family owned. Nice touch. read more

Britannia Arms - Fish and chips // Shepard's pie with veggies - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

CRAZY waiter but other than that it was a charm. The upgraded location and beach front outdoor seating have made this restaurant a much more desirable place to grab a bite to eat. Great quality pub food with an authentic array of options. They also have a great bar area for the evening as well as sitting and having a drink while watching the game. read more

Always Great! Dine in- or- pick up- Food is always fantastic! Wonderful Irish fare- with both great tasting and large portions. Pub atmosphere is warn and welcoming. Good for Sports (All Sports!) Go visit- go often- it's always consistent and welcoming. I have never been disappointed- and I am a local resident! Andy (Owner) and Irene (Waitress) are good people! I have been a regular customer since Andy took over restaurant many years ago! All 5 of my family members agree, that Britannia Arms of Capitola is one of our family favorites. Mark & Linda Davidson read more

Little pricey but good selection of beers on tap and full bar. The shepard's pie was really good too! The bloody mary was just okay, could have been better. read more

Britannia Arms - Shepards pie w fresh veggies! Very delish! - Pubs Near Me - Capitola, California

Irene is the only reason this got 3 stars! To start, they no longer offer bottomless mimosas. the waitress took our appetizer order (good thing we weren't extremely hungry) and left with the menus before we were even able to request lunch. 45 minutes and two empty glasses later, we got our appetizer. however, our lunch order still was not asked for. After flagging the hungover waitress down (she told us she drank too much the night before) we placed a simple lunch order. TWENTY minutes later, she came back to ask for the lunch order. She forgot. At this point Irene took over and she is WONDERFUL. food was delicious and Irene really went out of her way to make our lunch better read more

We enjoyed Britannia Arms, cool energy with good service and a decent food selection. They were swamped when we were there, the staff was attentive and spot on. We went with our go to garlic fries. They were above average fries with a good amount of garlic. They have a good tap selection. With good local brews. It is one of the more enjoyable spots we've been to in the village. The outdoor seating isn't right next to the beach but it was still very very nice to sit outside with the ocean breeze. We will be back for sure. read more

Best breakfast I can remember having in a very long time. My sister and I walked the dogs down to the Capitola Village and sat outside at the Britannia Arms, Capitola. Irene, a true gem, was our server. We both got the Traditional English breakfast. Everything was superb! Highly recommended (highly recommend the Bloody Mary's too!!). Compliments to the team! read more

Came to this bar for my (21st birthday and this rude waitress kept messing up my orders and mocking the fact that it was my birthday like I was a princess and asking for too much. I just wanted what I ordered. read more