This is the second time I was at this location. The food is really good and the portions are large, ok, very large Fresh salads, innovative preparation of food, I am very impressed with this location. It's a locals spot, I believe owned by farmers. I highly recommend!! Service was very good!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance was good, more local vibe which actually was inviting!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Yesterday evening, my boyfriend and I stopped by California bar and grill for the first time ever, we will definitely be back in the future. The restaurant was empty when we arrived, the host seated us immediately (but had an attitude when I greeted her). [[HIGHLIGHT]]The establishment is large, with plenty of booths and seating available.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were quickly greeted by a kind young man who took our drink orders and gave us a basket of complimentary bread with whipped butter and minced garlic!!! (As someone who LIVES for garlic, I would come back purely for this) What we ordered : Blueberry mule 8/10 - light, refreshing, but didn't really taste like blueberry Classic Margarita 10/10 - my boyfriend said it was one of the best margaritas he's ever had Sweet potato fries 10/10 - crispy, crunchy & great portion sizes!! Spicy spaghetti with chicken 10/10 - great flavor, evenly balanced Fettuccine Alfredo 9/10 - classic, well done Both pastas were served with a side of soup or salad. My boyfriend and I both picked the soup which was a delicious chicken minestrone. Pricing is reasonable, my bill came out of $116 excluding tip, but keep in mind the portion sizes are pretty big and dishes could easily be shared. What really stood out to me though was our server; a beautiful young woman named Katalina, she was an absolute GEM from start to finish!! With a warm welcoming smile she made my boyfriend and I feel so comfortable and really made our experience enjoyable!! She was extremely helpful, grabbing us whatever we needed and stayed attentive. When we come back, we will be requesting to have Katalina as our server & I recommend everyone else do the same!! read more

When in town, we stop in to sit at the bar & eat delicious meals, while catching up & sipping on wine. Staff is super friendly and attentive. A somewhat hidden location with plenty of parking. I've enjoyed a breakfast, many lunches and a dinner and not once been disappointed. I overheard many menu items are made with locally sourced ingredients.. I really do enjoy this place! read more

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Great food with large portions.Price is great and the place is not that expensive. Service is fast, read more

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The food quality is excellent. They have the best salads in town. Great produce and large portions. We ordered the fettuccine and lemon chicken and absolutely loved it. Servers and staff are excellent. It gets busy so make a reservation when possible. I didn't think this place was that great before but not I love it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is neat, with local ag pics as the decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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The food was pretty good and the proportions were generous, but it wasn't Good enough for me to be $200. There was six people and got just a side of fries. I would have understood $120-140 but $200 is outrageous. The service was good and the booths and tables were cute. I will probably not be going back here because of the prices. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]When you first walk in receptionist is very friendly and the restaurant is clean and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food portions are HUGE and food is delicious! Our waitress Jazmin was very nice and attentive. Chinese chicken salad is enormous ,We had to split it. The burgers were bomb. Highly recommend!! Thank you Jazmin read more

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FIVE ***** stars: the food! It is easy to find gourmet healthy, organic, local food here at very fair prices. It feels like a very expensive restaurant located a burger and fries kind of place. Some people might like its lack of pretense, I guess. The food was expertly prepared and rivals any of the most expensive restaurants in Santa Cruz or Monterey county. [[HIGHLIGHT]]THREE *** stars: The ambience of the bar is a little strange and quite basic in terms of aesthetics, furniture, lighting, and decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The location is upstairs in an office space building.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was a little spotty, but friendly. read more

California Grill and Bar - delicious fresh halibut with nut crust and mango salsa with veggies - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

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The service was VERY friendly but a bit slow to what I'm used to. The food took a while which was ok, but I was a bit disappointed by my garlic prawn scampi. I wasn't a big fan of the scampi which might just be I don't like scampi. I just felt like the flavor was missing and my pasta was more like a soup. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing but I really liked our server. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience was very good, very decorated to match the location.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wouldn't go back but I was a good experience. read more

I rarely rate 5 stars-must here because it's deserved. My wife and I were visiting from Los Angeles, and we came here based upon a recommendation from the hotel where we were staying. The food and service were excellent. Service: a big shout-out to Jasmin who was a terrific server. Food: the Friday specials included prime rib and clam chowder. The meat was perfectly cooked, and the portion so generous Christina and I shared it and still had left-overs. And the au gratin potatoes-incredible. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The prices were reasonable, and the ambience relaxed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] And [[HIGHLIGHT]]I could see it is quite family-friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Congrats to CA Grill for providing such a wonderful dining experience read more

Such a hidden gem in watsonville. My boyfriend made reservations here for valentine's day and not only was the food amazing but the service was great!! We felt welcomed and happy to be helped by the server and every plate we tried was delicious. We want to make this a date night spot now! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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All things considered, I'd call this place "alright" pretty much across the board. The food was good, service was fine, and the ambiance adequate. Somehow I left feeling still disappointed. Starting with best part of my visit; the fries. Those were cooked to perfection. The service itself was a bit lackluster. No greeting when walking in, and very little opportunity to interact with the staff in case you should need anything. When my group and I arrived, we sat ourselves in the dining area because there was no one around. The sever eventually arrived and asked "What can I get ya?" She quickly took our orders and asked "Will that be all?" Before collecting our menus and walking away. Someone else delivered the side salads to the table as well as the entrees later on. The food itself was good but it leans on the greasier side. There are plenty of salad options which I do appreciate and I ended up ordering the Beets and Greens salad myself. There's a good amount of artichoke hearts and pecans on the salad but the beets themselves were underwhelming, both in quantity and quality. When you order a "Beet" salad, you expect them to be the star of the show. Unfortunately, they were cooked into oblivion where they became mushy and flavorless. They could have likely come from a can. I wouldn't order it again. The location itself is strange/quirky. The restaurant is located on the second floor of a building that hosts other businesses. It feels like a doctor's office when you walk in and someone told me that this used to be a planned parenthood, which explains why it feels like a medical practice downstairs. In order to find the restaurant, you need to follow a number of signs directing you which way to turn and which stairs or elevator to take. Eventually, you'll find the place. I'm not sure I'd return personally because there are so many other great restaurants in the area, I feel that this establishment doesn't stand out enough. In fact, they fall into the back of the pack. If you want a large quantity of food, this place certainly has that going for them. You'll likely be taking some leftovers home. read more

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I never have had a bad meal at California Grill. The cooks know what they're doing in the back of the house. Who ever handles the hiring of the waitstaff ....fantastic Job! Everyone is so friendly, helpful and most importantly they service us all with kindness. I truly have enjoy the special moments in my life, spent celebrating them in your establishments I apologized for not taking the time to do a review sooner. read more

California Grill and Bar - Sister lunch at the grill. We feel like we're in the Las Vegas, So we've name the elevator "The Bellagio." - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

We were fast to be seated and our food came out fast and delicious especially on a saturday night. The portions were huge.

My family and I enjoy the artichoke bisque soup, they serve on Wednesdays. It's absolutely delicious!

Had a wonderful dinner of fresh everything!! My friend and I shared swordfish and the greens and beets salad!! Huge portions and delicious. Service was wonderful and we felt very appreciated that we were there. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The tables are spaced so you can have a nice quiet conversation.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Very disappointing experience at California Grill in Watsonville. We walked in at 5:40 pm and were told the wait would be about 30 minutes. At 6:30 pm, they told us they were clearing our table and would seat us in 2 minutes. Then, several minutes later, a group the same size as ours walked in with a reservation and was immediately seated. About 10 minutes after that, we asked again about our table and were told, "Sorry, a reservation walked in." That makes no sense. If reservations were going to affect seating, that should have been factored in before giving us repeated wait estimates that clearly were not accurate. Instead of being honest and upfront, they kept stringing us along. When we asked again how much longer it would be, they tried to push us into bar seating, which we did not want, and then told us it would be at least another 15 minutes. At that point, after waiting nearly an hour with multiple misleading updates, we were so frustrated that we left. What makes this even worse is that this is a restaurant we have gone to fairly often. After this experience, we probably will not be returning. Poor communication, poor handling of the wait list, and no real concern for customers' time. read more

It's been awhile since I have eaten there it was my Mom's favorite & I always enjoyed it Salads are awesome beef tip pasta was my favorite but everything was delicious read more

Great food and service. Sat at the bar, and the bar tender was attentive and gave recommendations. The bomb burger was good, and filling. It hit the spot! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance was good, chill local spot that has its regulars.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They know their customers by name and have great rapport with them. Will come back if ever I'm in town again. read more

the food is always good. today i had the vegetables instead of fries and I was not disappointed. the vegetables were so delicious. Our server was colorful, professional and super friendly. thank you! read more

California Grill and Bar - club sandwich with vegetables. - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

Aside from the service taking a really long time the food was really good. If you have never been here it's a little confusing to find the place cause it's in a building and you need to take the elevator or stairs. It was kinda busy but we kept having to ask for waters, bread and some of our food was missing/forgotten about (salads, drinks, appetizers). Some of which we just cancelled. We came here after my grandpas funeral so everyone got to chit chat and not think too much of the service. We got the artichoke appetizers (fried and regular). Both were really good. I got the burger and it was really good, I enjoyed it but couldn't finish it. The portions were huge! I would come again but hope the service was more attentive. read more

Best bang for your buck = 5 stars. The bomb burger was good. I was bracing myself and I made it count. I have eaten here before for breakfast and today was my first time eating dinner here. I made reservations and surprisingly there were a few time slots available on a Friday night. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I think it's a good idea to do this because upon arrival the place was packed![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were seated immediately for our table even though we had reservations, I had a great time after seating that I'm giving them 5 stars. Once we sat down our waitress took our order immediately and the food started coming out and before you know it, you're eating right away. Their service is really fast, everything comes out family style, and if you want refills they are on top of it. I enjoyed my burger and I would definitely come back here for dinner - thank you California Grill and Bar. read more

California Grill and Bar - The Bomb Burger with Sweet Potato Fries - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

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Excellent high class staff. Food is fresh and scrumptious. This is a perfect restaurant. read more

California Grill and Bar - Shrimp scampi - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

This is a terrific restaurant: homemade soups three times a week, amazing clam chowder chock full of clams, artichoke bisque with fresh artichokes in the silkiest bisque for two of the soups we've tried. We split a large, melty, delicious Reuben sandwich and a huge pile of the best hot, salty, crispy french fries we've had anywhere in Santa Cruz. The salads are huge and easy to share. But it's the service. The service at this restaurant is unbelievably amazing, old-school, fast, friendly and so professional. The joyful, authentic, personable, and beautiful waitresses make it their business to make each table feel special and like they are the only patrons in the place - even when it's packed. They love what they do and they're the best at it! Other restaurants could send their waitstaff here to see how it's done!!! They have a full support staff that make sure you're seated promptly, your water is full, and you have whatever you need. Just a wonderful experience all around, honestly. As going out to for a great meal or a celebration should be! read more

California Grill and Bar - Tinkerbell, waitress extraordinaire at California Grill! - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Many selections of different foods on their menu. The salad is unbelievably fresh and delicious. I had the grilled swordfish with avocado salsa, fresh vegetables and wonderful potatoes au gratin. I give it 10. The Pajaro Pie desert was delicious. Oreo cookie crust, mile high vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel drizzle, whip cream with crunchy nuts. The wait staff is very attentive and polite. This restaurant was formerly Green Vally Grill and it had amazing food. I can't wait to return. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This gem is not at all hard to find -- good street presence and signage.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]You enter the building lobby from the parking lot on the second floor and the restaurant is the next level up.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] ([[HIGHLIGHT]]Restrooms are on the top level.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]) Breakfast portions are very large and priced affordably! Three eggs are standard! Many of the combos are "as written" with no substitutions -- very sensible policy. Also to note: no split checks. Again: sensible. Lots of what's on offer is locally sourced. The chorizo is really chorizo, not gringo spiced sausage. So good! And the country potatoes are crispy caramelized amazingness. Look for TinkerBell aka Sharon Ann. Truly a customer service expert. See y'all next time we travel up. read more

Every bite from first to last, was absolutely divine. We started off with the calamiri strips (our server recommended them over the rings and tentacles). Perfectly fried, crisp and hot. The cocktail sauce is house made with an excellent kick of horseradish. Next was the clam chowder - piping hot and fresh. Not too fishy or sandy tasting. Great balance of clams, potatoes, and celery. Our side salads were huge and had two sweet and delicious pieces of heirloom beets. The dressings were great too. For dinner we had the halibut with pilaf and veggies. The fish was delicate and cooked perfectly with a dollop of tasty guacamole on top. Husband had the chicken fried steak and cheesy potatoes. He said the steak was one of the best he's had. The veggies on both plates were superb. The bread with butter, chopped garlic, and olive oil and balsamic was also fabulous. 10/10 recommend read more

California Grill and Bar - Halibut with pilaf and fresh vegetables. Topped with fresh guacamole and sitting on a creamy lemon butter sauce. - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

I've always liked this restaurant; the food and the service are always great. The waiter on this particular evening was outstanding, personable and communicated my preferences exceptionally: Ernie. I had the salmon plate and requested it extra moist and it came back perfect! It literally melted in my mouth. I had other requests and Ernie nailed it! He checked back often and was just all around an outstanding server. Thanks Ernie! My friends & I will come and specifically ask for you! Oh yea, and to the manager: please get the capacino back. That was a real treat when you made that available. read more

When we arrived we were amazed that this restaurant was located in the upstairs of a commercial building with access via elevator or stairs. Our waitress Tinkerbell was extremely courteous and colorful sporting a lot of bling and looking very artsy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor had a pub like feel to it with dark wood booths and tables.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu choices were very varied and healthy, and we discovered all the food was sourced from organic local farms and the restaurant was actually owned by a farming company. My hubby had the salmon dinner and I had the fried artichokes and the flavors were exquisite! The beer was local and organic. We marked this in our notes for a place to definitely come back to in the future. Highly recommend. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]entering a very tasteful dream where everything smells like rosemary and butter.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]Service was polished but friendly. Our server was attentive, made great recommendations,Drinks were spot-on too, cocktail that somehow wasn't too floral and enjoyable taste, and the wine list had plenty choices.Yes, it was pricey -- it's definitely a "treat yourself" kind of night. But for the food, the atmosphere, and the whole experience, it felt totally worth it. read more

We had a nice time at dinner here. The staff were super friendly, and I loved the tucked away booth we had. The food itself didn't blow me away, but was perfectly solid. The minestrone soup was quite good! The vibe of this place feels like there are many locals who are regulars there, positive experience as a whole! read more

Such a great restaurant tucked away in an unexpected location. Our food was so good! Loved the Friday night clam chowder and highly recommend the beef tips with fettuccine. Chefs kiss. read more

Love it Salmon plate services good [[HIGHLIGHT]]area restarts recommend 100% peaceful nights[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] good food service

Well, where do I start... First off all; it's been many, many, moons since my last visit. Food was hearty, filling breakfast especially during this cold weather season. Service was very attentive and pleasant. I ordered the avocado turkey eggs Benedict definitely was worth the trip here...very dense and two is more than enough. I must say if you're going to skip anything skip the drinks, the coffee is very plain and anything with milk added lost its flavor. Overall; despite that one minor flaw, I would still comeback here for breakfast. I just won't order anything to drink next time - thank you! read more

California Grill and Bar - Turkey avocado eggs Benedict - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

I absolutely love California Grill. Great service, amazing food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance is not great with views and such but you quickly get over that with the food and service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My favorite is the beef tip fettuccine! read more

California Grill and Bar - Beef tip fettuccine, this one was to go. - American Near Me - Watsonville, California

I want to love this place because it's nearby and I like how the menu options sound. But the dinner I received tonight was awful. It was supposed to be shrimp scampi but it was good prawns on top of soggy noodles in an absolute pool of water. No flavor at all. We had to cover it in salt to get any flavor. It was pretty gross. I drained a bowl of liquid out of the bowl to try to save the pasta but it was lost. At least the prawns were okay. $32 for that hardly edible meal. Very disappointed. Also, our waiter grabbed our glasses by the rims with his hands while serving, which is not hygienic. He was nice but I'm not sure I'll go back. read more

I'm sure everyone will mention this but WOW, we were told that the exterior is like a dentist office--it is true. Until the moment you step into the restaurant, it feels like someone might pull a molar! But then the restaurant inside is perfectly homey. The bar, spacious and clean and with nice big windows. Great service and the buffalo Chicken salad I had was delightful and spicy! read more

Had a wonderful lunch at California Grill. The food and service were amazing and the steak salad is the best I've had in Watsonville so far.

Disappointed! We have always enjoyed our meals at Ca Grill but today we both ordered our salads with romaine instead of the standard leafy greens they come with. That was a mistake! Something was wrong with the lettuce.. Big bummer when it's 28.00 and that is your dinner.. The lettuce was tough is the best way to describe it! Service and wine were good but we both brought our salads home for our goats :/ read more

OMG we had the absolutely most delicious lunch here! I had the polenta eggplant lasagna with fresh beautiful assorted vegetables, the best I've ever had in any restaurant and the lasagna was fabulous. Also had clam chowder delicious! Excellent service. We will be going on Fridays for the chowder alone! read more