Our meal was very good particularly recommend the polenta appetizer. Smashburger size and fries good; Salad was fine. Pieces were a bit large dressing just so so but abundant and natural and nutritious we had a special meal. The bill for two people was over $100 no alcohol no dessert but it really was very elegant and the waitress GILLIAN was simply delightful. The Food runner and busboy were both exceptionally attentive and exuded a kind service attitude. GINNY the owner, tried to carry my bags for me, which was very sweet -- she's near! and the gentleman and Lady on duty the next morning found my paper to go box, and I was very anxious and they were very kind I had a great experience my one night : road during rush-hour was of course audible from the road, but evening walk on beach ( where we should have been!) was exquisite. We stayed in a bedroom #1. Nicely appointed. read more

Davenport Roadhouse - A very high window from the first use of the building. I hope they keep it just like this!! - American Near Me - Davenport, California

The three stars is for good service and really nice ambience. After reading an article indicating that they were getting a Michelin star chef I thought how cool I really like this place so it was a no-brainer to go back. I headed over there which is close to an hour drive and was seated. Service was a little slow because they were down servers. I don't usually eat chicken, but because we were in Davenport and we were at the Roadhouse, I knew that their ingredients are locally sourced, including the chicken, so I thought cool, I'll eat chicken pot pie. it's cold and rainy. Perfect dish to warm us up. That couldn't be further from the truth What arrived at my table was a 3 inch cast-iron skillet. In it was some liquid and I mean liquid, peas, chicken, potatoes, and on top of it all was a tiny biscuit. I don't know if it was supposed to be some deconstructed chicken pot pie. But in the past, the chicken pot pies, I have eaten were not a broth. They were a creamy textured chicken and vegetable filling. The crust was usually flour and covered the filling. This was not that. This was like receiving 4 tablespoons of leftover chicken soup and paying $22 for it. the amount of food you got was tiny like a toddler portion. The staff was very nice. When I mentioned that I was extremely disappointed with my dish they offered to take it off the check. But I think that I was so offended that they would put this item on a menu with that name and then serve what they served. I needed to speak to the manager and let them know that $22 for that was inappropriate and I really like this place and I don't want them to get a bad rep. The manager was very kind and heard me out, of course again offering to take the item off my bill, but I had already paid and that wasn't going to fix the problem. I won't stop going to the Road house, it's by one of my favorite beaches and it is a neat spot that has music, even if you just get a drink and their cookies. But don't be claiming a Michelin chef and then serve what you serve because that's just wrong. read more

NEW OWNERSHIP! Had to check out Davenport Roadhouse under the new ownership. It did not disappoint. I'm a big foodie and love trying new spots, and this one is absolutely worth the visit. I ordered the winter salad and it was incredibly fresh, with perfectly grilled chicken that really brought everything together. My daughter had the chicken tenders and said they were delicious, which is always a win. We also tried one of their mocktails, which was refreshing and well made. The service stood out just as much as the food. Everyone was genuinely friendly and attentive. There was live music while we were there, which added a really fun vibe, and we were able to sit out on the patio with our puppy, which made the whole experience even better. Great food, great atmosphere, great service. Definitely coming back. read more

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I am disappointed to write this review. I was a frequent patron of the Roadhouse for at least the last 5 years. Their food was always delicious prompting frequent visits. Especially for their daily steak. See attached photo. This menu needs to go. Additionally, their service is bad. You now take your own order on the QR code and open a tab, and check yourself out. I never saw a waiter. You also serve your own water from the carafe. This use to be a steak, burger joint, grab a beer, listen to the music and watch the sunset. Now it's tasteless. read more

Davenport Roadhouse - A delicious steak that is no longer offered here. - American Near Me - Davenport, California

Food was delicious. Service was fast and friendly. The atmosphere was wonderfully old time Saloon. My first time here and I definitely intend on going back! Shared the Barley & Kale Bowl with perfectly grilled steak, Bee Sting - wood-fired pepperoni pizza with hot honey. And perfectly cold dirty martini . read more

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Absolutely delicious food. Our family rates their smash burger 10/10! The environment had live music which was super nice and it's super spacious in there. We are huge on flavours and freshness and there wasn't a single fry or crumb left on our plates. The server told us everything they use for food is from local farms which made sense because you can taste it in their quality. The servers were so friendly to our family and made sure we got ice water back to back. If you are driving and looking for a great burger spot head here this is absolutely delicious! read more

Davenport Roadhouse - Smash burger - best and fresh from local farms let it speak for itself - American Near Me - Davenport, California

There are places that become part of your life story, and Davenport Roadhouse will always be one of mine. Twenty-seven years ago, my husband and I were married on the cliffs across from the Roadhouse and celebrated by renting out the entire place for our family and friends. This year, after losing Greg to cancer, I returned on what would have been our 27th wedding anniversary to honor our love story and all the memories we created there. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I found was something really special. Ginny and her team have beautifully preserved the heart and soul of the Roadhouse while adding their own warmth and magic. The rooms were wonderful, the food was outstanding, and the bar is exactly the kind of place where you want to linger over one more conversation. But what I'll remember most is the kindness. Every person I met made me feel welcome, cared for, and at home. Hospitality isn't just something they do--it's who they are. Thank you, Ginny, and to your entire team, for making a day that could have been filled only with sadness into one filled with gratitude, peace, and even joy. You gave me a beautiful place to celebrate an extraordinary love story. From my heart to yours, thank yo read more

The Roadhouse is SO cute since the recent remodel! Would absolutely recommend. We stayed here for a weekend with friends and loved it. Just steps from the beach, it's the perfect mix of coastal and cozy. There is a restaurant/bar on the first level (plus cute merch!) We had a yummy dinner and lots of wine. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-decorated with local touches. Surfing just down the coast makes for a perfect California weekend. Thank you for having us! :) read more

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Easy-going restaurant which offers a small town, relaxed vibe. Live music on Thursday/Weekend can get this place a'rockn. They offer a simple menu with many vegetarian/vegan options as well as a few meat/fish options. Service was pleasant, friendly and efficient. Our server today was Janeen who lent us her Herkimer Diamond crystal after jokingly ordering diamonds. She's an asset to Roadhouse with her wonderful sense of humor. read more

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Had a fun visit/stay here on 6/4/25. Came to checkout the bluegrass band Buffalo Blues Trio Saturday night and had a great night. All of the staff are super friendly. The owner came and introduced himself and thanked us for visiting. The room was clean and faced the ocean. Had the grilled fish tacos with sweet potato fries. The drinks came out fast. Directly across the street is a kind of private beach surrounded by rocks. Make sure and go down there early so you can have the ocean to yourself for a bit. read more

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Great food, fun atmosphere. Recently under new ownership and we had the best time! Would come back no question.

Stayed the night on a business trip and it was a wonderful sanctuary for the night. The location is incredible and and the rooms are perfect. Everything you need and nothing you don't. We stayed for breakfast and it was fantastic, we will definitely return. read more

Really yummy clams with bacon and corn. They give you a huge slice of crispy bread to dip in the sauce too. I also got the green goddess salad, which was delicious. The staff are really nice and the area is beautiful and you're right by the beach. I'm excited to come back. read more

Drove up the coast for a steak dinner with the dogs. We sat outside and were immediately disappointed to see that the menu had changed. When we asked the server, she said there were new owners. We told her we came for steak and would probably go somewhere else. She then told us they did have a flat iron steak, but it was nowhere on the menu or specials. We ordered two along with drinks. The Old Fashioned was tasty as was the wine. The steak was a little on the small side, but still good! We were the only ones on the patio and seemed to have been forgotten once larger parties came into the restaurant. We asked for the dessert menu and were told they only had one option. Was looking forward to the berry crisp! Especially being surrounding by farmland. Once we declined the dessert, we waited fifteen minutes for the check, we went and paid up front instead of sitting around any longer. This used to be one of our spots when driving up the 1, but we will not be coming back. read more

Service and ambience were good but the menu and the food were severely lacking. I hadn't been there in a few years and was completely shocked to see how much the menu has been pared down. There are very few options to choose from and frankly none of them sounded appealing to me. I got the falafel tacos, which were edible but not "good." My friend got an interesting appetizer for $15 which was so small, I couldn't see it underneath the garnish. Overall it was a huge, overpriced disappointment. read more

Food is basic, with limited choices. Some of the employees need training and a manager on site. When we visited on Saturday, February 28th, a back-of-house staff member held a dog in her arms for about 10 minutes while still wearing her apron and kitchen towel at her waist. She then returned to working in the kitchen without changing attire. I hope she washed her hands, at least. They had live music, which was nice. read more

Davenport Roadhouse - Chicken Sandwich - American Near Me - Davenport, California

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Davenport Roadhouse reopened in May of 2026, after major renovations. Right off the Coast Highway, it's the ideal place to stay while visiting Año Nuevo State Park and other sites in the Santa Cruz area. Downstairs is a well-stocked bar and large restaurant (children welcome!), with live entertainment (bands and guitarists) in the evenings. The food is great, with some interesting variations on California cuisine The cozy rooms, opening onto a wrap-around balcony with views of the ocean and the surrounding hills, are reached by a staircase in the back (no elevator). At night, after the live entertainment ends (around 9:00 PM), it's very quiet, perfect for reading or sleeping (no TV). We are seniors, and one of us needs a cane to get around: Ginny, the manager, took these facts into account, did her best to make us feel welcome, and gave us whatever help and advice we needed. She even loaned us a book on the California Missions! The other staff members of the Roadhouse were equally kind and attentive, especially our friendly waitress, Janine. The little town of Davenport (pop. around 600) has some interesting historical buildings, a glass-artist's studio, a bakery, and some other sites to explore. We expect the renovated Roadhouse to grow in popularity, as it is rediscovered by Coast Highway travelers. Highly recommended! ----- read more

New owners have changed the menu and it's not very good. I had the barley bowl which interesting but not something I would reorder.

Was on my way to a work appointment saw the little sign that said espresso stopped in and ended up having this excellent breakfast burrito, which is a very healthy portion. The salsa was epic. The cappuccino hit the spot. I had just been in France and Portugal for the past six weeks and this was a definite welcome back to California. Probably the best breakfast burrito I've ever had. read more

Davenport Roadhouse - Breakfast Burrito - American Near Me - Davenport, California

Du tings and stuffs are good like staff are excellent and du French fries are the best Yummy burgers only go in my mouth and I'll never finish my meal without demolishing my whole burger super filling and great so yummy yum yum yum yumumumy. So Great COOL and du supu amazing chess read more

Lovely atmosphere, the service was great. Food was good and came out in a timely manner.

We had our reception dinner here and could not be happier. From start to finish they were so helpful and accommodating. They seriously made our special day that much better. The food was delicious and service was top notch. There even ended up being live music, which we had our first dance to. One of the owners Jenny, came and introduced herself and was nice. I can't say enough nice things about this place! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! read more

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Ignore any low star reviews -- this place just came under new management and it is awesome. If you want to feel cool, bring people here. It's like a taste of what a sleepy oceanside haunt would look like before things got crazy here on the Central Coast. Great style, old wood, open layout, ocean feel, but with really good quality food, local beer selection, and music. This is my new spot for bringing visitors from out of town... yes, it's true: just minutes from Santa Cruz. read more

My sister and I visited for the first time in March. We went in for lunch,the you g man that seated us was very pleasant and helpful with menu. Had the best Caesar Salads ever one with chicken and the other with a small beef steak. Good prices, portions,and taste. Locally sourced farm to table, with great service. Plus a perfect drive with ocean views. read more

Incredibly limited menu. The food was subpar. We came in and there was no weight. There were no people in the restaurant. It was literally the most empty I've ever seen it. And it just took so insanely long for us to even get someone to come take our drink order. We were there for over two hours which should've only been 45 minutes to an hour tops. Especially with how dead it was. read more

They completely changed their menu, and now it's trying so hard to be an upscale restaurant offering fresh new ideas that suck. I was here a year and a half ago, had a great burger, a beer, and some tater tots. Now I got a smashburger that's bland, guacamole that's ok, but you're better off ordering at Vallarta down the street. We ordered the cheese pizza since we saw them making fresh pizzas in their oven, and it was awful. The menu doesn't say what kinda of cheese, so I assumed it was mozzarella, but it's not, it's some other kind of very pungent and sour cheese. Also, the vibe is weird, jazz music, really? Like what happened to the blues cover bands, they were awesome. I hope this place goes out of business and someone with some idea of real food takes over. Is Santa Cruz attempting to change itself from a laidback town with good food to upscale dining wtf is going on? There are other restaurants in town doing the same thing. Did they all get a visit from Gordon Ramsay? read more

Good food Friendly service Fun music Enjoyed the ambience. Pleasant drive from Santa Cruz with beautiful scenery. read more

Must be my fourth or fifth time back to this place and I love it every time. The burgers are terrific. Fries are great service is amazing. If you're passing through Davenport to or from Santa Cruz it's a must stop for lunch or whatever. read more

Kate's the best! Really inclusive bartender, makes great drinks, and we always feel welcomed when she is working. Give her a raise! :) read more

Davenport Roadhouse - Kate's the best! Really attentive bartender, goes the extra mile, and focuses on making her patrons at the bar feel valued & welcomed. - American Near Me - Davenport, California

Friendly service, live music at just the right volume, possibly the best pizza I've ever had (yes I've traveled through Italy and beyond), and bomb brussel sprouts. Try the potato pizza, you won't regret it. My husband and I decided to check out the North Coast segment of the rail trail which isn't open yet, but it was doable and absolutely stunning. Then we topped off the beautiful ride with an outstanding lunch at the lovely Roadhouse. The place was lively, but not too crowded yet which I'll bet changes drastically once the trail officially opens this summer. The staff couldn't have been nicer and the warm fire was nice on our chilled hands from the long ride. This place is exactly what we'd hoped the new owners would make it. Great food, fun music, friendly staff, please check it out asap so they can keep on keeping on. read more

The cobalt burger (well done) with the blue cheese was delicious! Rather quit atmosphere this Sunday. (No live band). Maybe next time read more

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A large group of us stopped here for lunch. They were aware we were coming. This was my first time here. The food came out in a decent time, and service was to be expected with a large group of 30 of us. We did arrive in two separate groups spaced out about 20 minutes. It was a good spot to stop, and the food was decent. Many have complained about the cost. It seems high for what you get, but it is the same at all restaurants. Costs have gone up everywhere. Sorry we forgot to get pics of the food, we were hungry--lots of parking around the back. There is a large pothole in the front parking lot. read more

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There is nothing better than having a delicious cocktail and a tasty meal while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Kate makes perfect cocktails and the pizza is to die for. Ro's pizzas are the best in all of SC county. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Roadhouse! read more

Good service, but it was a very slow weeknight. Nice people. Limited menu. My partner had the crunchy gem salad and neither of us liked it. The combination of seasonings was kind of terrible. I'm a foodie and love all kinds of seasonings, but the chef must have very unique taste. I could not eat that salad. I had a smash burger which was quite good. The place has been redecorated a bit since the new ownership (mid 2025), and it's quite cozy. read more

We'd planned on breakfast down the road on our way to see a show in SF and made a split decision to try the Roadside instead! Great ambience, excellent service, genuinely friendly staff to a person. The breakfast menu is small, but we enjoyed everything. Try the Mexican Mocha! We will be back! read more

We needed some food while driving down the 1 interstate and ran across this restaurant. They allowed dogs outside, which I liked! The food was all pretty good. Fish and chips were fresh. Two of us got the fish tacos which give the option of grilled or fried. They had a lot of cabbage and could have used a bit more fish, but they tasted fresh. The fourth member of our group got a BLTA wrap that she said was excellent. The service was just ok -- they had a big group that needed a lot of help. It's a good place to stop if you are driving and need a break! Lots of tables and a large open feeling. read more

Burnt Pizza which the waitress tried to get us to eat any way. What used to be a thick beautifully cooked hefty burger now has a couple 3 oz hyper flattened over done patties and just a thin bit of cheese... nothing else on the sandwich. The fries were over cooked too to the point of bitterness and even the pickle spears were mushy. Blecch! Not going there again. Sad shame! read more

I love this establishment. Great food, fantastic service, and outstanding views. Wishing you were open on Monday.....

Miss the old menu..really disappointed in the direction the new owners decided to scale back some of the favorites. Also miss the baked goods Not really a fan of stopping there anymore. read more

Went to meet friends here, and had a fabulous meal and one of the best cocktails I've had in a while. Great vibes here, beautiful views, amazing bar. We will be back. read more