Handstand twerking on a Thursday night? Only if you're hiking the PW Trail, maybe. But if you enjoy…read morea mix of Smokey, Juvenile and Afroman while you catch a buzz, this is a lovely location to do it. Thank you Jo for providing an atmosphere to reset my nervous system and remember who I am when I'm not pretending to be what society wants. Chips available for some simple snacking while you drink. LOVELY.

The Blue Lagoon's ambience fills the interior, and of all the drinks I've ever had, some were…read moreprepared by Jo. The bartenders provide service to customers, and they are always open until they close. I recommend you go if that is your desired destination. Honestly, the Blue Lagoon is my favorite place because of the amazing and genuine staff, the inclusive and protective stance they have for the community, and the level of respect given. Plus Jo does make the yummiest drinks.

Last night, 15JUN26, Kuumbwa once again showed why it's a world class jazz club. Jason Marsalis and…read morehis band laid down the vibe while the sold out audience dined on delicious steelhead and cherry tomato kabobs on a bed of basil pesto rice or a bowl of superb chili. Just another killer show.

Like most locals who value the performing arts, I've attended many shows here over the years. Each…read moretime I've been greeted warmly by staff and felt appreciated. A small venue, there's not a bad seat in the house, but I've found the stools just to the left of the sound mixing boards the best place to be for a complete visual and audio experience. Was no mistake these spots were the first taken on a recent night. Because the venue is small, off stage sounds are obvious and can be distracting. Therefore besides announcing the no photos/video policy, they should also remind patrons to keep conversation to an absolute minimum during the show. Same goes for the employees in the kitchen area clanking utensils - high frequency sounds are especially noticeable. And there's always one goofball who starts applauding before the song has even finished. Re the dinner plates served, quality has dropped a bit over the years. They're still good, just not great like it used to be. Quality counts since venues make their profit off food, drink, and merchandise as ticket revenue go to the artists. Their carrot cake is the bomb so save room for dessert!

What a great venue. Intimate but still big enough to really get a crowd going. Loved having the…read moreoption of seats vs standing. Solid acoustics. The snack/bar area is limited but not a deal breaker for me. Parking was tough, I wish I would've read reviews before heading there, being totally unfamiliar with the area I was a bit nervous to just park on a random street. We were able to find a spot within a few blocks walking distance.

Rio is a great place to see a show in Santa Cruz. And they get some great names of performers I…read morereally want to see. Plus, I love a seated show (versus standing for three hours). But, beware the bait and switch. You pay a premium for shows here and they'll switch the venue to something less inviting (and standing room only) without giving you the option for a refund. Don't worry... if you have a coveted (even more expense) Gold Circle ticket at Rio- they'll throw in a free poster at the new venue. Tsk. Tsk.

This is a Santa Cruz institution and we had the pleasure to see The Expendables in their 25th year…read moreperform an amazing show! The good stuff - The Catalyst dedicates a LOT of time to it's music but I'll just address this show since I can't speak for other nights (obviously). Lighting and sound were spot on, the crowd was TIGHT but easy to navigate as pot smoke wafted along, contact highs be damned! You get stamped to get in the door, to show you're 21, and to enter the show. 3 stamps. I guess that's thorough (they scrub off easily the next day, all good). If you don't want to get your drink on at the spot, there's Asti and The Blue Lagoon (see other reviews for those venues) that offer good prices, stiff drinks and maybe a light banter with the locals which is always pleasant. For anyone who has spent any time in big clubs, there are things you just come to accept with a venue that is always pumping out stage shows - yes, it's a little scruffy, yes, the bathrooms aren't pristine (but the doors lock, toilets are clean, ample TP and soap... what more do you want??), yes, sometimes YOU aren't going to get all the arse-kissing niceties when ordering a drink because there's an ocean of folks behind you and the bartenders are just trying to get to everyone as efficiently as possible (so please stop ordering complicated drinks or pondering when called on when it's busy). Leave the hoity-toity expectations at the door and focus on why you're there - THE MUSIC . Now get on that calendar and find a show - there is SO much to choose from and a huge dance floor to get your groove on!

Not sure why the mid reviews. I saw Silent Planet and Invent/Animate here and had a great time!…read moreCool spot right downtown, good selection of beers and it sounded great. Never had an issue getting a drink from the bartenders and the bathrooms were fairly clean. Especially for a metal show, some fans can be animals! If given the opportunity I'd definitely comeback here for a show and recommend you go if someone you want to see is playing here!

I went to Moe's for a concert it being my first time going there. The bartending staff were really…read morenice and super helpful. When I asked about purchasing a local cider they carried I was given directions to the maker, what time they opened, and who I should talk to when I get there. Now that's going above and beyond. There was a nice variety of drinks and they were delicious. I loved the layout of the venue very intimate with the stage but still tons of standing room and if you didn't want to be inside with the crowd there was a tv with the ample outside seating where you could watch the band. The bathrooms were very spacious and super clean. The little taco stand in the back was perfect too. The tacos were delicious. I wish we had a place just like Moe's in Sacramento . I will definitely come to Moe's again next time in town.

This last Saturday August 29 was yet another in a series of The Best Show Ever's by The Greyboy…read moreAllstars, The Best Band in the World. Yes. That's right. I've seen every band in the world, and GBA are the best. Their music is infectious, like a sonic virus that penetrates the auditory cortex and sets up standing waves of bliss and intrigue, and which also penetrates the motor cortex and sets your feet on autopilot. They find the dirtiest nastiest funkiest grooves with just the right amount of dissonance to keep you hooked, like an itch that you can only partially scratch. In addition to their own vulgar grooves, they pay homage to artists ranging from Gary Bartz, Gil Scott-Heron, and Michael Jackson to Burt Bacharach/Hal David and George Harrison. And they've been at this for over 30 years now - yet you look at them playing and they are constantly laughing and joking with each other. Somehow they still seem to love playing with each other, and that energy comes across to the audience at every show. This might be their hidden superpower - the love the 5 of them have somehow held onto for doing this together all this time.

This place has a large space and decoration I loved it so cool and unique…read more Staff friendly got my drink out pretty fast too I ordered a Macadamia latte looked pretty, however no flavor to coffee. I actually thought she forgot add flavor to it. I had to add simple syrup that they have available.

Loved my experience at The Abbey. Very serene spot off of the main road, feels quite isolated and…read morepeaceful. The coffee itself is absolutely delicious too, with a really cool, spacious indoor spot. Lots of students working, and I see why. Great coffee, great vibes, overall 10/10 experience.

We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon with our pup. The patio is cute and spacious, and we were…read moregreeted with a splash of Riesling (which was great!). The service was excellent and so was the wine. We would definitely come back here next time we're in town.

We did a tasting at Big basin wine bar in Santa Cruz on Saturday afternoon. It was a very laid back…read moreand chill atmosphere. There were several tables filled and most people were eating food as well as drinking wine. I enjoyed every wine I sampled and because of that, I really want to visit the winery property. I definitely will return here. Great location and the food looked good, too.

3% credit card fee. Live entertainment is quite good on the…read morepatio: The bellydancing / firedancing on the Solstice was great. I like these beers: 4/5: Rebel Yell: Barrel aged sour. 4/5: Poolside: Good Pilsner. 3/5: Lazy angel: an oat Saison. Very yeasty.

Place is pretty lowkey with no frills…read more We arrived on a Saturday at 12:30pm (they open at 12pm) and left an hour or so later; no one was there the entire time. Parking is brutal (small, designated lot for them and all street parking otherwise); but do note they have parking passes. You just wouldn't know until you go inside; it's on the board. Service was ok as we were the only ones there; they could be friendlier. Band was setting up in patio; hopefully their music was better than what was playing indoors. Beers are ok at best. Not the worst but def nothing spectacular. Of the six tasters we had, only one was decent-good. They do have games but the only one of interest was Scrabble. Didn't see food or a food truck, but we left about 1:30pm so maybe they come later... I think I've been spoiled by too many really good breweries. This one ranks 4-5 on my list.

Soooooo good! We split the Beluchi Burger that would burst with flavor from the stuffed blue cheese…read moregoodness nestled in the center. The deep fried artichoke with a unique Ranch dressing completed the epicurion experience. Never will we travel through the Santa Cruz area again and not stop here for a bite. Great food and service with a smile.

Parish is a great place to hang out with friends and grab a drink! I like sititng at the benches…read moreoutside with a beer and reading, or sitting indigenous with a group. The beer list always has a few alternatives to IPAd which not everywhere in town can claim! Service is always kind and quick. Though I wouldn't say their food is a highlight for me, I do like the fries! Word to the wise, do NOT come here on st. Patrick's day haha, it is a fun kind of mayhem but will take about an hour to get a beer

Watched Disclosure Day this past weekend at the Landmark Del Mar Theatre in Santa Cruz. Before the…read moremovie, I was looking for an outlet to charge my phone and found one next to the elevator near the theater entrance. Standard food and drink offerings were available at the concessions stand with no lines on a slow Saturday afternoon, and a few small tables with seating in the lobby. The auditorium opened about 25 minutes before the listed showtime, then 12 minutes of previews before the start of the feature film. For a non-busy day, auditorium 1 wasn't cleaned very well. Found popcorn and crumbs on my seat and the one next to me, even on the one in front of me, as well as on the ground... not a lot, but it was noticeable. The elevation is minimal, so if someone was sitting in front of me, their head would have probably blocked my view. I did however appreciate that there was ample space between rows. No reclining seats, but they were comfortable and in good condition, with cupholders. No problems with picture or audio, and perfect comfortable temperature inside. A no-frills theater with old school charm and lovely artwork and decor to add a nice touch to my viewing experience. And the movie I saw was out of this world, just what I would expect from Steven Spielberg.

One of the classic theaters still remaining in Santa Cruz and is a wonderful treat to witness a…read moreshow or performance if you have the choice. I've seen a few movies here and each time have had a good viewing experience. They usually offer both popular hits as well as Indie films that may just be starting to gain some traction. Widescreen theater with ample, comfortable seating and pretty good sound system. The interior of the theater is beautiful and really takes you away from the outside world for just a bit. Staff here were friendly and the restrooms are clean. Can't really ask for more! Tip: You likely don't need to pre-order tickets especially if you're not watching during premier week.