Folks. I wish I could share a photo from my time at this establishment, but to be honest. The moment that breakfast burrito touched the table, I gobbled it down before you can say breakfast. Breakfast burrito, add carnitas. It will change your life. Great service, maybe a little slow, but understandable since this was a packed establishment. Hot as heck but they got us an umbrella which really changed the game. I'd say, give it a try! read more

I love this place. Expect a wait but it's definitely worth it! You can order drinks while you wait. I have been a few times and the food is consistently good. I recommend the Cali Benedict, fresh fruit, chicken and waffles, kitchen coffee, pomegranate mimosa. The bacon bomb is dangerous -- in the best way. I'm pretty sure anything you order will not disappoint. Servers are attentive and friendly. If seated outside, they do have heaters and umbrellas for the tables. Also dog friendly. read more

Very friendly staff and cute location, wish the umbrellas were up though. Not much parking. Bacon was amazing! Biscuits were fresh and great! Totally would go there again to get the waffles they looked and smelled amazing! read more

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First off, customer service was crazy good. They were quick, asked us if we needed a heat lamp (we didn't), asked if music volume was too loud (it wasnt) and they are super friendly. The food was so good too. We both got meals with their freshly made croissants and eggs benedict on that toasted croissant was the best. The best bacon too. Definitely will be back. Ate so fast I forgot pics. read more

I took my neighbor's daughter at UCSC here for brunch. We got two Cali Croissants, one with regular bacon and one with turkey bacon, a ginger beer, and a Kombucha. The Cali Croissant is HUGE and will not fit into your mouth, unless perhaps you are a teenage boy. The Croissant was lightly toasted and delicious. My fruit side came with a nice mix of fruit: actual strawberries and blueberries, as opposed to just the standard grapes and melons. I really appreciated that. Service was friendly, but they don't really check on you when they're busy. They just brought us our food and the check. The only drawbacks are that it's crowded inside and the prices are not student-friendly. Not prohibitively expensive, but a little pricier than your typical breakfast and brunch spot. The quality of the food was great, though, so the pricing is somewhat justified. read more

Hands down my go to spot when I'm in Santa Cruz. Amazing food, great drinks and friendly staff.

This is a nice brunch spot! It has both indoor and outdoor seating with heat lamps. I tried the breakfast burrito and the eggs benedict, which were both great! The tortilla they used added a subtle, but nice flavor and texture. I preferred mine with some tapatio instead of the salsa verde that it came with, though the salsa verde was pretty good. The eggs benedict was simple and classic. The eggs were poached perfectly and the toasted croissant made a good base. The hash browns were pretty average. I was seated at at outdoor table in the back of the front "yard" area. If possible, try to get a larger table as they're closer to heat lamps and umbrellas for shade. Service was friendly and helpful. I would come back again if I'm in the area! read more

Harbor Cafe - bacon breakfast burrito - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Harbor Cafe is a staple as a Santa Cruz local, and a must if you're a tourist. Be prepared to drive around the area looking for parking, because that's what you'll do. Be prepared to wait in a long line, because that's what you'll do. Their amazing cocktails will get you through it and better yet, their breakfast will finish you off in the best way possible leaving you full and happy! It's so much fun to sit outside on a nice day and enjoy great service and a laid back ambiance. read more

Harbor Cafe - Cali bene with hashbrowns and added fruit cup. - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Awesome cafe with such a great atmosphere! Food was very good and fresh we will definitely be back next' time we're in town!

This is a great little find. The food is high quality, the service is great and we didn't have to wait long for the food to come out. I'll definitely be back. read more

Harbor Cafe - Polenta avocado Benedict - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Harbor cafe is the best! My partner and I come here often and always order the same thing. The food is great! I love that they put the eggs Benedict on croissant and the French toast with all the fruit is perfection. The service is always very nice and accommodating. There may be a wait though but it's well worth it! The outside seating is great for warm days and the inside seating is cozy. It's always close to the beach for a post brunch stroll. My only thing is I wish it was open longer! But it's still amazing. read more

Harbor Cafe - Cali Benedict and Nutella French Toast - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Ate there this morning & can honestly say that was probably the best breakfast I've ever eaten anywhere...fabulous! Our breakfast was fresh & cooked to perfection, plus the service was excellent. My husband & I shared the traditional Eggs Benedict & the Frittata & I was impressed that both dishes arrived together. I highly recommend. read more

Cute little beachy vibe of a cafe! There was a 30 min wait on Saturday morning around 11:30am which wasn't so bad. The service was quick and they had a to go window so you could order coffee or drinks while you wait. You could also get food to go. The breakfast burrito was tasty. It wasn't wrapped very well but it was flavorful and packed with good stuff. The hashbrowns that came with the Benedict's were supreme. So crispy!! Prices seemed pretty reasonable. read more

Christie is literally the friendliest server on the planet and always a pleasure. Salmon Benedict was awesome too! Beautiful SCruz day.... read more

Harbor Cafe - Salmon Benedict on polenta patty - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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While vacationing and visiting friends in Santa Cruz, they recommended and treated us to this popular breakfast / lunch restaurant spot. They have both indoor and outdoor patio dining. We opted to eat outside even though it was a bit chilly out. Luckily the heaters worked well at keeping us comfortable. The menu selections were very appetizing and I had a hard time picking out what I was in the mood for. When I spotted the Avocado Benedict, I new I was in for a real treat! This variation of the standard eggs benedict, includes avocado, 2 poached eggs, topped with hollandaise, served on a croissant and comes with hash browns. Since they were out of hash browns, I chose homestyle potatoes instead. I also got coffee with cream & sugar. Joe K ordered two eggs over medium, wheat toast, bowl of fruit, and a side of Polenta Fries. His drink choice was orange juice. Our dining companions ordered the Country Benedict: sausage patties, 2 poached eggs, and comes on a biscuit, topped with gravy. Served with hash browns. The other meal was a Veggie Scramble: three eggs with cheese, scrambled with spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, & onions; served with hash browns and toast. Needless to say, our friends didn't steer us wrong! The generous food portions were outstanding! We really enjoyed sharing the Polenta Fries! Not a common breakfast menu item. The friendly wait staff seemed to enjoy their jobs and were very attentive. It was so nice to start our day off eating here! read more

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An absolute must try if you are in the area! The wait time to get seated can be a bit long but trust me it is so worth it! My go to is always the their Eggs Benedict. So delicious it comes with a freshly baked croissant, I get mine with scrambled eggs. (Top is the Traditional Benedict and bottom is the Cali Benedict) And can't forget about their yummy biscuits and gravy! The vibes are just awesome :) read more

Harbor Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We arrived Harbor Café at 12:00 pm and waited for around 35 mins. This is a highly-rated brunch spot! We ordered: Cheese and bacon potato pancakes: The cheese was generously served! It was so satisfying, and the portion was quite large, so my friends and I shared it. Chicken sausage omelette: This was good too! The sausage was fried to perfection, and it tasted amazing rolled up in the egg! The service and vibes are also very nice ! read more

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We were staying in an Airbnb in Santa Cruz, and we stopped in to Harbor Cafe to and ordered it to go. The place was packed, but the very friendly waiter took our order and brought or order out to us in less than 10 minutes. We got a scramble with hash browns and toast and it was warm and tasty. I wish had more time to go back and eat in the restaurant. It has a very nice patio with an outdoor bar and a warm, cosy inside area. Wonderful food, service and ambiance. read more

This was our second time coming here because we had such an amazing experience the first time and this time around it was no different For a busy morning that they had we got out food soo quick and it all tasted incredible we got the cali benny, breakfast burrito and the churro waffle that has reall cajeta !!!! And everyone kept checking up on us to see if we needed anything read more

Harbor Cafe - Churro waffle - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

One of the best spots in Santa Cruz for brunch!!! No matter what dish you get, the quality and flavor is exactly where it needs to be. Hits the spot every time as the food quality & presentation is consistently great. The staff are exceptionally kind and welcoming. They truly know how to make you feel at home and make the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. It feels cozy and comforting and at home whether you are outside on the patio or sat inside. Plenty of hot sauces, great coffee whether hot or iced, umbrellas provided upon request, easy to understand menu that is already at the table for you. My standards for every aspect of a restaurant are sky high - I am a kitchen manager and chef. Harbor Cafe absolutely blows it out of the water. Every. Single. Time. We will keep coming here for as long as it is still standing. The staff and owners really know what the f they're doing. Harbor Cafe Fckn ROCKS read more

The food firstly was cold and worst eggs Benedict we've ever had . I'm not sure if a cup of coffee gets a refill but you have to assume water is didn't get a refill on either. There was a first rag we threw in a pot . We got seated where it actually smelled obviously work beyond the fence that was smelly. I know that isn't their fault but it definitely didn't help the experience . The hostess was odd Firstly awkward asked if the dog was dining with it he's our service dog who was actually vested we can't go anywhere without him. It's hard to say if that is why we got sat outside so i cannot say if that is why we got sat outside in the cold but they were also very busy so i will let it slide . It was freezing cold jsut like our food. So waste of money and we are going to get get some lunch now since we are still starving . read more

Quick to-go orders & drinks while you wait. Super friendly & great food. Fruit was super fresh. read more

Harbor Cafe - Drink menu - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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We got the Cali Benedict (all 3 of us), it was amazing! Loved it on top of a croissant, which was toasted perfectly, the hollandaise was delicious (so many places don't do it right), the hash browns were perfectly crispy. Excellent service and cute atmosphere. It's a popular place so we waited 15-20 min to sit down. Parking is difficult. Drop someone to get on the waitlist while you look for parking! Looks like they do a good bit of take out business as well. Best breakfast I've had this n Santa Cruz! read more

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Best brunch I've had all year! We ordered the Cali Benedict and Carnitas Omelette. You can choose between toast or a biscuit and hash browns or fruit. We came on a weekday and were able to get the last remaining parking spot in the parking lot. We also did not have to wait for a table and got the last table inside. The food came out quickly and our waitress was very sweet. Loved the buttery biscuit and the carnitas omelette was on point! Would definitely come back again for brunch. read more

Harbor Cafe - Carnitas omelette - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Harbor Cafe is the best brunch in SC! A total staple and worth the wait. I always try to sit on the patio which is beautiful (especially when the weather's good), but you really can't go wrong anywhere in this place! What I loved: - The Carnitas Omlet (omg so good) - Guava Mimosas (everywhere should have these) - Coffee & bar drinks available while you wait! - Service is quick, warm and friendly There will almost always be a wait here, so plan accordingly, but I swear it's worth it. read more

This place is a must. Went back two days in a row. Not driving? Dealing with crazy kids? Just living your best vacation life? Get you a large mimosa. It is a pint glass sized mimosa. Yes, please!!! First day I got the CA egg Benedict. Finished it all. Daughter got Mickey pancake on day one. Not only cute, but had that delicious buttermilk taste. Day two she got eggs, bacon, and toast. I need to know where they buy their bacon. The smoke is amazing! Son got French toast each day. He loved it. Day two I got huevos rancheros -- another dish finished because it was so good! Relaxed, beach feel. Excellent service. read more

Harbor Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Consistently good service and great food. Casual, friendly atmosphere and it never disappoints.

My husband learned about this pace from Reddit so we decided to give it a try. The parking situation was a little challenging but we managed to find some street parking nearby. There was also a 20 minute wait by the time we got there which was - half hour after they opened up. Overall we had a good experience. They were generous with the hollandaise sauce for my Cali Benedict so that satisfied my needs. read more

Harbor Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Churro French toast!!!! Life changing. Awesome staff. We were a large group of folks and they were very accommodating and attentive. Looking forward to going back soon. Awesome vibes all around read more

Service & brunch both 5/5 :) It was the first place I ubered to as soon as I landed SJC. I was starving and the brunch here reaaaally did it for me :) I ordered the Polenta Benedict which came with this amazing pesto and literally I scarfed it down. Of course, I requested extra pico de gallo & all the different hot sauces in the house. The kind waiter brought me at least 7 :) #prepared My friends ordered the Cali bene & supreme frittata which all tasted amazing as well. Thanks to our bubbly waiter and super friendly service, we would def come back when we're visiting NorCal. read more

Harbor Cafe - Cali Bene - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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The waitress was attentive. The food is on the pricey side and is a little bit bland. My breakfast burrito contained carnitas and it was okay, but not very memorable. read more

Harbor Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Cozy and friendly space for a nice hearty breakfast. We were sat quickly with a short wait as it was brunch time Monday. It's their Friday as I overheard a waitress say another table. I had their avocado Benedict which was the absolute best I've had in years. Boy had there single pancake with a side of sausage Pattie's and mom had their bacon waffle. Super fast service and great food. I'm an advocate of this place and will make sure to hit this place in future trips. read more

After seeing the reviews me and wife had to come try this place. We came for breakfast on a Friday morning. I'll start with not a whole lot of parking. There is a few street spots and a small parking lot. The restaurant is nice. A few tables inside and more outdoors. It appeared outdoor was way more popular. There was a wait to sit outside but we were seated right away inside. The staff were also very friendly and attentive. I ordered the carnitas omelet with a side order of biscuits and gravy. I would give mine a 3.5 overall. It was ok but was expecting more after seeing reviews. The wife got the fish tacos wiling polenta fries. She was not a fan at all. Only had a few bites of the tacos and stopped. She wasn't sure what the taste was but stated they used something in either the batter or a topping and was not a fan. The polenta fries were maybe ok. She gave hers like a 1.5. All in all expected more. It was on the pricey side. For two dishes and one Bloody Mary $60. That's a lot. Especially when one plate was basically thrown away. Mine was ok but not for that price. Will not go back and do not recommend. read more

Favorite breakfast spot. I've lately been going for the chicken fried steak but instead of gravy I get their hollandaise sauce. It's my favorite it's very buttery and full flavor. Sometimes long wait times but that's when you know it's good. Also while you're waiting you can have a Bloody Mary . You gotta get it spicy. Love the vibes. read more

We came at a good time. No line, no wait. Even nabbed a street parking spot in front of the salon. I ordered a cheeseburger with fries. Burger was a good size. Hearty and cooked well. No preference was asked, so I guess they cook all their patties this way. We sat indoors. Small indoor dining area, with a spacious outdoor patio. Next time, it would probably be better to sit outside. read more

Harbor Cafe - We have arrived! - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Great spot in SC. Stopped for breakfast and loved the setup and all around atmosphere. Told an hour wait, but more than likely shorter. We got notified in about 35 minutes. Awesome! Enjoyed our meal and the small town hospitality. Favorite was the Cruzin' coffee with the horchata whip cream, a must. You can get cocktails at the bar while you wait, but not the cruzin' coffee. Tip: cruzin' coffee can be ordered at the take out window while you wait. Parking is where you can find it, no lot. read more

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Food was very yummy. Eggs benedict, Nutella French toast, waffles & chicken, mimosa & Bloody Mary. Staff was very friendly & accommodating. Restroom is consistently clean. read more

My friend and I were in town for the long weekend and found this place on here. We went yesterday for breakfast and waited about a hour for an outside table. We both loved the ambience, food, mimosas, and service so much we went again this morning. The line was already down the street at 8:50am before opening, and we understood why. This place has figured out the perfect equation for a great dinning experience. I ordered the bacon breakfast burrito and omgggggg, it was heaven. I'll be day dreaming of the perfect ratio'd burrito that they've clearly mastered. We had so much food, drinks, and eggs for our pups and the piece was so reasonable. Definitely a great local gem! read more

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Great breakfast spot. Good atmosphere fast service. Good food and drinks. Usually pretty busy so I would get there earlier, or just be okay waiting. They do have a to go window where you can order while you wait (I got a cup of coffee) but it was nothing outrageous. For a party of 5, food came out correct, quickly, and was good. read more

We were told we would be seated in 1.5 hrs (& it was indicated on the open table website). I received a text half an hr before the expected time the table was ready. I called the restaurant to say we would arrive 5 min later than the 15 min grace period allotted to parties. The person on the line scolded us for not staying close to the restaurant and said they're giving the table away. After a bit, he then told us maybe we would get a table and said "don't pull this again." Once we arrived at the restaurant, the hostess greeted us with "oh so you're thooose guys." I don't understand the attitude if the instructions told us to call if we're arriving later than the grace period. Also, if there's a 90 min time limit for seated customers and I've indicated that I'm on my way, why not say that my time at the table will be reduced (which I'm completely fine with) instead of creating drama? Some advice to management - don't use a text service if you expect your customers to be available asap. Also, send a text to waiting customers to get ready once a check arrives at a table, not when the table has been emptied. read more