Ryder had great service!!!! We loved him he helped us abd was soooo kind. Will definitely come back

I've found a new restaurant to go to when I visit Capitola. Their fish and chips is delicious. Thick cut and really juicy, yet the breading is crispy. The fries are crispy and everything is hot. I wish the serving of fish was a little bigger, but for being on the water the prices are average. The steak salad was pretty good, and the veggies are fresh. I didn't try the French onion soup, but my grandma said it was pretty good. The bartender was super friendly and accommodating. read more

Paradise Beach Grille - Fish and Chips - New American Near Me - Capitola, California

Hip restaurant on the strip. Prime location Good music inside by the bar Friendly staff Poor quality food I really wanted to like the food here since the location is prime and ambiance and music is great. Please get a new chef and menu. read more

Paradise Beach Grille - Not so good - New American Near Me - Capitola, California

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This was the go to place when my wife and I were first married 20 years ago. We had many a great meal here. However the last few times we've been have gone way downhill. We went with a group of friends on a Saturday night. We had a 7:30 reservation and when we arrived, we were nearly the only people there. Cocktails were good and our waitress was very pleasant. But that's where it ends. Apparently they closed at 8:30 (on a Saturday night?!?). As a result the busboy was trying to clear the table while we were still eating and started to take my wife's glass while it was still half full. Food was not good. One of our party had linguini with prawns which he couldn't eat the prawns after getting a slimy one. Me and a friend both ordered the linguini with clams and the amount of linguini in the bowl was ridiculouly minuscule and my friend ended up getting sick later that night. My wife had a ceaser salad and it was a giant bowl of lettuce with a ton of cheese and what tasted like bottled dressing on it. The two stars are for the two bright spots, the cocktails and the waitress. read more

We came up from Tulare to spend a couple of days in Santa Cruz and were told by friends to try a meal at this restaurant in Capitola, and so we did. Have to tell you, the staff were all great and accommodating and so very friendly. The manager came to our table to see if all was well and to ensure our dinner was as expected. The kids and all the grownups enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was very delicious, especially the freshly made deserts. I will return to this place every time I visit Santa Cruz/Capitola. read more

First time here at this little beach city! What a nice place with a beach/ocean view in the patio/outdoor seating. You could even see the cute colorful Capitola Venetian hotel. (Picture moments). If you are seated on the edge you can see ducks and birds swimming in the pond right below. There was also indoor seating with a full bar. There was a wait for outdoor seating so we just hung out at the bar until we were called. There were lots to order on the menu! We ordered clam chowder, ahi avocado poki tower, and crab egg rolls. The presentation of the food was great and overall delicious. There was a lot of avocado on the poki tower and not enough rice at the bottom. (if you are a fan of avocados) The poki was fresh, couldn't taste the fishiness. It came with a side of crunch chips, not sure what they are. We had ordered a couple alcoholic beverages with our lunch. The only thing was the service was really poor! We asked for water twice with two different severs and we didn't get any at all. BUT somehow the two tables behind us who just sat down got waters and refills on their water? HMMM....! THEN when we asked for the check and the check came instantly! We were going to stay to order dessert, but after filling neglected for the not bringing us waters we just wanted to leave. So the views and the atmosphere of being seated outdoor was great, but the service NOT so much. read more

Paradise Beach Grille - Ahi tower with mango, avocado and rice - New American Near Me - Capitola, California

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Wow! Sitting on the patio was perfect. I had the butter lettuce salad wrap with prawns, avocado, tomato and mozzarella. Tons of everything and delicious :-) read more

Three stars is generous, but I'm averaging out memories of a 4-star lunch last year with 2-star cioppino we ate last night. We wandered down to Capitola last night, wanting to enjoy both the long daylight on Summer Solstice and an ocean view. Hostess was perky and enthusiastic, and gave us a good table overlooking the lagoon and beach. We decided that the Thursday dinner special was hard to beat, since it's pretty expensive (more on that later). $39 for cioppino for two, and a glass each of the house cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay. Which I tasted and which I rejected, instead ordering a glass of Ferrari-Carrano fum blanc. (Can I just say, honestly, that I have my doubts about whether or not what I was served is what I ordered? I've had the fum blanc, and it did not taste like what they gave me, which HONESTLY tasted more like the house wine I'd just refused.) Bread came first, with some kind of herb-vinegar dip that was way too vinegary (cheap balsamic, nothing to write home about). (Wait, I am at home, writing about it.) Finally the cioppino arrived. There was lots of it, no doubt, but my first impression was that whoever made it knows nothing about cioppino. This isn't a Boston/Manhattan clam chowder thing: there was simply no broth to be seen. It was a dense pile of tomatoe-y stuff, with crab legs and clams and salmon and, possibly, swordfish, evident. Oh, goodie, you're thinking, "Crab legs!" They were not particularly fresh. I ate less than half, pondering on all the things they might have done to improve the quality. Fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A little lemon juice and wine to thin it down? Clam juice? Fresh seafood? The basil would have been a nice touch, except it was thrown all over the rims of the bowls....it looked sloppy, not attractive. Last night, I complained that the preparation seemed a good way to disguise not-very good ingredients. This morning, I was convinced that the majority of the ingredients were something like Pace Salsa: too salty, too dense, and obviously manufactured outside a proper restaurant kitchen. Seriously, if I put it in a bowl with tortilla chips around it, you would have a hard time distinguishing it from store-bought salsa. Very disappointing, really. I guess I get spoiled with all the restaurants in town who use fresh local produce and high-quality ingredients. You're better off having lunch there, when it's cheaper. The sticker shock isn't warranted. (I'm talking most appetizers in the double digits, and average entree $25.50!) Having said all that, the room is attractive and the staff, enthusiastic and friendly. However, our waitress visited our table infrequently and, upon her penultimate trip, delivered a glass of wine while leaving two empties on the already-crowded two-top sitting there. Upon weighing pluses and minuses, probably won't return. Too many other reliable places serving fresher food with more style. I think Paradise Beach Grille is in the same category as Hank's at the Hook, but with higher prices. Sorry, I wish it were better. Maybe it was an off night for the kitchen, but be your own judge. read more

Paradise Beach Grille - Cioppino: it looks better than it is. - New American Near Me - Capitola, California

My teen daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at Paradise Beach Grille in Capitola yesterday! We viewed the lunch menu posted outside the restaurant and the ahi tower & gazpacho soup with seafood drew us both in. We were seated promptly out on the ocean view pack patio, as requested. It was a gorgeous day and the backdrop of the bright colored capitola bungalows & ocean just added to our overall experience! Our server greeted us right away and brought glasses of water to our table. When I asked about the gazpacho soup though, I was told that that menu should have been changed out and replaced with a new one, featuring a new soup that did not appeal to me :( Hence my 4 star rating instead of 5... My daughter and I both opted for the ahi, mango & avocado tower: "Sashimi grade Ahi Tuna with diced mango and avocado presented "poke Style" with a wasabi mango puree and balsamic teriyaki gastrique, crispy house made Chinese Taro Chips". It was absolutely delicious! It was from the appetizer section of the menu, but it was good sized and perfect for our appetites. We contemplated ordering a dessert to share (they sounded amazing!), but decided we were pleasantly full from our lunch selections so we declined. We will definitely return to Paradise Beach Grille and would not hesitate to recommend it! read more

Ordered entree salads for dinner - lots of mixed greens with such sparse toppings that it was incredibly disappointing, especially for the cost. read more

Food was delicious! We had the halibut burger, the kids meals are filling and yummy. They have the best fries. Service was great. Beautiful view read more

Great place and atmosphere one of my favorite things is the beach blanket breadalon appetizer . Ok for kids and they have great outdoor seating. Parking can be challenging on busy weekend but worth it for a good meal. read more

Paradise Beach Grille - Shrimp Scampi Penne - New American Near Me - Capitola, California

Initial service was extremely fast, we received waters immediately and server took our order within five minutes. After that it was all mediocre. Ordered a half of Rockefeller oysters which were bland, though the dish was extravagant looking. Another 30 minutes went by waiting for 2 bowls of soup. Clam chowder was no better than a store bought canned soup. Overall I give a 2/5 and would not recommend. read more

Great lunch spot on the water - eat on the patio. Tasty veg tacos. Friendly service. Order the baked Brie to start.

1 stars for the food- here is why: "Grilled Prawns with tomato and avocado lettuce wrap" - sounds fabulous, isn't it? Reality is awful - 2 big flat lettuce leaves, one is covered with about a cup! of cubed mozzarella cheese (which was not in the description), some tomato and avocado, and TINY pieces of shrimp, maybe just one for the whole plate. The second leave of lettuce had almost non of cheese, but still no prawn. The whole construction is so overloaded - there no way to pick it up and bite, so it cannot be called a wrap. The whole plate looked like just too busy salad.... with too much un-announced and un welcomed cheese in it. Fish and chips had ZERO salt and pepper anywhere. Service was OK, but quite not well organized - there were 3! different people came to ask if we want some water and we said NO, then the 4th one brought us the 2 glasses :) This restaurant has a great location and great outside sitting and view, but it's not it's merit. There are a lot of tourist there, that visit one time and never return, but there are plenty of people like us - fellow Californians, driving down from San Jose to have some sun and good food. that will choose your neighbor restaurant next time read more

My go to spot on the water. I have been here over 15 times, never have had bad food, or poor service. The view is beautiful, drinks are stiff, the menu is amazing. I can't believe this place has less than 4 stars. read more

Recently had lunch on a weekday. Very disappointing! 'Hot food' was barely warm. Over cooked rice, greasy fish. No garnishes or anything to make the dish appear attractive. I left most of it. Server was polite but quiet and seemed unsure of how to do his job. Will not be a repeat customer. read more

Of all the quality local restaurants we had to choose from Paradise Grille was our pick for an adult (family) birthday dinner. And as a bonus, free 3-hour parking during the holidays is a nice perk from the City. After our group of 10 was seated by the lovely hostess our evening was off to a pleasant start. It was just sundown and the glow from the ocean and beach warmed the whole place. The holiday décor including their upside-down Christmas tree helped set the mood and our waiter began with our drink orders. They have a beautiful full bar with plenty of drink specials to select from their copper toned beverage menu. The manager "Shelly" strolled by with a sample display dish of the Chicken Piccatta special which was so nice and mentioned the other specials of the night to us all. The general menu is full of suggestions and making a choice is not that easy. This biggest hit was the full rack of Gary's Baby Back ribs with sides for $22. Crazy right? Others got the Tortellini and skirt steak, Crusted Halibut filet, Prawns linguine and various salads and apps. Our boisterous party was silenced with the delivery and enjoyment of our meals. Not a single complaint from the presentation, quality of the food, temperature nor taste. They knocked it out of the park! We all felt like the chef's and staff took care of us like we were family to them. Our immediate wait staff and Shelly came by often to verify our satisfaction and replenish our beverages. After an inhouse birthday song, an embarrassing fizzy birthday (alcohol) shot, we were visited by "Ole Saint Nick" who also sang Happy Birthday to the featured guest and the rest of the patrons of the restaurant. Had their marvelous Mud Pie for desert and truly didn't want the evening to end. I frequent dining options all over in my travels and this sweet spot on "Capitola-by-the-Sea" is a find. So much fun! Tell them Jeff sent you......... read more

Paradise Beach Grille - Singing Santa - New American Near Me - Capitola, California

We had dinner there on July 2, 2022, and it was wonderful. We had the brie with a chili spread and whole roasted garlic which was wonderful. I had the filet mignon that was fabulous and my husband had fish and chips and he said they were really good. Our waiter was great too. I highly recommend this place and we will definitely be back next time we are in town. read more

I walked in here based on the menu and decent Yelp reviews. I got seated right away in this indoor-outdoor area by a fireplace overlooking the channel. The views and atmosphere were quite nice. My server was very attentive, and was really helpful in finding me some vegetarian food on the menu. I ended up getting their veggie burger (didn't see it on their menu, but apparently they've got veggie patties) with mushrooms and caramelized onions. Best burger ever? Not really. But it was solid, and really big (and filling). read more

After reading the reviews here I thought I would be wowed. It was really pretty mediocre. I was looking forward to the patio and the view was nice of the river, but it is small and not that amazing. We had fish and chips, a burger and a kobe burger. I thought the fish was pretty oily, and the kobe burger was way over cooked despite being ordered medium. Given the prices, I really expected more. I wish we had gone somewhere else honestly. read more

Took the BF on a b-day dinner date here last month and was pretty pumped. I hadn't been here in a couple years (over dealing with tourists) but since we were staying in SC for the night I figured we'd give it a shot. When I called to make the reservation I asked about heaters on the patio and was impressed that our table was placed right by one. Service was prompt and super friendly, like the lady that waited on us was fantastic. We ordered the ahi tower for an app, the lobster mac n cheese (amazing) and the halibut, then 2 desserts, and a few cocktails. I think this place is great as long as you don't try to come on a holiday, or Saturday during the summer. read more

The food is not worth the price!! I ordered their Ginger Tamari Salmon with wild rice pilaf for $26. I got overdone salmon on top of a cup of steamed white rice with a little bit of sauce and I think someone forgot to add the ginger. Very disappointed and won't be back. But I do have to add some positivity into this post (because I believe there is always some to be found), and say that their white wine was excellent as well as the garlic cheese bread we had for an appetizer. Unfortunately the quality of the food ended there. read more

We are in Capitola for my husband's birthday and decided to try Paradise Beach Grille‍ We were treated like royalty as everyone focused making our seated area warm with outside heaters (web brought our two ) and a yummy glass of Zinfandel to warm our insides. The food was FABULOUS! I had fish and chips while my husband had the seafood pasta dish. I mentioned we were in town to celebrate my husband's bday and the manager surprised him with the BEST ghirardelli (sp) mousse‍ We will DEFINITELY return with more family on our next trip read more

Love this restaurant, great employees, but please get some better IPA's!! My husband wont come here because of beer list. Makes me sad.

Went here for my friends birthday and for the price you pay for food... I would say everything was just Okay. My husband and I won't be dying to go back, since we can find a lot more food options in the area. I ordered the Short ribs and My husband ordered the Kobe beef burger. For an $18 burger he found nothing special about it. Flavor wise my short ribs were yummy, but the meat was tough. As far as service went out server was very polite, but not super attentive. We would often have to ask for refills (although they charge for refills) Like I said overall it was just Okay. But don't expect to spend less than $50 for two people. read more

Really good happy hour prices. I got the house Chardonnay and it was great. Ordered clam chowder and a side salad while getting to look at the sunset over the beach. My waitress was very nice and helpful along with the busser. Would highly recommend for the view, service and happy hour. read more

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They need to change their online menu to reflect their new prices. Went there thinking the filet was $40, the updated menu was $48 and on top of that they are now charging a 3.85% surcharge on all bills for some COVID reason. The full rack of ribs was increased by $15. All beef dishes increased between $6 - $15, I didn't know prices of beef went up that much. Just like the restaurants are trying to survive the customers are trying to support them but raising the prices that much and adding a surcharge is going to steer away customers. Too bad because the food & service is good. The wait staff may also see their tip % go down because of the surcharge. Not sure who keeps the surcharge, restaurant or employees? Or what it is used for ? read more

Oh wow - what the heck happened to this place?? We have always enjoyed our meals and great service in the past, but only the service and view were good this last visit. Our party of six had several apps (coconut shrimp, oysters and calamari) and each of us ordered a main meal. The coconut shrimp was great but the oysters were not fresh (and not properly shucked - still attached to the shell) and the calamari was a messy collection of overly fried bits. Two of us ordered the (previously delicious) halibut burger and we both left it all on our plate. It was heavily deep fried (??) not grilled, and it was just terrible. My husband ordered the linguine and clams and found it inedible. He had one bite and left the rest. My daughter had the BLAT, which was okay but there was hardly any bacon on it. My SIL enjoyed his clam chowder, tho my husband had it also and wasn't impressed. I sure hope whoever is running the kitchen will realize they're running a formerly good restaurant into the ground. read more

I was there the other night with a friend celebrating a very special time. It was the one year anniversary of losing my beautiful mother. Paradise Beach was always one of my mothers favorite places and we went there for years together. I was having a drink and enjoying dinner with a beautiful woman named Shelly came up to the table To talk to us. Apparently the waitress had shared with her what the night meant to me... Turns out, Shelly is the manager. She was over-the-top sweet and friendly and I felt the joy from her immediately. She visited with us for a few minutes, we shared stories about our mothers and she gave me the yummiest Keylime pie for dessert. If that wasn't enough, she gave me two beautiful glasses to take hom. Shelly and her staff are fantastic. It makes me feel very good to know that I will always have a great place to have dinner and drinks! Thank you so much Shelly! Gus read more

Paradise Beach Grille - New American Near Me - Capitola, California

The chicken quesadillas here are the best I've had anywhere. The caramelized onions and light chipotle flavor is just perfect. Every server we've had has been friendly and terrific. We like to eat outside or in the indoor area near the fireplace. I'm giving this restaurant 3 stars even though I love it so much. It's always uncomfortable for me to go directly to those tables near the fireplace. Yesterday the hostess checked for us, said their was a table near the fireplace, and told us to wait until the table was cleared. Meanwhile, another party walked in after us, passed the hostess table and took our table. It's awkward to have a separate policy for some of the best tables in the restaurant. This has never been a good experience for me. read more

We've been here the past few times we've Visited Santa Cruz/Capitola and are happy every time. I got the coconut shrimp this latest time and it was so good! There's a great view sitting on the patio, and we love the drinks - the mango margarita was delish! read more

Ok service, no food at 8pm. Great drinks. Attended on a Maker's Mark tasting evening and was surprised by the drinks but the no bar food had me at goodbye. read more

They have pretty waitresses ? I have eaten here 6/7 times and was happy to bring my new beau. Wow what a disappointment. We were sat in the heart of dinner time 630 the place was packed and we understand so we went mad at the slow service but it started out with cold bread. I ordered the crab roll appetizer and it was ample but bland. The dipping sauce was good but too concentrated and sour pineapple and it over took the Skelton flavors of the dish. My main course was the pacific rim salad as recommended by staff and it was AWFUL!!! . The small portion of chicken was WAY over cooked and Mushy tomatoes and mushy noodles, oh my gosh the salad dressing was oily and no flavor, I only ate it so my date didn't feel badly. His meal of scallops was okay, I mean it was just three with string beans and rice so hard it mess that up. We ordered a 17$ glass of Rombuer and I had a shirt poor ... that's a big NO-NO when I pay for a high end wine I expect at least a standard amount. I haven't been beee in 2 years and it used to be delicious so I think maybe a new chef or a really bad off night. Next time we'll eat at Cafe Cruz . read more

Payed $140 to eat here tonight and we were treated rudely the entire time! The food was actually really good but not worth it to be treated like like dirt! The hostess was rude didn't seem even like she wanted to seat us. (FYI it was a Wednesday night not busy) My fiancé and I were passing threw town and not dressed up but didn't think much of it but apparently the staff felt otherwise! Our waitress seemed irritated and after ordering both our drinks, app, and entree had to go find her sitting down to ask for bread. I'm sorry but I've waitresses before and this is NOT how you treat good paying customers! We left feeling disrespected and won't waste our money to come back. read more

I have been going to Paradise Beach Grille for many, many years and have been extremely pleased with quality of food and service. Unfortunately this last weekend I was very disappointed with the quality of the food. The halibut burger was overcooked and looked and tasted like something from the grocery store freezer. The chicken tenders were also way overcooked. I hope they have not discontinued fresh halibut since that is one of the reasons I go there. Ambience and service terrific. I would normally give them a 5, but not this time. read more

The food is mediocre and outrageously priced. $80 for lunch for 3 appetizers. Area is crowded and full of full of tourists. The best part was seeing the colored pastel houses at the Capitola Bay from their outside seating. Won't return!! read more

I love Happy Hour here M-F, I love the live music some nights, the dinners I've had are delicious. Very nice ambiance--in winter enjoy the fireplace, in warmer months enjoy the outdoor deck or view of the ocean from inside. Great service year-round. We even celebrated New Year's Eve at Paradise--it was a fabulous night! read more

Very friendly waitstaff- Delicious appetizers and entrees- good drinks too. Like the mango Margie

Visiting Capitola as we were walking around we were looking for a restaurant to dine at. We looked at several but we chose Paradise Beach Grille. It wasn't a warm day so we decided to dine inside. Very nice restaurant by the way. Employees were friendly and the food was just as good. My wife had calamari and crab cakes. I chose tortellini and skirt steak. Good portions to the point I had to take some home. Without hesitation I'd go back !! Tim read more