Paradise Dogs

That's right, 5 stars-and a half moon for these amazing hotdogs! Daniel does it right, from…read more10am-2pm, weekdays - just down the street from Costco. I've been several times, and it's my new go-to! Take a look at the pictures. They speak volumes!

Best hot dogs! Great service and very friendly owner who even offered to not charge me for one of…read morethe hot dogs bc it was my first time. Definitely won't be my last time!

More condiments

The Polish

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Left Coast Sausage Worx

4.6(116 reviews)

4.0 mi

Wow...what a nice surprise! Locally made fresh sausages with…read moregenerous toppings! Probably the best I've ever had. Plus a very friendly owner. Street side tables to take in the town. Only wish I lived local to enjoy this more often!!!

I was here for the VW show. Not many small vendors around. We only wanted something small rather…read morethan a large meal. We saw people here and thought we would give it a try. Nope. Not for me. The sausage had odd spices. Interesting, but it lingered for a long time. I couldn't finish it. And the water wasn't helping to wash it out. Sorry, but this place is not for me.

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Good Dogs

4.9(57 reviews)

2.6 mi

The PGHS JV Water Polo team descended on the Good Dogs Airstream while taking a lunch break from a…read moreweekend tournament at nearby Harbor HS. The owner handled the hungry teens with ease and grace. The hot dogs were delicious as always, and the boys (and parents) had a great time. When we were finished, he even checked in to make sure everyone enjoyed their selections. Thank you, Sir! Good Dogs is always a highlight to any trip to Santa Cruz!

Best hot dog stop in the county, Phillip has the best dogs and a very cool soda selection that will…read moretake you back to the good old days Be sure to stop here Doesn't get any better

Chicago dog

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Mac & cheese dog

Betty Burgers

3.8(1.5k reviews)

0.9 mi

I've eaten at this Betty Burgers many times because the food is usually good. It's not the best…read moreburger in Santa Cruz but it's a decent and I want to support the businesses affected by the road closure. This visit was a little disappointing. The burgers seemed sloppier than usual and just weren't as good as they've been in the past. What really bothered me, though, was the 3.95% credit/debit card service charge. I didn't notice it until after I had already paid because the only explanation was printed at the bottom of the receipt. If you're going to charge customers an extra fee for using a card, that should be made very clear before they order so they have the option to pay cash. Between the food that wasn't up to par and an added processing fee, this visit just wasn't worth it. I don't mind paying for good food but I don't like feeling nickel-and-dimed over an extra charge that wasn't obvious before ordering. Transparency goes a long way.

We stopped by for some take-out to bring with us to our beach picnic. They were having a FIFA watch…read moreparty at that time so customers were enjoying their food while watching Spain and Argentina play. I ordered the Point Grinder which is a burger with bacon, sauteed mushrooms, bleu cheese and green onion and it was a great combination! The only reason why I'm giving a 4/5 stars is because my patty was still very red instead of a standard well-done. My friends and I also ordered one side each and tried garlic fries, sweet potato fries and onion rings and all were delicious. Garlic fries were seasoned well and had lots of garlic, sweet potato was slightly thick cut and soft and yummerz and the onion rings wasn't just batter, it had thick slices of onion! Their ranch was also creamy and aromatic! Parking could be difficult on a busy day! 9/10 would recommend!

Inside

Chicken | Garlic Fries

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The Duke Burger

Betty's Eat Inn

3.4(539 reviews)

0.9 mi

Upon entering, we were greeted right away and sat outside by the hostess. It's a cool edgy vibe…read moreinside. I went on a weekday afternoon and there were a good amount of people in and out. Service was so friendly and fast which I appreciated. We ordered 2 Basic Betty's (w cheese) which is the smaller option of the big Betty burger. Along with a basket of 1/2 curly fries, 1/2 onion rings. Everything was delish!!!! The Diet Coke was flat, but food and service on point! Would def come back if I was in the area again.

This is one of my favorite places in Santa Cruz downtown. There are good options for different…read moretastes in burgers. You can get the classic Betty, the Duke, with pine able and teriyaki sauce, and other options like chicken strips, and a veggie burger as well. Other delicioso things are the sweet potato fries, which are the best in town, and anywhere!!! Their hot wings are a must, and if you pair it with a beer, it is much better! If you want a good burger, there are many options in Santa Cruz, but Betty's is definitely among the best, price wise, quality and taste.

The point grinder--mushrooms, bleu cheese & bacon

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Steamer Lane Supply

4.4(212 reviews)

0.7 mi

5/5: The Break-a-dilla Breakfast Dilla with bacon $12.70 is great; it's a thick quesadilla made…read morewith a burrito wrap.

I walked by this place a hundred times before I realized it wasn't a public bathroom. But don't let…read morethe looks deceive you, the food is amazing! I like bringing family/friends here and watching the surfers across the street while eating. The poké bowls are always a hit. Note that the portions are small for the price, but the view makes it worth it.

Bakery Items

Breakfast Burrito

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Poke bowl and quesadilla

Surf City Grill

3.4(67 reviews)

0.3 mi

Ok I have to say that these were the most unique deep fried artichoke hearts I've ever had. They…read morewere wispy with chunks of heart. They were delicious and I couldn't stop. The ones at the bottom were all greasy, and they did give me a little gi trouble later (after destroying two baskets lol). Try these they are super yummy!!

This is the spot for a giant corn dog! Can't go wrong with ordering corn dog and garlic fries. Food…read morewas crispy and delicious. This is good to snack on with one other person. Lots of staff working so they're pretty good with cleaning up the tables.

Texas Donut

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Deep fried artichoke hearts

Jack's Hamburgers

4.0(615 reviews)

0.8 mi

TikTok sent us here and it didn't let us down! After hearing what a staple Jack's is in Santa Cruz,…read morewe had to try it while we were in the area. Let me tell ya, this is one of the best burgers I've had in a hot minute. I got the Western Burger, which had chilli w/ beans, jalapeños, and barbecue sauce. This burger was perfect in basically every way. The chili was incredibly rich and savory, the jalapeños added a nice crunch and acidity, and the barbecue sauce added some sweetness. So many flavors at once that worked so well. It was well worth the mess. My wife got the Bacon Cheeseburger with a 1/3 lb patty. I really appreciated how many cheese options they had. The veggies were fresh and abundant. And that bacon was perfection. Crisp, but still had a good chew, and was thick. This was a classic done right. The fries were also fantastic. Nice and crisp but fluffy on the inside. And the portions were very generous. The place overall just feels like exactly what you want from a local burger shop. A charming burger sculpture on the roof, very friendly staff, ton of outdoor seating. If you've heard about or have been meaning to come to this place, it's well worth the hype.

We went for lunch sept 14,2026. It was excellent. We asked for well done and were happy. The…read morefries were also incredible! See updated photo.

Full menu

Patty Melt in nature

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Barnacle Bill's

5.0(1 review)

0.4 mi

Tempting turkey legs, sausage sandwiches, chili dogs, all-beef hot dogs, pulled pork sandwich and…read morebaked potatoes with an assortment of toppings, house recipe Micheladas. Or grab a burger dog or one-of-a-kind cajun boil. The best foods!!!!!!

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Cute little walk up food shack next to the break-a-plate boardwalk games.

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Tara T.

0

8

0

16 years ago

Vince has to be one of the coolest men in Santa Cruz. He's extremely friendly but never creepy. I have always had fun in our short encounters, when I buy a hot dog or soda and take it down to the beach with me. All the food is tasty and the snacks are handy. Highly recommend locals and tourists try to catch Vince out there near the mouth of the wharf. read more

Evan T.

215

1

0

10 years ago

Badass hot dog stand! The guys were awesome, dogs were better! Myself being a hotdog connoisseur, I told Bart my love for a good dog and he hooked me up with stickers and a tshirt which made my day! I appreciate it guys and keep up the good work! read more

Adam R.

1

5

0

11 years ago

Just like everyone else..yummy hot dogs, papaya drink fantastic, cheap, quick...must go for hot dogs!

Todd S.

0

44

2

8 years ago

Good food and service.

Paradise Dogs - hotdog - Updated September 2026

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Good Dogs

4.9

(57 reviews)

The PGHS JV Water Polo team descended on the Good Dogs Airstream while taking a lunch break from a…read moreweekend tournament at nearby Harbor HS. The owner handled the hungry teens with ease and grace. The hot dogs were delicious as always, and the boys (and parents) had a great time. When we were finished, he even checked in to make sure everyone enjoyed their selections. Thank you, Sir! Good Dogs is always a highlight to any trip to Santa Cruz!

Best hot dog stop in the county, Phillip has the best dogs and a very cool soda selection that will…read moretake you back to the good old days Be sure to stop here Doesn't get any better

Left Coast Sausage Worx

4.6

(116 reviews)

Wow...what a nice surprise! Locally made fresh sausages with…read moregenerous toppings! Probably the best I've ever had. Plus a very friendly owner. Street side tables to take in the town. Only wish I lived local to enjoy this more often!!!

I was here for the VW show. Not many small vendors around. We only wanted something small rather…read morethan a large meal. We saw people here and thought we would give it a try. Nope. Not for me. The sausage had odd spices. Interesting, but it lingered for a long time. I couldn't finish it. And the water wasn't helping to wash it out. Sorry, but this place is not for me.

River Dogs

4.5

(25 reviews)

Sigh. I think they are out of business…read more The phone number doesn't have voicemail set up Apple Maps brings you to Boulder Creek but then has you turn right instead of left at Forest Their little space behind Joe's bar is locked during their posted business hours

The dogs and sausages they sell are second to none. As they make each order as it is placed there…read moremay be a bit of a wait at times. The condiments are locally sourced and some of your old time faves. It is outdoors and quaint. Small seating areas. But they do have music from time to time.

Happy Dog Hotdogs

4.9

(108 reviews)

That's right, 5 stars-and a half moon for these amazing hotdogs! Daniel does it right, from…read more10am-2pm, weekdays - just down the street from Costco. I've been several times, and it's my new go-to! Take a look at the pictures. They speak volumes!

Best hot dogs! Great service and very friendly owner who even offered to not charge me for one of…read morethe hot dogs bc it was my first time. Definitely won't be my last time!

Tacos Los Reyes

5.0

(3 reviews)

Bomb food only thing better is the service. Feels like going to family for a carne asada on the…read moreweekend highly recommend this place anytime im in the area Juan got my business anytime im out here

They seem to be open and in the same location every time we go to the boardwalk…read more Food is solid, highly suggest the pastor tacos. It's borderline 4-5 stars, but it's great having it in such a convenient location.

Hot Dawgs

3.0

(1 review)

This eatery is at the far end of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where most of the kiddie rides are…read more With a colorful and inviting storefront, the snack bar serves beef hot dogs (Hebrew National), corn dog bites (Nathan's), chicken tenders, gourmet pretzels, and several variations of fries. Unfortunately, they ran out of hot dogs by 8pm on a Friday night, an hour before closing time. We actually got the last one, but were unable to order more. It didn't look like much, but it was pretty good, not cheap tasting despite the brand name. The corn dog bites weren't bad either. But a hot dog stand that runs out of hot dogs doesn't really leave a good impression.

Evil Wings

4.3

(22 reviews)

Yall, I wish I took a photo of the food.. the man in there blessed us up with our order, best tacos…read moreI think I ever had. They were so fat I couldn't hold the tacos right. My man got a burrito and it was filled so fatly he couldn't finish it. The chips and guac was fire, I couldn't keep my hands off the chips, they taste like your abuelita made them fresh off the boat without being oily. The location isn't the best, definitely witnessed some interesting drunk people and conversations while waiting for the food, but it made it entertaining!

The first time we came across this food truck was at Shanty Shack Brewing ! My boyfriend and I have…read morefallen in love with their rich buffalo sauce and extra garlicky garlic fries. Although they take a long time to prepare your order, it always comes out fresh and not to mention, steaming hot. We love Evil Wings and get so excited when they post their special locations throughout Santa Cruz. Buffalo Wings: 10/10 Garlic Fries: 10/10

Surf City Grill

3.4

(67 reviews)

Ok I have to say that these were the most unique deep fried artichoke hearts I've ever had. They…read morewere wispy with chunks of heart. They were delicious and I couldn't stop. The ones at the bottom were all greasy, and they did give me a little gi trouble later (after destroying two baskets lol). Try these they are super yummy!!

This is the spot for a giant corn dog! Can't go wrong with ordering corn dog and garlic fries. Food…read morewas crispy and delicious. This is good to snack on with one other person. Lots of staff working so they're pretty good with cleaning up the tables.

Georgie's Cook House

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Open daily through Spring and Summer and on weekends during winter. It's a great pitstop for before…read moreor after the Roaring Camp train ride with food that is quickly turned around. Our kids would not have lasted the drive to Santa Cruz with no lunch so this was very convenient for us. They serve burgers, nuggets, fries, ice cream, chili, and coffee. Cheeseburger, slightly on the smaller size so not so good for sharing. Tasted OK, would be good to pair with fries or chips for a more complete meal. Chicken Nuggets and Fries, these were also OK. Nuggets needed a bit more seasoning but the fries were hot and fresh with a good amount of salt. Extra stars for staff who dealt with a super-rude customer. He was cursing at them for letting someone "cut" in line in front of him literally only taking a minute to order and he was waiting in front of the window instead of to the side like everyone else.

Get the corn dogs and chili cheese fries. Crispy and fried to perfection! Definitely delicious and…read morenecessary before our drive back to Santa Cruz.

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