Cancel

Open app

Search

Pretty Good Advice

4.6 (506 reviews)
Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Order Pretty Good Advice Takeout or Delivery

Pretty Good Advice Photos

Business Info

PRETTY GOOD ADVICE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Trendy

You might also consider

More like Pretty Good Advice

Recommended Reviews - Pretty Good Advice

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Aswathi C.

this was our stop 2 in Highway 1 roadtrip. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this vegetarian food joint on the way. This place is known for its playful, retro roadside diner vibe, the spot specializes in making incredibly satisfying, affordable vegetarian and vegan versions of classic comfort food. I had the classic cheeseburger, which had a black bean patty, The Absolute best burger I have had in the US. The banh mi we tried was also good; and so was the fries, the coconut caramel coffee and peanut butter ice cream. Pretty Good Advice was founded by chef-owner Matt McNamara, who previously co-owned and was the executive chef of Sons & Daughters, a highly acclaimed fine-dining restaurant in San Francisco that earned a Michelin star in 2012.. After years in the high-end fine dining scene, McNamara chose to step away to live on his family's 83-acre farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He opened Pretty Good Advice with the explicit mission to take that same Michelin-level dedication to flavor, technique, and sourcing, but apply it to affordable, casual, $10-and-under vegetarian comfort food for the whole community. A lot of the seasonal produce, herbs, and citrus used to elevate the flavors in their dishes, sauces, and drinks come directly from his local mountain farm. So while the setting is a relaxed roadside counter, the culinary backbone definitely has a Michelin pedigree! Turns out Soquel is one of its hidden gem locations, and it has branched to Santa Cruz as well.

Pretty Good Advice in Soquel
Rachel H.

Pretty Good Advice in Soquel is a fun, unfussy spot. Think sandwich-shop meets vegetarian cooking. This was our second time here, and it's worth a visit. Located off the freeway in a repurposed fast-food restaurant, all dining here is outdoor only (on picnic tables) so try to visit when the weather is good. Cue up and order the messy vegan delicata squash tostadas with creamy components, a hash brown filled breakfast sandwich, or their vegan burger. We also tried persimmon lemonade. It's quick, funky and laid-back spot.

The walk up window.
Ray N.

" Pretty Good Advice" Soquel is a simple, amazing, dynamite, tasty must stop just 1.4 miles north of the beautiful Capitola village area in Santa Cruz, Ca and 4 hours past Santa Barbara. April - you are a Superstar. You have infinite passion, care, patience, attention to detail and unbelievable multi tasking skills ensuring all 9 customers in line( some with screaming and straying kids) were taken care of in those 5/6 minutes. You came out from behind the counter and viewed the menu board with us making 2 great suggestions. Loved the sunrise tostada and tofu and the spicy boy 2.0 version with the egg. The coffee was lovely. Thank you for making me a fresh special second pot. Love Pretty Good advice. Everyone please make it to this gem any day from 8-6. It is just north of Hwy 1, park your car ( 10 spots) in the private lot; then place your order at the convenient walk up window and pick it up from the other window 5 feet away. Proceed to the lovely patio in the back with seating for 35. Enjoy the lovely fare. Make sure the kids get the fantastic ice cream ( horchata was outstanding) and you finish up with the coconut chia pudding with lemons and strawberries. We will definitely be back on our drive back from San Francisco.

Iced Coconut Caramel Coffee
Anna F.

What a treat! Might be my new favorite spot in Santa Cruz. Food is Farm to Table and you can taste it. Everything tastes extremely fresh and flavorful. God the California burger not realizing it was a black bean patty and was very pleasantly surprised. So delicious I might not ever eat a beef patty again. The Mikes Deluxe was so yummy, the egg was cooked to perfection. Coconut coffee was amazing. Sweet but not overwhelming. Employees were kind and patient. The place was so adorable and had an outdoor patio to enjoy the food.

The High Horse
Laura L.

Cute shop with a decently-sized parking lot. There's an outdoor patio to eat your food after you order and pick it up at the counter. No indoor seating! We got a few items to share. The standouts for me were the morning deluxe and cheeseburger, but honestly everything was pretty great. 1. Mike's morning deluxe 5/5 Great tasting sandwich with the egg, hash brown, and house made sauce. 2. High horse 4.5/5 This is a cold sandwich that is packed with veggies. Good flavor and bigger sandwich than the other two! 3. Cheeseburger 5/5 I really liked this one too but it was a tad salty. The party was quite tasty. 4. House fries with garlic rosemary aioli 5/5 The fries had a great seasoning on them. The aioli was the star though! 5. Persimmon lemonade 4.25/5 Very good lemonade but lacking the persimmon flavor! Still a good drink though

Outside
Robin M.

I came here for my first time last weekend during the pride parade. + 1 star for having outdoor seating in the shade + 1 star for gender neutral restrooms + 1 star for clearly marking, which items are vegan on their menu + 1 star for having help yourself water out by the condiment bar I really liked the vegan aïoli that they serve with the french fries and the peanut butter soft serve. The rest was just meh. The banh mi was kinda meh. Save your money and get the vegan banh mi from downtown San Jose. The brussels sprouts were sort of disappointing as well. Everyone I was with who ordered a burger said that the burgers we have at burger patch in Sacramento are better. I'm guessing that the only reason this place is doing well is because Saturn closed and new leaf closed and options are just so limited.

Kayley C.

Oh man...this was a gem to find. Mostly vegetarian with vegan options was such a win! Not to mention everything is reasonably priced. The house cut fries with the aioli dipping sauce was the winner of the day and enough to have to visit Santa Cruz just for this alone. The crispy brussel sprouts also a must order. We can't wait to come back to try their breakfast options.

Eliza W.

Food 10/10 ambiance 10/10 service 10/10. Loved that I could enjoy foods that are gluten free and taste amazing, and also have vegan options .

The Big Kimmy
Andrea Z.

Visited on a Sunday around 1pm with a friend, there were a few other guests ahead of us but wait wasn't too long maybe a 10 minutes to order. Seating is all outdoors, one large table under the umbrella and some bench seating around the tree. Drink: Iced coconut caramel coffee - sweet, creamy with hints of coconut and caramel, nice but a little bit cloying after a while Food: Big Kimmy - nice punchy kimchi flavor, very saucey and wet sandwich, messy to eat definitely grab a bunch of napkins for this one, a nice fried egg with a bit of runniness, liked the add of the hash browns, taste was good but pretty hard to eat used a fork at the end because it was so messy probably wouldn't order again Brussel Sprouts - good, liked the sweet chili sauce paired with this one, hummus added a nice creamy contast but again very saucey California Burger - okay, lots of fresh lettuce and tomato, patty was a bit lacking luster, wish this was a bit more substantial Service was quick, order at the counter and wait for you order to pick up at the window. Overall had higher expectations for this spot, flavors were good but dishes tended to be too saucey and heavy for my personal taste. Maybe didn't order the right dishes.

Smashed Cucumber Salad

See all

Photo of Amy S.
7
10
0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Carla M.
205
9
16

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Arno C.
147
24
3

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 4
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Best fries, best coffee and the best veg cheeseburger that makes me rethink eating meat. Keep it up

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kathy K.
93
44
14

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Linnea S.
12
88
13

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Amy p.
1
35
7

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Excellent food once you have figured out the menu. Maybe best to take out to a picnic spot. Parking can be tight.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jam S.
14
14
0

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of B L.
0
100
13

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Elizabeth I.
60
661
3219

6 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kailah B.
24
27
13

3 years ago

One of the best breakfast spots in Santa Cruz. They only have outdoor seating but the patio super cute to have brunch with your friends!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Anne R.
9
104
27

4 years ago

The best vegan and GF eatery in the area. Great selections and we love their lemonade. They have great salads too!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Got the mikes good morning deluxe sandwich and coffee. It was a a step above a basic breakfast sandwich. Cute patio!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Boo L.
2
80
59

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Bryan L.
185
38
9

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Marian B.
51
110
13

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of KO J.
110
23
8

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ms. T.
0
62
53

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Autumn L.
142
14
1

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Great vegetarian burgers, would love to drive there again just to get more soon! Flavorful, crunchy and fresh.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Aine R.
19
96
22

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Matt M.

Matt M.

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 7 of 13

Ask the Community - Pretty Good Advice

Is there gluten free bread?

Yes

What are the crunchy things in the chopped salad?

Is the patio dog friendly?

Yes I believe so

Anything for the kids, both food wise and in terms of distractions?

They offered my kids crayons and coloring pages...so you could ask next time!

What kinds of gluten-free options are available here?

The Whole Bowl and the Pretty Good Cereal. Sometimes they have a special that is gluten free.

View All 7 Questions

You might also consider

The Midway

The Midway

4.6
(54 reviews)
3.0 mi

I feel bad saying this, but I was initially underwhelmed looking at the menu. But after trying…read moreMidway for the first time last night I wish I had tried it sooner. Some friends and I had tickets to the Rio and everything in the immediate vicinity was booked for dinner. My friend was able to snag us the bar stools which are fun for people watching. Our waitress was super helpful and didn't check in as our mouths were full with our first bites. I had the trout and it was perfectly cooked with a delicious assortment of vegetables. I wouldn't say I'm picky, but, I think my stomach is and it was a filling meal that makes you feel good after eating it. (Which you can't always say after eating out.) They also have a nice selection of beer and wine. I had the sparkling rosé and it was dry and smooth like I prefer.

We had dinner tonight and while the food tasted great, the portions were small. We left still…read morehungry after 2 appetizers and 2 mains. We came straight home and ate a meal. A bowl of soup was $18. It should at least come with bread to try to add some calories. I ordered the tuna confit pasta and no exaggeration, there was only about 2 oz of tuna, about the size of a cutie tangerine with the dish. So for $29, pasta with a light tomato based sauce, 2 oz fish, some diced tomatoes and 4 pieces of artichoke heart. The pork belly main came with 2 small carrots and about a cup of spinach. No starch. It was like a snack.

Photos
Lovely design, an upscale diner feel
Lovely design, an upscale diner feel
Blue House Beans (with guajillo, winter squash and brussels)
Blue House Beans (with guajillo, winter squash and brussels)
Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookie

See all

Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookie
Linda's Seabreeze Cafe

Linda's Seabreeze Cafe

4.5
(1.6k reviews)
3.2 mi
$$

Generous portions, good coffee, and exceptional service -- exactly what you hope to find on…read morevacation. We were hunting for a solid breakfast spot and honestly weren't sure from the outside. But the moment we walked in to a warm welcome and were seated right away, we knew we'd picked the right place. My grandson -- who can be a bit high‑energy -- was treated like a little gentleman. Seeing him enjoy himself let me actually relax and enjoy my own breakfast: a massive plate of French toast so good I couldn't even finish it. Linda's Sea Breeze Café is the kind of place that wins you over fast. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a great start to their day.

Tl;dr ok for brunch…read more I came with my friends after fishing and it was decently busy on a Saturday morning. There is no parking lot so you have to find street parking nearby. We ended up ordering mostly from the specials menu and here are my thoughts: - chorizo scramble: chorizo was fine. Some of us liked the chorizo and others didn't lol. The scramble was pretty wet because of the spinach. - Mendocino scramble: lots and lots of basil in the scramble and it was quite tasty. The sundried tomatoes were a bit sweet and the portobello was cut to be nice and small bite sizes. It was lighter in flavor but I prefer that to being overly sweet - corned beef hash: was dry but tasty. The texture was very nice - eggs Benedict: "mid" lol. It was fine but there was nothing special about it. The English muffin was well toasted though - soup: today was clam chowder! Lots of clams and other ingredients but somehow did not taste the way we expected it to. On the starchier side too - cinnamon rolls: lots of hype and i think it's worth. The texture was kind of like a cuffing with lots of walnuts hiding inside. It can be a little bit dry but it comes with some butter too so that helps a lot I can imagine that the parking situation can get really annoying when it gets busier but it was fine for today. The service was great! A+ :) Would I come back? Yes. For the cinnamon roll. I dont actually like scrambled eggs so I would try something else next time

Photos
The masters at work over there! | August 2022
The masters at work over there! | August 2022
Homemade biscuits and country gravy
Homemade biscuits and country gravy
Cinnamon roll

See all

Cinnamon roll
Crow's Nest Restaurant

Crow's Nest Restaurant

3.4
(2.7k reviews)
3.0 mi
$$$

Santa Cruz has many great places to eat a nice dinner. Consider them all then eat at the Crow's…read moreNest, our harbor goto for over 30 years. My partner, J does something similar with her entree selection. The steaks look good, our waitress suggests the Halibut with the Chardonnay Cream sauce served over polenta but after due consideration she orders the Sand Dabs. Again. As she always does. I enjoyed the Halibut and J the sand dabs but we ended up swapping plates to get both of us a bite of each entree. We brought in a Bargetto 2024 Viognier from an earlier in the day tasting which complemented both dishes and finished with a rich Ollaliebery pie slice ala mode. Pro tip: Get a window seat a couple of hours before dusk on a midsummer night and watch the boats entering the harbor at sunset. Who needs variety when the standards are served so well!

5 star service and ambiance. 3-4 star food. They certainly have the location and are an old school…read moremarina restaurant. That means heavy woods, typical seafood, steak, crab cakes and salad bar menu. We had their complementary mud pie for a birthday - again good though not great. Ordered the grass fed rib eye burger, medium, but had to send it back for a re-do. Grass fed often comes out dry and this was no exception. But if you're paying $30 for a burger I figured we should be happy with it. Our server Gabriel agreed and the second one was much better. Gabriel was friendly, efficient and we certainly would ask for him in the future. Crab cake was decent, as was the salad bar. My martini was good sized and I made my own bleu cheese olives via the salad bar bleu which was a nice touch. I'd come back again to try out the Happy Hour and upstairs.

Photos
The upstairs bar and restaurant
The upstairs bar and restaurant
Crab & shrimp omelette
Crab & shrimp omelette
View Walton Lighthouse

See all

View Walton Lighthouse

Pretty Good Advice - sandwiches - Updated June 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...