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    River Cafe

    3.3 (346 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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    RIVER CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - River Cafe

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    Scott Y.

    Great MoMos, great service, personable people. Can't wait to go back and try the Noodles. Owner even gave our dog some chicken! We will for sure be back to this gem.

    Chicken Momos
    Bear P.

    Small menu but amazing and delicious food. We got the chicken momos and the chicken panini which were so yum yum. The service was also incredible. The people there are so friendly. I had a great experience there and definitely recommend stopping by.

    Day of Joy Meal. July, 2024.
    Laura S.

    Our Nepalese American family planned to visit River Cafe for the Tibetan community's "Day of Joy" on July 6 in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's birthday. The Tibetan community and friends would provide food and drink. But, life got in the way, with my adult daughter feeling ill so we ended not going. However, in hearing of our disappointment, her sister-in-law visited the restaurant and brought us two take-out meals that were provided free of charge to patrons on the Day of Joy. Each meal included three vegetarian momos (round steamed dumplings filled with kale, cilantro, garlic, bean noodles, tofu, and potato), a side spring salad (greens, dried cranberries, walnuts, and dressing), dry noodles with spinach, green onion, carrots, and sauce, a wedge of watermelon, and a creamy pie dessert (not sure what it was, but it was yummy). Thank you, River Cafe and the Tibetan community in Santa Cruz. We appreciate your generosity -- and plan to visit River Cafe in person in the near future! Based on how good these meals were, we must try out your chicken and beef momos and chai!

    Main lobby
    Suraj S.

    I had a great experience being in this cafe. Me and my wife tried chicken noodle soup along with chicken momo . Soup was delicious and made our morning feel better and ready to go on our adventures of the day. Chicken momo - juicy, we loved it. The vibe in this cafe was calm, friendly and welcoming. I recommend everyone to go try it in the morning. It's a good place to start your day

    Beef Momos
    Rain b.

    First time here and I was impressed! I had the momo beef sandwich and an Americano, both were delicious. The café is cozy and comfortable, and the owner is very kind and welcoming. I'll definitely be back!

    Ordering countwr
    Annie T.

    River Cafe is this small glass-walled cafe with lots of outdoor seating. It has cute decorations inside and is centrally located near shops and close to downtown. I went there for coffee and tea with my family after lunch, but we will definitely be back for the momos (dumplings!) because those look FIRE! The service was super friendly and professional too! River Cafe may have to be in my family's restaurant "rotation" because we love dumplings!

    Dirty Chai
    Madeline A.

    Found this cafe half a mile from Santa Cruz Pier. Found the place calming. We gave it a try. The cage advocates for Tibet awareness. Love their beef momo !!

    Aloha kombucha
    Cassondra R.

    I came across this quaint and unique, family owned cafe while making my way to downtown Santa Cruz, and I was very happy that I stopped in. I was greeted almost immediately and my order was promptly taken soon after. They were very friendly and all food was made to order, cooked to perfection, very delightful flavors, fresh ingredients, and served hot. I ordered the bacon burrito and deliciously refreshing, local, aloha kombucha. They brought me my order where I was sitting, which was another plus, but I noticed my burrito a vegetarian one, filled with tofu, french fries, well melted shredded cheddar cheese, spinach, scrambled egg, and I added avocado. It was delicious, and the chef even said he marinated the tofu himself, so good! However, the burrito had no bacon as I ordered, so I asked for a side instead and they were more than happy to oblige. In fact, they gave me extra bacon! They are very kind restaurant owner who cook and serve well! Also, apparently they are a neighborhood favorite too! As I was waiting for my food I could here a family vehind me saying how they love going there because it feels like home, and I can definitely see that. I am a happy customer who will return and recommend this place to friends and family.

    Beef noodle soup
    Angela Y.

    I was looking for a quick healthy lunch option and found River Cafe. Excellent, fresh and healthy options. 2 thumbs up. Highly recommend. I will come back often.

    half of a grilled veggie panini (i ate the other half) and the 12 oz chai

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    Screw Y.

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    4 years ago

    Very nice little cafe with great service and even better food. Perfect for any time of day.

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    4 years ago

    I like everything about this café the people are nice food is good I like sitting outside on the deck I definitely recommend this café.

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    3 years ago

    The momo is amazing, so is the hot sauce that comes with. Service is always timely and the owner is super friendly and accommodating.

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    3 years ago

    I love their fresh coffee and momo. Owner is so friendly and nice. I will highly recommend.

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    3 years ago

    Sweet little cafe with shady outdoor seating right off hwy 1. Welcoming cafe staff, simple and yummy menu.

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    3 years ago

    Vegan momos are delicious! Friendly owner and staff. It is like dining in a greenhouse. And it is next to a Patagonia outlet

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    6 years ago

    Really friendly owner and delicious food! Stop by here if you can, it is a gem. I got the veggie panini and it was fresh and super good.

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    Page 2 of 9

    Ask the Community - River Cafe

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    My cousin and I would come here daily when we were younger my wife and kids and I set to stop in…read morefor coffee today staff was super nice coffee was good sadly I didn't have an iced coffee so I didn't check if they had the homemade whipped cream but I will tell you 13 years ago it's was sooooo good I will have to come back on a warm day and see if they still make it! Don't sleep on this place when coming to Santa Cruz it's one of the best here for this area besides LuLus on Pacific Avenue! Do not go to the drive up Lulus horrible owner!! Just check all his reviews!!!

    I normally dont often write reviews, but this one I think its a must. We were on our way to SF and…read moremy hubby was so need some caffein. We took a quick exit, and looked up a coffee place close by, Java Junction was right there. I didnt expect anything much until we stept in. A very nice atmosphere, cozy interior, simple decors. I ordered the Milky Way Mocha with decaf instead of my usual go-to matcha and my hubby got the Rasberry Mocha. The drinks came in with just clear cups with ice and thick layer of cream on top. We were very curious when taking a sip from the cream top, and oh my it got us both. The cream was thick, with a hint of chocolate, and my hubby's cup got the rasberry taste in it. I'm not a coffee enthusiastic but I must say, my Milky Way Mocha was so good that made me glad that I decided not to get the matcha this time. We both finished our drinks when we passed SJ. Good service, easy stop, nice atmostphere, and the mochas, recommended!

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    See the bottom of the cup..its caked with powder...

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    Matcha, not good.

    Cruz Creamery - Half Honey Lavendar and Half Rose Ice Cream

    Cruz Creamery

    4.0(210 reviews)
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    This one was difficult. It was really closer to a 2.5 for me, but with all of the other ice cream…read moreplaces around town, Cruz Creamery just really misses the spot. Ultimately, we came here because the other one that we wanted to go to down the street had a line into the parking lot. In hindsight, we probably should have just waited. The ice cream here just didn't stand out. It melted too quickly-almost like it wasn't really kept cold cold. The flavors meshed together and didn't really pop and you know something is odd when after going through 4 flavors, the lady up front say, "that's the best", or "that's one of my favorites" to each and every one of them. Getting your order mixed up was also a deduction. I wanted a brownie sundae and because she was out of hot fudge, asked if that could be replaced with caramel. I said yes, but ended up just getting a caramel sundae without the brownies?! Unfortunately I didn't notice until after I sat down with my sundae to which point, I just didn't care enough to get it fixed. The place seemed dingy and confused. With ice cream, but froyo, it could be a bit confusing. Overall, it just didn't seem genuine. There are too many ice cream shops around and to call this one a local and community focused ice cream shop seems like a bit of a stretch to me.

    Cool dessert shop offering lovely lounge seating, ample space, a froyo station with a variety of…read moretoppings in the yogurt bar, and plenty of ice cream flavors in the display case, including vegan and sorbet options. There were 4 types of chocolate available, but no dark chocolate. I opted for a double chocolate fudge brownie milkshake. They didn't have lowfat milk but the worker was friendly and offered to put less milk. Strangely, the shake ended up being on the watery side. It also wasn't quite filled to the top, and even got foamy at the surface. But it was delicious nonetheless.

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    Cruz Creamery - Inside.

    Inside.

    Cruz Creamery - Outside

    Outside

    Cruz Creamery - Inside

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    Inside

    New Leaf Community Markets

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    New Leaf River Street:…read more We got multiple of the large "Just the Right Bite Boxes" for our wedding, and everyone thought we hired a fancy caterer for these individual desserts. They looked beautiful, tasted great, held up well, and honestly were so much better than a cake. Also better (and slightly cheaper) than cupcakes, where we just couldn't find the right option in the area. Everything was ready right on time and pickup went completely as planned. We didn't mean to max New Leaf out, but definitely felt like we'd "hacked" dessert for a crowd. Everybody was talking about the desserts. The staff were also incredibly patient and helped sort out an issue where I accidentally ordered under the wrong email and got things all twisted up. So grateful to the New Leaf River Street team for making it all work perfectly at a time when we really needed it to. So grateful. Highly recommend! Didn't take a picture but they looked exactly like what you see on the website and came in very protected containers that we could stack.

    I tell an employee that there's alcoholic beer in the non alcohol section and he says to me "the…read morebest way to quit drinking is not to drink alcohol free beer." I walked out of the store without buying anything. I'll never go back until I get an apology from the store. I called them and left a message. I'm doubtful I'll get a response. This is serious. I was served alcohol in a store a few months ago after telling the man about my sobriety. To laugh at a medical, physical and mental disability takes a lot of class.

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    New Leaf Community Markets
    New Leaf Community Markets
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    River Cafe - coffee - Updated September 2026

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