Appreciate that they were able to accommodate our large group (~14) but if you need that amount of seating it's good to call ahead and come earlier to secure a spot. The breakfast options are pretty unique like the Zach's Old Fashioned is like a deconstructed loaded mashed potato on a roll. Additionally the sourdough pancakes are 10/10 worth it, they are light, fluffy, and the best part doesn't fill you up too much. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

OMG I've been wanting to try this spot for years and never made it over until Independence Day. Such great service as soon as I put our table of 6 on their wait list. We had our dog with us so we needed to sit outdoors. There were already customers seated with 2 tables of 4 separated, so we were fine waiting. But the hostess was remarkable and said "I got you", and she immediately carried one of the square tables to move it next for the other one. And moved the chairs too. She was awesome! And then we had a superb waiter where he was attentive, friendly, and quick to refill coffee and water. And the food was yum! Everyone enjoyed their meals. Thanks for a rockstar experience! We'll be back! read more

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Such a great place! Their hearty, healthy breakfasts are perfect for when you want the comfort of eggs, bacon, sausage, etc but also want to get your veggies. There's also a very tasty tofu scramble I love for when I only want veggies. Everyone can get something solid here, and the service is top notch. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Home Fried Potatoes Oatmeal bread toast Sausage - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Located in Downtown Santa Cruz, walking distance to the Kaiser Permanente arena. This is great family style breakfast and lunch spot, which has been serving the Santa Cruz community for over 40 years! Great portions , and delicious home cooked dishes. I highly recommend their basic breakfast: two eggs, choice of meats, country fried potatoes, and sourdough toast. Spacious seating area and friendly service. read more

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I am a UCSC alumna, and Zachary's has always been a staple for me. I recently went back for a quick overnight trip with my best friend, and we had to stop by Zachary's for breakfast. The staff was very friendly, and we were seated quickly. I got the sourdough pancakes and the potatoes, and both were super yummy! These are genuinely some of my favorite pancakes ever. I'm still dreaming about them a few weeks later. My friend got the omelet, which was hearty and delicious. The prices are affordable, and I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Santa Cruz! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Mike's Mess Omlette - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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It's been 20+ years since I've been here and it's just as good as I remembered. I just love a good "diner" experience. If you want fancy coffee and crepes this is not the place. I ordered the Mike's Mess and it was just as I remembered, everything I love in a breakfast all mashed together and put on a plate. It's a lot of food so you better be hungry. My wife ordered pancakes and they were soft and delicious. Service was super quick and they have limited space but I never felt rushed. Great memory that didn't disappoint after 20+ years away. read more

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Breakfast at Zachary's feels like walking into the kind of place where everyone has already decided it's going to be a good day, and somehow you get swept into the agreement. The coffee arrives before you've fully remembered your own name, and the servers move with the confidence of people who've witnessed thousands of sleepy humans transform into functioning adults. The portions are generous enough to make you briefly question your own optimism when ordering. Everything tasted fresh, the service was genuinely warm, and the whole restaurant had that rare ability to be busy without feeling chaotic. If I have one complaint, it's that I left believing I should become the sort of person who casually goes out for breakfast on weekdays. That's a dangerous lifestyle to flirt with. Five stars. I came for eggs and coffee and somehow left with unrealistic expectations for every breakfast that follows. read more

Can't go wrong with this place for breakfast or brunch! I got the Pancake Breakfast with a sausage patty and over easy eggs, which was delicious -- the pancakes have a nice yeasty/chewy texture to them, which I prefer over the super-fluffy kind (that tends to just become a big blob of paste in the mouth). My wife got the Breakfast Sandwich with avocado substituted for bacon, which was still pretty decadent. Coffee was nice and roasty. The restaurant has a busy and bustling atmosphere, which is nice for breakfast -- gets your energy going for the day. Service was quick and friendly. The place can get pretty crowded, so be prepared for a wait! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Pancake Breakfast with sausage patty - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Love this place. I've been ~5 times now and have never been disappointed. Inside and outside seatings are good options. Not only is the food always absolutely delicious but you can also buy loafs of bread they make. They servers are always hustling and bustling but make the effort to be kind and considerate. You feel like you can slow down here and enjoy life's moments. I'll absolutely go back again. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Italian scramble with Fresh Fruit - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Food: huge portions! Jalepeno cornbread and mikes mess were good though next time will def get a junior size of that. Service: waited about 10 min to be seated. Attentive prompt service Ambiance: shady outdoor seating. Busy area! read more

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Fun and lively breakfast/brunch spot. HUGE portions! Stopped in for a quick bite. We signed in and were seated promptly. I enjoyed a BLTA with home style potatoes. Hubs enjoyed tuna melt and potato salad. Def will return. Not sure why it took me so long to check out this place! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Tuna Melt - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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We got the French toast breakfast and the pancake breakfast, both were delicious!! We got sat right away even when they were busy and the service was amazing. 10/10 experience!! read more

Such delicious food! My son and I split the breakfast burger and French toast. I had the tangerine mimosa. Fresh squeezed tangerine juice! The service was friendly and fast. Definitely recommend! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Tangerine mimosa & coffee - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Great little place in downtown Santa Cruz. The menu is very cool with lots of interesting choices that are not just run of the mill breakfast items. My daughter ordered the breakfast sandwich and it was really good. It came on some amazing bread which was homemade. I got the old fashioned, which was a mix between eggs Benedict and biscuit and gravy. The potatoes were excellent- possibly the best we've ever had and the portions were big. My wife got the simple breakfast and they substituted fruit for bread for no charge. All the servers and people working there were very nice. We got there at 7:30 in the morning on a Saturday and got seated quickly, but when we left at 8:30, there was a line. definitely worth checking out. read more

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I think Zachary's is central Santa Cruz's best breakfast restaurant. The service is always prompt and friendly. The atmosphere is really good, with a well designed space that allows for a comfortable volume for conversation even when things are busy. The food is excellent. I love the Mike's Mess the most, but have tried and enjoyed other items as well. The serving size is generous enough to take half home for later, but not so large that finish it is impossible. I always enjoy the coffee with free refills. There's paid parking nearby, but nothing right in front of the restaurant. read more

Haven't been here in a long time. The sourdough pancakes and sourdough waffle were great! I'm a waffle guy, the crunch makes them superior, however both were great, and the sausage links were plump, plentiful, and tasty. Can't wait till next time! read more

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Zach to the Future You know, despite the lies Yelp tells, I really don't think breakfast is my #1 most reviewed category. I don't feel we even go out to breakfast that much, but evidently, the proof is in the pudding. =/ For me these days, in order to go out to breakfast, it has to offer something special beyond the usual Omelette du fromage, benedicts, and pancakes. Like take for example, Zachary's. They've got longevity (ca. 1985), an interesting menu with unique items, and they bake their own bread and baked goods! How can any self-respecting foodie say no to this place. Well. I have to say it was everything we expected and then some. Hands down my favorite breakfast in the past I don't know how many years. The eggs were cooked perfectly, the housemade bread goodies (e.g., muffin, coffee cake, bread) were all fantastic, and the service was superlative. If you top all that with very reasonable prices then you've got yourself a winner. 'Nuff said. read more

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Food was delicious served hot and quick. Hostess greeted you with a smile and waiter was helpful and explained the menu service over all was great. Lots of places to sit ambiance you're over all American breakfast spot. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Mike's mess Huge portion & sour dough pancakes yummy - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Just had breakfast at this place and I have to say it's great I had Zach's old fashioned and it was delicious 10/10 read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Zach's old fashioned 3 poached eggs cream sauce bacon crumbles on a herb roll - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

At the time of review they only had a 4.1 which is shocking! Maybe you don't think it's quite a 5 but WAY BETTER than 4.1. I love this place. In my top 10 overall for brunch. FOOD: Everything was so good! The corned beef hash was among the best I've ever had. Real corned beef (not out of a can) AND tasty. Made even better with awesome home fried potatoes. They cook eggs correctly here which believe it or not is a thing. Also ordered the spicy scramble which was delicious. And even the toast was great! SERVICE: Good but could've been slightly more attentive. Water ran out twice without refill. But it was so busy and hectic I understand. Very nice people and portion sizes were great! Responsive when asked. COST: Super reasonable especially for both the quality and the quantity! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Corned beef hash - seriously one of the best - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This is a happening place for Saturday morning. We were a little concerned on the wait time when we walked up and seen how many people were there. It was very quick. We waited maybe 10 mins. There are so many tables inside and a few outside. The food, Yummy. The sourdough waffle, oh my goodness. Just get it to share with everyone and have one bite! Yea right! Coffee was hot, service was quick. read more

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Omg!! Just come and eat here! The food is absolutely delicious!! I was so impressed with the homemade bread. It was my first time trying sourdough French toast, I strongly recommend giving it a try, even if you're not a sourdough type of person. This place gives old homely vibes, in a cute, hip environment. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This place is so good!!! It was my first time in Santa Cruz and this was the perfect spot to stop at for breakfast after an early morning flight!! It was so cozy inside and it seemed like there was a lot of space for families to come and eat at. They had a good size menu with lots of options on it. I got the breakfast sandwich (on sourdough instead of their oatmeal molasses toast) and it had SO MUCH FLAVOR!!! Also, each meal my family had looked so delicious (I didn't get pictures). The steak looked delicious and the pancakes were SO good!!! They were light and fluffy and the perfect amount of sweetness for me!! Our server was also wonderful!! He was able to answer any questions we had and was really helpful with any modifications we wanted to make as well!! If you are in the area, you HAVE to try this place !! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Zach's Breakfast Sandwich - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Let me start this review saying how amazing their potatoes are. I came here for the first time and asked if they had hash browns since I was craving them, was told they don't so I got chili instead, no big deal. Then, my moms plate came and I found myself staring at the potatoes on her plate, when she was t looking I stole some and HOLY SHT, some of the best potatoes I've ever had. Thank you Trinity for the potatoes, great service and for making our brunch fun with the mimosas. Will definitely come back next time I visit. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Exterior - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Located at the beginning of Paific avenue. Breakfast and lunch diner. Check-in sign in list at door. Waited about 10-15 min for a table for 4 outdoors as first available. read more

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Always a good breakfast with friendly service. Weekends are busy but weekday service is quick. Good coffee and baked goods.

Been going here for years - old school (back in time) ambience! The plate size are a decent and hearty. The Waffles are delicious, and I also get the scrambled eggs, sourdough, and sausage links. This is Santa Cruz staple for the past 40 years! Service is outstanding! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We have been loving the food and vibe since arriving in Santa Cruz in the 1980s. Family owned and operated - BEST PANCAKES in our beloved town. Service is great. "Mike's Mess" with eggs or tofu is always a favorite. read more

Zachary's was great and I'd totally go again. It's classic, homemade, breakfast goodness. There was a short line around noon on a Saturday, but it moved quickly. We got seats at the bar. Everyone was really friendly. They bake all their own bread, muffins, coffee cake, etc. I got their breakfast sandwich and it's made with huge chunks of fresh avocado, yummy chipotle sauce, and their homemade oatmeal molasses bread, which was nutty, hearty, and super solid. The sandwich was huge. I was also craving chili so I got a cup. It was meaty with big chunks of steak, but was served lukewarm (temperature-wise), unfortunately. Tips: Get the salsa of the day. It was verde when we went and was very, very, very good! And bring change for the parking meters. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Two meat, two bean chili special - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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We were seated right away. Very clean with a welcoming atmosphere. Our server Shannon was courteous with personality and excellent customer service. We ordered the Ahi Tuna Salad Sandwich with Home Fried Potatoes, Basic Breakfast with Chicken Apple Sausage and French Toast with Side order Pancakes. The food was served piping hot. Oh my goodness the food was so fresh and seasoned. We will be back when we're in the area We were referred to eat at this location from Noel that graduated from Santa Cruz University . read more

Absolutely amazing food! We had the build your own omelet and the breakfast sandwich. Great service as well, everyone was so nice. The set up inside was simple, but so cute. Will definitely be coming back again soon! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Charming local spot with yummy food. Easy parking and friendly waitstaff is a perk. We decided to try the French toast and pancakes this time. We also tried out their velvet hammer. We will return on future getaways. read more

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Great brunch spot! We tried the breakfast burger, Mike's mess, and tofu mess. I'm glad there are vegetarian options on the menu. The tofu scramble really wowed me. Plus their home fries are always delicious. Gender neutral bathrooms available :) read more

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Alright here's the deal - Zach's Breakfast Sandwich was slammin, gigantic and full of flavor. We wouldn't order the waffle again, they would be better if it was crispy on the outside. Ambiance is classic diner style, spaced out tables and friendly service. This place deserves 4 stars and nothing more read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Zach's Breakfast Sandwich - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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We were on the waitlist but they serve the food so quickly so the wait wasn't bad. Everything we had was good. I got the sourdough waffle. My daughter got the sourdough pancake with links and eggs and my son got an omelette. I can't remember the name of it. Everything was good. would go back! read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Breakfast - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Best brunch in Santa Cruz! I only go out to brunch if there's some unusual or unique flavors offered - beyond what I can make at home. Zachary's offers classic breakfast options like eggs and pancakes, but the pancakes/waffles/toast/coffeecake is all made in house with sourdough, none of that bisquik shit. They also offer dishes such as tofu scrambles for the vegans and artichoke frittata for egg lovers that want to switch it up. It's hard to go wrong with anything you order here. Logistics: - indoor and outdoor seating - it's a happening business so put your name on the paper waitlist at the front door and expect to wait a bit, but service is fast. Not a place linger so that other diners can get the experience! - limited street parking nearby but there are a few paid lots and garages within a 10 min walk - vegan, vegetarian, and a few gluten free options available (if you get home fries instead of toast) read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Artichoke frittata with home fries and toast, half stack sourdough pancakes, breakfast sandwich - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Nice place to get a steak and eggs. Tangerine juice freshly squeezed. The other options are great too. Good service. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - Steak and eggs - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

On a Tuesday morning in early October I took a stroll to the downtown area of Santa Cruz and found myself at Zachary's restaurant for breakfast. It was a nice morning walk and I had read that their breakfasts were pretty good. I went to a Mike's Mess with a size of jalapeno cornbread and another side of the oatmeal molasses bread. The portions were huge, and ended up taking some of it home - because it was that good! It was quiet and there weren't many patrons in there at this time of year/day/hour - so it was nice to have a quiet breakfast. The staff were pleasant and let me enjoy my meal checking on occasionally to see if I needed anything. I'm definitely glad I stopped in, because it turned out to be a great meal. It's a great place to stop in if you're ever in the area. read more

If you're driving down Pacific Street and you see a crowd in front of a building, you may well be in front of Zachary's. Long time a Santa Cruz fixture, Zachary's has been serving delicious food for breakfast and lunch for 40 years. Their reputation has spread far and wide, hence the crowds of locals and tourists on the sidewalk, waiting patiently for delicious food and hometown service. Enjoy the Santa Cruz vibe and enjoy delicious food from Zachary's soon. read more

Zachary's Restaurant - American Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Sourdough pancakes!!! The best breakfast in my world because this is something I don't make at home. They are just the right amount of fluff to hold a good amount of maple syrup, (real or the usual) are both available. The Pancake Breakfast offers 2 eggs, cooked your favorite way plus and 2 pieces of meat, (bacon or a variety of sausages) and 3 sourdough pancakes! My favorite combo. Their entire menu is delicious with many unusual options. Another favorite of mine is the Artichoke frittata with Swiss cheese. This item is so good sometimes I order it togo to enjoy at home later in the day! Deliciousness in every dish! Looking forward to my next breakfast outing at Zackery's. read more