Location: Aptos
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California, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Aptos
Reviews on American food in Aptos, California, United States. Combining the redwoods and the sea into one idyllic setting, Aptos is a quaint town that serves as home to the forested Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Historic Aptos Village features antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. For the perfect spot to picnic, barbecue, or take a seaside stroll, head to Seacliff State beach and walk to the end of the pier to see the S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete vessel known as “the cement ship”.
Things to do in Aptos
10. Shadowbrook Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 965 reviews
Quirky dining rooms & views of Soquel Creek come alongside California cuisine & a wine list.
Reviewed By Karen P
Charming old school dining on the Soquel River in Capitola. Brisk friendly service and location to die for. Funicular takes you down a steep but short mountain side to the chalet like building. Seafood fresh and nicely prepared. Portions adequate with delicious sides. Wine list average.
9. Bittersweet Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 174 reviews
Recognized by locals as one of the top restaurants in Aptos and Santa Cruz County, Bittersweet Bistro offers an American Bistro Cuisine style dinner menu with Mediterranean influences. Outstanding dessert menu and an award-winning wine list are served in
Reviewed By warbler44
We were a table for six. Birthday party for my husband. When i made reservations, I asked if I could bring a cake, the guy on the phone said sure. When we arrived, I talked to a busser and said this is cake for that table....He said: "you know there is a $5.00 cutting fee for each person". I said really, no one told me that. That was the first indication this was not going to be a great experience. The cake sat on the floor in the corner..... $30.00 to cut a cake? really? (We ate it at home).Next came the corkage fee of $35.00 a bottle. Outrageous! So we ordered by the glass and did not get to taste the two amazing bottles our friends had brought for the table.Had to ask for menus, service okay, hardly anyone in restaurant. Not sure why our table waited so long.Portions small and expensive for what you get. My Seafood Puttanesca literally had five small pieces of fish (looked like scraps from something else), one shrimp and four small clams. Sauce was too spicy and not pleasant. Also expensive. Others in group said some entrees were good, and some just okay.Bread never refilled, busser stacked plates when clearing right in front of me.....Three of us have worked in restaurants, and that is a "No-No". Train your bussers. Waitress was pleasant and apologized for the cake issue...... Brought us free dessert to share.Bill was over $300.00 for six of us. Wine prices marked up triple per bottle, (usually doubled). Wine per glass was in the ball park, but a thin pour. None of us will ever go there ever again. For a local establishment, they must be banking on the tourist trade to keep them going, or that their bar is always crowded for Happy Hour...Maybe that will keep them afloat. Female owner always looks cranky......and not happy to see customers.There are other places with way better food, ambience and appeal.
8. Sanderlings Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Norm G
If you're staying in SeaScape, this may be a better option than driving and fighting traffic. The breakfasts are moderately-priced, but are very tasty with generous portions. We had the Veggie Omelette, Denver Omelette, and Eggs Benedict two mornings.For dinner we had the fish and baked chicken (I know what you're thinking ... but the chix was absolutely delicious with marvelous grilled veggies and a LOT of food. The craft cocktails are a taste treat (Gin Botanist martini and vodka Hibiscus cocktails). Yes, you can find cheaper food ... but have a nice drive.
7. The Hideout
Overall Ratings
4 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By aluckart
But, loud enough that we had to shout at each other. The food and service were good enough. But for me the atmosphere was just way too boisterous. Maybe sometime other than a Friday night would be a bit quieter.
6. Pixie Deli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By sejw
The best part of this eatery is the location. Mid morning walk on the beach with a late breakfast stop was our plan. Pixie was a perfect stop. They serve breakfast until noon. Not a lot of breakfast choices, but the best selection in the strip. French toast, bagel and cream cheese, or a build your own breakfast burrito. We split a chorizo, egg, and potato burrito. Coffee consists of four choices of Boydâs. They offer one flavor that is my favorite - Cafe de la Olla. It was everyone elseâs favorite, too - it was empty, so I got a cup from a fresh pot. $8 for a breakfast burrito, $2+ for a 16oz coffee, and free water station - steps from the beach. Not the best food Iâve ever had, but it was worth every penny when you take in your location and view.
5. Cafe Rio Aptos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Local Favorite! Amazing views of the Monterey Bay, this restaurant has food for everyone...including Gluten Free Pastas, Steaks, Fresh Seafood, House made Desserts. You can also bring your tail wagging friend because the spacious heated patio is Dog frien
Reviewed By Teralyn I
This restaurant sits across the street from the beach. You would think that with that vantage point and little nearby competition, they would be pricey. We found it to be very unpretentious and fair priced, especially for the food. Being a popular family vacation area, we were sick of burgers and fries. The fish here is cooked to perfection. Vegetables are abundant. I felt more like we were eating California cuisine than most of the touristy spots closer to Santa Cruz. The menu is very diverse and they work with the neighboring restaurant if what you really want is pizza.Very relaxed atmosphere.
4. Red Apple Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Norm G
Sundays can be busy ... but having an inattentive waitress doesn't help. This facility is small for the table it tries to turn. Tables seated after us had their orders taken; I had to flag down another waitress to get ours to order. The "One-Holer" bathroom is a wait as well (standing over the tables of unfortunate guests). The food is OK, but nothing extraordinary. My BLT was ... OK. My wife's fish sandwich was good and plentiful; so the food gets a mixed review. There are lots of other places.
3. Severino's Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By John M
We had yet another new waitress, but the servers were very effective on a day with a full house, as they scanned the area constantly to see if anyone needed anything. Well Done! Happy hour specials are great bargains, and the plates are pretty big. They offer sample tastes of local craft beers to make sure that you are not surprised with something that you do not really like.
What to do and see in Aptos, United States: The Best Places and Tips
2. Aptos Street BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By y2ktigr
Location is small and tucked away from main streets. Went there after local golfing on a Sunday. After seeing their reviews, I got to try their famous BBQ Brisket sandwich with spicy BBQ sauce, and it was excellent. If you are hungry, go for the 3 meats plate. Place could draw more customers if it was larger. A small live band playing was a nice touch. If I am around Aptos, I will definitely return here!
Aptos Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Aptos
1. Cafe Sparrow
Overall Ratings
4 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By Mamjensen
We went to Café Sparrow on a Sunday evening. We had a very enjoyable meal. Our server Madison was excellent. The food was outstanding from the soup to the entrees to the dessert. I will definitely return to this nice restaurant.
Where to eat Italian food in Aptos: The Best Restaurants and Bars
