Location: Watsonville
Top Restaurants in Watsonville
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California, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Watsonville
Reviews on American food in Watsonville, California, United States. The south Santa Cruz County region of Watsonville and Pajaro Valley boast pristine beaches and a Mediterranean climate. Birders flock to the miles of trails around the Wetlands of Watsonville. Nearby, the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve is one of California's last undisturbed wetlands and is ideal for bird watching. An annual Birding Festival, the Strawberry Festival, a weekly farmer's market, Watsonville Plaza, and the Agricultural History Museum are sights not to be missed.
Things to do in Watsonville
10. Carmona's BBQ Deli
Overall Ratings
3 based on 21 reviews
We are a new BBQ deli located in Watsonville which provides professional service with a family approach. We have sit-in and take out services availiable. Come join us for fresh home made salads and our ever so tender baby back ribs along with our 1/2 lb b
Reviewed By Robert H
Well, I was disappointed when I heard that. So, I ordered the Chili Cheese Fry Burger which was described as: " loaded with chili ,shredded cheese and naked fries." The burger tasted very good but I felt that it was skimpy on the chili and cheese but it had too much fries on the side.the restaurant looks more like a sports bar with multiple TV's, sports memorabilia hanging on the walls. One loose siding is held with duct tape. Overall, the place is very clean.
9. Cafe Ella
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
they have another restaurant in Hollister and are listed on yelp and other searches
Reviewed By KimHall831Realtor
Excellent sandwiches and Java are available here. Lovely relaxing decor with an outside doggie friendly patio.Clean, comfortable space with very nice staff to help you. Thanks!
8. Wooden Nickle Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Kerryloves2travel
This is really a home style restaurant that serves up delicious food- breakfast, lunch & dinner, with family portions. Consistently good. Bar has good & generous drinks, too.Love the soup & sandwich special for lunch- can't beat the price. And the little piece fo chocolate cake is the perfect sweet bite- just like your grandma would do :)You won't be disappointed. Servers are friendly & quick, too.
7. Cadillac Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Temporarily Closed
Reviewed By John M
The building has been here for a long time, but struggled to find support within the rural community. The new owners have made a big effort and investment to turn this place around, and I am very impressed. The quality of the food is better than many of the big name area restaurants, and the owner and staff are very eager to please. Do give them a try and you will be impressed. Portions are very big, by the way.
6. California Grill of the Pajaro Valley
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By randogm2011
My wife and I ate here two nights ago. We sat at the bar and had a really nice time. We did not get the name of our bartender but he made the best "Old Fashioned" I have ever had. He was entertaining and gave us flawless service. My wife's Halibut was delicious. My chicken roulade was cooked perfectly but I thought that the "artichoke sauce" was a bit heavy and "one note" tasting. They have a huge menu with lots of interesting items. We can't wait to go back!
5. Red Apple Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By timteresa0
This is a local favorite by the crowd that was there during lunchtime. You can get breakfast or lunch there. I had their tuna salad which was so filling. It was a very big portion. The chicken Philly was also good. They have a great beef vegetable soup too. The service was excellent.
4. Ella's at the Airport
Overall Ratings
4 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Rob R
If you enjoy good cuisine, friendly service and a fantastic view of the Watsonville Airport Ella's Restaurant is for you. Plenty of close by parking. Active full bar. Ella loves to host your group parties. Anything from wedding rehearsal dinners to retirement parties. Ella can fulfill most any dining request.I know because I had both of these requests satisfied for me.
3. Beach Street Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By 402bobh
I stop here on a seasonal basis. Maybe 3 times a year if I'm lucky. This place only gets busier and the food gets better. If you're passing by Watsonville it's a must do. Crab Eggs Benedict never disappoints.
2. The Fish House Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By travelwork
Wanted something close to where we were staying in Pajaro Dunes for an early dinner and this place was the perfect choice. The place doesnât look like much from the outside, ambience is minimal, but the food is wonderful, service very friendly and helpful, and the prices are very reasonable, something often hard to find in California in general. We shared a calamari appetizer which was so tasty. My husband spoke highly of his prawn pasta dish with homemade linguine, and my cioppino was amazing. Other dishes we saw on the menu looked intriguing also, maybe for a return visit. Such a good find in Watsonville.
1. Cowboys Corner Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Michelle N
We heard alot about this place and we were not disappointed. Food was great and lots of it. Biscuits were like breakfast dinner rolls. They are made fresh as needed and wonderful. Home fries, yum, yumParking is a premium as they are at the end of the dead end street, but other parking is close by. Place is always jammed, so bring your patience. it's worth the wait
