Guidebook for Soquel
Food Scene
Just a short walk from our home. The Ugly Mug was opened in June, 1996 in order to provide a place for congregation, conversation, and community support. Since its opening, The Ugly Mug has successfully hosted a menagerie of performances, art installations, open mics, movie nights, lively discussions, and quiet revelations of the community which it represents.
19 locals recommend
Ugly Mug CoffeeHouse
4640 Soquel DrJust a short walk from our home. The Ugly Mug was opened in June, 1996 in order to provide a place for congregation, conversation, and community support. Since its opening, The Ugly Mug has successfully hosted a menagerie of performances, art installations, open mics, movie nights, lively discussions, and quiet revelations of the community which it represents.
Occasional live music sets a festive tone at this American grill with bayside patio dining.
50 locals recommend
Paradise Beach Grille
215 Esplanade Occasional live music sets a festive tone at this American grill with bayside patio dining.
Located beside the lush Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, Shadowbrook is best reached by its own quaint cable car or a meandering garden path. Epitomizing “Romance in Dining” since 1947, award-winning Shadowbrook continues to serve fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old-World charm and grace. Award-winning cuisine includes such specialties as prime rib, salmon, fresh seafood, and pastas. The Rock Room Lounge and Bar offers a more casual dining experience.
205 locals recommend
Shadowbrook Restaurant
1750 Wharf RdLocated beside the lush Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, Shadowbrook is best reached by its own quaint cable car or a meandering garden path. Epitomizing “Romance in Dining” since 1947, award-winning Shadowbrook continues to serve fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old-World charm and grace. Award-winning cuisine includes such specialties as prime rib, salmon, fresh seafood, and pastas. The Rock Room Lounge and Bar offers a more casual dining experience.
Best bakery, best rosticcerie chicken, best lunch, covered patio, Buttery pastries, Dog Friendly, Award Winning.
155 locals recommend
Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria
504 Bay AveBest bakery, best rosticcerie chicken, best lunch, covered patio, Buttery pastries, Dog Friendly, Award Winning.
We believe the coffee experience is our responsibility from seed to cup. Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth and responsibility we are bridging the gap from Farmlevel to Streetlevel.
We Are Verve. Made in Santa Cruz.
220 locals recommend
Verve Coffee Roasters
816 41st AveWe believe the coffee experience is our responsibility from seed to cup. Coffee is our craft, our ritual, our passion. It drives us and inspires us. With this simple truth and responsibility we are bridging the gap from Farmlevel to Streetlevel.
We Are Verve. Made in Santa Cruz.
"Home" Restaurant.
Chef Brad Briske (La Balena) brings farm-to-table fare to Soquel Village, where this charming bistro features seasonal produce and nose-to-tail proteins in its midpriced New American small plates and mains. As the name suggests, the interior keeps things warm and welcoming with a fireplace, green plants and classic furnishings.
3101 N Main St
3101 North Main Street"Home" Restaurant.
Chef Brad Briske (La Balena) brings farm-to-table fare to Soquel Village, where this charming bistro features seasonal produce and nose-to-tail proteins in its midpriced New American small plates and mains. As the name suggests, the interior keeps things warm and welcoming with a fireplace, green plants and classic furnishings.
Drinks & Nightlife
"Top 10 Beers That You'll Never Taste" -Esquire Magazine
28 locals recommend
Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
103 Kennedy Dr"Top 10 Beers That You'll Never Taste" -Esquire Magazine
Neighborhood taproom/beer garden. Best in region. Yard games and great food from Carpo's next door.
82 locals recommend
Beer 30
2504 S Main StNeighborhood taproom/beer garden. Best in region. Yard games and great food from Carpo's next door.
**Ask about joining Johaan & Kayce for a members tasting :)
Has produced hand-crafted wines in the Santa Cruz Mountains since 1933. They specialize in estate grown varietals from our Regan Estate Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. The mountainous, cool climate region is host to low-yielding vineyards which produce wines of richness and intensity. Produces Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and several Italian varietals. The family invites you to taste their award-winning wines and experience the long tradition and dramatic beauty of this internationally-acclaimed appellation.
31 locals recommend
Bargetto Winery
3535 N Main St**Ask about joining Johaan & Kayce for a members tasting :)
Has produced hand-crafted wines in the Santa Cruz Mountains since 1933. They specialize in estate grown varietals from our Regan Estate Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay. The mountainous, cool climate region is host to low-yielding vineyards which produce wines of richness and intensity. Produces Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and several Italian varietals. The family invites you to taste their award-winning wines and experience the long tradition and dramatic beauty of this internationally-acclaimed appellation.
Soquel Vineyards
8063 Glen Haven Rd
Hunter Hill Vineyard & Winery
7099 Glen Haven Road
Poetic Cellars
5000 N Rodeo Gulch RdParks & Nature
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek Road"Lots of interesting bells / temples / prayer wheels." "Serene hiking in the redwoods." "It's a place of peace, compassion, and integration.
68 locals recommend
Land of Medicine Buddha
5800 Prescott Rd"Lots of interesting bells / temples / prayer wheels." "Serene hiking in the redwoods." "It's a place of peace, compassion, and integration.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
2591 Graham Hill RdArts & Culture
Museum Director is one of a kind. Unique, trendsetting museum and community meeting space.
133 locals recommend
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front StMuseum Director is one of a kind. Unique, trendsetting museum and community meeting space.
Capitola Historical Museum
410 Capitola AveRecommend their free, self-guided walking tour.
Essentials
Sunnyside Produce
2520 S Main St
CVS
1750 41st AveGetting Around
Uber HQ
1455 Market StUber is now available in our area. Fairly reliable.
Sightseeing
Capitola is a popular tourist town because of its trendy shops and restaurants on the shore directly connecting to a fishing wharf and its large, sandy beach (1.9 miles).
151 locals recommend
Capitola
Capitola is a popular tourist town because of its trendy shops and restaurants on the shore directly connecting to a fishing wharf and its large, sandy beach (1.9 miles).
Take a stroll along the cliffs with beautiful views of Monterey Bay. Pairs well with hot coffee from Verve Roasters.
20 locals recommend
East Cliff Drive
East Cliff DriveTake a stroll along the cliffs with beautiful views of Monterey Bay. Pairs well with hot coffee from Verve Roasters.