Since opening his westside distillery in 2016, Venus Spirits owner Sean Venus has racked up awards for his organic, small-batch spirits including single-malt whiskeys; California’s only blue agave spirits (they’d call them tequila if the term weren’t protected); and signature, floral gins that dial down the juniper for softer botanicals such as cardamom and citrus. The stylish tasting room welcomes guests to sample a flight of spirits, enjoy a freshly made cocktail, and take home a bottle or two for the home bar.

This list is packed, so when coffee shops in Santa Cruz have to share some room, the ultra charming botany vibes at 11th Hour Coffee need a shout out — a particular favorite for pre-surfing energy — as does the first shop of the now booming coffee company Verve. The official pick goes to Cat and Cloud as it is now synonymous with what Santa Cruz coffee can offer to the region and to the country: a business that touts inclusive practices and well-sourced coffee.

Like the region’s famed surf breaks, craft breweries have become an integral part of the local landscape. Humble Sea stands out with exceptional New England-style IPAs; eye-catching graphics; and a pleasant, olive tree-shaded beer garden situated five blocks from the shore on the westside.

Copal opened in the summer of 2020, delivering chef Ana Mendoza’s homestyle Oaxacan fare to the California coast, most notably in the form of moles — Mendoza is particularly known for her bold mole negro, gaining acclaim prior to Copal at pop-ups and festivals. Get it served with chicken or pork, or in tamales wrapped in banana leaf; and don’t miss the tlayuda, an Oaxacan favorite.

Along with business partner Zachary Davis, former Manresa pastry chef Kendra Baker created a beloved local institution with this ice cream shop that features seasonal scoops made from scratch and served in homemade waffle cones. True to Santa Cruz ethos, Davis and Baker source ingredients from more than 40 local farmers and foragers for flavors such as strawberry pink peppercorn and cardamom coconut blackberry. Just be sure to top it with toasted marshmallow fluff. Find locations in downtown and Pleasure Point.

This upscale newcomer represents a sign of Santa Cruz’s recent changes, replacing a former lunch deli space with sleek interiors, expert cocktails, and a menu of New American dishes and steaks. Chef-owner Jeffrey Wall made a name for himself at Atlanta’s lauded Kimball House, and woos Santa Cruz with an extensive raw bar, modern takes on steakhouse classics, and composed plates such as an Insta-worthy smoked beef tartare.

At this convivial downtown taproom named for the Spanish word for “hop,” 16 taps feature brews from Santa Cruz and beyond, while a notable food menu eschews the usual pub grub for Mexican and Spanish plates — family recipes of husband-and-wife owners Stuyvie Bearns-Esteva and Noelle Antolin — sourced exclusively from local organic farms. Think boquerones, cochinita pibil tacos, and empanadas. A cold case offers an additional 300 cans and bottles to crack open on premises or take to go.

Zoccoli’s is arguably Santa Cruz’s favorite deli — rightfully so, after 70+ years serving custom-made sandwiches and house hoagies, like everyone’s favorite, the Mediterranean (mortadella, salami, prosciutto, and provolone cheese on a sourdough French roll with Italian dressing, olives and peppers). There’s a surprising number of vegetarian options, and hot and cold sandwiches all go for under $10, another reason to love it.

As COVID continues to make a smattering of appearances, having a robust outdoor dining option like this downtown Santa Cruz restaurant is a welcome option. There are more than a dozen seafood options, and the cocktails — such as the fruit punch and rum Hawaii 5-0 — are light and refreshing after a day of romping around the mountains. The jungle tofu bowl with plantains, peanuts, and the housemade “jungle curry sauce” (as eyebrow-raising as that name may be) is one particular dish that’s difficult to eat slowly.

This modern, seaside snack shack dishes up affordable, from-scratch, handheld meals across from Steamer Lane, the city’s most iconic surf break. A butcher paper menu lists Sharpie-scrawled items including salmon poke bowls, fresh fish tacos, and panini-pressed quesadillas such as the Break-A-Dilla with scrambled eggs, hash browns, queso fresco, and salsa verde. Nab one of the Adirondack chairs scattered among the park-like setting outside, or head to the benches overlooking surfers shredding massive swells.

Longtime restaurant Oswald in the heart of downtown is loved by the Santa Cruz community, as much for its seasonal California cuisine as for its rotating artist exhibits and warm ambiance. In the fall, try anything with butternut squash, like the soup with persimmon or the Autumn pasta; comforting dishes like curry braised lamb or beef lasagna; and a customer favorite, the chocolate souffle.

Fleeing city life to tend to his Santa Cruz Mountain farm, chef Matt McNamara, former co-owner of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters, teamed up with other Sons & Daughters alums to open this casual breakfast and lunch spot in Soquel. The seemingly simple menu features homemade bread and ingredients sourced from McNamara’s farm in items such as ricotta toast with honey nut pumpkin butter and fennel beet soup (there are burgers too).

Find beer garden nirvana at this sprawling, dog-friendly taproom with shaded picnic tables, lawn games, and 30 rotating taps available in pints or 4 oz. tasters (with even more options available in a cold case). You can bring your own snacks — numerous food vendors are within walking distance — or belly up to an on-site take-out window that slings hearty grub such as al pastor tacos and fish and chips on the weekends.