Santa Cruz Diner

Santa Cruz Diner is a true gem with a rich history that spans over 28 years, starting as a humble waffle house and growing into a vibrant, eclectic treasure. Every meal here exudes the warmth and care of genuine home cooking. The diverse menu caters to every craving, blending classic diner staples with unique, flavorful twists that make every visit exciting. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a charm that reflects its journey from modest beginnings to a beloved local institution. Whether you’re indulging in hearty breakfast favorites, comforting lunch options, or satisfying dinner plates, you can taste the dedication and authenticity in every bite. The staff are friendly, attentive, and clearly take pride in keeping the diner’s legacy alive. Santa Cruz Diner is more than just a place to eat—it's a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and good food bringing people together. A must-visit for anyone in the area!

A lovely dining experience. Feels like taking a step into the past. Interior decor is very nostalgic. Food quality and taste is also amazing. Definitely recommend trying the Salmon Sandwich and their heavenly Tiramisu. Lots of veggie options for vegetarians and vegans too.

Awesome place! Came here to eat, nice AC in here, very nice employees everywhere!! Nice comfy seating ❤️ i just got the chicken basket menu item and it's good y'all IT IS GOODDD!! Crispy chicken tenders and well seasoned fries 😋 PERFECT!!!

The lasguna was good and the pho was good. The pho broth i suspect would have been amazing but it unfortunately tasted watered down. It also didn't have as much meat and noodles in it as I've come to expect, but good none the less. Great place with TONS of options!

And...The primary reason I'm in Santa Cruz is because my pal Peter Puncãneater told me if I'd bring him the Skididdlehopper he bought from a Craigslist seller in Yountville he'd pay for the fuel, and pop for lunch at the Santa Cruz Diner! And that in itself is worth the trip! I got the Chicken sandwich on sourdough and asked them to make it look like the Philly Cheesesteak....It was Amazing! ☆☆☆☆☆

It's a solid diner. Got the chicken fried steak, they call it country fried. It's pretty expensive for what you get. The portions are acceptable, you shouldn't leave hungry. Gravy was the highlight it was very good gravy. I think the steak is from frozen, so they're not battering it to order. Pretty common but i think for that reason it should be cheaper. I got hashbrowns and they weren't bad but they were under cooked, they should be creamy in the middle and some of the potato was still raw. They're probably cooking them from frozen instead of cooking them thawed. Hashbrowns should be thawed out before they're cooked otherwise they don't come out right. I also got a biscuit, it was pretty good but very tough, drenched in gravy they're pretty good but i wouldn't get one with jelly or honey. I prefer honey on a warm biscuit. Service was great, they're bilingual with Spanish. Pretty clean place, little rip in the seat but no biggy. I do wish they had more hot sauce options, only Tabasco at the tables you gotta hunt down the better ones. All in all a worthy place to eat, definitely better than that garbage they serve at Black Bear Diner. Give them a shot! Plus a rare 💎 they're open 24 hr, practically unheard-of in California.

The food was good, I had the corn beef and hash but it didn't taste like corn beef, they got my order wrong and my son's, the gentleman who gave us drinks put all 6 glasses of water in front of me and waved his hand and said pass them out . I was like "really" the service was weird.. we got a lot of food but really wasn't impressed.. not sure if we'll go back, but thank you.

This was such an amazing place with huge portions. They food was all made fresh and they have a menu with something for everyone.

Santa Cruz Diner is a true gem with a rich history that spans over 28 years, starting as a humble waffle house and growing into a vibrant, eclectic treasure. Every meal here exudes the warmth and care of genuine home cooking. The diverse menu caters to every craving, blending classic diner staples with unique, flavorful twists that make every visit exciting. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a charm that reflects its journey from modest beginnings to a beloved local institution. Whether you’re indulging in hearty breakfast favorites, comforting lunch options, or satisfying dinner plates, you can taste the dedication and authenticity in every bite. The staff are friendly, attentive, and clearly take pride in keeping the diner’s legacy alive. Santa Cruz Diner is more than just a place to eat—it's a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and good food bringing people together. A must-visit for anyone in the area!

A lovely dining experience. Feels like taking a step into the past. Interior decor is very nostalgic. Food quality and taste is also amazing. Definitely recommend trying the Salmon Sandwich and their heavenly Tiramisu. Lots of veggie options for vegetarians and vegans too.

Awesome place! Came here to eat, nice AC in here, very nice employees everywhere!! Nice comfy seating ❤️ i just got the chicken basket menu item and it's good y'all IT IS GOODDD!! Crispy chicken tenders and well seasoned fries 😋 PERFECT!!!

The lasguna was good and the pho was good. The pho broth i suspect would have been amazing but it unfortunately tasted watered down. It also didn't have as much meat and noodles in it as I've come to expect, but good none the less. Great place with TONS of options!

And...The primary reason I'm in Santa Cruz is because my pal Peter Puncãneater told me if I'd bring him the Skididdlehopper he bought from a Craigslist seller in Yountville he'd pay for the fuel, and pop for lunch at the Santa Cruz Diner! And that in itself is worth the trip! I got the Chicken sandwich on sourdough and asked them to make it look like the Philly Cheesesteak....It was Amazing! ☆☆☆☆☆

It's a solid diner. Got the chicken fried steak, they call it country fried. It's pretty expensive for what you get. The portions are acceptable, you shouldn't leave hungry. Gravy was the highlight it was very good gravy. I think the steak is from frozen, so they're not battering it to order. Pretty common but i think for that reason it should be cheaper. I got hashbrowns and they weren't bad but they were under cooked, they should be creamy in the middle and some of the potato was still raw. They're probably cooking them from frozen instead of cooking them thawed. Hashbrowns should be thawed out before they're cooked otherwise they don't come out right. I also got a biscuit, it was pretty good but very tough, drenched in gravy they're pretty good but i wouldn't get one with jelly or honey. I prefer honey on a warm biscuit. Service was great, they're bilingual with Spanish. Pretty clean place, little rip in the seat but no biggy. I do wish they had more hot sauce options, only Tabasco at the tables you gotta hunt down the better ones. All in all a worthy place to eat, definitely better than that garbage they serve at Black Bear Diner. Give them a shot! Plus a rare 💎 they're open 24 hr, practically unheard-of in California.

The food was good, I had the corn beef and hash but it didn't taste like corn beef, they got my order wrong and my son's, the gentleman who gave us drinks put all 6 glasses of water in front of me and waved his hand and said pass them out . I was like "really" the service was weird.. we got a lot of food but really wasn't impressed.. not sure if we'll go back, but thank you.

This was such an amazing place with huge portions. They food was all made fresh and they have a menu with something for everyone.