One evening in Santa Cruz
 

I'll be in Santa Cruz next month for a work conference. We have one free evening on the boardwalk. Any suggestions for a fun place for drinks and dinner? (I don't think I'm up to riding the Giant Dipper.)

That wharf is right there and is a nice place to watch the sunset while you eat. I haven't eaten in any of the restaurants down there in a long time, so I can't recommend any one specifically. Maybe someone else can help with that.

Downtown, which isn't far from the Boardwalk, has some good choices. El Palomar is pretty good and has a great atmosphere.

Maybe drive down to Capitola a few mile south. I don't remember any specific restaurants but I think there would be a better variety and atmosphere than right around the boardwalk.

There are several restaurants and bars right on the wharf, just a short walk from the boardwalk itself. One (The Ideal, I believe) is at the start of the wharf and has a large outdoor seating area. There are a few more at the far end of the wharf, right over the water, but I don't think any of those have outdoor seating. There is also a good selection of bars and restaurants in downtown Santa Cruz and in Capitola, but if you are at the boardwalk, the ones on the wharf will be much more convenient.

On the Wharf is newer restaurant called Olitas. It's a Mexican Restaurant and they serve great Margaritas. Their view is really nice because they are upstairs.
If you want to go to our Downtown, Pacific Ave., try Aqua Bleu. Their cocktails are pricey, but they're works of art. They serve everything from sushi to burgers.
Also Downtown on Cathart is Aloha Island Grill. Great tropical drinks and pupus. You feel like you are in the Islands as soon as walk in.
Try to avoid The Ideal. It's your basic tourist trap with overpriced food and weak drinks. The view is nice, but you can get a better view on the Wharf anyway.

Unless you have health problems, you MUST ride the Giant Dipper. No matter how high tech roller coasters get, this old wooden rollercoaster will always be my favorite. You'll love it.

I love the Giant Dipper too - my all time favorite roller coaster. It isn't scary, just fun.

I second Olita's on the Wharf. It is upscale...Mexican, but not rice-and-beans Mexican. Interesting small plates, and seafood. It is also upstairs, so has good views. It is owned by the man who owns Cloud's Downtown, which I also recommend. Young, hip wait staff, modern decor, good food, including some "comfort classics". But no view.

There is an Italian place on the boardwalk with a nice selection of wines -- don't know how the food is, but a nice place to enjoy the sunset.

For dinner, we had a killer meal at Casablanca, which is on the other side of Main Street but with a great view of the bay. I had a great salad and a smoked sturgeon entree with some asian sauce -- I've had many fish entrees in my life, but never smoked sturgeon, at least here on the West Coast. It was outstanding.

Thanks to everyone thus far. Mexican is out since I'm coming from Texas and I get lots of that at home, including seafood dishes. Sushi would be GREAT as we do NOT have much of that here! Aloha Grill and Aqua Bleu sound wonderful!

My back probably won't like me if I ride the Giant Dipper. Is it very bumpy? We have the Texas Giant here, and I always need a visit to the chiropractor after riding it...

Aqua Bleu is not my favorite place to eat and I live here. The staff is cutesy, but the food is a little TOO cutesy. Just my opinion and I have eaten here twice, to give it a second chance.

Also, stay away from Ideal at the head of the Wharf. Very touristy and overpriced for its menu. I would consider going the short distance downtown to Pacific Avenue and I can recommend Cloud's, as I said. Also Vida. Or, Rosie McCann's Irish Pub and Restaurant, upstairs near Vida. They sometimes have music on weekends.