Best Happy Hour
Crow’s Nest
Nestled in the harbor, Crow’s Nest is famous for its ocean views and prime boat-watching.- The weekly free reggae party is a local Tuesday tradition.
- Live comedy, with stand-up talent from the national circuit, is presented every Sunday night year-round.
- Crow’s Nest has been a fixture on the local restaurant scene for 45 years.
- A short walk to the lighthouse and back again completes a very Santa Cruz experience. DNA
Nestled in the harbor, Crow’s Nest is famous for its ocean views and prime boat-watching.
Best Local Musician
James Durbin
- A contestant on the 10th season of American Idol, James Durbin was a favorite of fans and judges.
- Previously, he worked at Domino’s Pizza in Santa Cruz.
- While his music is known for rocker attitude, James is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
- In 2014, he performed his single “Parachute” on Conan.
- It was announced this month that James will be the new frontman for Quiet Riot. DNA
A contestant on the 10th season of
Best Pub & Best Darts
Poet and Patriot
- An Irish bar with a New Jersey attitude that welcomes everyone.
- Irish music and rock bands play on weekends, and there is free stand-up comedy every Monday night.
- Bartender Larry Blood loves Mel Brooks movies.
- The doorman’s name is Bob. Don’t make him say it twice.
- The separate dart room provides the exact right ambiance for nailing a bullseye. DNA
An Irish bar with a New Jersey attitude that welcomes everyone.
Best Taproom
Pour Taproom
- Pour Taproom features over 70 types of beer, wine and cider, including a section devoted to gluten-free beverages.
- It’s the first taproom of its kind in Santa Cruz, allowing customers to serve themselves.
- Each beer has a touchscreen that provides more information about it, helpful when you want to try a Helles by Light My Fire, but aren’t ready for a smoked-ham flavor profile.
- No, they don’t have bartenders, but they do have beer tenders, a well-trained staff who love to answer questions and chat with customers.
- Pour Taproom also has a full menu of food offerings to pair with their beers: charcuterie/ cheese boards, large bavarian pretzels for sharing, duck tacos and more. ANDREA PATTON
Pour Taproom features over 70 types of beer, wine and cider, including a section devoted to gluten-free beverages.
Bar
515 Kitchen & Cocktails
515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz,
425-5051, 515santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Red Room, Surf City
Bartender
Eric Adams @ Michael’s on Main
RUNNERS-UP Jack Marfoldi Sullivan @ 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, Ethan Samuels @ 515 Kitchen & Cocktails
Craft Brewer (local)
Discretion Brewing
| 2703 41st Ave, Soquel, |
discretionbrewing.com
RUNNERS-UP Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Dance Club
Motiv
1209 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,
429-8070, motivsc.com
RUNNERS-UP Blue Lagoon, Moe’s Alley
Fancy Cocktails
515 Kitchen & Cocktails
515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz,
425-5051, 515santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Oswald, Red Room
Happy Hour
Crow’s Nest
2218 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz,
476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP 515 Kitchen & Cocktails, Hula’s Island Grill
Karaoke
Boardwalk Bowl / Coasters Bar & Grill
115 Cliff St., Santa Cruz,
423-5590, beachboardwalk.com
RUNNERS-UP Bocci’s Cellar, Britannia Arms, Hindquarter Bar & Grille
Live Music
Moe’s Alley
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz,
479-1854, moesalley.com
RUNNERS-UP Catalyst, Kuumbwa Jazz
Local Band
Extra Large
extra-large.net
RUNNERS-UP Coffis Brothers, Joint Chiefs
Local Musician
James Durbin
jamesdurbinofficial.com
RUNNERS-UP Pat Baron, Marty O’Reilly
Margaritas
El Palomar
1336 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz,
425-7575, elpalomarsantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Manuel’s, Tortilla Flats
Microbrewery
Discretion Brewing
| 2703 41st Ave., Soquel, |
discretionbrewing.com
RUNNERS-UP Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Sante Adairius Rustic Ales
Place to Play Pool
Surf City Billiards
931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-7665
RUNNERS-UP The Catalyst, Fast Eddy’s
Place to Play Darts
Poet & Patriot Irish Pub
320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 426-8620
RUNNERS-UP One Double Oh Seven Club, Surf City Billiards
Pub
Poet & Patriot
320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 426-8620
RUNNERS-UP Parish Publick House, Rosie McCann’s
Tap Room
Pour Tap Room
110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz,
535 – 7007, pourtaproomsantacruz.com
RUNNERS-UP Beer Thirty, Lúpulo Craft Beer House, West End Tap & Kitchen
