Seabreeze Café is a Seabright neighborhood institution that serves classic breakfast and lunch comfort food with a twist. Senior server Nikki Grigg has worked 11 of the restaurant’s 25-year history, initially moving to the area from New Hampshire on a school bus filled with friends, cats and dogs. She says the café is family-run and the quintessential “mom-and-pop” operation. The cash-only spot is open every day, 8am-2pm (8am-1pm Sunday) except Wednesday. Grigg spoke with GT recently about Seabreeze’s popularity and menu standouts.
What makes Seabreeze Café such a hit?
NIKKI GRIGG: It’s because the owners are always here, and we are a “yes” kind of restaurant, meaning we are happy to customize and cater the dishes to guests’ specific needs. The food is always fresh and made-to-order, and we’re also known for our cinnamon rolls, which we make from scratch every morning. And our coffee is strong, fresh and hot, and we always keep your cup full.
What are a couple of its best breakfast dishes?
My personal favorite is our homemade corned beef and hash. The corned beef is made in-house and comes with freshly chopped bell pepper, onion, spices, cubed red potatoes, two eggs any style and toast or a cinnamon roll. I was afraid to try the hash at first because it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing food, but seeing it made with all the fresh ingredients inspired me to try it, and now it’s my favorite. A crowd pleaser, and the prettiest thing on the menu, is the waffle, featured on our daily specials board. It’s thin and old-fashioned and made with corn and oat flour which gives it a heartier taste. It’s finished with a topping of fresh-cut bananas, strawberries, kiwis, and a choice of yogurt, sour cream or whipped cream.
What highlights the lunch menu?
Our homemade burgers; hand-pressed organic beef patties with a variety of toppings and options, and served on a grilled bun, which I think is a nice touch. We have multiple turkey sandwich options too—the turkey is roasted in-house and sliced thick in a Thanksgiving style. We also have a fresh soup every day; a couple of my favorites are the chicken sweet corn and the chunky tomato basil.
542 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-427-9713; seabreezecafe.com.
Oh how we miss you guys! Sending love and wishes for good health to all!
Soon we will be able to visit!