Family-owned since 1978 and named after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s notoriously hard-partying socialite wife, Zelda’s has been a pillar of the Capitola Village dining and nightlife scene for more than four decades. Manager Pam Edmonds has seen it all, starting there as a hostess in 1981 and progressing to server, bartender and then manager before pausing to work part-time for several years while raising three children.
Edmonds says Zelda’s ambiance has changed through the years into what is now a modern, airy open space with a prominent upscale beachy theme and an iconic ocean-view patio and sand-side walkway. She defines the menu as elevated yet approachable continental coastal favorites, perfectly exemplified by appetizers like light, tender and crispy calamari, staff favorite ahi poke with macadamia nuts and ginger ponzu sauce, and New England clam chowder available in a sourdough bread bowl. Main dish delights are a chipotle chicken sandwich with jack cheese, a shrimp/crab seafood melt on grilled sourdough and the Thursday night whole live Maine lobster special. Dessert decadences include coconut cheesecake and a housemade dream-come-true Mile High Mud Pie. They also serve classic American breakfast Monday–Friday until 2pm.
Describe the evolution of Zelda’s.
PAM EDMONDS: When I started working here in the early ’80s, it had an old-fashioned 1920s vibe with a fireplace, antique furniture and a piano, and was kind of more of an intimate date night spot. But by the end of the decade, we became more of a happening nightlife destination with more dancing and later hours. And then when our patio’s reputation eventually exploded, that major outdoor element became a bigger part of the business as well. Recently, we have survived the pandemic and the catastrophic storms and water damage, and we are so happy to have recovered and start anew. I also want to mention that many of our staff have been here long-term and have become like family to me, each other and our customers. We all share a really special bond.
What’s the buzz on your coffee bar?
We now have a full-service espresso bar that also offers pastries, milkshakes and desserts for either grab-and-go or enjoyed on-site amongst our panoramic ocean views. And we have retail offerings like Zelda’s T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats featuring our iconic logo.
203 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-475-4900. zeldasonthebeach.com
