Dog Friendly In Santa Cruz

We are a dog loving town here in Santa Cruz! 

Watch intro video here ...Courtesy of the Santa Cruz Visitor Center

Dog Friendly Dining in Santa Cruz

For many of us, our pooches are part of the family. When we go 
out to eat, the dogs come with us.... just like any child...just like
any other member of the family. Unfortunately, not everybody 
sees it that way...including health inspectors. Dogs are not 
actually allowed inside restaurant establishments so the only 
option is to sit with the furry kiddos on dog friendly patios. The
good news is that it is warm enough around here to do this for several months a year. The bad news is that there are not a lot 
of restaurants that allow it.

That is why we like to shout it from the rooftops whenever we discover a new dog friendly business. We appreciate the love and acceptance of dogs and want the business to thrive! We also want restaurant owners that do not currently allow dogs to know that us dog owners are loyal and there are many of us. We bring repeat business and have a large referral network.

Below are some dog friendly resturants in the Santa Cruz area:

Capitola/Pleasure Point Area

This sister restaurant to Pleasure Pizza (located across the street) has a fantastic patio where many people bring their dogs. It is located on Portola and 41st Ave, about 2 blocks away from the main Pleasure Point/Hook parking lot. This restaurant is a perfect spot to bring your dog after walking up and down East Cliff and/or using the beaches in the area. The staff goes out of their way to accommodate the whole group, including the doggies. There are always several water bowls out. Typical rules apply: Dogs should be kept on leash and should be decently behaved (but we all have our bad days...nobody is perfect). Just do your best to be respectful of all beings including the people that do not have dogs.
The food is pretty darn good. Terrific breakfasts, good salads and of course, delicious pizza. Some favorites include:

• Popeye Pizza with organic spinach, feta and tomato

• Mango chicken wings

• Burgers (sub ciabatta roll)

• Breakfast items: Cannot go wrong with any of the Savory House Specials: We get the Benedict with spinach and tomato instead of Canadian Bacon (very good Hollaindaise) or the corned beef and hash. The Indonesian Fried rice is good as well if you want something a little different. 

Super good comfort food done well with fresh ingredients. They strive to use organic, locally sourced ingredients. They use Glaum's cage free eggs and at least some hormone free meat. Call ahead or ask your server before you order for specific details. They have different weeknight food and beverage specials including bottomless mimosas (with real fruit juice!) until 5:30 on Friday. If you check in with Yelp, you will get 20% off your bill.  Surf City Sandwich

This is an owner run and operated place. You will see Chef Paul Figliomeni working 
at the register or roaming the patios and dining areas to make sure people are enjoying their meals. This goes for your furry friends. On our last visit, he came 
out and offered the pooch a huge slice of smoked gouda, which she accepted quite greedily.  A dog with a belly full of cheese and a warm, sunny place to nap = relaxed and content owners who are able to enjoy their meals and who want to keep 
coming back!

Food wise, their motto is Go Fresh or Go Home. I have eaten here several times (more than 10) and each time, my sandwiches have been filled with high quality meat, delicious, fresh bread ( Le Boulanger and Udis Gluten free) and crisp vegetables (locally sourced). For you beer lovers,  there are a variety of local microbeers on tap. There is of course a surf theme inside with rare vintage surfboards on the walls and live streaming waves. Service is efficient and friendly. Good vibes and good food. No brainer.

Some Favorites: