Seabreeze Cafe, Santa Cruz
We’ve decided to be a bit more adventurous in our choice of where to eat breakfast in Santa Cruz. In the past we have always stopped at the Santa Cruz Diner. We did try somewhere different last time - the Nuevo Southwest Grill - so this time we went on online to find somewhere new. There was quite a choice. As we were going to be there by 7 a.m. we wanted to find one that opened early. Seabreeze Cafe on Seabright Avenue filled the bill.
It opened at 7 and we were there at about 6.50. We stayed in the car; Tom started to read the paper and I observed. The Seabreeze Cafe looks as though it has been around for some time. No way it could be called pretentious. Better adjectives would be homely and welcoming. Out the front were potted plants and along the side a veranda with hanging baskets and benches. There was a table already set up with coffee pots and a sign saying to bring your mug inside for it to be added to the bill. There was already one customer waiting.
The doors opened before 7 and by the time we walked in there were already three other tables occupied. Inside it is very small. No booths, just wooden table and chairs. It is a very friendly place and everybody seems to know each other.
Service was quick. In the twinkling of an eye Tom had his coffee. It was served in a white mug with the name of the cafe on the outside along with their logo. The menu is not very large but there is a board up on the wall with specials. Tom was tossing up whether to have Huevos Rancheros or the grilled mahi mahi with eggs. He went for the former ($8.95) and I ordered the oatmeal with raisins, nuts and bananas ($4.50).
Nothing about this place is what I would call modern. I wouldn’t call it retro or old fashioned either. The description I would use would be dated and quaint. There are a number of photos on the wall that look as if they were taken in Death Valley.
Our food arrived shortly, so not much time for writing. Tom’s plate was fall to overflowing. On top were slices of avocado. As Tom doesn’t care for avocados, I took them off his plate and enjoyed them.
My oatmeal came in a round bowl on an oval plate. The sugar was in a plastic container on the plate as was a small stainless jug of milk. A slice of orange and a sprig of parsley were added as decoration. The raisins and nuts were cooked in the oatmeal and it looked like a whole banana had been sliced on the top. It was hot and delicious. Tom also enjoyed his Huevos Rancheros.
The restroom was outside. Always a bit dubious of those but this one was pretty good. It was bright, clean and the water was hot. On the wall was a cork board covered in postcards from all over the world sent by customers on their vacations. I sat and read a few to see how old they were. The oldest was dated 2005 and the latest was April this year. Wished I could have read more but conscious this was the only restroom and there might be people waiting outside.
Our verdict - the food and service is first class and we recommend it. Two words of warning - the car park is small and it is difficult to get out of, so park on the street if possible. Also get there early. When we left at 7.40 the place was packed and people were waiting outside.
September 08 2008 06:19 pm | Breakfast Log
