Parish Publick House Aptos — Restaurant in California

"Be careful they are hot!" our waitress said so I immediately stuffed a fried pickle in my hole and burnt the roof of my mouth. The first couple layers of skin hung down like those drape things in a car wash, I continued to stuff pickles like busses into the carwash that was my mouth. Their house made ranch (is that a touch of dill I tasted in there?) soothing my blistered pallet.. I have never had fried pickles this good or this painful. I may never order them again but I know I've had the best. Our burgers, the Belushi and Huckleberry came before we could finish playing carwash with our molten pickles. They cut our burgers in half so we could share. They were both decadent and juicy, the toasted bread on the Huckleberry really gave it to the roof of my mouth and unfortunately I finished my half before I noticed the horseradish sauce in a cup on my wife's plate. That would have been good. The Belushi was so over the top and the pocket of Blu cheese was entirely on my half (score!). Then I remember awesome onion rings and incredible garlic fries, everything was a blur at this point, maybe my arteries had clogged or all the blood had gone to my gut or both? What an experience, just what we were looking for. As we stumbled out on a food high we noticed others having drinks, talking and laughing. They had not even ordered their meals yet. We were so focused on our amazing burgers, I hope we gave them a good spectacle. Next time we will split one burger (not fried), with a side salad, order a couple of their great looking cocktails and take it easy. Oh, the parking......

So I wanna start out saying that my food was some of the best I've had. The restaurant was very nice. I love to see that you can bring your dog. But the biggest problem was lack of management for weight staff. It seems like the back of the house manager is doing a great job, but the front of the house manager is lacking oversight for the weight staff. The waitress we had last night was very condescending and talked down to us. I understand it was an hour and a 1/2 before closing and she. And she was trying to get out early. Which brings us to the point to the Lack of management. A manager never came out and asked how our food was or asked how we were doing. If you were going to be closing at 10pm , that should be the time you're closing, you shouldn't close an hour and a half before closing and still have the time on the door at 10 pm if you want to close at nine, then close your doors at 9 pm. I know it's not the restaurant I know it is just the employee of the restaurant but that is my point of the lack of management over the the weight stuff . My wife left a little note saying she would get a little more in life. If she was a little nicer, we left her a really good tip and got the door slammed in our face on the way out. I honestly can't believe that you'll have someone how would slam a door in your face still working there? The least you all should do is fire her A k a bartender. It almost got to the point to where I felt assaulted by her Physically. If she would have hit my wife with the door I would have...

This is an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by a warm, rustic atmosphere that perfectly balances cozy charm with lively energy. The wood-beamed ceilings, friendly bartenders, and local art on the walls make you feel like you’ve discovered your new favorite hangout.

The drink selection is top-notch: craft beers on tap rotate regularly (hello, local Santa Cruz brews!), inventive cocktails that pack a punch, and an ever-growing list of whiskies that will make any spirit enthusiast swoon. I can’t speak highly enough of the “Aptos Amber Ale” — crisp, perfectly balanced, and dangerously drinkable.

But it’s not just the drinks that keep me coming back. The kitchen turns out elevated pub fare that rivals even high-end gastropubs. The fish tacos are light and zesty, the truffle fries are downright addictive, and the burger-juicy, flavorful, and served on a brioche bun-is a masterpiece. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are thoughtfully crafted, too, so there’s something for everyone.

Service here is genuinely outstanding: attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu, and always ready with a recommendation. Whether you’re here for a casual happy hour, a date night, or a lively get-together with friends, The Parish sets the perfect vibe.

Five stars all the way-this place is a must-visit for locals and...