After Hours Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

I really do not like writing poor reviews. I review a lot and try to look for all the positives, be informative, and try to leave any kind of ego out of it. I try to take into account that people are human beings, they have lives that affect them, and none of us know what someone is going through. That being said…

After Hours is nestled next to 11th Hour Coffee. I didn’t see any signage outside the building, so it’s easy to miss. Once we found our way to it’s location in the building, we were positively struck by the vibe. The entire building is a vibe with 11th Hour Coffee really setting the tone. Full Steam was also there with fantastic ramen.

We waited what seemed like five minutes before seeing an After Hours employee, but time can be funny in these moments and it was probably closer to two minutes. They had been open for awhile because there were three patrons at the bar nursing their libations and more at tables behind us, buried in their kindles, phones, and laptops.

A busgirl brought back dirty glasses, but promptly went back to clearing tables without acknowledging us or simply saying, “Someone will be right with you.” Finally, the cashier walked behind the counter and asked what we would like. No, ‘sorry for the wait’ or ‘welcome’ or ‘how are you tonight.’ No smile. Just a plasticine demeanor with an off putting energy that suggested we were a bother. We ended up ordering a beer and a single cocktail for $30. I begrudgingly tipped $5 hoping my experience would improve. It didn’t.

The bartender showed up maybe a minute later. He knew his shit. He showed a lot of talent making the drink. I waited while my wife got us seats. No one stated whether we needed to wait for our drinks or if they would be brought out to us. The bartender looked up at me and seemed irritated I was watching him make the drink, so I went and had a seat.

My wife decided to order some ramen from Full Steam. We got the ramen before the drinks. I finally went back to the bar, a true five minutes after ordering, our drinks sitting there, waiting to be picked up.

I really hope this was a single poor instance of service in an otherwise wonderful establishment. Shit happens. People have bad days. Sadly, I won’t be returning to find out. First impressions matter. Not hating, just stating. I came really wanting to have a wonderful date night, but sadly had to go elsewhere to feel like we weren’t only not a bother, but appreciated for...

After Hours is the bar attached to 11th Hour Coffee, the primary coffee shop that also hosts pop-up kitchens and events throughout the week (including trivia).

I grabbed a drink from the bar to go with my dumplings from Full Steam. I got myself a Lavender Lemonade Cider ($8) which was a great deal and a fun drink to visually see being poured on tap. Service here was quick and painless, and I was able to get my drink and pay with no issues.

For a bar inside a coffee shop, they got it going on and I'd recommend this spot to anyone looking for a more...

This venue inside 11th hour is actually a great performance spot. Only thibg is that some of the ceiling speakers, those above the bar, are blown and distorting to all hell. Lets replace or simply disconnect the nadones, yes?

the espresso martini is the thing to order. The bathroom area has a wall whereby you can post events or jist check to see...