Beach Street Cafe — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

First off let me start by saying I don't typically give negative reviews but this experience warrants a bit of constructive criticism. We happened upon Beach Street Cafe by chance, my wife and I had a couple hours to kill while waiting for our hotel room to be groomed prior to check in, so we headed to Santa Cruz from San Jose. At first glance the cafe is inviting, however, once I walked through the door that inviting feeling went away. There is no hostess present and no sign indicating what to do so I walked in and asked if we seat ourselves. The gentlemen behind the counter, who had his back turned to me, yelled to go back out and sign in on the waiting list. It took me a couple minutes to figure out what he was talking about but I finally found this "waiting list" he was talking about. It consisted of a very small clipboard with an equally small note pad. As I signed in I noticed there was just one other name above mine, a party of 5. There was only 2 of us and several tables for 2 available but we still had to wait, which was no big deal. Once we were finally seated our server was very pleasant and professional, she took our drink orders and got the drinks right out. BUT as we sat there deciding what to order we noticed time and time again employees yelling at people to "go out and sign in!" not understanding that the sign in sheet was very difficult to see. Each time they yelled at someone they'd make condescending remarks to one another about the person and chuckle. We were so turned off by the disrespectful and unprofessional behavior that we almost left, but we'd been flying since 9pm yesterday and just wanted to eat something. We ordered our food, my wife had the French toast, which came out cold, and I had the crab omelette which was by far the worst excuse for an omelette I've ever had. Definitely not worth $12!! I'm not sure if this was just a bad day for the cafe, or business as usual, but I say avoid Beach Street Cafe if you...

Before my family and I even entered we were stopped at the door and asked to collapse down our stroller so that it's not in other customers way. We were literally the ONLY table in there. We started to have second thoughts about staying when we were charged $5 for a can of soda. We are a family of 5, 2 adults a teen, a small child, and a toddler. We had a total of 3 full meals, and 4 drinks. The entire time we sat there the 2 waitresses were having personal conversations about their relationships, about "having a shitty day yesterday " and using other profanity in front of my children, very unprofessional. As I was eating the waitress approached our table several times; once to ask if I needed a box, then to ask if I wanted her to clear my plates (mind you I was still eating) When I asked if I could get a refill on my daughters apple juice there were no refills on the $6 child size juice. My family and I started feeling uncomfortable and rushed (again we were the ONLY table in the place) We received our check with a $15 gratuity added "because we are a party of 5" so because my toddler sat in a chair that automatically means they are going to tack on an outrageous tip, then charge an additional 6% for using a card.

I was extremely unhappy with my visit to this establishment, unprofessional, EXTREMELY OVER PRICED, and we just did not feel welcomed from the moment we got there. Definitely not returning. I dont see this place lasting longer then 6 months. Save your money and go...

I came here with my family during off-season so we were the only ones in here. No one else was here. The waitress was very nice and sweet. We ordered and then I went to my car to bring in my baby’s food. When I came back in with it, the cook (who I assume is the owner) began SCREAMING at me that I can’t bring in outside food. He didn’t speak nicely or say “excuse me, no outside food.” He yelled at me across the empty room and scolded me like I was my toddler.

I told him that I understand his policy except that it’s just baby food and he’s freaking out for no reason, and that I would happily oblige if he didn’t yell. He didn’t say anything further when I spoke to him but the waitress was extremely apologetic and kept apologizing, we only didn’t leave because of her. I took my baby and fed her outside. I’m sorry she has to deal with what is clearly a mean and awful boss.

So if you want to get yelled at, definitely come here.

Food wasn’t even good and it was expensive. Go elsewhere and support businesses owned by...