River Cafe — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

I came across this quaint and unique, family owned cafe while making my way to downtown Santa Cruz, and I was very happy that I stopped in. I was greeted almost immediately and my order was promptly taken soon after. They were very friendly and all food was made to order, cooked to perfection, very delightful flavors, fresh ingredients, and served hot. I ordered the bacon burrito and deliciously refreshing, local, aloha kombucha. They brought me my order where I was sitting, which was another plus, but I noticed my burrito a vegetarian one, filled with tofu, french fries, well melted shredded cheddar cheese, spinach, scrambled egg, and I added avocado. It was delicious, and the chef even said he marinated the tofu himself, so good! However, the burrito had no bacon as I ordered, so I asked for a side instead and they were more than happy to oblige. In fact, they gave me extra bacon! They are very kind restaurant owner who cook and serve well! Also, apparently they are a neighborhood favorite too! As I was waiting for my food I could here a family vehind me saying how they love going there because it feels like home, and I can definitely see that. I am a happy customer who will return and recommend this place to...

Wandered in on a whim, knowing I have wanted to visit, and was SO pleasantly surprised. Very relaxed but lively environment, the owner runs the cash register and makes the dumplings! Which, by the way, were some of the best I’ve had. I ordered the beef Momo dumplings, and they were served with a spicy red sauce, and a side salad with grated carrot and lemon dressing. The dumplings were savory and spiced to perfection. Every ingredient in the meat mix came through uniquely and beautifully. The salad dressing was so bright and delicious that I wanted to drink it, and the spicy red sauce added the perfect extra kick to the dumplings, if you like spice like me, you would definitely enjoy. Got the whole plate for $13 (including tax). I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, and I didn’t even get to the drink menu. But based on the reactions of other customers who got drinks while I was there, their drink menu is also very satisfactory....

On the surface this cafe seems appealing. I appreciate the beautiful atmosphere and organic menu choices, however I always leave disappointed. The food is over priced when you consider the wait time and quality. The service is the worst part. When I am at the register the cashiers are very unfriendly and inattentive, often talking to or looking at other people while I'm trying to order. This has resulted in my food being made incorrectly, and when I've tried to mention the mistakes, the staff is rude and offended by my requests. One time I waited almost 20 minutes for a juice from there juice bar and there were no other customers. The first 5 minutes of my wait consisted of the barista talking to a friend. I live down the street from this cafe and wish it was a place that I could make a frequent stop, but I've stopped going. Overall the quality of service and food is not worth your...