+1 831-740-8138+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
7:00 AM - 10:45 AM11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mon
7:00 AM - 10:45 AM11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tue
7:00 AM - 10:45 AM11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
7:00 AM - 10:45 AM11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
7:00 AM - 10:45 AM11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
7:00 AM - 10:45 AM11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
7:00 AM - 10:45 AM11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Reserve a table

What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Seafood, Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
“The chowder, the baby greens salad , the whole trout entree and the short rib...”
“Food was delicious, best crab cakes in California and Prosecco was fresh and...”
“Food and service were both fabulous… I had the blue fin tuna and my friend th...”
“The clam chowder and the mushroom bisque were delightful.”
Does this restaurant have live music
Details
About
Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is Santa Cruz’s best new destination for coastal California cuisine. The approachable and family-friendly vibe at Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge will welcome hotel guests and locals alike.
CUISINES
Seafood, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
259 reviews
Excellent
211
Very good
29
Average
8
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Diane A
Knoxville1 contribution
Jul 2024 • family
Wow! This place is an absolute gem! We were seated at a half-circle table against a large picture glass window looking out over the beach; amazing! We had a great waiter named Josh who was very attentive and tuned into our needs without hovering. We both ordered a few drinks, shared a caesar salad, the scallops over black rice entree, and the tapioca for dessert. The scallops were huge, delicious, and very tasty, and everything else on the plate was equally delicious. The tapioca was excellent and not overly sweet. So impressed with this place; have already recommended to many!
Written July 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noreen C
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Everything was wonderful. Our wait person Cassidy was friendly knowledgeable about the dishes as well as the local farm sources. We had ceasar salad, fish taco and avocado&bread. All delicious and fresh. Would definitely come back often.
Written March 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
portlandorer
274 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
It seems that so often restaurants with fine views feel that they can get away with sub-par food. That clearly isn't the case at Jack O'Neill's. We've been here several times and the food has always been exceptional, as is the service. Oh yes, and then there's the beautiful view of the beach below the restaurant, beyond which is the pier. With the excellent service, it's a combination that easily earns it its ranking. We had the ahi, superb in quality and cooked to perfection with a sauce that melded beautifully.
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anglkelly
Los Angeles6 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
We did not have a reservation and tried calling but the hostess would not answer the phone. We arrived and the restaurant was half empty but were told with attitude it would be 30-35 minutes. She looked at us like they didn't want us eating in their restaurant. We sat at the bar which had a different menu and ordered drinks and appetizers. The waitress gave us food and never returned. The view from the restaurant was nice. There is a children's menus, however the pasta was drenched in butter and my daughter wouldn't eat it. My husband and my food either forgot to get put in or the kitchen backed up so we eventually told them to box it up to go since the kids were done before it even arrived. I liked my vegetarian pasta and would order it again if it seemed like this restaurant actually wanted our business.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johan_ca
13 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
ot of business. However, they seem to overpromise and underdeliver. The food is great, but is marred by the horrible and inept service. I made a reservation, and when I noticed I was running late, I gave them a call and told them specifically where I was so they knew my ETA. The hostess said not to worry and they would accommodate me. When I got to the restaurant, the story completely changed: She said she had put us as a no show, and now she could not sit us until an hour later. During THE WHOLE HOUR we waited, my requested table sat there, EMPTY! When the time finally came to sit us, she got a two person reservation into that four people table and kept us waiting!!! We are still sitting here waiting, and the only reason I don't pick up and leave is because I already promised to our family we will done here, and we have a hungry, pregnant lady in our party. However, this will be the last time they ever see me here, and will definitely NOT recommend them to any acquaintances and coworkers that might visit Santa Cruz. There are many other less flashy options in the area, and the poor service of their staff completely ruins the ambiance and the food. Is quite a shame and disservice to the chef.
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
britishbird_us
Cardiff10 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
We had a lovely evening at Jack O'Neills. The location and view are wonderful, of course, and the food was good, although I think my husband chose better than I did:
he had the short rib of beef (as recommended by our server, Tracey), and the oreo/espresso cheesecake both of which he rated very highly. But what made it was the great service we got from Tracey P -- she was a delight -- the right balance of helpful and attentive/giving you space, friendly and fun but not over-the-top or false. She offered up grated extra horseradish when my husband said he liked horseradish, and even got extra brought on the side too -- a nice touch! Hats off to Tracey for helping make our evening great!
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twofoodiesonejourney
San Francisco65 contributions
Apr 2023 • family
We recently stayed at the Dream Inn and went for breakfast twice during our stay. On the second morning, we were disappointed that the hostess gave us a sub-par table, as another table with a way better view of the ocean was open. When asking her, she said that the other table was reserved - however, we had a reservation as well. Later in the evening, we booked a last minute dinner reservation (last seating at 9 pm) as in-room dining had an 1.5 hour wait time. When we walked into the restaurant, we unfortunately were met by the same hostess. We told her we had a reservation, and she was not able to find it in her system. Despite several tables being open, she pretended she would not be able to seat us, even though we showed her our confirmed online reservation. Due to her rude behavior, we asked for her manager, who she immediately pulled back into the kitchen to talk with him first. He came out and said that they would be able to seat us, but no apologies were offered for the rude behavior. Our friendly hostess led us to another lovely table without any word, we did not anticipate hearing any apologies by now. None of us had any appetite left after dealing with this kind of service, and we decided to leave the restaurant. Thank you very much for ruining the last night of our vacation…
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rona I
4 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
From Texas, my adults kids and myself went to Santa Cruz to spread my husband ashes where he grow up. He love Steak so I been looking for a good restaurant to celebrate my husband favorite food after we spread him. I called this place on the 28th to make reservation on the 30th 7:30 Pm to give my family time after we come back from the Chardonnay Charter. I can't remembered her name the first person I spoke but I told her how many person and what time, then she told me she need to have approval from the manager and she called me back but i missed her call she left voice mail that my reservation was approved and call her back . I called her back but she already left and I spoke Nena I believe her name and give her information and she told me she did not see any reservation under my name. So I told her I would like to make reservation on the 30th of june for 10 people and same reason they have to have and approval from the manager? I received called from Jake and I missed the call and he said the reservation was approved in his voice mail and call him and I call him back multiple times no answer. Jake leave message on the 29th in my voice mail they only hold for 6 people from 5:30 pm, how I'm gonna make I'm still in the ocean spreading my husband ashes. This place very nice looking on the website, but the staff and management is lack of communication. I would never recommend this place to anyone if you plan with big group of family.
Written July 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bookingood
Berkeley1 contribution
Dec 2023 • couples
Tracey P. was a wonderful server. She checked back frequently to make sure everything was okay. She even accomplished a major substitution on a salad so we got lettuce that we enjoy, rather than the standard lettuce mixture.
She was also enthusiastic about what we ordered, confirming that our choices would be delicious.
Overall: Our server was friendly, non-obtrusive, and helpful!
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aarika H
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • family
Had thanksgiving lunch with the family at Jack ONeill’s. The food was absolutely excellent and our server, Tracey, was so sweet and gave us such great customer service. We always appreciate folks who work on the holiday but to have someone go so above and beyond definitely made the holiday special for us.
Written November 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ltmoira
47 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
We had a lovely week at Dream Inn and had breakfast every morning at Jack O’Neill. The staff was unfailingly polite and cheerful. The food was delicious (huge portions—we realized we should split some of the larger plates), the views gorgeous, and we felt very well taken care of. Special shoutouts to Ryleigh and Tracey for their kindness.
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimhmiles
Suisun City12 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Fabulous dinner at Jack O'Neills Restaurant in Santa Cruz. Ricky was our waiter and he provided a superior customer service for our group with his attention to detail, personalized touch and his interest in fine wine. He made our wonderful birthday dinner even more special. The food was excellent from the perfectly cooked rib-eye steak to the moist and tender scallops, the scrumptious rib special and warm chocolate chip cookies and ice cream for dessert. I highly recommend this restaurant and be sure to ask for Ricky!
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cazandra E
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • friends
Jason , I was the best waiter I’ve had in a long time anywhere. He sat us down and got us our drinks swiftly! He helped us with our “special” food orders and was so sweet and attentive to all of our needs at the table! Oh, and his handsome appearance supported his service! ;)
Written March 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Red901
Cross Plains5 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
My wife and I went here for dinner on a trip to Santa Cruz, which we’d never been to before. Our server was terrific and if not for him, I would have rated this experience a two. The Mavericks was a just alright bourbon cocktail, even though the lemon juice overpowered the flavors of the other spirits. My wife ordered the Stingray, which sounded like an interesting tiki drink, but turned out to be a really strange neon blue concoction of clashing spirits, orgeat, and mint—it tasted like something thrown together at a college bar. Not even sure what gave it the blue color, as none of the ingredients in the description. They replaced it with a glass of wine at no charge when we brought this up, so good on them. My ahi tuna steak was cooked right but cold in the center, but I wasn’t too bothered by it since I’m used to eating sushi this way. My wife’s prawns and pasta were fine, but nothing special. Oaxaca Mezcal Old Fashioned for a nightcap was decent. We left a decent tip for our server, but I noticed the next day that they charged an additional $10 on on our credit card on top of what we tipped—not sure if this was intentional or not. Overall, I would have expected better for a $150+ bill—we had a similar meal in Sausalito the next day that was less money and miles better.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pangaean
San Francisco126 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Beautiful view of the beach and ocean by the pier, especially from a window side table. We enjoyed our cocktails and meal, except for their throwback stroganoff dish, which my spouse was somewhat disappointed with. (He did love the crab cakes!) The staff were great, and we appreciate the thoughtful and local sourcing of ingredients.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-15 of 256
As Featured In
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all Best nearby restaurants
See all Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing