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RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

CUISINES
American, Bar, Seafood, Soups
Special Diets
Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks
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meals, features

Location and contact

0.3 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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Reviews (773)
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Traveler rating
212
262
159
75
65
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All reviews clam chowder seafood sandwich dream inn sat at the bar great view boardwalk wharf patio
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Reviewed 1 week ago

We picked this spot at random after checking into our hotel, because they had outdoor dining with a view of the ocean, and served oysters. We were immediately impressed that they had a separate hostess for the sizable and well-shaded outdoor section. The oysters were...briny and delicious (with a choice of hot sauces), the ahi poke bowl was fresh and filling, and the TBA sandwich required me to unhinge my jaw like a snake. We had one small miscommunication -- our order of garlic fries came out as garlic bread -- but it was resolved within three minutes, and our server was genuinely apologetic. Mistakes happen, and this minor one in no way affected our enjoyment of the meal. The people-watching is superb, and the music is at a low enough volume to allow the sounds of the breaking waves to be heard. Parking can be a bit dicey, but that's a function of the great location and not within the control of the restaurant. We will definitely return here on our next side trip to Santa Cruz.More

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
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Date of visit: July 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.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

Beware! We ate here and the server didn’t mention that soda has no refill, he bring more soda and at the end we didn’t even finis drinking but we have to pay for it, management should train the severs how to tell their guest the...extra charges. It’s a robbery in front of your face. So please double check before you order.More

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Great meal on the water, good service! You really cannot beat the location and the food was better than we had expected it to be! Nice indoor dining room where you can still see the water and really awesome outdoor space too.

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

I brought my brother here while he was attending a convention in Santa Clara. He has never been to Santa Cruz and I will use any excuse to go to Santa Cruz. The day was freezing but salsa class/gathering was in full swing next to...the Ideal Bar & Grill which made the atmosphere much more welcoming. I am a sucker for anything that says award winning and the award winning clam chowder really tasted award winning. My meal was great, my bother was satisfied. The food was delicious, our server was fantastic. Unfortunately there was no room for dessert. You are next to the beach. I highly recommend. I have been here a few times and consistence means something to me. I might salsa dance next time.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed June 28, 2023 via mobile
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Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed June 22, 2023

Food is much less expensive than other nearby restaurants, however, it isnt the best either. It is a fine place for a fine meal, especially if you are in a large group or have children.

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed May 21, 2023 via mobile
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Date of visit: May 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.
Reviewed April 23, 2023 via mobile

The view is amazing, the food??? The menu looked great. Lots of options. They can accommodate gluten-free diets. I had the fish tacos. They were very underseasoned and had no flavor. The best thing was the guacamole. That was outstanding. The service was very good....I can't speak for their other dishes. But you might just go for the view.More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed February 22, 2023 via mobile

this is an excellent little restaurant that’s right next to the wharf. Across from the dream inn. We had French toast and a Mexicali burrito. We had a gorgeous window seat right on the beach. It was foul weather today, so it was nice to...have the warm sun coming through the window. The food was very good and more than I could finish. I opted for extra butter and no syrup on my French toast totally recommend.More

Date of visit: February 2023
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Reviewed February 8, 2023

We had a group of people here and did the catering menu which consisted of cheese quesadillas, chips & salsa and chicken skewers. Food was good and staff super fiendly.

Date of visit: January 2023
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Reviewed November 8, 2022 via mobile

After walking down the pier and back we needed lunch and here was the Ideal Bar and Grill. It was around 2 pm so it was not busy and we got a nice table right away. Keegan was our waiter and he looked after us...well. My wife had the Buddha salad which was large and according to her very tasty. I had the Island sea bass which was cooked to perfection. A Santa Cruz local craft ale to accompany my meal was good. Overall a good lunch.More

Date of visit: November 2022
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Reviewed October 5, 2022 via mobile

I went for a late dinner at this restaurant because it was at the beginning of the wharf and wasn’t a long walk. The decor was beautiful and great music playing. My BF and I chose to sit outside on the patio, the late hour...and colder air made no difference as this restaurant had outdoor heaters. The food was absolutely spectacular! We each had a mixed drink and they were delicious. Crime Brûlée for dessert and it was perfection. I will definitely eat here again when on vacation back in Santa Cruz and hopefully can catch the live music they offer on some nights.More

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed September 19, 2022 via mobile

Ideal is a short seven minute walk from the boardwalk to go sit down and have dinner with the family great atmosphere and great service. and the security made you feel very well welcome there.

Date of visit: September 2022
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Reviewed September 3, 2022

We have eaten here infrequently for a few years. The location and view are pluses, as was the service on our most recent visit. However the food continues to get more expensive as the quality continues to deteriorate. There was no fresh fish on the...menu (at a restaurant on a beach of the Pacific Ocean.) We were there for a dinner service; our meals ranged from decent to horrible. Do not order the fish and chips. The kitchen should be ashamed they sent this plate out. Our waitress struggled valiantly to cope with challenges thrown at her by the kitchen while maintaining a smile. There were long waits for food followed by all the courses arriving at once. We probably will not take a chance by returning.More

Date of visit: August 2022
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IDEAL BAR & GRILL, Santa Cruz - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Ideal Bar & Grill

Yes, Ideal Bar & Grill offers takeout services.

Ideal Bar & Grill is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 3.5
  • Service: 3.5
  • Value: 3
  • Atmosphere: 3.5