Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
A relaxed, airy hotel restaurant with iconic ocean views, celebrating surf heritage with fresh, locally-sourced coastal cuisine and craft cocktails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A relaxed, airy hotel restaurant with iconic ocean views, celebrating surf heritage with fresh, locally-sourced coastal cuisine and craft cocktails.
"Unparalleled views of the pier and beach, wonderful food with generous portions and friendly staff."
Book for Sunset Views
Arrive early or make reservations to secure a table with the best ocean and pier views.
Ask for Server Recommendations
Servers like Katy or Jacob are knowledgeable and can guide you to unique or exceptional dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Coastal Cuisine
Price
$$$
Phone
(831) 740-8138
Address
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oceanfront Dining with Breathtaking Views
Dine with unparalleled 180-degree views of Cowell Beach, the pier, and Monterey Bay. Perfect for sunset.
Exceptional Service from Standout Staff
Experience top-notch service from attentive servers and skilled bartenders who make your dining memorable.
Locally-Sourced Coastal Cuisine
Savor mouthwatering dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients, with a special emphasis on seafood.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book for Sunset Views
Arrive early or make reservations to secure a table with the best ocean and pier views.
Ask for Server Recommendations
Servers like Katy or Jacob are knowledgeable and can guide you to unique or exceptional dishes.
Embrace Unique Menu Items
Don't miss out on adventurous choices like abalone or scallops with unique flavor pairings.
Consider the Price Point
While prices are higher due to the prime location, reviews suggest quality food and service justify it.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book for Sunset Views
Arrive early or make reservations to secure a table with the best ocean and pier views.
Ask for Server Recommendations
Servers like Katy or Jacob are knowledgeable and can guide you to unique or exceptional dishes.
Embrace Unique Menu Items
Don't miss out on adventurous choices like abalone or scallops with unique flavor pairings.
Consider the Price Point
While prices are higher due to the prime location, reviews suggest quality food and service justify it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge receives high praise for its stunning ocean views and exceptional service, with many guests highlighting specific staff members who made their experience memorable. The cuisine, particularly seafood, is often described as delicious and fresh, though some note that prices can be on the higher side. While the ambiance is generally appreciated, a few diners feel the decor could be updated.
"If you’re in the area, this is a must go to dinner spot. Amazing views of the pier and beach, wonderful food with generous portions and friendly staff. Special shout to the 2 bartenders who were very kind and welcoming. Scallops main and tuna starter were incredible! Steak was cooked to perfection."
Tessa Craver
"Wow, what a great restaurant. Lots of cool history and neat art. The food was incredible, the service amazing. Was not aware of this place, it came up and the other reviews were spot on. Highly recommend this place, go a little early to get a good seat, for awesome views of the beach and ocean and wharf."
Conley Gentry
"As a local, I am very disappointed in myself at the fact that this was my first time visiting since the restaurant changed names. We went for my step mother’s birthday and I forgot how great the ambiance was here. We ordered for three and I only ordered a clam chowder and the bill was over $300. I was blown away by the view, but would never go here on my own if I was paying for sure. Their service was top-notch since my one year-old daughter spilled a soda and they quickly cleaned it up and didn’t make me feel bad. I hope I get to visit this restaurant again but not on my dime. There’s plenty of expensive restaurants that I would frequent and wouldn’t mind paying for, but unfortunately, this isn’t one of them. Nothing horrible just not worth what we paid for. Decor was on point and love the Jack O’Neill name and face associated with here."
Katrina Jenkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
For the most breathtaking experience, visiting during sunset is highly recommended. Reservations are advised, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows with 180-degree views of Cowell Beach, the pier, and Monterey Bay.
Reviews frequently praise the delicious and fresh food, especially the seafood. Unique dishes and high-quality ingredients are often mentioned.
Yes, reservations are recommended, particularly for securing a table with a prime view and during busy periods.
Guests often mention exceptional service from staff like Tracy, Georgette, Yan, Jon C., Josh, Charlie, and Jacob, who enhance the dining experience.
The restaurant offers coastal cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, particularly seafood.
Yes, there is a parking lot across the street, and complementary valet parking is offered when it fills up.
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The ultimate guide to seafood restaurants with a view in Santa Cruz County
From the floor-to-ceiling windows at the Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge, located inside the Dream Inn, diners have 180-degree views that stretch from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach to West Cliff Drive, and overlook the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf as it stretches into Monterey Bay. Chef Gus Trejo sources directly from area farms for produce, and his menu highlights seasonal and flavorful ingredients with an emphasis on seafood. Try the prawn paella ($42), California trout with horseradish and dill ($44) and abalone appetizer with green chili crisp ($26).
5 Best Breakfasts in Santa Cruz County
There are few better places to begin your day than the iconic beach locale where Jack O’Neill opened the world’s first surf shop, and the breakfast offerings at the Jack O’Neill Restaurant, the beautifully renovated location in The Dream Inn will not disappoint. Enjoy an unparalleled view of the Boardwalk and the coast’s longest wharf as you sip your morning coffee. Or watch the misty marine layer gently lift and the surfers line up below as you kickstart the day with a spicy Tito’s Bloody Mary.
The most romantic restaurants of Santa Cruz
If you prefer to spend an evening with your date close to the beach, you might would like to visit Jack O’Nell Restaurant & Lounge. This restaurant is overlooking the Beach Boardwalk of Santa Cruz which is regarded to be one of the top surfing locations of the entire California coast. Jack O’Nell Restaurant & Lounge will invite you into its retro dining rooms and will allow you to enjoy the best possible views of the Monterey Bay while consuming fresh local seafood.
Discover the Wonders of Santa Cruz: 10 Must-Do Activities!
Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Hotel, located right on the Santa Cruz coastline, is a must-visit destination for food and surf enthusiasts. Named after the legendary surfer and inventor of the wetsuit, Jack O’Neill, this restaurant and hotel combination offers a unique experience. Boasting stunning ocean views, the Jack O’Neill Restaurant features a menu inspired by fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
A Taste of Luxury: Exploring the Best Restaurants and Bars in Santa Cruz County | Blog
In the iconic Dream Inn, Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge celebrates Santa Cruz's storied surfing legacy and the legendary surfer Jack O'Neill. The restaurant captures the essence of the coastal lifestyle, blending the free spirit of the surf with culinary sophistication. The lounge has a relaxed and airy environment reminiscent of those endless summer days on the beach.
Santa Cruz County's Best Breakfasts
From Whale City Bakery in Davenport, you can travel along the shore to Santa Cruz’s Jack O’Neill Restaurant, hit Zoccoli’s Deli downtown and Bistro One Twelve at the Tannery, then head to the redwoods for Scotts Valley’s Heavenly Roadside Cafe, twisting all the way down to the Red Apple Cafe in Watsonville. Breakfast is everywhere—now go out and find yours.
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The restaurant is named for the local surfer/entrepreneur Jack O’Neill, whose surfwear is all over the world, and who is often credited with inventing the wetsuit. (O’Neill lived in Santa Cruz from 1959 until his death at 94 in 2017.). The dining room, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is an airy space with great views of the sea and wharf.
Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Santa Cruz
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00am – 2:00pm – Breakfast served until 11:00am, Brunch served until 11:00am – 2:00pm. The Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge is a perfect place to grab breakfast with a view. Dining in the restaurant offers views of Cowell Beach, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Wharf, and the Monterey Bay.
Fun Things To Do on a Santa Cruz Day Trip, California
I didn’t get to eat at Jack O’Neill, but everyone I spoke to locally recommended stopping here for sunset. And if you have already eaten at one of my previous recommendations, why not just get a signature cocktail and enjoy the sunset view over Cowell Beach and Santa Cruz Wharf.
Best Seafood in Santa Cruz, CA
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060+1 831-740-8138 See Menu. Set inside the Dream Inn, Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge brings fresh style to Santa Cruz’s coastline. My first meal here started with sea views at sunrise, and the service was just as warm as the scenery.
Unmissable Summer Cocktail Spots in Santa Cruz County
Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge, located inside the Dream Inn, offers sweeping ocean views. Their “Sea Breeze Spritz” mixes Aperol, prosecco, and grapefruit juice—simple, refreshing, and perfect for a sunset toast.
Best Seafood in Santa Cruz, CA: 11 Top Places! (2025)
175 W Cliff DrSanta Cruz, CA 95060(831) 740-8138 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This restaurant is named after legendary surfer and Santa Cruz local Jack O’Neill and is famous for its fantastic food.
A Guide to Santa Cruz Dining
Featuring a menu of modern coastal cuisine with a warm, vintage atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of its namesake, this Dream Inn-adjacent restaurant is also known for its stunning views.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Cruz by Diners
- Rating: 3.8/5 (343 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 175 West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, California - Categories: Seafood, Lounges- Read more on Yelp
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