
Linda’s Seabreeze Café
A quaint, home-style cafe in Santa Cruz serving generous portions of classic American breakfast and lunch favorites, famous for its cinnamon rolls.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Linda’s Seabreeze Café

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quaint, home-style cafe in Santa Cruz serving generous portions of classic American breakfast and lunch favorites, famous for its cinnamon rolls.
"Massive portions, great food and flavor. Can’t say enough good things."
Come Prepared to Wait
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as this popular spot often has a line out the door.
Cash is King
The cafe is cash or check only; be sure to bring enough or use the ATM on-site.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Traditional American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth homemade cinnamon rolls, often called divine and a must-try, included with many entrees.

Hearty and Generous Portions
Enjoy massive portions of classic American breakfast and lunch fare, ensuring you'll leave full and satisfied.

Charming Neighborhood Ambiance
Experience a quaint, friendly downtown setting with a neighborhood vibe, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Come Prepared to Wait
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as this popular spot often has a line out the door.
Cash is King
The cafe is cash or check only; be sure to bring enough or use the ATM on-site.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Dine outside with your furry friend; the heated patio seating is a pleasant option.
Tips
from all over the internet
Come Prepared to Wait
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as this popular spot often has a line out the door.
Cash is King
The cafe is cash or check only; be sure to bring enough or use the ATM on-site.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Dine outside with your furry friend; the heated patio seating is a pleasant option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Linda's Seabreeze Café is a beloved Santa Cruz institution praised for its generous portions, delicious homestyle cooking, and incredibly popular cinnamon rolls. Diners appreciate the friendly, quaint atmosphere and attentive service. While the wait can be long and it's cash-only, the overall experience is highly recommended for a satisfying breakfast or lunch.
"Friendly, inviting atmosphere, service was excellent, very delicious burger, turkey sandwich, and omlette. Very busy for a Monday morning. I noticed everyone had the cinnamon roll on their table so we also tried it and it was sooo good. It is cash or check only so be prepared before you arrive."
Anh Lam
"Simple, quaint, stellar Santa Cruz establishment. For the breakfast lovers, this spot is for you. For the ones that prefer lunch instead, just come after 11am and you’re good. MASSIVE portions, great food and flavor. Can’t say enough good things. Get there early I f you want to make sure you can snag one of the many specials - they’re fantastic, and popular! So they go quickly on a Saturday morning. Highly recommend the Combo Pancake platter (comes with two pancakes, bacon, and a plate of eggs), any of their omelettes, and the tuna melt is great. I got the side salad with the sandwich which was a meal in itself. Come hungry!
Important notes - Cash only (they have an ATM), so don’t come slinging a credit card or Apple Pay. They also don’t take reservations, but the tables turnover quickly and they have both inside and outside seating (which is heated!)."
Natalie Caldwell
"Great breakfast brunch or lunch. This is our second visit here and very consistent, great service and hospitality. Small mom and pop charming relaxed place to eat. Dog friendly Definitely a neighborhood vibe. Love the outside seating. Inside is smaller intimate vibe with lots of window space to view the neighborhood."
Yvonne Zlatunich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Linda's Seabreeze Cafe is cash or check only. There is an ATM available on-site.
The homemade cinnamon rolls are legendary, and the Ortega Chile burger and curried tofu scramble are also highly recommended.
Yes, especially on weekends, it's common to have a wait. Arrive early to minimize your wait time.
Yes, there is outdoor seating available, which is heated and dog-friendly.
The portions are known to be very generous, ensuring you'll get a substantial and filling meal.
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What appears to be a small American diner is in fact a hand crafted gourmet establishment called Linda’s Seabreeze Café. The small one room restaurant sits alongside railroad tracks in the Seabright neighborhood of Santa Cruz. You can often see a line of people waiting for a table at this popular venue.
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Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe has earned its reputation as one of the best traditional brunch restaurants in Santa Cruz County, thanks to its friendly neighborhood atmosphere and a menu that caters to diverse preferences. A local favorite, the cafe stands out for its delicious omelettes, delightful egg and tofu scrambles, and tasty pancakes and waffles that never fail to satisfy. The Seabreeze Cafe brings in crowds just for their homemade cinnamon rolls that are melt in your mouth delicious!
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Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe You will never, ever be in danger of not getting enough to eat at this Seabright institution. A dollhouse interior lined with local artwork and potted plants, Linda’s feels like a trip to the kitchen of a Midwestern farmhouse. Massive omelets, plate-sized waffles, spicy specials loaded with veggies, cheeses, sausages, tofu curries, and salsas, plus the old-school cinnamon bun make it a deserving favorite.
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It’s also in Midtown that I’ve discovered a new breakfast and lunch place, Midtown Cafe (1121 Soquel Ave.), which opened in January. It’s sleek and airy, with community tables in the front room and a sunny back patio where I recently sat down with owner Zac Creager. At age 30, he already has had a couple of careers: as a trekking guide in Chile and as a manager of local farmers’ markets.
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It’s also in Midtown that I’ve discovered a new breakfast and lunch place, Midtown Cafe (1121 Soquel Ave.), which opened in January. It’s sleek and airy, with community tables in the front room and a sunny back patio where I recently sat down with owner Zac Creager. At age 30, he already has had a couple of careers: as a trekking guide in Chile and as a manager of local farmers markets.
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Loved by tourists and locals alike, this restaurant is found just a short walk up from Seabright Beach and is a lesser-known gem within the Santa Cruz area. The food here is appetising and fresh, the service is smooth, and the vibes near the sea are just what you want. Along with all your classic breakfast offerings, the original dishes at Linda’s Seabreeze Café are something to behold.
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#SpoonTip: If you’re in town, and you want to go to Linda’s for breakfast, which you do, get there early because there is always a line out the door for this well-loved cafe. One of the reasons for this extreme popularity is the cinnamon roll that comes with many of their basic breakfasts. Sticky and sweet, and just ever so slightly warm, it’s the perfect start to your morning.
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Linda's Seabreeze Café is a handcrafted gourmet eatery that resembles a modest American diner. Situated in Santa Cruz's Seabright district, adjacent to the train tracks, this charming restaurant is a must-visit and is often included among the best things to do in Santa Cruz, when it comes to food. It's a popular spot, frequently drawing a line of patrons eager to secure a table.
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One of the best reasons to go out for breakfast is to eat at a nice little restaurant that feels like a part of home. Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe by the boardwalk is one of those local spots that makes you want to come in every morning, even if it’s just for a side of granola. The menu here isn’t extensive, but the chefs make everything with a dash of love.
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Some of you might not even know that Linda’s (now officially called The Seabreeze Cafe) in Seabright serves lunch. Its breakfast is so popular, and rightfully so, that the main draw could mean lunch gets completely forgotten. But that would mean you would never try the giant Chef Salad, a classic choice that will keep you sustained all day long.
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Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe has been a Santa Cruz institution for over 30 years, and it’s not hard to see why. This cozy breakfast spot serves up classic breakfast fare like pancakes, waffles, and eggs benedict, along with a variety of other delicious dishes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
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A Santa Cruz staple since 1979, Linda's offers classic American fare in a relaxed, beach-casual atmosphere. Soak up the loose, beach-casual vibes as you savor traditional American fare. Start your day with their hearty breakfast options, or refuel after a day of exploring with their juicy burgers and fresh seafood dishes.
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If you want to start the day with a beaming ray of sunshine, head over to Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe. The service is unbelievably warm and the food is incredibly satisfying. Go with staples like the cinnamon roll with walnuts or a scramble but be sure to eye the specials board to see what might be in season.
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Hours: Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday 8:00 – 2:00; Sunday 8:00 – 1:00; Closed Wednesday. Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe is a very popular breakfast/brunch spot with delicious food, great service, and an outdoor dining area to enjoy that Santa Cruz weather. Definitely try the fresh squeezed orange juice!
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It's a great spot to have a business breakfast meeting, offering popular items like fresh-baked scones, omelets, and their famous Swedish Oatmeal Pancakes. Their relaxed atmosphere makes for a comfortable setting for discussions.
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- Rating: 4.5/5 (1474 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 542 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz, California - Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, American- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Santa Cruz 7-day weather forecast
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Website:http://www.seabreezecafe.com/Location:542 Seabright Ave, Santa CruzTelephone: (831) 427-9713. The locals all just refer to it as Linda’s. Hours:Monday–Saturday 6:00am–2:00pm, Sunday 7:00am–1:00pm
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This eatery with a casual vibe is one of the great breakfast places in Santa Cruz, serving delicious omelets, pancakes, and other American favorites, paired with hot or cold drinks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit