The stretch of Soquel Avenue from the Buttery Bakery (702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz; 831.458.3020) at Branciforte Drive to just past the Rio Theatre is a literal oasis of fresh air dining opportunities. The venerable Crepe Place (1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz; 831.429.6994) hides a lush, greenery- and fountain-filled patio out back, where you can enjoy sweet or savory crepes, giant '60s-style salads, tiny loaves of house-baked wheat bread and one of the loveliest brunches in town, complete with mimosas. Charlie Hong Kong (1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz; 831.426.5664), surrounded by bushy bamboo, has a bigger patio than dining room.

There are plenty of options: walk right up to Lulu Carpenter’s, a micro-coffee shop whose roasts are a Midtown staple, or stop in for a cup and a bite at The Buttery. This aptly-named bakery has perfected its buttery treats, like the must-try chocolate croissant and equally delectable bear claw, which pair perfectly with any item from the espresso bar. Their patio seating makes a great spot to soak in the Santa Cruz sunshine while you luxuriate over your buttery goods and morning joe!

702 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz 831.458.3020 Hours: 7am to 7pmbutterybakery.com. The Buttery Café & Bakery in Midtown Santa Cruz has been creating incredible cakes for every occasion since owner Janet Platin first opened her doors in 1984. In the same location for 33 years, every item served at The Buttery is made in-house, with the exception of their artisanal breads, which are baked off-site in Watsonville by Janet’s husband’s company, Golden Sheaf.

Tortas are Mexican sandwiches filled with toppings traditionally found on tacos and burritos, with the main difference being the ingredients are inside a roll instead of a tortilla. The Buttery’s delectable Torta ($8) has the bakery and café using Saag’s black forest ham, homemade refried black beans, tomatoes, marinated red onions, pickled jalapeños, avocado, and two Mexican cheeses. There’s also a without-ham version available for 25 cents less.

The Buttery (702 Soquel Ave.) has the best baked goods in Santa Cruz; kill me with the carrot cake, please. It’s worth braving the lines at Tacos Moreno (1053 Water St.) for the al pastor burrito and chile verde tacos. And you cannot beat the breakfast scrambles at Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe (542 Seabright Ave.), only a few blocks from one of the sweetest (and least touristy) beaches in the city, Seabright State Beach at the foot of Third Avenue.

The Buttery is the perfect spot to grab a late breakfast in the Seabright neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Their bakery cases are filled with delicious treats including cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and tarts, making it easy to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth. You will also find cafe-themed items for breakfast and lunch which include items like eggs benedict and hot pastrami sandwiches.

Opening its doors for the first time in 1984, The Buttery is a great place for dessert in downtown Santa Cruz. The Buttery is both a bakery and a cafe, so you can pop in, grab a pastry, and be on your way, or sit down for a nice lunch. The Buttery’s bakery specializes in exquisite cakes of all varieties, so you should try a slice of one of its many chocolate cakes.

When pure sweetness is on the menu for brunch, you’ll want to hit up the hip Buttery Café and Bakery. They offer a wide assortment of perfectly baked pastries, including croissant variations, a heavenly flaky apple galette, and what may be the city’s best cinnamon roll. If you’re brunching with friends, you’ll love the Buttery’s rings and braids.

It’s worth braving the lines at Tacos Moreno (1053 Water St.) for the al pastor burrito and chile verde tacos. And you cannot beat the breakfast scrambles at Linda’s Seabreeze Cafe (542 Seabright Ave.), only a few blocks from one of the sweetest (and least touristy) beaches in the city, Seabright State Beach at the foot of Third Avenue.

If you’re ready and willing to slip into the most satisfying sugar coma of your life, order a cake from Santa Cruz’s premier hotspot for birthday cakes. We recommend their Favorite Chocolate Cake, which consists of layers of dense and fudgy chocolate cake covered in a blanket of rich ganache. Sorry, are we drooling?

The Buttery in Santa Cruz is an absolute jewel for any pastry enthusiast!. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the warm scent of freshly baked goods that immediately made my mouth water. The menu is a delightful mix of treats that caters to both sweet and savory cravings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

On the other hand, The Buttery is a gem bakery and a must visit. From cookies to pies to cinnamon rolls to fresh bakes bread, The Buttery indulges the senses the moment you walk in the door. There are two sides to the bakery, both filled with tables for hungry guests to savor their selections.

This place is always packed with locals - you know it's good!. For a taste of Santa Cruz's thriving culinary scene, head to The Buttery. This beloved local bakery and café serves up delicious breakfast and lunch options using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

At this bustling corner bakery they’ve got your pecan sandies and your thumbprint cookies, your comforting chocolate chip numbers and your fluffy macaroons. The hardest part is staying focused during the choosing and polite during the eating.

Hours: Cafe Hours Monday – Sunday 7:00 – 2:00; Bakery Hours Monday – Sunday 7:00 – 5:00. A friend recommended I try this restaurant and I haven’t been able to yet. But the food looks amazing and I’m definitely heading here on my next visit!

It is a spot that has been around since 1983 and is a favorite for many locals. It is so wonderful to walk in and see what is in the case for purchase that day. We recommend popping in for a cupcake and a cup of tea: it never disappoints!

They make sandwiches, salads, and soups, and it is a great place to pick up lunch before a day of adventuring. Their pastries and sweets, however, are out of this world!. BONUS: The Buttery is famous for its lines-out-the-door.

OK let's just start off with the name alone who doesn't like butter?. The name itself offers us something promising. If you are someone who loves a good comforting sweeter side to breakfast this is the place to stop.

Their buttermilk pancakes are legendary, served with a choice of fruit compote or whipped cream. The daily specials board always features something tempting, from hearty soups to savory sandwiches.

For over 20 years, The Buttery has created hundreds of unique cakes that are works of art and taste as scrumptious as they look. Schedule an appointment to see our wedding cake gallery.

This beloved bakery has it all, plus a loyal crowd to prove it. They show up for cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, plus creative sandwiches, hot breakfast items and so much more.

- Rating: 3.8/5 (1869 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 702 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, California - Categories: Bakeries, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches- Read more on Yelp

This bakery and cafe in one is a go-to dining spot for its exquisite sandwiches, salads and other deli classics served for brunch, paired with coffee, tea and more.