For nearly three decades, Walnut Avenue Cafe has stood as a quintessential favorite for locals seeking an exceptional breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch experience in Santa Cruz County. Since its establishment in 1994, this beloved cafe has been delivering great food within a relaxed, casual environment in downtown Santa Cruz, offering both indoor and outdoor seating to enhance the dining experience. Known for warm, swift service and generously portioned plates of freshly made, classic American breakfast, Walnut Avenue Cafe has become synonymous with friendly service and beautifully crafted dishes that always arrive with a smile.

Walnut Avenue offers a huge array of omelettes filled with all the favorite protein forms like cheese, ham and sour cream, as well as peppers, spinach, mushrooms and you name it. The pancakes here are the kind that breakfast fantasies are made of. Golden-brown and large without being ridiculous, the trio of nine-grain hotcakes can (and I advise trying it) be joined by a pitcher of sensitively made boysenberry sauce, full of berries and not too sweet.

Looking for a beloved Santa Cruz staple with staying power?. Avenue Cafe is a local favorite American restaurant, boasting a remarkable 4.6-star rating from 404 reviews, reflecting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction over the years. Experience the enduring taste of classic American cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere, a testament to Avenue Cafe's health and longevity within the vibrant Santa Cruz food scene.

Named “The City’s Best Breakfast” by Sunset Magazine, Walnut Avenue Cafe is a cozy breakfast spot that is located in downtown Santa Cruz. The menu features creative takes on classic breakfast dishes, like eggs benedict with crab cakes or breakfast sandwiches with homemade aioli. The outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy your meal on a sunny day, and the cozy interior is perfect for a relaxing breakfast on a cold morning.

Nestle into a scrumptious brunch or lunch in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz at this tucked-away local secret, the Walnut Avenue Cafe. With a cozy and warm atmosphere, outdoor seating, a full espresso bar, and an extensive brunch menu, it has something for everyone in your group. It is unpretentious, with no gimmicks, just really well-made American fare for a reasonable price.

Located just past the gorgeous Victorians on Walnut Ave, this eponymous cafe is only open for breakfast and lunch — and that holy union of the two, brunch. The boysenberry pancakes are simply scrumptious, as are the huevos rancheros. Be warned, this place can become a zoo on weekends, but manage to score an outdoor table on a nice day, and you’ve got it made.

Flaunting a recent face lift, the Avenue has reached the pinnacle of its architectural existence. The recent renovations include nicely appointed private booths, a wood floor and a tasteful back patio sporting what looks like a outdoor bar. All in all, it's a place where urban professionals in their early 30s would feel quite comfortable.

According to Sunset Magazine this is Santa Cruz’s best breakfast, and it’s hard to argue with that. From waffles to omelettes, scrambles to benedicts, The Walnut Avenue Café certainly has enough options to charm the whole family. Besides, where else can you get a mouth-wateringly good Blackened Ahi Tuna Benedict!

Walnut Ave., Café has been around since 1994 located right in the downtown District of Santa Cruz. Walnut Café is popular with Santa Cruz locals as being a pet-friendly establishment. Choosing a spot on the patio allows you to bring your dog along for a relaxed breakfast out on the town.

If you're craving hearty breakfast or brunch fare, head to The Walnut Avenue Café. This charming eatery has served delicious breakfast and lunch dishes for over 25 years. Indulge in fluffy pancakes, savory omelets, and creative specials like the crab cake benedict or huevos rancheros.

Since 1994 the Walnut Avenue Cafe has been a local favorite for Breakfast, Lunch and Weekend Brunch. We feature great food in a relaxed, casual environment in Downtown Santa Cruz with indoor & outdoor seating. We hope you will join us soon!

If you can manage to snag a table at this popular joint, be sure that someone in your party orders the French toast with bananas and walnuts. It’s fluffy, crunchy, sweet, and almost a little bit savory: It’s picture perfect.

Walnut Avenue Cafe (106 Walnut Avenue) – One of my go-to brunch spots!. With sidewalk seating and umbrellas, this laid-back local dog-friendly cafe is a pawsome place to chomp scrambles and hashes with the furry ones.

This neighborhood restaurant in a quaint Capitola cottage is a great place to meet family and friends for a delicious traditional breakfast or lunch. Patrons line up to enjoy the award-winning Eggs Benedict.

Aldo's on the harbor is good, Walnut Avenue Cafe is also great but pretty basic, Zachary's has some amazing options and a cute atmosphere, and Cafe Brasil is supposed to be legendary (I haven't been yet).

Operating since 1993, this cafe is a gastronomic gem in Santa Cruz, serving delicious benedicts, scrambles and more favorites for all-day brunch, plus sides and other menu options.

- Rating: 4.2/5 (1448 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 106 Walnut Ave. Santa Cruz, California - Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, American, Cafes- Read more on Yelp

Afterwards, head to the beach, walk down the Soquel Creek River Walk, or do some shopping in Downtown Capitola. This is a popular spot so there can be a long wait.