Base of Campus, 
Metro Station, 
EateriesCafé Brazil, 1410 Mission Street, $$
This quirky café adds a splash of color to the otherwise drab Mission street with the green and yellow hues of the Brazilian flag, but it’s the menu that really invokes shades of South America. You can’t go wrong with their delectable Huevos Rancheros or a healthy Acai bowl, but don’t leave without trying a cup of imported Brazilian coffee.
Santa Cruz Diner, 909 Ocean Street, $$
If you are feeling the munchies or just want a hearty breakfast after a light night party, this is definitely the place to be. Whether “breakfast” starts at 2am or 10am you can get your fix of Country Fried Steak, Scrambles, pancakes, and Belgian Waffles, among other things at all hours of the day.
New Leaf Community Market, 2351 Mission Street, $$
You get the two for one special going to New Leaf because its also a market, but they also make some healthy sandwiches. Simply walk up to the deli, fill out a card and hand it to the person behind the counter. Grab some fresh organic fruit and something to drink while they make your sandwich and you’ll have a nice little picnic on your hands.
Lil Coney Island, 1520 Pacific Avenue K1, $$
Don’t let the kind old lady in the little booth fool you, she makes some sandwiches that’ll fill you up. The Ruebens and BLT are perennial favorites, but the hot dogs are worthy of mention as well. Turkey dogs are available for those who fear the beef, but for more traditional palettes try the Bratwurst or the usual Chicago and New York style dogs.
Jack’s Burgers, 202 Lincoln Street, $$
There are plenty of places to make burgers, but there is only one Jack’s hamburger. Located just off of Center street, it’s easy to get a real good burger at a decent price. The cheeseburger basket makes for a really good deal around lunch time, but for a real treat try the tri-tip steak sandwich.
Taqueria La Cabana, 2332 Mission Street, $$
One of the better Taquerias in Santa Cruz, all the ingredients at this place taste fresh, but the West Side location makes a little hard to get to without a car. Stop in for some fish tacos or grab a super burrito if you’re really hungry. Either way, you’ll be satisfied without a huge hit to your wallet.
Falafel of Santa Cruz, 202 Lincoln Street, $$
Middle Eastern food sounds like as luxury, but this place manages do it quite well. It’s hard to go wrong with a Falafel, but their Shawarma is also quite tasty. If you’re hankering for other Mid-East favorites try the Dolmas and some yummy Baklava.
Pizza My Heart, 116 Pacific Avenue, $$$
This is a popular destination for a reason. The popularity of the chain combined with its downtown location make it a little difficult to get a slice, but when you do its well worth it. Try some of the usual toppings, but if your feeling adventurous try something like the clam and garlic or Surf and Turf.
Sabieng Thai Cuisine, 1218 Mission Street, $$$
There are quite a few Thai restaurants out there but none combine affordability and taste like this one. The lunch specials make the early afternoons an ideal time to go, but this is also a good spot to have some dinner with your parents or a few house mates.
Kianti’s Pizza and Pasta Bar, 1100 Pacific Avenue, $$$$
This place offers the right mix of good food and entertainment as well. The wood fire cooked pizza is always light and flaky and the pasta dishes are filling, but the atmosphere usually makes for a nice evening. On warm evenings, it’s nice to eat outside and watch people stroll on by and if you head in on the weekends the entire staff breaks into song and dance during dinner time.
Hindquarter Bar and Grill, 303 Soquel Avenue, $$$$
For a fine evening and some good food stop on by. The free range chicken is delicious while the apple wood smoked baby back ribs are mouth watering, but even with daily specials you will be paying quite a bit for your meal.
Marianne’s Ice Cream, 1020 Ocean Street, $
As far as local sweets go there is nothing better. With 71 flavors, its easy to find just the right one and you may even find yourself trying something else. Old favorites like chocolate and vanilla are there of course, but there’s also Macapuno (Baby coconut) and Kahlua flavors.
Ferrell’s Donuts, 2227 Mission Street, $
Another local favorite that will satisfy your donut cravings and this one is open 24 hours. Come in for breakfast and grab a mouthwatering bear claw or come in at 2 am and grab some donut holes. No matter the hour, there is never a wrong time for some donuts.
