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Best American Restaurant in Santa Cruz

Good Food. Great Drinks. Unforgettable Memories!

Welcome To The Water Street Grill

Step into The Water Street Grill at 503 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA, where family-owned warmth meets farm-to-table excellence. Enjoy handcrafted drinks, locally sourced ingredients, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes every visit special.
Culinary Creations That Inspire & Excite All Sense

Culinary Creations That Inspire & Excite All Sense

Immerse yourself in a dining experience where each plate is a playful balance of colors, textures, and aromas. From artfully layered compositions to bold flavor pairings, every dish is crafted to surprise and delight, leaving a lingering sense of curiosity and satisfaction.

Order From Our Website

Craving the fresh, vibrant flavors of The Water Street Grill? Easily place your order online and enjoy the same farm-to-table quality and handcrafted drinks from the comfort of your home. Quick, convenient, and always delicious.

Ready To Reserve Your Table?

Looking to enjoy a cozy evening, celebrate a special occasion, or simply indulge in exceptional flavors? Book your table now and let us create a memorable experience that will linger long after your visit.
Local Catering For Special Events

Local Catering For Special Events

From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, our catering brings thoughtfully crafted flavors and elegant presentation straight to your table. Let us make your next event unforgettable with a menu designed to impress and delight every guest.

Visit Us Today! 🥂

Come enjoy fresh flavors, handcrafted drinks, and a warm, inviting atmosphere any day you visit! We’re open and ready to welcome you every day of the week: Hours of Operation: Mon–Thu: 4:30 PM – 9 PM Fri: 4 PM – 9:30 PM Sat–Sun: 12 PM – 3 PM & 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Lovely experience dining here! Dina was super genuine, friendly, and accommodating. We really enjoyed chatting with her. Also, this was the only restaurant that was willing to accommodate our request for deep fried fish that weren't "beer battered" the chef did a great job. Thank you all!

Ahmad M.

Love love love this establishment. Finally, a chef that knows how to prepare and cook. We had the seafood pasta dish and I ate it all. After experiencing Italy a couple of times, I thought America couldn't, let alone Santa Cruz, compare but was I wrong. Finally, a place you can assure you'll get the best. So happy to know my hard earned earnings will give me the best experience...bravo

L

I absolutely loved the food and service, and the atmosphere is quite nice. The food was flavorful, and our waiter was so fun and kind and attentive. I didn't catch his name, but he was great. He brought me his recommended choice of wine, which was delicious. The dessert: I was pleasantly surprised. A larger amount of dessert, which I did not expect (amazing surprise), and that was so yummy and beautifully plated. I look forward to returning again soon! Added to my favorites for Santa Cruz.

Rocio C.

Featuring

Catering

Delivery

Takeout

Dine In

Outdoor Seating

Kids' Menu

The Water Street Grill Rewards

Join our rewards program, earn points every time you order online and redeem your points for free food!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are you known for?

We’re known for American grill favorites in Santa Cruz, from steaks and seafood to burgers, comforting pastas, and ice cream desserts.

  • American Food: American grill favorites range from steaks and salmon to burgers, club sandwiches, and comforting mac and cheese. Examples include Garlic New York Steak, Grilled Wild Salmon, Americana Burger, California Club Sandwich, and Famous Mac & Cheese Regular.
  • Seafood: Seafood takes several forms, including grilled salmon, blackened tacos, clam chowder, crispy calamari, and lobster-filled ravioli. Examples include Grilled Wild Salmon, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, Clam Chowder Bowl, Crispy Calamari, and Organic Lobster Ravioli.
  • Dinner: Dinner spans steak and lobster pairings, grilled salmon, chicken piccata, and seafood pastas. Examples include Filet Mignon With Lobster Tail, Grilled Wild Salmon, Chicken Piccata, and Seafood Pasta.
  • Steak: Steak cuts include filet mignon, New York strip, rib eye, skirt, and sirloin, with shrimp or lobster pairings available. Examples include Filet Mignon 8 oz, New York Strip Steak, Rib Eye, Skirt Steak, Seasoned Sirloin Steak, and Filet Mignon With Lobster Tail.
  • Desserts: Sweet finishes include chocolate and red velvet cakes, New York-style cheesecake, bread pudding, and ice cream treats. Examples include Chocolate Lava Cake -D, Red Velvet Cake -S, New York Style Cheese Cake -D, Bread Pudding -D, and Fried Ice Cream -D.

Additionally, explore Italian Food, Chicken, Pasta, Salads, Burgers, Sandwiches, Fish, Ice Cream, and Wings.

What meals do you serve?

We serve Lunch and Dinner

Do you offer delivery or takeout?

Yes, we offer Takeout and Delivery

Where are you located?

We are located in Santa Cruz, CA at 503 Water Street

What areas do you serve?

We serve the following areas: Santa Cruz, Pasatiempo, Live Oak, Twin Lakes, Beulah Park, Paradise Park, Pleasure Point, Opal Cliffs, Capitola, Soquel, Camp Evers, Scotts Valley, Mount Hermon, Felton, Seacliff, Santa Cruz County, Mission Springs, Gordola, Olympia, and Majors.

Anything else?

We are also known for Family Friendly Restaurant

Our location

Map showing the location of The Water Street Grill on 503 Water Street in Santa Cruz
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