By Alia Arafeh

Culture Editor

Santa Cruz is the perfect town for those wanting to spend a day soaking up the sun at the beach or going on a therapeutic hike through the mountains. As much as I love the ocean, another underrated part of Santa Cruz is the food. I picked four of my favorite places to eat when I am in Santa Cruz, and they are listed below with pictures included. I hope this inspires you to try a new restaurant or revisit one of your old favorites.

Samba Rock Acai Cafe

Samba rock acai is some of the best acai I’ve ever had, and some of the best acai around. The prices are low, but the quality is high at this cafe. There are many unique and delicious flavors to choose from. Pictured above is my favorite thing on the menu,  the Mussum bowl, which is made with brigadero cream(condensed milk and chocolate). I highly recommend stopping by for some acai, or even taking it to go for a healthy snack to enjoy on the beach

Verve Coffee

If you like quality coffee and good vibes, Verve is the place to go. There are multiple locations around Santa Cruz where you can grab a coffee to go or sit and enjoy the Santa Cruz sun. Pictured above is an iced latte with house syrup, but everything on the menu is refreshing and delicious. Another thing to note is the cool designs they have on their travel mugs. I recommend you check it out!

Seabright Deli

Pictured above is the Castle Beach: house-smoked brisket, rosemary garlic aioli, smoked cheddar, and tomatillo-hatch chili pepper spackle on a toasted french roll with macaroni salad. Though it was an interesting combination of ingredients, the flavors worked together surprisingly well. The meat melts in your mouth and the macaroni is the perfect balance to the sandwich. For a quick, delicious lunch, I recommend eating at the Seabright Deli.

burger.

The juiciness of the burger and warm cheesiness of the fries pictured above are incomparable. I pass by this place every time I’m in Santa Cruz, but just recently had a chance to eat there. The menu is huge, so there are options for everyone, and the flavor combinations and toppings are unique and delicious. If you’re in need of a good, classic burger and fries, cold milkshake, or a unique pizza, this is the place to go!