We made it a point to visit based on previous reviews and it did not disappoint. The food portions are incredible and the taste is delicious.

There was a mix up with my order and it was corrected immediately with apologies. It was worth the wait.

The coleslaw had a unique flavor that both guests enjoyed. The cake was an added touch – just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.

The best bar food you will ever have.

This. Place. Is. Awesome!!!!

This somewhat dive-y, yet excellent place was packed on a rainy Friday night. We put our name in, but luckily found seats at the bar. What made the night awesome were the PEOPLE and the FOOD.

So I’m on a couple personal food missions:

1. Try all 100+ ice cream flavors at Marianne’s. I even started a spreadsheet.
2. If clam chowder is on the menu in Santa Cruz County, order it.

The clam chowder wasn’t thick, white, and creamy. It reminded me of the kind of clam chowder my aunt, or true New Englanders, would make, with a clearer broth. It tasted a lot more gourmet than its surroundings. And the bread it came with was phenomenal.

For dinner, I splurged on the onion rings (they came out piping hot!) and the Nickel burger. My hubby got the red snapper verde which came with a side of pasta and he licked his plates clean.

The Nickel burger is definitely one of the best burgers in the Bay Area. The bread was nice and chewy, the meat was well-seasoned, and it came overflowing with cheese, mushrooms, bacon, avocado, and SPROUTS (which really made the sandwich). It was just perfectly made and built. The burger came with fries, coleslaw, and a yummy, homemade piece of chocolate cake. I was in love! (They also make a killer club sandwich with homemade roasted turkey, spaghetti and amazeballs meatballs on Wednesdays, and the most affordable ribeye in town!)

The regulars welcomed us with open arms and were so kind, cool, and nice. We ended up chatting the whole night. My skinny margaritas were well made (they have a STOCKED bar), they have little bottles of champagne (yes!), and the bartender, Chuy, was friendly and funny.

Come for the food, stay for the people!