Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola
Shadowbrook
1750 Wharf Road,
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 475-1511 – (800) 975-1511 | 
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| Cuisine | American, California, Local Specialty |
| Price | $31-60 |
| Dining Style | Fine Dining |
| Parking | Free, On-site |
| Reservations | Recommended / Suggested (Reserve Online) |
| Dress | Resort Casual |
| Year Opened | 1947 |
| Payment Accepted | Traveler's Check, Cash, Discover, Diner's Club, Visa, American Express, MasterCard |
| Meals | Dinner |
| Neighborhood | Capitola |
| Santa Cruz Take Out | No |
| Santa Cruz Deals | Monday: Burger & Beverage - $10 (includes Beer, Wine, Soda or Well Drink) Tuesday: Happy Hour from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, cocktails, beer and wine are priced at $3.50 and all appetizers and pizzas are "2 for 1". Live Music follows. Friday: Happy Hour 4:00 -6:00 PM - 1/2 Off Pizza & Appetizers Beer, House Wine, Well Drinks: $3.50 Call to confirm specials beforehand. If there are any errors, please Contact Us here. |
Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola - Summary:
(from shadowbrook-capitola.com) - Located beside lush Soquel Creek in Capitola-by-the-Sea, Shadowbrook Restaurant is best reached by its own quaint cable car, or a meandering garden path. Since 1947 Shadowbrook has continued to provide world-class service, fine food, wines and liqueurs in an atmosphere of Old World charm and grace.
Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola - Reviews:
Positive Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola Review:
I never pictured Shadowbrook being in the location is was. Kind of random, but once in front, absolutely beautiful. I'd have to agree with others about the place, very rustic and charming. I love the crazyiness of all the stairs and rooms and ways of walking around the place though.
My boyfriend made reservations for 6:45, we arrived early, we were seated early as well.
The water was clean and filtered (I'm very weird about water, I can tell if it is dirty!)
The bread and butter was good (hot rolls!)
The quattro crostini was amazing.
The Artichoke soup was gross (baby food status!)
My Coho Salmon was delicious EXCEPT for the spinach part that tasted like it came straight out of the can.
My boyfriend and I were able to enjoy each course at a wonderful pace. . no rush. I was not overly stuffed at the end due to how nice the timing was beween each part of our meal. I literally got to sit and digest and slowly enjoy my food.
Overall the food was hit and miss. Mostly a hit.
The service was pretty good - just don't expect the same person to take your order, bring it to you, ask how it is, or pick up the plates. . kind of weird?
Oh! And the special occasion was for my birthday. . EVERY worker said "Happy Birthday," it was nice.
-Jurija M., San Jose, CA
Negative Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola Review:
This place has really gone down hill. The carpet in the main dining area is in terrible shape as are the decorations and indoor plants. They need to put a bunch of money back into it. But here's the good news: the grounds are very, very nice, and the woodwork at the bar is so special. It remains the very best place in Santa Cruz to take your Mom or Grandmother, she will always remember it. And, you will remember the bill!!!! San Francisco prices for Santa Cruz quality. The portions have been cut in half over the past few years but the prices remain high. If you've never been there before, go once and take your Mom! Beware: the staff is snooty!
-John S., Santa Cruz, CA
Average Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola Review:
Worth a visit - once.
The ads and photos looked corny, but I was in Capitola on a Monday night, and everything else seemed closed. The place is huge. While they're not nearly as good as they think they are, but they served a solid meal with good service. The setting, though truly corny, "works." I nearly left when they handed me a vibrator when I appeared for my reservation (a sure sign of a restaurant to avoid), but my wife demanded we wait. After turning down several tables, I insisted on one with a reasonable view and some reasonable space. It was quite pleasant, and the food was good (if somewhat pricey, for what we received). Overall, a RECOMMEND, but the slight attitude of "aren't you lucky you're here" is a real turn-off to me. If you want a pleasant and non-beach evening surrounded by people who aren't covered with sand or tattoos, this is the place to go. The slogan, "Where the elite meet" is amusing. I'm not sure there are any elite meeting anywhere within 50 miles. But folks who want a pleasant evening and away from the beer guzzling crowd, this is a good destination.
-Abraham G., Fairborn, OH
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Ah, Shadowbrook. I guess I'll start with the good.
The good:
Beautiful building, great setting, really cozy, great service, nice people, great lounge area. I love everything about this place but the food.
The bad:
Ok, the food isn't "bad". However, I have been here several times over the last 4 years or so, and the food was not so great the last 3 times I have been. When I first started going, I thought the food was close to outstanding. I don't think the place is very expensive. Sure, it's not cheap, but for the food you got, in the setting you get it in, I'd say it was a good value. However, once the food quality starts to slip, there is no point in spending the money on it.
So, it is kinda romantic-rustic (at least for the Santa Cruz area), and if you go you will have a good time. The food used to be better, but it is still one of the better places in the Santa Cruz area. Don't expect any Michelin Stars here, though. I like to go to the lounge and have a drink and they serve a smaller menu up there as well.
-Brian B., Santa Cruz, CA
Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola - Photos:
