This article was published by Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine.
Everyone agrees on three things. We need coffee to start our day. We have to eat, and we always deserve a little something sweet.
My name is Daniel J, and I indulge aggressively in all 3 of the above on my social media page @doublemeatplease. My mission is to inform, highlight, and elevate the food and drink scene in the Santa Cruz community, being authentic and positive in my picks.
"You can be alone, or annoyed."
What are you about to read? Who starts a food/drink column like that?
My name is Daniel J, a lover of food, drinks, sweets, and letting people know all about my favorite spots and what's going on in the Santa Cruz area on Instagram with @doublemeatplease.
Now the introduction is out of the way. Let's take that statement however you like, but I can tell you, no matter if it's your partner or best friend, there are times that you just want to be alone. And guess what? That's healthy. Now, if you're still reading, let's open up some doors for some awesome solo date night ideas that revolve around food, drinks, and of course "vibes" (low-hanging fruit, but works out nice).
I am an incredibly social person who loves being around people and events, but every once in a while I really enjoy roaming the town we call Santa Cruz on my own, and I want to share them with you.
This is your solo date night itinerary.
Three different solo dates for you to save and enjoy.
Put the phone down. Don't put on the flip flops, and let's go on some delicious and fun adventures with you and you.
"A Bit of La La Land in an Alley"
One of the newest bars/speakeasies is the Alley Oop. A speakeasy-style cocktail lounge that is open daily 5pm–midnight, no reservations, no cover, first-come, first-served, with spots being limited to available seating.
You follow the red lights in the alley, tell the gentleman in the front, "Party of one," and he'll radio in someone on the other side of the door who will escort you to a seat.
On a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, they have live music that will make you feel like you walked into "Seb's" from La La Land. From the magical vocals of Heidi Evelyn to the saxophone and piano duo, Death and Saxes.
The move is to get there at 5:45pm for their killer happy hour of a burger, fries, and a cocktail for $25. Enjoy your meal and stay for some live music in a speakeasy that is unlike anything in Santa Cruz. Some of the best service, cocktails, and ambiance in Santa Cruz, hands down.
When: Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday (Note: happy hour is 7 days a week and live music is Tuesday/Thursday/Friday)
Where: Alley Oop, 320 Cedar Street (but really it's down Birch Ln.)
Why: You pretty much get dinner and a show for $25 if you time it right.
"Pasta and Pages"
Bookshop Santa Cruz has been around since 1966. A local and independently owned bookshop that not only is huge but has a staff that is inviting and helpful. From sections highlighting independent authors, to the huge section of fiction, to constant events where you actually get to meet the authors, they crush it.
Right next door is a hidden gem that has been around for 27 years, and more people need to know about it. Chocolat is a restaurant that has been run and operated by Chef David. Don't let the name fool you. It's a restaurant that serves much more than chocolate. From the must-order pasta rosettes, to the chicken mole trio (expand your mole palate, my friends), to the infused martinis that will guarantee you'll get a little loose and giggly. Save room for a slice of Sin Cake or Ecstasy Cake. Yes, they are both gluten-free, and yes, they both taste amazing.
Grab a book from one of the staff picks in a genre that interests you (or start reading the Red Rising series, a personal favorite) and walk out and grab lunch or dinner on the patio. If you're not that hungry, grab a drink and a slice of Sin Cake, and start chipping away at your new book.
When: Thursday–Monday
Where: Chocolat, 1522 Pacific Ave.
Why: Because a good book and a meal outside is pretty perfect.
"Holy Grounds on the Cliff"
There's a secret coffee shop called Shrine Coffee right on West Cliff Drive. It's tucked in the back of the Shrine of St. Joseph Catholic church, and the inside is pretty magical, an aesthetic that is cool and relaxing without doing too much.
The prices are incredibly fair, and the coffee is from Cat & Cloud, so you know it's going to be delicious. They have a wide range of pastries and classic beverages, as well as some creative drinks like their Summer Fog, an iced black tea with vanilla syrup and an Earl Grey cold foam they make in house.
Grab a drink, grab a pastry, and either sit in the garden and think about "What am I doing with my life right now?"
Or just be super present and go for a walk on West Cliff and see why we live in this beautiful place called Santa Cruz.
When: 7 days a week, 7am–4pm
Where: Shrine Coffee, 544 W Cliff Dr.
Why: Because life revolves around coffee and getting your steps in.
