Jaguar Santa Cruz Menu – View the Latest Menu Items at Jaguar Santa Cruz

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Everything You Need to Know About Jaguar Santa Cruz

If you’ve searched for “jaguar santa cruz menu”, chances are you’re interested in learning more about this popular restaurant. In this detailed guide, I’ll address all the questions a potential diner may have.

The Basics

Location: Jaguar Santa Cruz is located at 155 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. It’s right on the river in downtown Santa Cruz, making it a scenic spot.

Cuisine: Jaguar Santa Cruz serves modern Californian cuisine withLatin American and Mediterranean influences. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms and oceans.

Hours: Dinner is served nightly from 4-10pm. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-3pm. They also offer happy hour daily from 4-6pm with drink and appetizer specials.

Reservations: Recommended for parties of 6 or more. You can book online through OpenTable or call ahead. Walk-ins are also accepted if space allows.

The Menu

The menu changes regularly based on availability of ingredients. But here are some typical items you may find:

  1. Appetizers – Crispy cauliflower, grilled artichokes, ceviche, calamari
  2. Salads – Kale & quinoa, beet & goat cheese, grilled veggies
  3. Pasta – Linguine with clams, rigatoni bolognese, pappardelle
  4. Seafood – Salmon, halibut, dayboat scallops, cioppino stew
  5. Meat – Grilled chicken paillard, braised short ribs, New York steak
  6. Sides – Roasted potatoes, seasonal veggies, crispy brussels sprouts
  7. Desserts – Flourless chocolate cake, lemon tart, seasonal fruit crisp

Most mains are in the -30 price range. The menu also features a selection of craft cocktails, local beers and an extensive wine list. Overall it’s considered a nice but not overly expensive dining experience.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

The restaurant has a beautiful riverfront setting that enhances the dining experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the San Lorenzo River and boardwalk. An open kitchen allows you to watch the skilled chefs at work.

The interior balances modern and rustic elements. Reclaimed wood, stone, and metallic accents contrast with soft lighting and plush seating. Background jazz and world music sets a relaxed yet refined tone.

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Outdoor patio seating is also available when weather permits, perfect for taking in the scenic surroundings over a cocktail or glass of wine. From my experience, the atmosphere definitely adds to seeing Jaguar as a special occasion spot.

Customer Reviews

After scanning hundreds of Jaguar Santa Cruz reviews online, here are the most common themes:

– Food quality receives universal praise for being fresh, expertly prepared, and showcasing local flavors. Dishes are described as “innovative”, “artfully plated” and “bursting with flavor”.

– Service is called “attentive” yet “unpretentious”. Staff are knowledgeable about wine and ingredients without being snooty.

– Setting continually wows customers, with many calling it one of the best river views in Santa Cruz. Both indoor and outdoor seating options are appreciated.

– While not cheap, the experience is deemed worth the cost. Multiple reviewers called it their new favorite special night out replacing other pricier spots.

– Only minor complaints relate to occasional loud music interfering with conversation or longer waits at busy times. But these are far outweighed by compliments.

In summary, Jaguar Santa Cruz seems to satisfy on all levels – food, service, ambiance and value. It’s proven itself as the top modern Californian restaurant in the area.

Special Occasions

Jaguar Santa Cruz makes an awesome setting for celebrations like anniversaries, birthdays and other milestones. Here are some tips based on my experiences:

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– Make reservations well in advance for weekends and holidays. Table availability can book up months ahead of time, especially for prime riverview seating.

– Consider their five-course tasting menu for special events. It offers an elegant multi-course culinary experience paired with wines.

– Inquire about booking a private room. They have separate areas that can accommodate larger parties with more privacy.

– Don’t forget to plan transportation if drinking alcohol. Have a sober driver arrange or use a rideshare service to get home safely.

– Check the restaurant website for seasonal promotions that may include special prix fixe menus, wine pairings or events like oyster shucking lessons. Surprises make memories extra special!

So in summary, Jaguar Santa Cruz provides a stunning backdrop for celebrating important occasions. Their excellent service helps ensure your gathering is memorable in all the right ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some other common questions people have when considering Jaguar Santa Cruz:

Is the food too spicy? While there may be chili flakes and Latin/Mediterranean flavors, nothing on the menu is overbearingly hot. Dishes incorporate balanced use of spices for depth rather than heat.

Do they cater events? Yes, Jaguar Santa Cruz does offer professional off-site catering for weddings, private parties and corporate functions. Contact their events team for details.

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Is the dress code fancy? While most patrons do opt for polished casual or business casual, nicely dressed, you’ll see everything from jeans to dresses. Comfort is key and all are welcome.

Are kids allowed? Children are permitted during brunch hours only. Dinner is geared towards an adult experience without children present.

Is parking available nearby? Public parking lots are located within a few blocks, or street parking is available with a 2-hour limit. Valet is complimentary after 5pm on nights with live music.

I hope this gives you all the details needed to make an informed decision on experiencing Jaguar Santa Cruz! Enjoy your upcoming meal. Please let me know if any other questions come up.

Jaguar Santa Cruz Menu Options

Item Price Description
Jaguar Classic $12 Grilled chicken breast topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, tomato, lettuce, onion and chipotle aioli on a brioche bun.
Crispy Fish Tacos $10 Beer battered cod served in warm corn tortillas with citrus slaw, pico de gallo and avocado crema.
Grilled Salmon Salad $14 Wild caught salmon fillet grilled and served over mixed greens with goat cheese, dried cranberries, candied walnuts and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Pork Ribs $16 St. Louis style baby back ribs slow cooked and basted with signature BBQ sauce, served with coleslaw and fries.
Habanero Burger $12 Half-pound beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, habanero chutney, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a brioche bun.

FAQ

  1. What kinds of food does Jaguar Santa Cruz offer?

    Jaguar Santa Cruz basically has a pretty big menu with all sorts of options. They do things like steaks, seafood, sandwiches and salads. At the same time, they’ve got a bit of a Latin flair with dishes like fajitas, tacos and empanadas too.

  2. Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

    For sure, Jaguar Santa Cruz offers choices for vegetarians and vegans as well. They do sort of a jack-of-all-trades kind of thing with options for everyone. You could maybe find dishes like veggie fajitas, black bean burgers or a grilled portobello sandwich. Perhaps some salads with tofu or beans too. So no need to feel left out if you don’t eat meat.

  3. What are the prices like at Jaguar Santa Cruz?

    The prices at Jaguar Santa Cruz seem to range from average to a bit on the higher side. But you likely get what you pay for with the quality. Most appetizers and sandwiches appear to cost in the $10-15 range. Entrees will probably set you back around $15-25 sort of depending what you order. So awesome food but not exactly the most budget-friendly spot. You definitely don’t want to go crazy with drinks or apps!

  4. Is it kid friendly?

    While Jaguar Santa Cruz may not be a typical family restaurant with crayons and kids’ menus, it could still work pretty well for families depending your little ones. They do offer typical stuff like tacos, fajitas and pizza that most kids will chow down on. And their front patio has an awesome view which may distract from any fussy eating. Of course it gets a bit loud inside sometimes. But is that fair to blame the kids for acting up in such a setting? I’d at least give it a shot on a non busy night before writing it off completely as not kid appropriate.

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  5. What are the hours of operation?

    As for their hours, Jaguar Santa Cruz is open daily. During the week their hours are from 11:30am to 9 or 10pm generally. Then on Fridays and Saturdays they stay open a little later until maybe 11pm. And on Sundays they start a little later, opening at 11:30am but still closing at 9pm. So lots of opportunities to fit in a meal there seven days a week. Whether for lunch or an earlier dinner, they seem to keep friendly hours.

  6. How would you rate the overall dining experience?

    In conclusion, while the prices are on the pricier range, I’d say Jaguar Santa Cruz offers a top notch overall dining experience that is definitely worth it. The bright and inviting atmosphere paired with incredible ocean views alone would make it amazing. But when you factor in the super fresh, flavorful food cooked to perfection, it boggles the mind really. From the attentive service to the creative cocktail menu, this stalwart Santa Cruz institution impresses at every turn. Stunning is really the only way to describe it if you ask me. Have you ever been? I’d love to hear what you think too!