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Breakfast restaurant in Santa Cruz, California
What should I order at The Walnut Avenue Cafe?
What to order
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French Toast
Mentioned multiple times as fluffy, light, crispy, and full of flavor, with reviewers calling it amazing and recommending it strongly for breakfast.
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Belgian Waffle
Called perfect and delicious when paired with fruit, with multiple positive mentions that highlight it as a strong breakfast choice.
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Chilaquiles
Recommended by reviewers who enjoyed the dish, especially the portion size and overall taste, though one review noted it was less authentic than expected.
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4
Hamburgers
Specifically recommended as one of the better burgers in the Santa Cruz area, with praise for the taste and value.
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5
Blackened Ahi Eggs Benedict
Highlighted for its thick, flavorful hollandaise and well-seasoned tuna, making it stand out as a especially good brunch dish.
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6
Chorizo With Eggs
Praised as one of the best versions a reviewer had ever had, with excellent flavor and satisfying quality.
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7
Pesto Tomato Scramble
Described as very flavorful, especially when paired with sausage and feta cheese, making it a well-liked breakfast scramble.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 4 PM |
About The Walnut Avenue Cafe
Low-key cafe offers light American fare for breakfast & lunch including scrambles & sandwiches.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is The Walnut Avenue Cafe known for?
It is especially known for eggs Benedict, including the Blackened Ahi Eggs Benedict and other Benedict variations with hollandaise and potatoes. Reviewers also repeatedly praise the French toast, scrambles, and coffee, and many note that the portions are generous for the $20 to $30 price range.
What dishes are most recommended at The Walnut Avenue Cafe?
Frequent recommendations include the eggs Benedict, French toast, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and scrambles such as the pesto tomato scramble or chorizo scramble. Reviewers also mention the Belgian waffles, multigrain pancake, and hamburgers, with several saying the breakfast plates are flavorful and filling.
What is the atmosphere like at The Walnut Avenue Cafe?
The cafe is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a spacious interior and outdoor seating available. It works well for solo diners, groups, and families, though reviewers note it can be loud and busy inside during peak breakfast hours.
Is The Walnut Avenue Cafe good value?
Yes, many reviewers describe it as well priced or affordable, and the listed price range is $20 to $30. People also mention large portions, so the cost feels fair for dishes like eggs Benedict, scrambles, and French toast in downtown Santa Cruz.
When is the best time to visit The Walnut Avenue Cafe?
It is usually busy and often has a wait, with some reviewers reporting about 25 minutes to get seated on a brunch visit. Several suggest putting your name in and walking around downtown Santa Cruz while you wait, especially on weekend mornings.
Is parking available at The Walnut Avenue Cafe?
Yes. Paid parking garage, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does The Walnut Avenue Cafe have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Walnut Avenue Cafe offers vegan options.
Is The Walnut Avenue Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, The Walnut Avenue Cafe is good for kids.