In early May, my boyfriend took me to Santa Cruz for a weekend trip to celebrate my birthday. The morning we were planning to head back to Berkeley, we asked the front desk at our inn for a good breakfast place. Her immediate answer: Zachary’s.
Located on the busy Pacific Avenue, this homey little place is definitely popular among the locals, many of whom lingered on the sidewalk waiting on a table. Although, there definitely was a Sunday morning wait, the tables turned over quickly and we were seated within twenty minutes. Not to mention they offered the perfect peace offering to apologize for the wait: a pot of coffee.
The menu is filled with lots of good, old-fashioned breakfast and lunch options. But amongst the variations on pancakes, eggs, toast, sandwiches and the like, I found Mike’s Mess. Described on the menu as “Three eggs, bacon, mushrooms & our home fries all mixed together with cheese, sour cream, tomatoes & green onions“, it was the most complete and hearty omelet. While the home fries weighed it down in your stomach, the sour cream, tomatoes and green onions freshened the taste in your mouth. Making you and your taste buds aware that this was how California did hearty breakfast at the beach.
And while beauty lives in the details, an excellent meal is completed by the extras. Much to my happily 21-year-old self’s surprise, Zachary’s offered mimosas to accompany your breakfast. The tangy fresh orange juice and champagne mix kicked up the restaurants style points from “simple and warm local spot” to “sophisticated and sweet brunch place”.
