During the summer my friend Bonnie introduced me to Zachary’s Restaurant. Situated on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, Zachary’s is a favorite of the locals. We stopped in for a late breakfast/early lunch on a weekday and got right in. Apparently from the way the restaurant is laid out and from what Bonnie told me, there is usually a long wait because the restaurant is so popular. The bread and pastries served at Zachary’s are “homemade” onsite.

Zachary’s Restaurant in Santa Cruz

I ordered an avocado, tomato, and lettuce sandwich on the oatmeal molasses bread. It was served with potatoes. The sandwich was wonderful! The bread was outstanding. The potatoes, which were called home fries on the menu, were interesting–yet tasty. The potatoes were really not fries, but were more of a yellow potato casserole. The potatoes had onions in them and were not made with yellow potatoes, but were colored and seasoned with a spice that I just couldn’t place. It turns out the spice was turmeric.

Avocado, tomato, and lettuce sandwich on oatmeal molasses bread

Bonnie ordered Mike’s Mess, which is one of the most popular dishes at Zachary’s. Mike’s Mess is made with eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, cheese, scallions, and lots of potatoes.

Mike’s Mess at Zachary’s Restaurant

Bonnie and I had three 15-year old girls with us. Two of them ordered the kid’s mouse pancakes and one ordered the French toast made with the oatmeal molasses bread. The girls really enjoyed their food, especially the pancakes with all of the fruit used for decoration.

French toast made with oatmeal molasses bread

Mouse pancake

Zachary’s restaurant and the servers are unpretentious, which you would expect in Santa Cruz. The menu has a good selection and the prices are moderate. It’s certainly worth a visit when you are in Santa Cruz.

~merry~

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.

-John Gunther