South County Buzz: The Watsonville Hangar

In the southern part of the county, amongst fields of strawberries and across the street from the local airport is the Watsonville Hangar: a hopping local foodie destination. There is something for every palate in this naval-air-station-turned-gastronome’s-heaven. Whatever provisions you choose, you’ll find exceptional tastes and ample outdoor space at this buzzing south county community hub.

N.C. Hot or Not Chicken Sando (Hot), Sea Salt Fries, JuneShine Mango Daydream Hard Kombucha

Beer Mule

Beer Mule, sister-restaurant to the ever-popular Beer Thirty in Soquel, finds its home at the Hangar. While Beer is in the name, it’s not the only beverage on tap: taste scrumptious hard kombuchas, ciders, and wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages like vanilla root beer. Don’t skip out on the food here, either; everything is made fresh in-house, from their slow-cooked meats to their tasty sea salt fries. Beer Mule’s N.C. Hot-or-Not Chicken Sando is the star of their menu: with homemade, deep-fried chicken that is perfectly juicy on the inside while crisp on the outside, as well as a homemade bun, fillings, and sauce, you’ll be left wanting more of this mouthwatering dish! Once you’ve had your fill, head to the ping pong tables, try your hand at corn hole, or relax and enjoy the abundant space to connect with friends and family. Whether you’re here for a brew or a bite, Beer Mule is sure to delight.

Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Boba, Strawberry Lemonade with Strawberry Popping Boba, Matcha Latte with Boba, Nutella Strawberry Crêpe, Cali Club Crêpe, S’mores Crêpe

Mr. Z’s Crêpes and Teas

The sweet smell of crêpes wafts out of Mr. Z’s Crêpes and Teas, drawing you in through the doorway. Here, you’ll find a variety of sweet and savory crêpes, boasting classics like delicious Strawberry Nutella as well as more original flavors, like the Cali Club Crêpe, which is filled with oven-roasted turkey, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, butter lettuce, and drizzled with avocado crema. Crêpes are only half of what Mr. Z’s has to offer – tea choices aplenty! Milk teas, fruit teas, matcha lattes, and lemonades can be customized to your liking with bobas and jellies galore. Take a sip of the strawberry lemonade with strawberry popping boba, which is perfect for one of Santa Cruz County’s 262 days of sunshine per year. With many options and the ability to customize your meal, Mr. Z’s Crêpes and Teas is bound to please.

Super Nachos, Mango Agua Fresca

Tacos El Fuego

Serving up fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine, Tacos El Fuego is a must-try when visiting the Hangar. The family-owned and -operated restaurant is adorned with vivid artistry, and its friendly staff welcomes you inside to try their flavor-forward plates. Try the super nachos, piled high with delicious toppings, or indulge in another carefully crafted selection, like loaded fries, carne en su jugo, or their eponymous dish: tacos. Sip on some of their horchata and aguas frescas, which are made in-house daily, and serve to amplify their tasty culinary creations. Each offering packs its own unique punch of flavor, making it feel like a mini-escape to Mexico. Offering a wide range of traditional Mexican flavors, Tacos El Fuego makes every visit a flavorful experience you’ll want to repeat!

Latte and Matcha Latte with Vanilla

Honeylux Coffee

Honeylux Coffee’s crisp, bright interior with cozy, bohemian touches invites you in for a morning (or afternoon) pick-me-up. With its own signature blend, Honeylux also offers espresso beverages, teas, and more to ease those morning cravings. Sip on a caffe latte or a vibrantly green matcha latte sweetened with vanilla syrup, both of which are sensational. Their pastries come from Companion Bakeshop, another locally-owned institution, and their buttery goods are sure to entice. If you’re looking for something to nosh, they also serve oatmeal and avocado toast. With its specialty coffees and teas, as well as its delicious nibbles, Honeylux offers an ethereal spot to enjoy your morning brew. 

From the aromas of freshly brewed coffee to the sound of beer glasses clinking in a cheers, and everything in between, the Watsonville Hangar provides a gathering place full of delicious cuisine and a variety of options that will please everyone. And dog owners rejoice: this spot is pup-friendly, so bring your furry friend along! Check out the Watsonville Hangar for yourself and indulge in its taste delights!