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.
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.
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.
ScoopDog
Flavor abounds at ScoopDog, which offers – you guessed it – hot dogs and ice cream! You can grab an original-style hot dog if that’s what you’re craving, or you can go wild with the many topping options. Their choices range from a New York Dog to a Cali Dog and everything in between. Be sure to try The L.A. Dog, topped with bacon, pico de gallo, Tapatio ketchup, jalapeños, cilantro, mayo, and cotija cheese, especially if you pair it with their delectable Elote-in-a-Cup! Vegetarian? No worries, they have Beyond Meat Bratwurst so that you can enjoy a hot dog, too. Ready for something sweet? ScoopDog gets their ice cream from local-favorite Marianne’s, and it can be served in a cup, cone, milkshake, or root beer float. From savory to sweet, ScoopDog has your taste buds covered.
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!