Windmill
| Address: | 21231 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA |
| Phone: | +1 831-464-4698 |
| Site: | windmillcafesantacruz.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 7AM–3PM 7AM–3PM 7AM–3PM 7AM–3PM 7AM–3PM 7AM–3PM 7AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 18
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Monica Riehl
this is the best restaurant/tea shop ive been to in Santa Cruz. Great, healthy, organic, delicious food - Dog Friendly, Outside Patio, Near the beach and badass, friendly people. PASTRIES Firstly, they offer pastries which are both vegan and gluten-free. In reference to the foregoing - the treats are moist, full of flavor and made of 100% natural, organic ingredients. My favorite so far has been the lemon poppyseed. MEALS The gluten-free bread is home made and comes with the vegan tofu scramble or it can be ordered on the side with any combination of things. My favorite combination is this: 1 tofu scramble AND one vegan/gluten free waffle to share with someone. SMOOTHIES Where else can you get CACAO Powder (not cocoa) and maca, with a banana and any choice of dairy OR non-dairy milk. Yeah, here. COFFEE-SUBSTITUTE The mill does serve chicory for anyone trying to quit coffee (me). However, they have a decent cup of drip coffee but their espresso drinks are my favorite, if I had to choose. I dont work at the Windmill Cafe - but I do live near there (therefore, I am feasting at least 4 times a week). Im writing this review as Im sitting at River Cafe - having wished that I would have just driven down to my neighborhood for their espresso and a muffin. River cafe has music (a pro) but the food & drinks are average -- unless ya want a mimosa. and i dont. go to the windmill. its not a bike shop anymore. its not a candy shop, either. its the best priced, healthiest, tastiest food in Santa Cruz - made by people who care about what you put into your body and on your taste buds.
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A Private User
I was raised and lived in Santa Cruz from the 60s until we moved away 8 years ago. I am generally a friendly, relaxed person. On a recent home town visit, we stopped by the Windmill Cafe because it had good reviews. However, upon entering, no one greeted us. We stood waiting to place our order. No one helped us or acknowleged we were there, although we were right at the front counter and couldnt be missed. Then a large group walked in, pushed beyond us and were helped immediately. The person behind the counter never thought to mention we were there first and that we had been waiting, and the large group never thought to ask if wed been helped yet. The large group were placing long intricate orders of detailed drinks. Our order would have been quick and simple. We considered this rude, and poor customer service, so decided to leave and head to another coffee shop that we enjoy (The Ugly Mug in Soquel). It wasnt until we were leaving Windmill that we were finally acknowledged with a bye folks. Our theory behind this behavior is that this place is one of the "cool, groovy-type" places, and our appearance doesnt fit the profile, we may have appeared too conservative? Upon arriving at The Ugly Mug, we were greeted in a friendly manner, and also immediately engaged in conversation with other customers ... on top of that, Ugly Mug serves the best Mexican Mocha!
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Melissa Rachelle
I was very excited about the menu and the fresh food options. I enjoyed the atmosphere and picnic set up. After over an hour 15 min wait after we ordered the food was lack luster and the portions very small. I got up and bussed the picnic table myself after the people to our left and right side had left so we wouldnt have to dine with dirty dishes all around. No apologies or any concern from the staff. Wont be back unless they make changes.
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Agraja Guimarães
One of the few fair priced places left with simple but delicious food. They make the perfect brewed coffee to have with daily scramble. Im not usually a gluten-free person, but their gluten-free bread is delicious. Smoothies are great too - Einstein is my favorite. Goat cheese salmon toast or their curry soups are perfect for when Im more hungry. Beautiful garden to eat in and very friendly staff.
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Zia Isola
The Windmill is the kind of cafe I would open if I could open a cafe. Spacious, comfortable, great coffee, excellent menu with something for everyone (from vegan to gluten free to meat eaters), incredibly kind and conscious staff...oh, and very reasonable prices. All this and walking distance to the beach, without any if the usual beach scene or tourist madness. A haven for readers and cafe lovers!
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Mark Maitland
Fresh, local, high quality food! The artwork in this place is always worth a look too. The hand crafted dishes are lovingly prepared in a microcosm of a kitchen so small it makes you wonder, how do they do all that? Lots of tastes and texture options. The portions are on the smaller side. Gets busy sometimes but in my experience worth the wait.
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Paul Bickford
I stopped here for an ice coffee and bacon egg cheese. It took FOREVER for the sandwich to come out. Ive never waited so long for a simple bacon egg and cheese. The sandwich was ok but not worth the wait.. And no apology for slow service or offer to refill my iced coffee as it was pretty much gone after waiting for so long.
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Hunter Vapes
Wonderful service, caters to vegan and gluten free eaters, as well as gluten consumers, with fantastic food and drinks for everyone. Prices are a tad high, but its forgiveable. Limited parking, but it wasnt terribly packed today (Sunday), although I heard thats not the norm.
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Athonia Cappelli
vegans: this is a vegetarian friendly menu if there ever was one. They have tempeh in many recipes which is desirable because its significantly more protein than tofu. It tastes better and has great texture too. Try the Reuben sandwich and add hot sauce
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William Dornbach
Amazing breakfast place! The French Toast was perfect for me, and -- I could be mistaken, but -- the orange juice tasted fresh-squeezed. I cant speak for the coffee, but I promise I will try the Windmills caffeinated selection the next time I stop by!
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jeff gatlin
Great location, terrible owners. I wont go into my personal nightmare scenario, but I have heard from plenty of people that the owners are pretentious jerks, and that was certainly my experience. They simply dont have that Santa Cruz vibe.
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Corrina McFarlane
Windmill Cafe owners are living the dream. They home-bake really good gluten-free bread daily,serve superfood smoothies (no cheap fillers)..., and harvest from their own edible gardens as much as they can for favorite dishes. #feelthelove
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Erin Nowlin
The slowest service. I could have gone to the grocery store, gone home to Santa Clara and cooked my own eggs quicker than waiting for my order here. I gave 2 stars because some of the staff was very kind.
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A Private User
Awesome coffee shop. Coffee is great and its a beautiful place. Really easy to get work done. Plus they have some AMAZING cinnamon rolls and their apricot black tea is delicious. Go support them!
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Alexander Peri
Ridiculously rude staff on the phone hung up twice before allowing for a single question. Train your staff. Shame to see such a great place fall down because of poor staffing.
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A Private User
The place has become brighter and cleaner since new management took over. The breakfast is not as tasty but they have added some specials onto the menu. Great caffe ambiance.
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Mido Lee
Cant find a place make better latte then they do. Food is also magnificent. Feel I pay too little to their lovely services. Have to also mention their beautiful garden.
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Nicolette Lee
I love their breakfast and appreciate the normal sized portions and good prices. Their faken bacon is fantastic. Lots of gluten free options. Its a neighborhood gem!
