Cafe Cruz, Santa Cruz California

(http://www.cafecruz.com/) Cafe Cruz a popular destination with a strong reputation in the Santa Cruz area. A lovely setting, even though from the outside you would not think so. A relaxed atmosphere, with a back patio area. The service is outstanding, friendly and special attention to detail. They host dinners and have a regular happy hour. Lunch time when we went was packed with local business folks, and then a sprinkle of regulars.
Cafe Cruz is not a burger place per say, there menu has a rich selection of fish, salads, meats and sandwiches at lunch. The burger options available are few, simple and well thought out. The beef is hand ground from a Humbolt farm which only grass feeds its beef.

They have 4 options and one is a vegetarian. The quality of the beef is simply outstanding, fresh, flavorful, and moist. I went with the 1/3 lbs Cruz burger with Vermont Sharp Cheddar. It was served on a Kaiser bun, with fresh lettuce, tomato and on the side a dill pickle. What I liked was the simplicity and each ingredient tasted extremely fresh. What made this burger stick out was the high quality of the meat. Many places try to throw in their own little special sauce "lube" or try to break out from the norm with off the wall condiments, and in my opinion the additions often overshadow the meat or burger in general. Cafe Cruz burger is simple, and well thought out and not pretentious at all. With this you got the option of cole slaw or fries. The fries I got were good, but nothing special. What I aslo like was the size and portion did not go into overdrive and make you feel how was I going to eat all this.... something I find quite a few burger places do in the United States.
The atmosphere, service, and overall presentation added to making the lunch a relaxed and pleasant experience.

The price was reasonable considering the size and portion. In addition to the food the Cafe Cruz has an impressive wine list, and the wait staff do a great job of providing suggestions based on your food choice and your own taste.
Restless Hamburger rating 9 Definitely a place to return to and venture with the other options. If you are in these parts worth the stop, and most likely any food from here would be a treat.