Welcome to Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, located at the picturesque Municipal Wharf in Santa Cruz, offers a vibrant fusion of tropical flavors and a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its rotating bar experience, this tiki-inspired restaurant serves delightfully unique drinks alongside tempting dishes like Pineapple Spam Fried Rice and succulent Coconut Shrimp. Guests rave about the stunning ocean views and exceptional service, particularly from staff members like Beau, who elevates the dining experience. Complement your meal with signature sides, such as the heavenly French fries or Makai Mac Salad, and immerse yourself in a true taste of paradise with each visit.
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49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States49A Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States Hotline: +1 831-466-9766
Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery is a delightful escape located at 49A Municipal Wharf in Santa Cruz, California. This vibrant tiki bar offers a unique blend of tropical flair and local charm, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. Known for its rotating bar, Makai presents an exceptional dining experience while offering breathtaking views of the ocean.
The atmosphere exudes warmth, with friendly bartenders eager to share their passion for tiki culture. Guests can indulge in a diverse selection of refreshing draft beers, including the Kona Brewing Co. Longboard Island Lager and the Maui Brewing Co. Big Swell IPA. Not to mention, the expansive cocktail menu features tantalizing classic tiki drinks that truly transport you to paradise.
Beyond drinks, the culinary offerings at Makai Island are nothing short of impressive. The Papaya Salad, with its mix of fresh greens, juicy papaya, pomegranate seeds, and candied macadamia nuts, tossed in a housemade balsamic vinaigrette, is a vibrant choice that bursts with flavor. The Aloha Corn Clam Chowder is a cozy delight, enriched with sweet yellow corn and tender clams, perfect for a cool ocean breeze. And let's not forget the, Ahi Tuna Sliders, hailed as one of the best by repeat visitors, offering a sumptuous taste of the sea in every bite.
Rave reviews speak to the memorable service, with many patrons highlighting engaging bartenders who elevate the experience even further. One guest mentioned Beau, whose knack for suggesting dishes ensured they left with happy plates and even happier hearts.
With dishes like the Coconut Shrimp, perfectly fried and paired with sweet and sour dipping sauce, and indulgent desserts like the Lava Cake, there’s no shortage of culinary treasures at Makai Island. The dining experience is enhanced by the stunning view from their rotating deck, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Santa Cruz while savoring delectable bites.
In every sip and every bite, Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery captivates the senses and offering a culinary adventure that feels both extraordinary and delightfully comforting. Don't forget to stop by, ask for a drink recommendation, and let the flavors of the tropics sweep you off your feet!
Perfect tiki bar. Great vibes, friendly bartenders, and delicious drinks with many options including classic tiki drinks that aren't in the menu. As huge tiki nerds the drinks hit the mark. The spinning bar takes a moment to get used to but it's pretty cool (full turn in 30 minutes). Sadly we weren't hungry since the food looked good. We will go back.
Sat at the rotating bar for drinks and snacks! Edamame was good. Lava cake was amazing. Servers were kind and patient! View was killer and the light conversations with the bartenders in between the convos with my lady friends were warm and welcoming. We frequent Capitola and Santa Cruz often so we didn’t expect more than yummy drinks. It was our last night for this visit and the drinks were delicious! Thanks again to the two bartenders for making it calm and relaxing.
Beautiful view with kind and enthusiastic servers. Expansive tropical drinks menu sure to delight anyone who wants a taste of the tropics without traveling far. French fries are out of this world and I loved the musubi. Coconut shrimp are also perfectly fried and tasty when dipped into the sweet and sour sauce. The breeze, view, ambiance, and drinks are the perfect way to relax and soak up the ocean on a summer weekend.
SPIN ME AROUND...cause they have a rotating bar. Some of their drinks come in a cool cups that are for sale. Wish I would have gotten the lighthouse one. Next time I hope. Richard (bartender) designed his own drink that made it on the menu so try it out!!! Ahi tuna sliders were the best.
Makai Island Kitchen made our beach day absolutely unforgettable, thanks in large part to Beau, the star of our visit! His enthusiasm and expertise transformed our meal into a culinary adventure. Beau suggested a variety of dishes, and every single one was a hit—the kalbi ribs and coconut prawns were bursting with flavor, and the pineapple cake he recommended was the perfect sweet finale. His warm personality and impeccable service deserve all the recognition. Pair that with the stunning ocean views from the rotating deck, and this wharf dining experience becomes a must-visit. Ask for Beau—you won’t regret it!
We had the makai burger, the mango salad and the dessert " death by chocolate" and everything was excellent The service was fast and the interior created a tropical vibe. The price is on the higher side.
Really cool place to eat on the Santa Cruz ward. There is a section arurn the round bar that rotates slowly allowing all that sit in the area views out the window. Great tropical drinks and good food. When busy service can be slow but everyone was friendly and good was delicious
Service was excellent. Loved the atmosphere and our drinks! The soup was good. The fried chicken and fries were really good!