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Make Some Waves

Welcome to Jack O'Neill Restaurant

Lounge seating with ocean view

Welcome to Jack's

Jack O’Neill kept life simple; he was into one thing — the ocean — and not much else.

As his namesake restaurant and lounge, we strive to keep that spirit alive. We focus on one thing — coastal cuisine done right — and we believe in making it as accessible as possible. We serve food honestly, the way Jack would’ve liked. When you work to those standards, everything else comes easy.

Hours

Temporarily closed

our ingredients
our chef

Santa Cruz, Through and Through

Jack loved Northern California for its beaches. We love it for its food, and for good reason too. Regional ingredients drive our menu: Our fresh-caught seafood meets the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch sustainability standards, our cage-free eggs come from the Glaum Egg Ranch, and our seasonal produce is sourced from a number of area farmers. It sets us apart from other downtown Santa Cruz restaurants; why go global when local does just fine?

Steak atop a bed of mashed potatoes with garnish

Executive Chef
Mo L'Esperance

A California native who was born and raised on the coast, Chef Mo’s passion for the ocean was ignited at an early age, which led to her dedication to sustainable seafood.  From fresh seafood caught and harvested in the Monterey Bay to organic produce and sustainable meats from nearby farms and purveyors, Chef Mo utilizes her relationships with local farmers and purveyors to serve simple dishes that showcase the bounty of California’s Central Coast.  

chef mo final headshot 2020

Surfside BitesExplore Our Menus

overhead shot of a red cocktail with a toothpick with two cherries on it

Après Surf

Santa Cruz sunsets, drink in hand — after hours spent in the lineup, there's no better way to relax. When it's time to hang your wetsuit up for the evening, make your way to Jack's; our collection of signature cocktails makes for a fitting toast to a successful day of surfing.

Profile of woman carrying a guitar over her shoulder

Events + Music

Live music & local cuisine

Whether you’re a Santa Cruz local or simply hanging ten for the weekend, we invite you to join us for Live Music at Dream Inn’s Jack O’Neill Lounge. Sing and sway to some of the area’s top musicians each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Check out some of our holiday specials or monthly infused menus such as avocado week, strawberry week, or enjoy Jack’s signature cocktails and snack on our seasonal coastal bites.

Events + Music Schedule

private event room with dining table and chairs

Meet by the Sea

He may have been a surfing legend, but even Jack O’Neill could get down to business. Put a Santa Cruz spin on your next meeting in our private dining room; with space for 12 people and A/V capabilities, it’s an ideal venue for a focused breakout session.

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Where
We're At

Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge
175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge
175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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dream inn

A Gift
For Food
Lovers

Whether you’re carving waves or a fresh fish filet, a day by the water is best spent with friends. Feeling the NorCal spirit? Purchase a gift card and treat your loved ones to a laid-back meal.

Get One
gift card

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