Jack O'Neill kept life simple; he was into one thing — the ocean — and not much else.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant and Lounge located at Dream Inn. Come enjoy the best of Santa Cruz dining, and full ocean views. Our menu offers selections for the whole family and ingredients and libations all sourced locally.
Open Hours
- Breakfast
- 7:00 am - 11:00 am
- Brunch
- 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Jack's Lounge
- 11:30am-10:00pm
10:30pm Fri & Sat - Dinner
- 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Executive Chef Gus Trejo
A California native of Portuguese-Latin descent, Chef Gus's culinary influences began during annual visits to his uncle's ranch in northeast Portugal where he learned the significance of family members working together to properly cook, fish, hunt and harvest fruits and vegetables. His family summers abroad helped ignite his culinary ambitions, and the bond he felt with other cooks in the kitchen was a similar comradery to the familial admiration he felt with others back on his uncle's ranch. Today, Chef Gus utilizes his relationships with local farmers and purveyors to serve simple dishes that showcase the bounty of California's Central Coast. His respect for the agriculture community and local artisans is deeply rooted in childhood memories of family members working together in unison on the family farm.
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, 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?
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 Jack O'Neill Restaurant. Sing and sway to some of the area's top musicians every week. Check out some of our holiday specials or enjoy Jack's signature cocktails and snack on our seasonal coastal bites.
A Gift for Food Lovers
Whether you're craving 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.