I've been here many times over the years, and the food is always really tasty. My dad loved their stuff and its close to the house, so we ordered quite a bit during the pandemic. Soup/salad is bomb. Chicken strips are the longer skinny tenders and fried to PURRRfection. We used to order at work a lot as well, and everyone was always stoked on their orders. Wide variety of food. Traditional American fare. read more

Clam chowder on weekend best ever and takeout service made it even better than Crowsnest at better overall price..will go back for fish and chips read more

Since I've lived in the Soquel area for a large chunk of my life, Carpos has easily proved to be the gold standard by which I measure classic Americana comfort food. It's beloved by locals, with little league baseball teams frequenting after games and large families coming before evening church service. Needless to say, I have never had trouble finding a seat amongst the crowds, as there is a plethora of booth-style seating options inside, as well as tables with heat lamps outside. Parking, on the other hand, can be difficult, as there is clearly a greater capacity for diners inside than cars in the Carpo's parking lot. On busy weekend nights, I would recommend parking on the adjacent street leading up to the restaurant and walking down. The best time to visit is on a weekday afternoon, where you almost get a complete choice of seating, and your food will be ready in the blink of an eye. One of my favorite details of Carpo's is a giant mural on their side wall of delightfully campy cartoon food items on parade, with a design style quite reminiscent of the "California Raisin" mascot. If you have kids, they'll be entertained for the duration of your meal if you sit near this mural, as it is golden for playing ISpy. As far as ordering goes, it is counter style, where you will place your order, and be handed a buzzer that will alert you when it is time to pick up your tray(s) of food. The staff here have always been pleasant and accommodating- always willing to clear a table or grab an extra set of silverware for you. The menu is primarily made up of meat/seafood options, sandwiches, soup/salad, and a variety of sides. Additionally, there are homemade pies and milkshakes, which I consider to be some of Carpo's hidden gems. The olallieberry milkshake is a must-try, as it is insanely creamy, refreshing, and uniquely sweet. On the day I visited Carpo's for this review, I decided to order the grilled chicken breast, with a side of house-made pasta and steamed vegetables, which is always grilled to tender perfection. My dining mate decided to order the seafood kabob, also with a side of pasta and veggies, which was fresh and succulent. We also ordered a side of fries to share, which are prepared exactly how the typical, delicious, no-frills fry should look and taste. There's nothing on the Carpos menu I would stay away from, but I would recommend trying their insane grilled cheese, which has crispy sourdough and maximum cheese stretchage. Additionally, I have heard rave reviews of their steak sandwiches, their garlic bread, and the extensive salad bar. I could not recommend this restaurant more for families, as there are items to suit anyone's taste preferences/cravings, and the basic options (grilled cheese, chicken tenders) are great for picky eaters. To me, Carpo's has always been similar to a warm, reliable neighbor who's a bit old-school but charming nonetheless, and because of this, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Cons: Busy at times (weekend nights), limited parking, no designated children's menu Pros: Affordable, family-friendly, consistently delicious, delightful staff, fast service, extensive menu read more

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This place is a wonderful restaurant. It's family friendly, very good prices, & delicious food. I've been coming here since I was a child & it's on my list of top 5 restaurants. There's an outdoor seating area which is great for the warm weather. Indoors has an unforgettable mural on one of the walls. I always come here when I'm in town. read more

They have one job to get an order right. Carpos dog and a side of Parmesan cheese pasta. Specifically asked for Parmesan cheese and the young lady confirmed and read my order back including the correct pasta I spent $13 dollars for. Some how the Parmesan cheese wondered away and I get a completely pain dried ass pasta. Im pretty sure I can speak for everyone when dried pasta no butter or anything isn't a good meal. Maybe the workers to stoned or just not able to read the tickets but that has to change if you want to have a happy customer. Not only a waste of money, it's a waste of time, gas, when I could've gone somewhere closer that actually get orders correct. Like tacobell. read more

My favorite restaurant, I've been eating here for years. My go to comfort food is the chicken tenders and the pasta. Just the best combo ever read more

We have been coming here for years! There food has always been of good quality for a fair price. They have always had Outside seating , newly remodeled now with umbrellas. There salad bar is very good! They are also very accommodating if you want to change the sides. read more

Sadly seeing this restaurant going downhill in service wise. Food is slow to deliver yet it is standard quality.

Looking for a great place to eat? Carpo's is the place! Delicious food, great environment, as I look around everyone seems so happy to be here, a lot of friends and family meeting up here to spend quality time together as they enjoy Carpo's delicious food,combined with the best customer service, what more can you ask for? Thumbs up,five stars! read more

This place is a local gem it is always super clean and a great place to get lunch their salad bar is awesome and everyone is super kind and friendly. read more

The people who work here are so rude....they have completely lost my business. I can into today- Thursday 10/8 at lunch time. They have barely adults working who have yet worst attitude. I had called for 40 min and no one would answer for take out. This is 3rd time in one week their phones mysteriously done work. If you don't want to be open...why don't you close?? read more

My new go to place for everything healthy or comfort food! Foods I like: fish, shrimp, soups, chili's , salad bar etc etc. read more

I am proclaimed by many as "The Salad Bar Master" or "Captain Salad". While my figure might not say so, I eat salad. But it's gotta be salad bar.. so I can make outrageous portions and overeat. Carpo's is hands down the best salad bar I've ever had. This double sided salad bar packs a punch, with several delicious offerings on both sides. Their pasta salad and house dressing make this a stand out. I've had this salad bar about 6 times and it's always the best. My buddy has had their fish and chips, Carpo's burger and others and is always stoked on it all. Go to Carpo's! read more

I have been going to this restaurant for years...over 20... and I love it! They have the best salad bar in town. Really good milkshakes, pies, burgers, soup, chili, fish and chips etc... This time I got the Carpo burger, which they call the "small" burger, but it's huge and yummy. They are flamed broiled not fried and they are delicious! Fries and onion rings on the side. You have to pay for fries or onions rings though, they don't come with the burgers, hot dogs or sandwiches ..they have a condiment bar you help yourself to all the goodies to put on your burgers..So I always load up on those..This is a great restaurant, friendly staff and a great burger!! read more

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We've been going to Carpo's since we moved to Santa Cruz in 1982. It was solid then and hasn't changed much over the years. You still stand in line at the counter to order & pickup when your pager lights up. I always thought the french fries were the best on the planet -until I had the ones at the Wooden Nickel in Watsonville- and they leave the skins on, just the way I like them. The burgers are grand, even the turkey burger, although a tad dry, you can go over to the condiments bar and slather on the ketchup, onions, jalapenos, and whatever else your heart desires; portions seem a little smaller & prices a little higher these days but still, for what you get, it's pretty OK. I have always liked that you could get fresh veggies or pasta on the side of most any meal. The fresh fish specials have always seemed like a bargain too. My only complaint is that $5.75 is a ripoff to add a salad to your entre or sandwich, holy cow, I could make a salad for 8 people for that price! The homemade berry pie rivals the pies at Gizditch Ranch (also in Watsonville) but if you do order a slice, splurge and get the scoop of ice cream on top. It's just plain UNAMERICAN to eat plain pie (or is that pie plain?) This is a great place for (well-behaved) kids and groups. The patio seating is really nice and non-smoking. I don't get up to Soquel very often (to go to the dentist mostly) but when I do, Carpo's has a special place in my heart. read more

KITCHEN STAFF IS NOT WEARING MASKS DURING THE COVID-19 SITUATION. Went to support local business during the pandemic. Walked in and as usual, expected to see the staff wearing masks and gloves. The customer facing staff was all masked up. I placed an order and went to the side to wait for the food. Immediately noticed that the kitchen staff who actually handles the food was not wearing masks. Went back to the register to ask for a refund. The guy at the register informed me that the kitchen staff was wearing masks and when I insisted they were not because I could clearly see them, he went to talk to his manager. She came over, obviously frustrated and said "the kitchen is hot, so they're uncomfortable wearing masks." I informed her that I'm not comfortable with them talking over and handling my food without a mask so i would greatfully appreciate a refund. She provided a refund of the food (but not the tip that had been added). I want to support local business but not if it puts my health at risk! read more

My husband and I have been married for over 20 years , this was one of our first dates. All thought the prices have increased we still feel it's the best value for the quality of food and how much you get. When you go into the restaurant you will go up to the counter and order . They will let you know when it's ready. They're very accommodating , I can't eat the pasta, they'll change it to french fries or rice or give extra veggies. They have plenty to pick from and we've enjoyed the food every time. They have the best salad bar, but I haven't had it since Covid. Indoor and outdoor seating, dogs are welcome outdoors! It's definitely a locals favorite ! if you're new to the area or just passing through give it a try ! read more

I have mixed feelings about Carpo's. I spent a lot of time in Santa Cruz as a youth, so I loved going here early on. But as I've aged, I find this place to be just so-so. I don't mind the concept: order at the counter, find a table, then return to pick up your food. Since I'm not being "waited on", I feel less obligated to leave a tip. I'm okay with that. The prices have risen over the years, which is normal and expected. However, I sometimes feel that the prices they charge are for a full service dining experience, which isn't what you get. The food used to be awesome! Though that could just be my junior, unexpereinced palate speaking. I now find the food to still be unique, but just average. It doesn't "pop" anymore. The burgers taste like bugers, not something special. The seafood kabob tastes underseasoned and like seafood. The Carpo's food used to have it's own zing or zeal, and now it tastes just like every other restaurant. Bottom line: I don't want to dissuade you from trying Carpo's. They're not for everybody, but I think everybody should try it once. read more

We love this place, the food is good, ordering is simple and the wait is never too long. Customer service is pleasing and prices are fair. Also they have a great salad bar and I highly recommend the fried calamari, fish and chips, chicken with rice or the fish dinner, but unless you like your veggies pretty crispy make sure you let them no to cook them an extra minute or more. read more

I've been coming here for 30+ years. I was at the counter with my brother (who has early onset Alzheimer's) and this big guy (I think his name is Jackson) was taking our order. To anyone with the tiniest bit of intelligence, you can tell that there is something "off" with my brother. He stutters, has a hard time getting sentences out, and I was gently coaching him to get his order placed. This asshole was SO incredibly rude that I wanted to reach across the counter and punch him in the throat. It took every ounce of energy I had to not make a scene. So while I love this place, my next trip will only be to go speak to his manager about what a liability he is to their business. After reading so many other reviews that pinpoint him specifically as the downfall of customers' visits, perhaps they should reconsider having him in a customer-facing role. Horrible, horrible experience, and I will tell everyone I know to avoid Carpo's. They will never get another dime out of me. read more

This is regarding the food they serve for Beer 30. The bar menu is different than the regular Carpo's menu. The first time I ever ordered I got the fish and chips. I don't think the fish was "good" because I got sick and threw up later that night. I'm pretty sure it wasn't the alcohol because I only had 1 1/2 hard rootbeers. The second time I ordered I had the mac and cheese which was pretty decent. The third time I ordered I got the teriyaki chicken wings and spicy corndogs. The corndogs were okay if they were fresh and hot but once they went lukewarm, not so much. The spicy sauce was pretty good. As for the wings, the size and amount were good and so was the teriyaki sauce. The breading was crispy but that's where all the positives stopped. The meat was undercooked and rubbery. After I saw the color of the meat (not white) I lost my appetite and thought I was going to get food poisoning again. I opened all 8 of the wings and they were all the same, undercooked. I think the bar menu is hit and miss. My friends have said the sandwiches are good. I'm pretty sure the fries are a safe bet too, can't really mess up those. I hope they figure out the cooking time on the chicken wings, if they do then they would be pretty good. On another note, the guy that works the window is real friendly :) read more

Carpo's Restaurant - Spicy corndogs - American Near Me - Soquel, California

Carpos is the #1 local restaurant for a consistently delicious, fresh and affordable lunch or dinner. I favor of the dinner specials which are often fresh fish served with rice and vegetables. The burgers, fish and chips, chicken strips are also the best in town. Don't forget to try a piece of their homemade berry or apple pie. We look forward to the salad bar returning, as that's also excellent. read more

The turkey burger here is the real deal If you feel like a cheesesteak from Heaven itself then this is the place They will even let you pick up and take to the next door neighbor Beer thirty Imagine the joy of a cold brew and a well constructed turkey burger flame grilled to boot The wife had shrimp skewers and for the below $10 price tag it was spot on Great place and great service read more

Greasy unimaginative bar food. Luckily they had a decent salad bar that saved usPasta Salad.

Old school in the best of ways! Love this little old fashioned gem of a restaurant! After a long road trip we were craving salad bar. Did a quick yelp search and this place showed up. The place was packed with all ages - kids, families, couples and elderly that you can tell have been going here for years. Great service and good menu. Had the salad bar with a baked potato. Just what we needed after a week of junk food! It was delicious. For a smaller salad bar the selection was awesome! Fancy lettuces, kale, great ingredients and dressings were tasty. Really loved this little place for a homey dining experience. I wish I had discovered it earlier in life! read more

Carpo's Restaurant - American Near Me - Soquel, California

This place is my go to when we are at Beer Thirty (next door). The tri-tip sandwich is simply amazing and delicious. I have not eaten at the restaurant itself, but the menu is extensive and can cater to a variety of dietary restrictions (eg they have a build your own salad bar). read more

Carpo's Restaurant - Menu inside - American Near Me - Soquel, California

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Great burgers on a tasty fresh roll. When ever we r in town it is a must! Cute little spot.

Great food! Delicious. Been coming here since I was a kid. The salad bar is delicious, love the Carpo burger, and the pasta (side) is so good! read more

Hidden gem. Good selection of sandwiches and salads. You must have the carrot cake, this alone deserves 5 stars! Rock cod sandwich and Italian sausage sandwich were good choices. Good option from r love much or dinner. read more

I haven't been here for years but thought I would try it again as it's right next door to the popular new hangout Beer Thirty. It's a counter service style place where you wait in line while reading the menu on the wall and then you place your order at the counter. They have table seating inside but you have to come get your food when your name is called. The food is OK but I was handed a to-go box that was covered in grease and had an ugly brown fingerprint (see picture) on the box. I did order fried food but my hands were all greasy before I even opened the box! I asked them to wipe it down and they did but they never gave me a bag or any napkins. The weird thing is that the fried food inside the box is served on an absorbent pad so it's not too greasy so they are conscious of grease on the inside of the box. There are alot of great takeout options in the area so I'm not sure I'll be back but give em a try for yourselves! read more

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Great little local spot with cute patio. Nice for groups with pay as you order so no bill splitting. Good food. Love the Seafood Kabob, Chili, Carpo Burger, & good deserts made in house. Very casual moderate priced. Try it you'll like it! read more

We had just finished shoot archery at the Santa Cruz Archery Range and we needed some food and drink. We popped over to Carpo's where there was no parking and we decided to go to the fish lady. My buddies got taco's at Fish Lady and I ran back over to Carpo's to try the crab and shrimp sandwich. I was going to order the cod sandwich but they were out of cod. After reading the menu I thought it would be a refreshing sandwich, but it was more of a heavy "melt" type prep, think grilled cheese with lots of shrimp and crab. I did a side of fries and asked the cashier if they were a lot of fries he smiled and nodded yes. They were wimpy in serving portions and I was disappointed with that, I was happy that they were hot and moist. Just how I like them! The crab tasted like crab which was totally rad, and the shrimp was yummy too. I'll be back to try more on the menu. The sandwich paired well with the 2 pints I had over at Beer Thirty. read more

Carpo's Restaurant - Family style - American Near Me - Soquel, California

Great salad bar. Fish is not the beat but ok. Price was reasonable. Main reason we go there is for the carrot cake and apple pie. Best ever. The service and staff were excellent. Go there everytime we are in town for the carrot cake. read more

The best value restaurant in SC county IMHO. Great burgers salads, sandwiches, carrot cake, pies and more I get takeout from Carpos at least once a week. Chicken Teriyaki with pasta and veggies. Salad bar is good too. See pictures. read more

Carpo's Restaurant - Salad bar - American Near Me - Soquel, California

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Today reminded me why I don't come here. Haven't been here in years, even when people suggest it I flat out say no - I'll be doing that from now on. First, it cost $11+ for a burger patty on a bun, with nothing on it (you have to do it yourself) and a fountain drink. No fries, you have to furnish your own burger. A total ripoff (one reason I never come here). The cashier, a rude young man, was very impatient with me. I asked what the burger came with (fries, a salad, etc), he sarcastically said, while throwing his hands in the air and shaking his head, "A burger." That's one. Two, I asked what kind of coffee they had (a drip-and-pour, a Keurig, a fancy blended-type coffee), and again, he sarcastically said "Uhhh, decaf and regular." I will never step foot in this place again. By the way, this kid looks like Dylann Roof. read more

Such a bummer when a good restaurant goes downhill. The 9 dollar salad plate is tiny. Fish & chips served on a plate that slides off the tray. In fact all plates slide off the trays. Bad combo. Go back to baskets. Salad bar looked like it had been devoured by a bunch of pigs. Empty containers and stuff all over the counter. Servers / bussers were cleaning tables oblivious to other needs. Even made us move out of his way so he could continue sweeping. Food was average. read more

Nice clean place to eat. Good menu and not too expensive. Nice salad bar and great pie. Good burgers. Haven't tried much else yet, but working my way through the menu. read more

The best carrot cake in town, pies are very good too. Salad bar is fabulous. Soups are very good too. Fish, burgers good and frys are excellent. Outdoor seating very near nice. read more

This restaurant is an institution of the Santa Cruz area. We went here with a large group and were able to find food that everybody would like-from children to grandparents. The fish plates were excellent and the carrot cake dessert was certainly huge and flavorful.I recommend this place for a family on a budget. read more

Came here on a Sunday night, it's Tuesday and I'm still thinking about how rude and terrible the customer service was!! Multiple young guys behind the counter were just so rude to us at every point in the short experience. From ordering, to picking up the food. Which by the way, the system is horrible... they have you cross over the people ordering to pick up the food instead of an actual pick up window on the side. There was a girl working behind the counter as well. All employees were just so sullen and downright mean. Food was meh. As a local, way better spots to eat in terms of food, quality, and customer service. Shame as it looks like this place is going downhill fast. Too bad for them. read more