When I say I've been coming to Sunrise Cafe for a long time, I'm not over-exaggerating. I used to come here every Sunday with my grandma growing up--this was my spot! Not to date myself, but that's in the range of ~30 years ago. We had a usual booth, usual orders, and we saw the same waitstaff and cooks every week. This was a tradition I looked forward to all week long, since it was one of the only times I got to eat breakfast out at a restaurant regularly. While I live up in The Peninsula now, my parents are still down in Aptos. It was long overdue, but I had been telling my wife for years when we'd drive by the story of how I used to go there, and she'd always suggest that we go back one day. Well friends, that day finally came! On a recent trip to visit my folks and a childhood friend, we decided to take a family outing to Sunrise Cafe on Sunday morning for a good ol' nostalgic breakfast. PARKING: There is both street parking, and a dedicated lot in the back. Since the main entrance is located right on Soquel, I definitely recommend using the back for a more private and safe parking option. They also have an entrance in the back so you don't have to walk all the way around! SEATING: You check in towards the front end of the counter, where the register is. Since we came on a Sunday, it was full when we got there. There's a counter with eight (8) seats, as well as a half dozen or so booths on the left as you come in the front, and some other seating on the right. It did appear as if they shortened the tables, as they didn't reach out to the end of the booth seats. We ended up having to wait around 10 minutes, which wasn't too bad. DRINKS: They have a lot of the standards you'd expect to find at a cafe. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice (apple, orange, grapefruit, cranberry), soda (Coke products), iced tea, and mimosas ($6.50!). A few of us ordered coffee--good, not epic. The OJ is from concentrate, otherwise I would have ordered a glass. FOOD: A nice 3-page menu of breakfast and lunch options. Many of the standards, with combos of eggs and breakfast meats (bacon, sausage, ham, Linguisa, chicken apple sausage). There's a list of scrambles, omelets, eggs Benedict, and "Solar Delights" which has corned beef & hash, country fried steak, and a tofu veggie dish. For lunch they have a variety of sandwiches (hot & cold), burgers, and salads. We went for breakfast, and between the four of us we ordered: Sunrise Special (2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, home fries & toast or biscuit), French toast, corned beef & hash, and the Western Scramble (Corralitos jalapeño sausage, onion, topped with 2 scrambled eggs, chili beans & cheddar cheese). The food was all solid. The corned beef was chunky and seemed fresher than "from the can". The French toast looked tasty, and my dad said he liked it. My mom enjoyed her Sunrise Special, as a standard cafe breakfast. I ordered the Western Scramble and it was pretty wild; a huge mound of hearty deliciousness. It was enough food that I was able to take some of it, plus half a biscuit home and enjoy it for another breakfast a few days later. The potatoes were one of my favorite things growing up, so I do wish I had ordered a side, or something that allowed me to enjoy them on their own. OVERALL: This was a great nostalgia meal, and I'm super glad I came back. We found out that they changed ownership around four (4) years ago, so while it's not quite the exact same place, it's pretty darn close. I appreciate the friendly and hardworking staff, and will definitely come back on a future visit home! IG: @bbnem.eats read more

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My husband & I haven't been here for a couple of years, and this is probably the last time we'll be back. I ordered the scramble with corralitos sausage. The eggs were dry, the sausage was too (and I love corralitos sausage!). The potatoes didn't have a lot of flavor. The best thing was the carrot muffin. My husband had the pancake special. Unfortunately, nothing special about that dish. We've had some good meals here, but the quality has gone down while the prices have gone up! I understand that everything is going up, but the quality should be the same. We were both disappointed. read more

The service was super friendly and caring. Everything about our meal was great with the exception of the salsa, which was very not homemade. Otherwise great! read more

What an amazing place. Stopped during a road trip at this all day breakfast kind of place and did not regret. The service was great, the place had a very homely and cozy vibe. Ordered veggie omelette- lived upto its name - so many veggies, cheese, only got egg whites, came with hash browns and choice of toast, delicious and healthy! Friend got Sunny scramble - that was amazing too kind of spanish flavoured with hot sauce, avocado, sour cream, absolutely delicious. Dont think and just go! read more

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Such a cute spot for brunch! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the food was absolutely delicious, and the staff couldn't have been more lovely. Everything we ordered was flavorful and beautifully presented -- definitely a 10/10 experience. Highly recommend for a weekend brunch or a casual catch-up with friends! read more

Sunrise Cafe - American Near Me - Soquel, California

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IT WAS DELICIOUS! Best Waffles in Santa Cruz county! So buttery and so delicious. The service was amazing I love the owners and the waitresses they were so kind and so attentive. read more

Sunrise Cafe - Waffles Combo w/o bacon (I'm pescatarian) - American Near Me - Soquel, California

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We took a trip to the Bay Area recently, staying for a couple of nights in the mountains above Santa Cruz. For BOTH mornings we were there, we found our way to Sunrise Cafe, enjoying the comfortable, small-town ambiance, the friendly, attentive staff (who had the right recommendations for deliciousness from the menu when asked), and dependably fresh, good food. Honestly, having Sunrise as our breakfast stop was one of the highlights of our trip. I just asked my wife recently if she could imagine where I was thinking about in relation to California, and she instantly said "that little cafe in Soquel? Me too". We miss it, and if we're ever back in the area, we'll be back at Sunrise, ordering breakfast, enjoying the coffee and conversation, and feeling right at home. read more

A solid breakfast place just minutes from Santa Cruz and Capitola. I had the eggs and hash browns, and would happily go back next time I am in the area. read more

Sunrise Cafe - Front entrance. - American Near Me - Soquel, California

This is our first time visiting Sunrise Cafe, based on reviews we read online. There is a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options. We were really impressed by the food. The ingredients were fresh and genuine, and the prices were quite affordable. We both ordered breakfast: I had eggs, potatoes, and bacon, while my companion chose French Toast with a side of bacon. Everything was fresh and hot, which means it was freshly made. We plan to keep coming back whenever we visit the Soquel/Aptos/Capitola area. read more

What a wonderful diner! Great service, caring staff, great food. Surprise brunch with the family to celebrate a birthday and I was not disappointed. I had the special 'Polenta del Sol' - a unique twist on a classic Benedict - polenta and poached eggs on a bed of sautéed spinach and mushrooms. The spinach and mushrooms tasted just right and the polenta and eggs were delish. Really worth it - 8.5/10. The French toast was very nice - not a strong 'eggy' smell or taste with some butter and syrup 8.5/10. The veggie omelette was large; could do with a little more flavor in the veggies and the potatoes on side but still a 7/10. The staff was particularly attentive in refilling the coffee, including the one decaf in our group. Orange mimosa was refreshing - would have loved it in a glass flute and not the plastic one. Will def go back again with others too. Bonus - street parking is a breeze. read more

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If I was a local, I'd be a regular here at Sunrise Cafe. I enjoyed my meal and my family enjoyed theirs as well; even converted my little sister to eggs benedict! I ordered: - Tofu Veggie + Turkey: Oh my gosh, it was delicious. Tofu was amazing along with the turkey I asked to be added. Great amount of seasoning and cubed into a pleasant size. Potatoes were immaculate to taste and texture, and I'm picky about my potato texture. Soft yet crispy, yum! The hint of mushroom and tomato was appreciated. The restaurant is in a nice location with reasonable parking in the back, there's even benches outside near a walking area if you want to take your food to go and perhaps have a little picnic. Staff was welcoming and attentive. Thank you! read more

Sunrise Cafe - Tofu Veggie - American Near Me - Soquel, California

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Amazing place! The owner and chef, Roberto, is so kind. I used to go to his breakfast spot in Pleasure Point. Sunrise cafe has yummy food, friendly service, and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend! read more

Solid sandwich. Soft bun good flavor. Get napkins it's gooey but was good! I got the chicken w buffalo sauce.

It's a great little spot for a delicious breakfast. It may be a bit basic, but my dad (77 years old) said it was one of the best breakfasts he's ever had. The food came out hot, and everything was freshly made. The staff were very friendly; and the the lace was clean. It is a spot you kind of squeeze into, but the food did not disappoint. We will definitely be back when we are in the area. read more

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My go-to! My partner, kiddo and I love to visit here on the weekends. I don't know why I take a menu each time, I always order the same thing- the broccoli bell scramble. If they ask you if you want the salsa, the answer is yes! read more

Sunrise has wonderful breakfasts for a reasonable price. The service is always good and it is a warm, inviting atmosphere. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Very good food. Great service. Went there 3 days in a row. Will definitly go back. Had Country fried steak twice. Yummy

I crave the Polenta bowl all year long and finally get to have it when in town for camp. Again, delicious and nutritious. We were first customers at 7 am, and the staff as always was super friendly. My polenta was awesome. Mickey Mouse pancake combo was also a hit. Clean restaurant and bathroom. Hope to be back before 2025 read more

Sunrise Cafe - Polenta and pancake breakfast and young camper. - American Near Me - Soquel, California

I really enjoyed the food and service here. All staff were pleasant and helpful. My breakfast was amazing and fairly priced. I will return. read more

A quaint breakfast place that opens early. A locals favorite. Get here early or there will be a wait. Make sure you check the specials board. Service is great, so is the food,, atmosphere friendly and attentive Not good for groups over 4, counter service and to-go available. read more

Sunrise Cafe - Grab the window seat if available. - American Near Me - Soquel, California

We had a bit of a wait for breakfast but between the great reviews and limited seating due to Covid precautions we were comfortable being patient. This is the classic little restaurant with a old time diner feel. Breakfast for 4 was not only worth the wait in flavor but also in price and service. I had my most favorite eggs benedict ever! It came with a side of fruit and I was surprised to see quality fresh fruit, not canned or soft and wilted. My husband wanted a Bloody Mary but settled for a Mimosa. It was kinda pricey but we were on a little weekend getaway so it's fun to splurge sometimes. Everything else was reasonably priced. read more

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Great divey little spot. The seating and counters are original and you can tell this isn't a tourist trap, it's local approved by the regulars. We ordered off the menu (clearly posted on the booth wall to prevent unnecessary touching during COVID-19) and our server quickly brought our drinks over. The village chicken was the best thing we ordered. Juicy, tender and full of flavor that is a mighty fine sandwich! The tater tots were hot, crispy and plenty salty and the portion was huge. The Reuben would benefit from thinner sliced meat. The Chinese chicken salad had a nice piece of chicken but served in a bowl was difficult to eat. Can't go wrong with a waffle and sausage. We enjoyed our meal and appreciated the quick service. read more

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Family-owned, really great attentive staff, wonderful breakfasts, parking in back. Highly recommend.

Fabulous omelette, sausage and warm service. Good coffee! First time but not our last!

If you're looking for an affordable, friendly, cafe, this is your place! The coffee is strong, the service is spectacular, and the food tastes great! Our waitress was the only one working and she managed to get our orders, pour refills, and create a relationship with each table. She went out of her way to make my day (much appreciated)! I ordered the eggs Benedict and it was delicious, hollandaise sauce was fresh and tangy. The home fries potatoes are absolutely delicious!!! My son had 2 scrambled eggs, 2 bacon, and French toast. read more

Sunrise Cafe - Eggs Benedict with home fries potatoes - American Near Me - Soquel, California

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I stopped here today and the service and food were awesome. Friendly staff and the eggs benedict was pretty flavorful. I really liked that they had hot sauces, sugar, and ketchup on the table; it's super convenient than having to ask. The booth was comfortable and I was able to find easy parking on the street during a weekday morning. I would recommend this place to others as it's a great spot to eat. It is familiar like your everyday diner but also cleaner and cozier. The eggs benedict was 13.99 for those wanting an updated price :). Thanks again for the wonderful food. I will be back! read more

Sunrise Cafe - Classic Eggs benedict - American Near Me - Soquel, California

This is a small place for a decent breakfast. Have been here a couple of times. If you get here at the wrong time expect a line of people outside waiting to get in. This time we ordered two of the the two eggs with sausage, hash browns, corn tortillas and one coffee. The bill was over $30. The food was good, I didn't care for the taste of the sausage, there was nothing wrong with them just the brand they use. Service was fast. They do have lunch items but they close at 2 pm. Would go back for breakfast again. read more

Sunrise Cafe - Two eggs, sausage and hash browns. - American Near Me - Soquel, California

Excellent, traditional breakfast food. My daughter loved the Mickey Mouse pancakes. The service was friendly and the homemade salsa was AMAZING. Will return for sure. read more

Excellent food and service! The cozy diner feel with and incredible menu! The food is fresh and delicious, you won't be disappointed! The staff is happy, kind and pays good attention to each of their customers. This is my new go-to brunch spot in the Santa Cruz area! read more

Every time we've been there it has NEVER disappointed. Atmosphere, service, food and has always been excellent. I highly recommend.

Old school breakfast place that works hard to make good breakfast . Park in back of the restaurant as it' herd to find parking on the street. Not fancy but good enough to return again. read more

I don't visit frequently but every time I tell myself to post my enjoyable experience. Love the size of the venue, the cleanliness, the decor, the vibe, the friendly employees from front to back, and of course, the Food.!! The quality of the ingredients and the taste have really been exceptional. Next time I go, I'll update the post with particulars about what was ordered. But it's just high time I give a shout out to this decades long favorite of mine. read more

Small breakfast place, happy servers, and great food. Will return. Lots of parking behind the cafe.

Had to have breakfast here twice in a row. Incredible food and amazing service! We will come back anytime we are in the area. Can't go wrong. read more

Came here for brunch. This place looks like a hole on the wall from the outside but the breakfast and service was great. We got an egg white greek scramble with pesto and the French toast breakfast. The coffee was kept fresh and our cups were kept full. We got here at just the right time as there was no wait. We both enjoyed our food and service and will be back. If coming here M-F you do have to pay for parking read more

Sunrise Cafe - French toast special with sausage instead of bacon - American Near Me - Soquel, California

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Came here for a late brunch with the family. The place was nice and quaint and provided friendly hospitality! My family and I unfortunately arrived a little before they were closing, but the servers and management didn't make it a thing and instead gave us the ample time we needed without feeling rushed. I really enjoyed the Salmon Benedict, yet had a hard time choosing as everything looked great!! Thank you for having us and the time well spent! read more

I made my first visit to this restaurant last week and so glad I came upon it. It's a really small location and little off the beaten path but it was so good. I brought a co-worker and between the two of us we truly enjoy our breakfast. Service was prompt, food was hot and delicious. I will definitely be back! read more

Found this cute, clean breakfast cafe today. Great service and great breakfast! We will be back when we are in the area. read more

Sunrise Cafe - American Near Me - Soquel, California

Great food, friendly customer service! Great quick breakfast stop on our way outta town/ to catch a flight.

My family had breakfast at Sunrise Cafe before a wedding later in the day. This was a good neighborhood breakfast and lunch joint. It has a handful of booths, a couple of tables, and a row of seats at the counter. We ordered a waffle, a Spinach Mushroom Jack Scramble, Joes special without onions, a biscuit, Breakfast Sandwich without tomato, and a Soquel Spuds Sunnyside Home Fries w sour cream. Everyone enjoyed their breakfast and we were stuffed. Service was good, coffee was strong, and you could tell everyone knew each other. read more

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