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Santa Cruz

Entertainment in Santa Cruz

  1. Blue Lagoon

    Blue Lagoon used to be a gay dance club till girls started coming to escape the agro stares of straight dudes, but the dudes soon followed, and now there's hardly a gay boy in sight. The crowd varies with the night's theme, ranging from hip hop to goth industrial. It's a fun spot for billiards too.

    reviewed

  2. A

    Red Room

    Scenesters swill cocktails at Red. Upstairs is style-y, with moody lighting, big sofas and a fireplace; downstairs is grungier and looks like a vintage-50s mafia hangout. Signs say you can’t smoke, but many do.

    reviewed

  3. B

    Catalyst

    With an 800-seat capacity, Catalyst is a major Santa Cruz music venue; over the years it's hosted national acts from Gillian Welch to Black Uhuru to Nirvana. When there's no music, the upstairs pool room remains open.

    reviewed

  4. C

    Caffe Pergolesi

    On a leafy sidewalk verandah, discuss art and conspiracy theories over strong coffee, organic juices or beer.

    reviewed

  5. Moe's Alley

    Tiny venue for jazz, blues, folk, rock, reggae and world beats.

    reviewed

  6. D

    Kuumbwa Jazz Center

    Books big-name jazz sounds.

    reviewed

  7. Surf City Billiards & Café

    For shooting stick, dartboards, big-screen TVs and darn good pub grub.

    reviewed

  8. Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

    Bold, organic brews west of downtown off Mission St, squeezed between local winery tasting rooms.

    reviewed