HARBOR CAFE Histoy

The Harbor Cafe has been a Santa Cruz restaurant for over 50 years! Like anything that has lasted for over 50 years, the restaurant has experienced some changes in that time. Through good times and bad, the Harbor Cafe has been a staple in the community. What started out as a local hangout for Sailors and Fishermen has expanded into the greater community. Granted, the Sailors and Fishermen are still the Head Honchos of the establishment and there is no one better to represent the Cafe than them.

The head of the Sailing Crew is a man by the name of Turk. All patrons of the Harbor Cafe know Turk and can count on him to grace them with his presence bright and early everyday. Turk is 80 years old and has frequenting the restaurant since 1960. The Turk (originally from Turkey) is keeps everyone in line and is irresistible to the kids. The Harbor Cafe is lucky to have the support of Turk and the rest of the "Monday Morning Crew." Every Monday morning, the Cafe is home to some of the Santa Cruz's finest. These lovely people and many other regulars are the reason why the Harbor Cafe has maintained its uniqueness for over 50 years. The Harbor Cafe is truly a representation of the community.

With the constant addition of new establishments in this ever evolving Santa Cruz community, the Harbor Cafe has maintained an original local feel that is very comforting. Owner Max Corwin states, "It amazes me every time I talk to a a new person about the Harbor Cafe and they tell me, 'Oh yeah, the Harbor Cafe...I've been coming here for over 40 years...' The amount of experiences shared throughout the years at the Harbor Cafe is over half a century! Imagine all of the life and movement, constant burners, humming refrigerators and human emotions people shared every day and to this day at the restaurant. The Harbor Cafe is a beautiful beast, fueled by the community day in and out. It is an honor to be part of the growth of such a historical part of Santa Cruz."

From 2000 to 2003, Max Corwin and Daniel Voskoboynikov worked for Jerry Ritchie at the Harbor Cafe. In January 2006, Max and Dan took over ownership of the restaurant. Since then, they have made many changes to improve the restaurant. However, nothing too drastic and nothing without approval from the Awesome "Monday Morning Crew."

 

HARBOR CAFE Today

The Harbor Cafe is constantly striving to become more eco-friendly and supportive of local community.

“We love the changes we have made and are excited to push the envelope further. From the energy and support we receive from the neighborhood, we feel that it is our duty to make the Harbor Cafe a place that the whole community can be proud of.”

Recent accomplishments include Biodegradable To-Go Boxes, Composting and a Garden

In May 2007, our friend Mick installed the first ever Harbor Cafe Compost, located in front of our mural at the side of the restaurant. Mick is a regular at the Harbor Cafe and is experienced in carpentry. On the side, he makes beautiful compost systems. For more information, please contact us @ 831.475.4948

The Harbor Cafe Garden produces honey dew, cantaloupe, tomatoes, lemons, and limes. All organic and ALL delicious!

We Support Local Business

• Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting
• Glaum Egg Ranch
• Arrow Cirtus
• Stagnero Bros
• Staff of Life
• Cruzio

Please call for more information @ 831.475.4948