Vinocruz

I am sorry to have to post this, but I feel like I would have wanted an honest review to follow. Maybe it was the time of day we went at 3pm on a Tuesday during Happy Hour (glasses of “vino” not included), but the food and service was lackluster to say the least. The man behind the bar admitted not knowing what he was doing. The food was bland af. He asked how it was and I told him it was so so and used the universal hand gesture to confirm what I was saying and he just walked away. Never asked what was wrong (no salt, everything was dry and mushy). The owner was sitting at the end just staring at my husband after she caught on that we were not digging it. We felt very unwelcome like we just walked into someone’s personal home office. They charged us full price. We did not tip. I’m so disappointed to write this and I hope this helps the restaurant improve. The outside and decor inside was lovely. Part 2 (post restaurant response): Thank you for your response. It seems there were a few miscommunications about wine being on happy hour. The man behind the bar told me it’s just on beer on tap and fish tacos and then he gave me a menu to back it up. I asked for wine on happy hour, but no dice. If ur not the owner, there’s someone at the end of the bar with a computer who the man behind the bar claims to be dating so unsure what’s going on there, but apologies for the assumption. My comments about the chef describe a feeling of incompetence. I could be wrong, but I also tasted the food. Discrimination is not something I need to avoid as a paying customer. That sounds like more your problem employing him. It was more than a social queue that let your man behind the bar know. Two people saying it wasn’t good should be enough to prompt an inquiry, but he avoided the situation. It sounds like your response is combative and not well received so I’ll let it go. We went to the grocery store after and just gave up. Going to enjoy some of those infamous artichokes from the local farmers instead. One last question, the catch of the day was red snapper. Who caught that? Send me your email and I’d be happy to discuss further.

Probably the worst lunch experience I’ve had in years. I would love to tell you about my salad, the one I paid for, but I never received, so I can’t remark on it. My son said his salad was good. My husband got an ounce of old wine, when the glass of good wine arrived, along with the check, we were able to pay, including paying for a salad I never saw and a plate of bison meatballs that we couldn’t eat because they were raw. Overall, I left $120 out and completely hungry and dissatisfied. Go with caution and little expectation. Unless, of course, you’re interested in paying for food you will not receive, appetizers that are raw, and wine that has turned to vinegar.

Jordan and the staff were very friend and knowledgeable of all great local wines. The ambiance was amazing very relaxing. There was live music and the food!!! The flatbread pizza and hummus dip were out of this world. If you’ve never been, there is no time like the present. This is a gem in Santa Cruz county.