Falafel Hut

Came here with a bunch of friends when we came down to Santa Cruz. We were hungry and searching for a place to eat when we stumbled upon this place. Kind of dark inside when we went but we were quickly greeted by the friendly lady that worked there. She was very enjoyable to talk to and take our orders. Just a heads up though CASH ONLY!
Sadly I did not order a Shwarma or Falafel even though we were at a place that severed it especially. Instead I ordered some hot dogs and garlic fries and it satisfied my hunger. To be honest the hot dog and garlic fries weren’t that special, but they get the job done. Next time I have to really get the Shwarma or Falafel that my friends wisely got instead because they looked amazing. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for Greek food and nice cozy vibes from an inviting staff and establishment!

The falafel sandwich was perfect. Falafel was cooked perfectly and had just enough sauce so it wasn’t dry. The woman working was so sweet and helpful. The only complaint I have is that they only take cash– but the great service almost made up for it.

I feel bad writing a review and having not actually tried the food. But I live in Santa Cruz and the boardwalk is one of my fav hangouts and when I saw the Falafel Hut some time ago I was so excited. Yet each time I go in I leave empty handed. Twice it was closed while everything else was open. Once there was no one to greet me and the place was completely empty so I left. Finally I find someone there, she’s in the back speaking to presumably a family or coworker. She sees me but makes no attempt to say «just a moment». I almost leave and finally she comes to take my order. Falafels, of course. Sorry we’re cooking fish right now and I won’t be able to cook falafels for 15 minutes. Wth! Clearly it’s empty and the family member is the one eating the fish… I’m a paying customer but apparently they are paying rent just fine somehow… even though I have never seen one customer in this place. It was even empty Sunday afternoon when every other restaurant was packed. So I’m glad some people had good experiences but if you are looking for great Falafels and consistent service go to Falafel of Santa Cruz on Mission and avoid this dark cave.

Went with a group of friends for some lunch since we have heard great things about this place and since one of my friends has never had falafel before! Was unaware that it was cash-​only but it’s ok since I had some cash on me anyway. We ordered and sat down at a table and got our food. When my friend who is a bit clumsy accidentally spilled some tahini and tomato on herself, the woman working behind the counter quickly grabbed her some damp and dry paper towels to help her out and was being generally a sweet person. once we got to eating, the food was delicious! the falafel is mouth-​wateringly good and impressed our falafel-​virgin friend. Will be coming back as soon as we are in town again!

This place is an absolute hidden gem. The prices are unbelievably low for being next to the boardwalk, the service is fantastic, and the food is really really good. They have so much more than just falafel’s. They have food for kids too! Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn dogs and yummy homemade french fries. Try the hummus, and the garlic fries you won’t be disappointed.

Super nice family run place but the food is not great at all. Very dry and tasteless… sorry

We ordered the chicken Sharma and garlic fries. Both seemed like they were day old food. The chicken was incredibly dry and flavorless. The fries were also very dry and hard. The worst part is that was the last thing I’ve eaten and I’ve been sick all morning. I do not recommend going to eat here.

After a long day on the Boardwalk we were hungry for some good food and Falafel Hut did not disappoint. They did not bat an eye when all 17 of us walked in at 9:15pm. They offer plenty of options for the children (corndogs, chicken, burgers, grilled cheese, etc) while their authentic Greek food is phenomenal!!! We had Kebob plates and Shwarma sandwiches as well as fish and chips. All was delicious! The rice (owners own recipe) was amazing, the meat perfectly marinated and cooked, the warm pita fantastic and the humus was great!!! And there just aren’t words for the deliciousness that was her pistachio baklava. Oh. My. Gosh.
The owner and her husband were so kind, sharing their story with us as well as a little history on their location. We enjoyed our experience so much that we went back the next day and will return any time we are in Santa Cruz. (Cash only establishment but SO WORTH IT!
Thank you!!!

I love this place! Great food, extremely welcoming and fast. I love the falafel and my girlfriend loves the burgers, she loves the cheeseburger and I think the vegan burger is great too. Great option omni, vegan, and vegetarian diets that are down near the boardwalk.

Falafel heaven. Every time I go to SC, this place is a must! The family that runs the place are SUPER NICE too :)

Oh my, what a pleasant surprise to have this gem of a hut by the boardwalk!
Decisions, decisions. Let my nose or my stomach lead the way? Since its never ‘just’ me I gabbed and giggled and there we were, on our way to get our Falafel ON!
Check it out! Some options for your fancies on the blackboard… oh did you miss that? Not to worry check out the menu bc I was hurtin :) chomp’in away!

No restrooms
Dont accept credit or debit cards
ATM machine in the restaurant
Very friendly staff specially the woman behind counter.
Food was very tasty.
Unhygienic place
This restaurant is good for to go orders.

Great people.
Bad falafel.
Great location.
Cosco baklava from a big cardboard tray.

Owners were nice.
But food was really BAD! Food didn’t taste good at all. We were so hungry and were very disappointed with the food.
After an hour or so my stomach felt weird. It’s the next day and I still don’t feel good.

well to start with, is cash only. right on the boardwalk with millions of travelers and visitors and they don’t accept plastic. but they do have a high fee atm next to the counter.
I made a joke at the counter as I pulled out my cash. that I was gonna knock off a star on my Unilocal review but maybe they can redeem themselves with awesome food.
lady at the counter rolled her eyes and me and said sit I just work here… so I said j get it, you really don’t give a crap about me or my opinion of this establishment…
honesty I would have grabbed back my cash and walked out at that point but we were hungry. and tired of walking.
lunch looks good so far will add a tip with the tastefulness.

This place was slightly disappointing. I know, can’t expect too much from a place right across from The Boardwalk. This place is family run, which I always like to support local businesses. Disappointed that they don’t have feta cheese, as that would have complimented my shawarma nicely. Not enough sauce in the shawarma and the chicken was dry. The baklava, as divine as it was with pistachios lacked the sticky goodness that baklava should have. Spent about $ 14, but won’t return.

I’ve experienced a lot better.
This place was… sticky?
The gyro was VERY bland and the meat was very dry. I’m assuming there are way better places to go for food around the boardwalk.
The woman working the counter was very nice but unfortunately they’re going to need to upgrade their recipes before I go back.
Great beer selection though. :)

Most of the stores and restaurants were closed on the boardwalk. Since we already paid a whopping $ 10 for parking to go to the boardwalk, we decided to find a restaurant nearby. We came across this gem right next to the bowling alley. We were the only customers, but maybe it was too early for dinner? I ordered the chicken shwarma with a side of small fries. The shwarma was as big as a super burrito and the «small» order of fries was actually a whole plate! The food was fresh and hot and pretty good. I gobbled up my food before I could remember to take a pic.
Definitely recommend this place if you don’t want to spend too much money on food or eat too many fried desserts at the boardwalk. The owners are super friendly and there is a big variety of foods on the menu. You can get kabob plates, pita sandwiches, chicken tenders, and burgers. Pretty random menu, but I like the options. Huge portions for inexpensive prices! Only downside — they take cash only. There is an ATM machine next to the register, but who has time to pay fees?

Fiancé and I were both hungry, but didn’t want the deep fried stuff on the Boardwalk. We decided to try the Falafel Hut for size, and got ourselves some shawarma wraps.
For about $ 6 a change, we got these huge beasts that were made to order and stuffed with cooked steak, veggies, and a soft pita that fell apart instantly. It took a while for our order to arrive, but the food was definitely worth it. Bonus points for the friendly staff!

«Have you ever tried shawarma?» Iron Man asks Captain America. «There’s a shawarma joint about two blocks from here. I don’t know what it is, but I want to try it.»
This little restaurant is less than two blocks from the Boardwalk… while the Avengers didn’t eat here, you can try the shawarma without having to do battle with evil villains (or the crazy Boardwalk crowds for that matter). It’s very good, reasonably priced and the folks that work here are very nice and friendly.
It was a bit stuffy during my visit… wish it was air conditioned… but at least I didn’t have to eat in a suit of iron. If the Windows could open up to let in the cool ocean breeze it would be even better and attract more superheroes ;-)