Jack O’Neill Lounge

Way overpriced drinks. Although nice views of the ocean. I can’t speak to the food. However everything seems really expensive.

The Jack O’Neill Lounge (at the Dream Inn)) offers unique drinks and appetizers, comfortable seating, and an excellent view of the boardwalk — especially if Aquarius is booked. I had a delicious pressed watermelon/​cucumber/​mint cocktail… well, I had three. Our table had the brisket sliders, spinach hummus, truffle/​parmesan/​parsley popcorn, and a meat and cheese platter. There wasn’t anything remarkable about the food; however, it was all done well and made to order. Based on the price for drinks and food, I’m not sure I would go back — but the seating and view make it worth trying.

Service sucks, waited at a table for 30 mins and no one helped us so we just left :) Not coming back here again. I would fire the manager if there is one.

Ocean view? check. Well stocked bar? check. Classic & craft cocktails? check. Excellent service? check. W surfboards on the ceiling & one-​eyed Jack O’Neill smiling down on you, you can’t go wrong. Bar menu includes excellent pulled pork sliders & truffle/​parmesan/​parsley popcorn, local food and basic favorites plus kids menu. Ask for the Gin & Tonic with local Venus gin or, my fav the Sage 52: sage, Angustara bitters, ginger beer. Comes w rye but I like w gin– not too sweet. twist of lime. Shout out to Haskell, the bartender. if you ask you might get blue cheese stuffed olives in The Legend cocktail. FYI Unilocal hours are incorrect. They are open all day. Oh– did I mention the ocean view???

This place is not cheap, but if you can, it is worth saving up and visiting at least once. The drinks were like 12 bucks each.
We didn’t try the restaurant for lunch or dinner. We sat at the bar area for a couple of drinks.
The view is incredible. The french fries were very good.

I have long admired Jack O’Neill and the O’Neill Surf Company so I was psyched to see the Dream Inn open the Jack O’Neill Lounge.
The pics, décor and memorabilia of Jack O’Neill are awesome. The view is incredible. But this place is not for your average person, the drinks and food are incredibly expensive ($ 12 for a small cocktail) and not really worth it to me.
But if you’ve got the money, you’ll enjoy the experience!

+ nice views, + delicious bar menu, + local brews
If you are looking for a casual dinner experience that comes with high end food head to the Jack O’Neill Lounge at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz.
While the Aquarius can be quite pricey the lounge in front of the restaurant that nowadays comes with Jack O’Neill memorabilia is still affordable. Moreover, the food quality is as good as in the Aquarius.
I highly recommend trying the pork sliders, which are addicting. If you like beer you will be offered several local brews from draft but also common national brands.
Although the drink menu is more expensive than elsewhere the food is worth a visit.
Besides, the staff is super friendly.
+ nice views over Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and part of Cowells Beach
+ delicious bar food
+ local brews from draft
+ friendly service
Credit cards accepted.
Average entrée: $ 15

Cool lounge.
Very nice view overlooking boardwalk beach
Drinks are $ 12 each
Appetizers can range from $ 10– 18
Happy hour on some wine red and white.