Vegan-friendly
American
Fast food
Take-out
Mexican
Gluten-free
Breakfast

Longtime operating vegetarian diner offering an American food menu of veggie burgers, fries, sandwiches, Cal-Mex dishes like nachos, all-day breakfast and brunch fare. Serves milkshakes. Features weekend brunch with mimosas and vegan donut holes. Punky, funky music and decor. Reported closed, Apr 2021.


75 Reviews

First Review by TexasVegan

toastandjammies

Points +1281

Vegan
18 Oct 2020

Bland and overpriced

I had heard raving reviews from a vegetarian friend, but Saturn was pretty disappointing. I got the vegan version of the Saturn burger, and it was boring and too expensive for how bland it was. My husband got the burrito and it was okay, but didn’t blow us away. The vegan milkshake was good, but adding chocolate chips was a mistake because they took up 1/4 of the shake and made it a pain to drink.

Overall, we weren’t impressed. Maybe it’s better for vegetarians and for dining in?

Pros: Several vegan options

Cons: Overpriced

NathanielRhett

Points +363

Vegan
24 Sep 2020

Since I was in high school

I’ve been going to Saturn cafe since I was in high school. They’ve had their ups and their downs and I have to say that today I ordered food to go for my family and we all were so blown away by how delicious it was. I would highly recommend this to anyone because even on a bad day it is still Damn good.

Pros: Vegan options , Junk food, Tasty

Cons: Junk food, Expensive , Hit or miss

grass.eater

Points +73

Vegan
14 Aug 2020

out of this world!

Super fun decor and amazing service! Had an amazing Brunch menu and the vegan donut holes were wonderful. Meals were filling and had a huge selection of vegan options and most of their menu could be made vegan. I am definitely coming back to try everything else on their menu, best vegetarian/vegan breakfast spot in the area!

360onya

Points +64

Vegan
04 Aug 2020

Last minute takeout gone great!!

Ordered their home made veggie burger with Mushrooms and garlic really enjoyed. Big portion. I like the choices of sides, especially if you’re plant based.

Pros: Vegan options, Good portions, Good flavors

Cons: Expensive, Take out only

littletempest

Points +30

Vegan
01 Jun 2020

Amazing!

I’ve only been once but I absolutely love the “old” vibes I got from this place. I loved how they had everything set up, the waiter was super friendly and the food was amazing!

Pros: Plenty of vegan options , Amazing food

Manderz

Points +74

Vegan
24 May 2020

The beeeeest

I used to come here about twice a week. Less now that I moved to Salinas, but it's still one of my favorite places, definitely my favorite in santa cruz. The vegan shakes are awesome and customizable! People say the portions are small but honestly I always feel satisfied, usually taking about half of it home.

saruugh

Points +76

Vegan
10 Mar 2020

Always a treat!

eat here every time i’m up in santa cruz and always bring new friends to try it out! no one is ever disappointed, we miss the berkeley location but are so happy we can still eat here when in santa cruz!

Pros: easy to make almost everything vegan , great staff (barbie is the sweetest!) , cheese fries

vegangrocerygrabs

Points +1565

Vegan
18 Jan 2020

Not overly impressed

I wanted to love Saturn Cafe, but unfortunately it was just okay. Very basic American food and small portions. The Peanut Royale was extremely bland and flavorless, but the vegan milkshakes are surprisingly delicious. If I were to suggest anything, it would be to try those.

Pros: Lots of vegan options

Cons: Bland

beerhamut

Points +156

Vegan
08 Oct 2019

Nachos

Still the best vegan nachos I've ever had. hands down.

Pros: Open late

Cons: Open late in Santa Cruz.

Veganlove18

Points +188

Vegan
05 Oct 2019

SO GOOD

pls go here if you have the chance. everything you want in a diner and VEGAN OPTIONS GALORE

Pros: VEGAN OPTIONS for almost every item, 100% vegetarian , friendly atmosphere

alenalieb

Points +64

Vegan
01 Oct 2019

Vegan fast food

Various vegan options, including pancakes, burritos and burgers. Taste of one or the other could be more intensive, but all in all we were happy with the food :-)

Pros: Many vegan options

amped

Points +144

Vegan
13 Sep 2019

Veg Out

Stopped in for the 9/12 Veg Out. Always a fun restaurant. Try the Impossible Burger!

NaomiGoldstein

Points +65

Vegetarian
03 Sep 2019

The food was very good& good price

Entirely vegetarian, a large menu, a good portion of the main course.
I took the yuvos & papas burito, and my friend took the impossible burger, both were tasty and satisfying. I'll definitely recommend the place.

mikenkim

Points +13

Vegetarian
03 Sep 2019

Basic American Food

This is diner food with many vegan options. If you like diner food, this may work for you. I'm not much of a diner person but we couldn't think of what else to eat since most of the food choices in this area was pretty common. We had the peanut Royale. Please do NOT order. The combo sounded interesting but the end result was messy and confusing. We also ordered the Buffalo bites (cauliflower). This was ok.

Ultimately its nice to have so many vegan options but stick with the basic diner choices for a better experience. I have it 2 stars instead of one because the service was great and the love for this concept.

Pros: Lots of vegan options.

Cons: Far to walk

hopevsnschaick

Points +281

Vegan
02 Sep 2019

Great comfort food. Great vegan menu.

Been there a few times, always happy with it.

Pros: Lots of vegan options., Lots of vegan desserts.

racheltreckeme

Points +34

Vegan
28 Aug 2019

Amazing options!

This place has lots of amazing vegan options. You can make just about any dish completely vegan! I think it’s just amazing how I can go to a local cafe and get a vegan milkshake nowadays!

Richard1964

Points +33

Vegetarian
17 Aug 2019

You simply must visit

In an area dominated by sea food this amazing vegetarian and vegan restaurant was a real treat (thank you Happy Cow). Funky 70’s diner decor, amazing food and friendly staff. They are celebrating 40 years and you can see why they have done so well. Great burgers, wonderful Mexican food and great shakes.

Pros: Amazing food, Friendly staff, Cool decor and music

CharlieMills

Points +5398

Vegan
03 Aug 2019

Amazing breakfast

Came here for the pancakes! Got a tall stack of banana and walnut pancakes. I got three huge pancakes and I couldn't finish them all. Possibly because I also ordered a mint choc milkshake that was very filling. Amazing place. Would recommend.

jeffsheldon

Points +1356

Vegan
25 Jul 2019

Disappointing

I've tried this place a couple of times when I pass thru Santa Cruz for work.

The salad was very disappointing, It's summer and everywhere you go there are fresh vegetables. However this salad consisted of, lettuce, four cucumbers, and some cabbage.

The vegan chicken was overcooked, along with the fries which were cold

I can’t even give them a good rating for service. It was slow. Salad was served with the meal (not prior) it took multiple times trying to get a check.

Cons: Over cooked , Poor service

hannahmeimei42

Points +48

Vegan
12 Jul 2019

Delicious, with TONS of vegan options

The sweet potato quesadillas were great

Loudogqueenstown

Points +91

Vegan
12 Jun 2019

Great food & service

Cute diner! Everything veggie and mostly vegan. Big portions so sharing works. Happy hour Mon - Fri from 4-7!!

Pros: So much choice, Good value for money, Great service

Cons: Not located in New Zealand ;)

sarahcouv

Points +22

Vegan
21 Feb 2019

Not as good as Berkeley location

First, the server called my daughter “gentleman” because she has short hair. Second, the vegan cheese is disgusting. I thought the spicy vegan sauce was the sub for nachos only, but it’s what came on my grilled cheese. Third, the garlic aoli was icky. I felt bad for the server because it seemed like she was the only one working. She did give me my root beer for free to make up for the grilled cheese and the fact that she forgot my root beer after I ordered it. My Husband’s burger was only ok.

Pros: Lots of vegan options , Onion strings are awesome , Cute diner

Cons: The cheese!!!

MeldyLee

Points +47

Vegan
03 Dec 2018

Great

Great vegetarian and vegan food in a fun atmosphere, with friendly service. :-)

Pros: Fun atmosphere, Friendly service, Tasty food

lorind13

Points +267

Vegan
01 Nov 2018

Decent food, terrible service

Food was okay, little overpriced. $40 breakfast and coffee for two plus a $40 parking ticket because we couldn’t leave-no one seemed the slightest bit concerned with clearing plates, getting our check or cashing us out. Frustrating to say the least.

Pros: Lots of vegan options

Cons: Slow service , Nobody seems to care that you’re there

nox

Points +164

Vegan
19 Sep 2018

Must go!

This is one of my favourite places, ever. Last time I was in Santa Cruz I ate here three times in two days! The atmosphere is fun, the selection is great, and the food is delicious. And all of our servers were awesome.

_diane

Points +15

Vegetarian
15 Sep 2018

Parfait

Très bon restaurant, bien situé, bonne carte et très bon accueil

cec_canada

Points +17

Vegetarian
12 Sep 2018

Generous portions served with warm and friendly service

I enjoyed my meal so much that I returned a second night during my brief stay in Santa Cruz. I had the fajita bowl with chicken and could barely finish half of it. The guacamole was superb and the combination of beans, rice and corn as a base was filling but so fresh and nourishing. My second visit I had to try the buffalo cauliflower and I highly recommend this dish. I'm pretty sure it's their signature appetizer. Loved the vibe and friendly service. Prices are reasonable and quality of good is top notch. I will definitely come back the next time I'm in town!




This page has been viewed 19027 times.