
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
Bland and overpriced - Edit
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.
Read moreOverall, we weren’t impressed. Maybe it’s better for vegetarians and for dining in?
Pros: Several vegan options
Cons: Overpriced
Guest
NathanielRhett
Points +363
Since I was in high school - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Vegan options , Junk food, Tasty
Cons: Junk food, Expensive , Hit or miss
Guest
grass.eater
Points +73
out of this world! - Edit
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!
Read moreGuest
360onya
Points +64
Last minute takeout gone great!! - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Vegan options, Good portions, Good flavors
Cons: Expensive, Take out only
Guest
littletempest
Points +30
Amazing! - Edit
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!
Read morePros: Plenty of vegan options , Amazing food
Guest
Manderz
Points +74
The beeeeest - Edit
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.
Read moreGuest
saruugh
Points +76
Always a treat! - Edit
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!
Read morePros: easy to make almost everything vegan , great staff (barbie is the sweetest!) , cheese fries
Guest
vegangrocerygrabs
Points +1565
Not overly impressed - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options
Cons: Bland
Guest
beerhamut
Points +156
Nachos - Edit
Still the best vegan nachos I've ever had. hands down.
Read morePros: Open late
Cons: Open late in Santa Cruz.
Guest
Veganlove18
Points +188
SO GOOD - Edit
pls go here if you have the chance. everything you want in a diner and VEGAN OPTIONS GALORE
Read morePros: VEGAN OPTIONS for almost every item, 100% vegetarian , friendly atmosphere
Guest
alenalieb
Points +64
Vegan fast food - Edit
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 :-)
Read morePros: Many vegan options
Guest
amped
Points +144
Veg Out - Edit
Stopped in for the 9/12 Veg Out. Always a fun restaurant. Try the Impossible Burger!
Read moreGuest
NaomiGoldstein
Points +65
The food was very good& good price - Edit
Entirely vegetarian, a large menu, a good portion of the main course.
Read moreI took the yuvos & papas burito, and my friend took the impossible burger, both were tasty and satisfying. I'll definitely recommend the place.
Guest
mikenkim
Points +13
Basic American Food - Edit
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.
Read moreUltimately 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
Guest
hopevsnschaick
Points +281
Great comfort food. Great vegan menu. - Edit
Been there a few times, always happy with it.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options., Lots of vegan desserts.
Guest
racheltreckeme
Points +34
Amazing options! - Edit
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!
Read moreGuest
Richard1964
Points +33
You simply must visit - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Amazing food, Friendly staff, Cool decor and music
Guest
CharlieMills
Points +5398
Amazing breakfast - Edit
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.
Read moreGuest
jeffsheldon
Points +1356
Disappointing - Edit
I've tried this place a couple of times when I pass thru Santa Cruz for work.
Read moreThe 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
Guest
hannahmeimei42
Points +48
Delicious, with TONS of vegan options - Edit
The sweet potato quesadillas were great
Read moreGuest
Loudogqueenstown
Points +91
Great food & service - Edit
Cute diner! Everything veggie and mostly vegan. Big portions so sharing works. Happy hour Mon - Fri from 4-7!!
Read morePros: So much choice, Good value for money, Great service
Cons: Not located in New Zealand ;)
Guest
sarahcouv
Points +22
Not as good as Berkeley location - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options , Onion strings are awesome , Cute diner
Cons: The cheese!!!
Guest
MeldyLee
Points +47
Great - Edit
Great vegetarian and vegan food in a fun atmosphere, with friendly service. :-)
Read morePros: Fun atmosphere, Friendly service, Tasty food
Guest
lorind13
Points +267
Decent food, terrible service - Edit
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.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options
Cons: Slow service , Nobody seems to care that you’re there
Guest
nox
Points +164
Must go! - Edit
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.
Read moreGuest
_diane
Points +15
Parfait - Edit
Très bon restaurant, bien situé, bonne carte et très bon accueil
Read moreGuest
cec_canada
Points +17
Generous portions served with warm and friendly service - Edit
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!
Read moreGuest
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