• Windmill Cafe

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  • White Veg-options
Lacto
Ovo
American
Breakfast
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. Breakfast, coffee, and lunch food cafe in the historic Lincoln Windmill building. Offers a tofu scramble, tempeh, Earth Balance margarine spread for toast. Open Mon-Sun 7:00am-3:00pm.


Venue map for Windmill Cafe
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10 Reviews

First Review by Limitlesslove

McMallory

Points +2284

Vegan
17 Feb 2023

It’s fine

The food was good (I got the Ruben on another poster’s recommendation) but the coffee was actually pretty bad. The place is cute and you’ll have a decent meal but there’s not really much here that is specifically a draw, and I think in Santa Cruz you’ll find a better breakfast/lunch spot.

andyjng

Points +5372

Vegan
26 Nov 2022

Get the Tempeh Rueben

Their menu has a surprising number of vegan friendly options including your classic tofu scrambles/burritos and some tempeh options. I ordered their Tempeh Rueben ($9) which was covered in kraut and their special vegan sauce. The sandwich itself was good but admittedly quite small, and with it lacking a side, I had to order a small side salad ($5) in order to feel more satiated. I thought the salad could've been more robust than simply a handful of mixed greens with a vegan vinaigrette but I appreciate them having it as an option.

I also ordered a Chai which I thought was quite pricy given that a large made it a dollar more at $6, and use of non-dairy milk had an additional cost. I really hope one day that places could not charge for a non-dairy option as it makes being plant-based seem expensive or extra taxing to navigate. My friend also got a large orange juice that was $7 but was clearly from the store.

Overall, really enjoyed the atmosphere and food but wish there was more to the meal and that the drinks could be a bit cheaper. Service was good and parking can be limited.

Pros: Good variety of vegan options

Cons: Small portions

Erynlizabeth

Points +137

Vegan
14 Nov 2022

Decent food, cold seating.

Lovely little spot, but sort of annoying that they wouldn't let you eat inside, which was frustrating at 41 degrees and the outdoor heaters were not in use.
Then to use their restroom, masks were required in November of 2022.

Husband and I got Mexican mochas with soy (other options available as well), a tofu scramble, a tofurito, and cold toes.

The food was pleasant.

Pros: Nice options, Good food

Cons: Outdoor only seating, Masks mandatory inside

amyvotta

Points +624

Vegan
11 Nov 2022

Love

Amazing & delicious vegan options. From smoothies to tofu scrambles to their tempeh Ruben sandwich, it’s truly fantastic.

NathanielRhett

Points +363

Vegan
21 Sep 2020

The food was good

This place is a gem and has great vibes. They have so many veggie and vegan options for drinks and food. Everything I’ve had has been so tasty and exactly what I need.

Pros: Lots of vegan options , Tasty, Great vibes

Cons: Expensive , Small portions

gabriellevb_

Points +42

Vegetarian
30 May 2020

great food!

the staff was very friendly and the tofu scramble was amazing! the potatoes are also very tasty!

racheltreckeme

Points +34

Vegan
10 Mar 2020

Delicious vegan options!

I come here weekly because the food is cooked to perfection, the safe is very nice and the outside sitting area is beautiful. This is the only restaurant I have been to that cooks a tofu scramble very well! The brand of tempeh they use is delicious.
I would 100% recommend coming here for breakfast / brunch.

gakulesa

Points +30

Vegan
05 Apr 2018

Love this place!

Always a good amount of vegan options, including several types of baked goods. The tofu scramble is bomb (albeit a bit salty) and the breakfast burrito is great too! Be warned that their food is slightly oily.

Pros: great prices , good food, baked goods/pastries

Cons: can be packed/a long wait, food can take a while on weekends

Conniemm

Points +1770

Vegan
08 Mar 2016

Tofu scramble lacking

I am happy that this place offers tofu scrambles but on a recent visit the scramble I was served was way too peppery. And more recently, a friend tried their scramble and while it wasn't too peppery, it wasn't that exciting.

As another reviewer commented, they do offer vegan bakery items and plant milk for their coffee drinks (although they charge $0.50 extra for a soy latte).

Pros: Vegan items, Cute place near the beach, Friendly staff

Cons: Didn't taste great

Limitlesslove

Points +30

Vegan
29 Dec 2015

Delicious vegan & veggie food at cute spot

Super cute spot with dog friendly outdoor seating. Great service, really get the feeling staff cares about the food they make.
I tried the vegan coconut curry and vegan coconut chai- both are scrumtulesent!!
Lots of vegan options and gluten-free baked goods.




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