The Point Market
In the good ‘ol days BC (before children), I would have gone for a morning surf session at Pleasure Point then hit up the Point Market for some pancakes and/or a breakfast burrito. Nowadays, I’m impressed we get out the door in time for breakfast, but we managed to do it this last weekend!! Sometimes, I just need some pancakes by the beach.
We found parking right away on a side street which is a good sign as some days it requires circling the area. There are two awkwardly placed parking spots between the seating area and the market, but usually they are not available.
The Point Market is a convenience store selling a bunch of surf related articles and everything under the sun including many snacks, candies and drink options. They do offer a full menu from the kitchen and they are known for their outstanding breakfast burritos. For kitchen orders, you will wait in line and order at the cash register and then they will call out your name when the order is ready. All orders are made to go. I do recommend bringing your own silverware if you want to avoid using plasticware. The pancakes will be served on a thick paper plate covered with foil. The market is cash only so be sure to bring your bills; they do have an ATM if you forget.
The Point Market Pancakes
Banana pancakes
Bananas on the underside
Chocolate chip pancakes
At this visit, I had banana pancakes and they did not disappoint. I’ve also had their plain and chocolate chip pancakes which are equally as delicious. My son enjoyed them as well. Afterwards, we strolled on East Cliff Drive, taking in the view of the surfers while letting our bodies process all of that pancake sugar! It is about a half mile walk from the Point Market down to the Hook, where the paved sidewalk ends. Since it was low tide, we stopped about midway to play at the beach, taking the stairs at 38th Avenue. The water was cold and refreshing to our feet, but the dry sand warmed them again as we got out. Inevitably, we brought some sand and mildly wet pants home, but we had a great morning!
Pleasure Point
The Point Market Pancake Review:
Where: The Point Market 23040 E Cliff Dr Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Hours: 6am-9pm
Number: 831-475-3356
Pancakes offered: plain, banana, chocolate chip
Pancake size and # of pancakes served: approximately 8 inches, 2 pancakes
Cost of pancakes: $6.99-8.99
Description of pancakes: Hot, light, thick and fluffy with bananas or chocolate chips cooked in the pancake
Accompaniments: plastic cup of whipped butter, plastic cup of maple syrup
Wait time: about 10 minutes but on a busy weekend be prepared to wait about 20-30+ minutes depending on the line.
Other comments: see above
