November 17, 2023 – Talk about a strong start. A week ago, on opening night of the 2023-24 season, to launch their second decade in existence, the Santa Cruz Warriors rattled off the first 14 points of the game.
Two different Warriors both notched 12 in the first quarter alone, on the way to a 40-point opening period and a 125-114 blowtorching of the Stockton Kings.
But this is an epicurean column, not an athletic one, even if I ocasionally wiggle in some Oakland A’s helmet nachos; bacon-wrapped hotdogs and E-40 burritos in and around Golden State Warriors playoff wins; and San Francisco 49ers inspired beer pairings.
Fortunately both the Santa Cruz Warriors organization and “Sea Dubs” staff are making some inspired food-related plays.
The organization just announced it’s re-upping the Swishes for Dishes initiative for the 2023-24 season: In an effort to combat food insecurity throughout the Central Coast, 10 meals will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County for each point the S.C. Warriors score this season.
That means the Dubs blistering start netted 140 meals in roughly three minutes. And brought new meaning to “bank shots.”
Team staff, meanwhile, helped coach Edible on where to eat and drink around Kaiser Permanente Arena.
Inspired by their recommendations, here are your starting five spots for food and drink on game night—the Wave City Warriors play NBA G League Ignite tonight (Nov. 17) at 7pm.
(More on tickets at the Santa Cruz Warriors website.)
Jack’s Burgers • downtownsantacruz.com/go/jacks-hamburgers
Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised that the downtown institution with the iconic burger statue was mentioned more than any other place by the team reps I spoke with, but I was, perhaps because I’d been too scared by the lines to try it before opening night. But try it I did, and it delivered like Sea Dubs center Jayce Jackson—friendly, sturdy and reliable. (And now the Ws are undefeated when I eat there.) Another nice surprise: It recently earned recognition from the City of Santa Cruz for 20 years as a Clean Ocean Business. “And it’s right around the corner,” account executive Spencer Arburn says. “We all love it at the office.”
Woodstock’s Pizza • woodstockscruz.com
Here comes the reigning champion when it comes to post-game grub. Woodstock’s on Front Street rolls till 1am on weekends (and midnight otherwise) peddling perennial all-stars like the Grateful Veg and All Meat Orgy and less conventional calls (ball out Siracha-Cha to pair with sandwiches, salads, and 16 draft beer taps. Meanwhile $9.99 pitchers after 9pm feels like a winning play too.
El Palomar • elpalomarsantacruz.com
Like the other entrants on the list, Palomar offers such a central, dependable, classic Santa Cruz experience locals may take it for granted. This is the lead pick for communications ace Anna Burleson. She calls it her favorite in town for the chicken fajitas (“literally the best, so much food on the side, really good margarita too”); I dig it for fresh house chips and salsa, enchiladas especiales, the huachinango whole-charbroiled snapper and underappreciated taco bar to the right of cocktail bar area.
Hula’s Grill • hulastiki.com
I told you local institutions are a theme. Breaking news: The vibe, pupus and clever Cali-Hawaiian grub at Hula’s remain intact. The abalone-style calamari, meanwhile, ranks as one of my favorite seafood dishes on Monterey Bay, full stop. And the 4-6pm happy hour, with $8 tiki drinks and snacks, qualifies as one of better offers around downtown.
Mission Street BBQ • missionstbbq.com
The MVP of this drill would have to be Ws account executive Alicia Lartey, who’s ready to set you up with a season ticket package and a laundry list of food recs. She immediately rattled off a standout spot for $1 chicken wings (Back 9 Grill and Bar), street tacos (it’s a deep cut I’m saving for a future Found Treasure) and her go-to for barbecue, Mission Street, paired with a soliloquy on proper saucing (forget the ketchup styles). “I’m from the South so I’m a stickler,” she says. “I love a good sweet sauce with hint of tangy, and if you can find that right balance with a touch of tart, then you stole my heart.”
Sampa Brazilian Kitchen • sampabrazilianfood.com
Congrats if you noticed this is now more than a starting five. I’m adding this as a Bonus Sixth Man Spot in honor of my favorite Santa Cruz Warrior, Gui Santos. The Brasília native not only has an easy smile, great hair and a versatile floor game—he tallied 19 points and a bunch of hustle plays on opening night—he always takes his time signing autographs for every kid who wants one. I want one of everything they cook at Sampa, from the coxinha to the carne louca nachos with tri-tip and smoked sausage to the traditional feijoada, a thick black bean and pork stew. Game on.
About the author
Mark C. Anderson, Edible Monterey Bay's managing editor, appears on "Friday Found Treasures" via KRML 94.7 every week, a little after 12pm noon. Reach him via mark@ediblemontereybay.com.
