Sante Adairius Rustic Ales — known to regulars simply as SARA — has a reputation that extends well beyond Santa Cruz County. It’s consistently ranked among the best craft breweries in California, and the Capitola taproom, just a few minutes south of Santa Cruz, is where you can drink that reputation at the source.
The focus here is on Belgian-influenced and farmhouse-style beers: saisons, wild ales, and barrel-aged sours that have genuine complexity and depth. These are beers worth taking your time over. The tap list changes regularly, and there are usually bottles available to take away if you find something you want to bring back to the house.
The taproom is unpretentious and relaxed — communal tables, knowledgeable staff, and an atmosphere that suits both serious beer enthusiasts and guests who simply want something excellent to drink. There’s no kitchen, but the area around Kennedy Drive has good food options within a short walk.
Go on a quieter weekday afternoon if you can — weekends attract crowds, particularly in summer, and the outdoor seating fills quickly. It’s five minutes from the Capitola village beach, which makes it a natural end to a day on the water.
