Food Talk Santa Cruz

Super rad spot downtown! The secretive speakeasy door leading upstairs starts the cool vibe of this place. It feels like you’re being let in to an ultra-secret food experience. Once you’re upstairs, the food and service is absolutely amazing. Awesome creative menu with seasonal updates. We had the burger and mac n cheese with pork belly. Both were exceptional! I would post a pic but I licked the plate clean. If you’re in Santa Cruz, this is a must-stop!

This is one place you need to experience in Santa Cruz. You may walk up stairs wondering if you've entered the right place but you know you have when you get a warm welcome from Chef Donnie and the awesome bartenders here. Key Notes: - First off best Burger in Santa Cruz and I've tried a ton of joints here -Beef Tallow Frying Oil used on the killer seasoned French Fries -Best Ingredients (healthy) sourced locally in Santa Cruz -Family Secret Sauces **passed down for generations** -And a DJ pumping the Jams to get the body moving Go follow them on Instagram @foodtalk_santacruz Don't mind me (I'm the plaid jacket, I just finished a boxing class)...

Burger is elite. So so strong. Nice place to hang out. We didn’t get cocktails but felt like that was the way to go since their beer game is severely limited and they don’t seemed psyched to serve it.

Food Talk was an absolute highlight for us in Santa Cruz. Chef Donnie welcomed us with genuine warmth and friendliness. We had the burger and the scotch egg; the burger was one of the best we had on our holiday in the US and the scotch egg was delicious and really special. The ingredients are locally sourced and a lot of thought and love has obviously gone into the dishes. This little restaurant is a hidden gem and highly recommended!

What looks like a menu of limited options really delivered. Our party of three got the burger, the dirty fries, the crunch wrap, and 2 scotch eggs to share. We were completely stuffed. Portions were generous, flavors were great. The crunch wrap with pork belly was deldelicious and it was our least favorite of the bunch! The fries (which I was dubious of) were the surprise hit. The burger was thick and cooked perfectly. Food is highly recommended. Each menu item is $15-20.

chef donny is a gentlemen. his crew and collabs are always dynamic and on point. love the atmosphere and food, good vibes all around

Food Talk is **THE** spot to go for comfort food, good vibes, and good company. If you've been here, you know that Chef Donnie is an artist in his craft. High‑quality, hyper‑local ingredients compromise every item on the menu. The crunchwrap goes crazy. The elote dogs go crazy. the birria balls go crazy. You don't want to miss out on this iconic spot. easily one of the best in Santa Cruz County.

Ratatouille moment with their burger. One of the best I’ve ever had. Fries were solid as well. Definitely check this spot out

Donnie of Food Talk is a culinary creative, crafting food that's both imaginative and delicious. He's kind, attentive, and genuinely cares about your experience. The challenge? His kitchen lives inside Ulterior which is a speakeasy bar above Motive with a vibe that's more "grungy afterthought" than hidden gem. The bartenders seem indifferent at best and downright cantankerous at worst, which does a disservice to the excellence Donnie is putting out. Santa Cruz isn't exactly overflowing with well-run spaces and solid service, so I'm sending Donnie all the luck in the world, whether that means finding a new space that matches his talent, or somehow lighting a fire under Ulterior to finally live up to its name. Maybe he'll take over the whole gestalt one day (yes, please!). Pro tip: There is a sign in the alley, but when you walk in, you're greeted by a closed downstairs bar and a bookcase. That bookcase is the door. Pull it open and head upstairs. Donnie, consider keeping that bookcase open while you're open. Let people find you without needing to solve a mystery. You're worth the discovery!