Welcome to Oswald
Located in Santa Cruz, CA, Oswald is a sophisticated New American bar offering a diverse menu with vegan options and limited vegetarian choices. Known for its impeccable service and exquisite wine selection, Oswald is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The standout dish is their renowned fried chicken, hailed as the best in town. Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal or a special occasion, Oswald provides a classy yet relaxed ambiance with gender-neutral restrooms and a variety of amenities. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the unique flavors and exceptional service that Oswald has to offer.
-
121 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Hotline: (831) 423-7427
Welcome to Oswald, a gem in the heart of Santa Cruz that offers a unique dining experience in the New American - Bars category. This establishment is not your average restaurant; it goes above and beyond by providing a variety of amenities such as reservation options, delivery, takeout, and even vegan and limited vegetarian menu items. The ambiance at Oswald is classy, with moderate noise levels, making it suitable for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.
What sets Oswald apart is their commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as it is a Black-owned establishment with gender-neutral restrooms and wheelchair accessibility. The restaurant also caters to various payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and even cryptocurrency.
As a food reviewer, I had the pleasure of trying some of the signature dishes at Oswald, and I must say, the food did not disappoint. The fried chicken, often praised by customers, is indeed a standout item on the menu. Alongside their juicy burgers and delectable halibut, Oswald showcases a diverse range of flavors that cater to different palates.
One unique aspect of Oswald is their extensive wine selection, featuring notable labels from North America and France. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking to pair your meal with a glass of fine wine, Oswald has you covered.
Overall, my experience at Oswald was delightful, with prompt service and delicious food that left a lasting impression. If you're looking for a dining experience that combines great food, diverse menu options, and a welcoming atmosphere, Oswald should be at the top of your list.
Reliably delicious and great service. Best fried chicken in town. they know their wine there too.
I love Oswald's. The food is great as are the drinks. The owner is awesome! The staff is basically so so. Sometimes good service, sometimes not so good. But the food and drinks are always excellent. I particularly love the fried chicken and their hamburger.
Went there on a busy Driday night without reservations and they were able to squeeze us in quickly. We sat at the bar and were served right away. The cocktails, meal and service were very good. I had the burger which was cooked perfect and the French fries were excellent and super crispy. Someone in my party orders the duck and although it was overcooked, it was tender. It was a bit loud in the restaurant compared to other similar places I have eaten.
Nice dinner at Oswald. We had the Skirt Steak, potato gratin, roasted carrots, blue cheese butter (2 orders), the Fried Chicken, with ozzie salad, and shared the Meyer lemon bread pudding, berry cocktail, whipped cream. The food was very good as were the cocktails, and the service was reasonable.
We went for our anniversary and the food did not disappoint yet again. We ordered the halibut and a Caesar with trout. Both were scrumptious and we were members of the clean plate club. Service was good as always. However, our cocktails were good but not of the caliber that we usually experience there, hence the one star deduction.
We completely stumbled onto Oswald because we were in the area and had a terrible experience somewhere else. Oswald saved our night! Oswald had the ideal blend of sultry ambiance, swanky decor with local artwork and cool lighting fixtures, great cocktails, delicious bites, and too-notch attentive service! Our server checked on us so much that I knew she caught whenever we finished a plate or a drink because she'd swoop in to take it or offer something else. She was fastastic. Customers seemed happy and the noise level was medium. It's not a family/kids place; more of an adult vibe, just fyi. I can't wait to return to Oswald for a full dining experience.
I think overall, the food is above average. The entrees and appetizers were not exceptionally phenomenal but were solid. We had a party of 6, so we were able to try a variety of dishes, which included a bowl of chicken orzo soup, caesar salad, marinated shrimp, and Peruvian scallops for the appetizers and duck confit, local halibut, braised veal osso buco, and marinated bavette steak for entrees. For drinks, I got the seasonal special signature cocktail with gin, and I thought it was just okay. The standout was actually the dessert though. The chocolate souffle cake was extremely delicious, a must-try here. The creme brulee was also super good. The service was pretty standard, nothing too special. The ambiance is more so for a nice dinner, especially if you aren't looking for something too upscale. My party came for a graduation dinner, which I think this restaurant fit the vibe for.