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Shanty Shack
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Shanty Shack
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Shanty Shack

Bar · Aptos

4.8 · 287 reviews Google

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www.shantyshackbrewing.com

About Shanty Shack

Shanty Shack is a casual bar and brewery located in Aptos, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy classic craft beers. Our playful tasting room features a welcoming patio and has garnered a 4.8-star rating from 287 reviews. We offer a selection of beers and have a full bar onsite. We are committed t...

Shanty Shack is a casual bar and brewery located in Aptos, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy classic craft beers. Our playful tasting room features a welcoming patio and has garnered a 4.8-star rating from 287 reviews. We offer a selection of beers and have a full bar onsite. We are committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. We're open Tuesday through Sunday, with varying hours; closed on Mondays.

What Customers Say About Shanty Shack

Shanty Shack is a popular local brewery known for its quality brews, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere with live music and food trucks. Customers rave about the sours and IPAs, the welcoming vibe, and the sense of community. It's a great spot for a casual hangout.

Popular Dishes

grilled cheese Calmex taco

Best For

Locals Groups Casual Solo Dining

Tip: Check their schedule for live music and rotating food trucks. Parking can be tight, so be prepared to park on the street and get a parking permit.

Features

Accessible

What to see nearby

Harvey West Park
A 507m

Harvey West Park

parque

View details
Holy Cross Church
A 828m

Holy Cross Church

iglesia

View details
mission de santa cruz
Heritage
A 911m

mission de santa cruz

iglesia

View details
Grant Park
A 956m

Grant Park

parque

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around Shanty Shack

Shanty Shack is located in Aptos, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Historical Heritage

  • mission de santa cruz (A 911m) — mission in Santa Cruz, California Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos

Religious Buildings

  • Holy Cross Church (A 828m) — church building in Santa Cruz, California

Parks & Gardens

  • Harvey West Park (A 507m) — park in Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America
  • Grant Park (A 956m) — park in Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about Shanty Shack

Shanty Shack is located at 138 Fern St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Aptos.
Near Shanty Shack you can find points of interest such as Harvey West Park, Holy Cross Church, mission de santa cruz, Grant Park.
Shanty Shack offers bar cuisine.
Shanty Shack has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
The most recommended dishes at Shanty Shack based on customer reviews are: grilled cheese, Calmex taco.
Shanty Shack is ideal for locals, groups, casual dining, solo dining.
Shanty Shack is a popular local brewery known for its quality brews, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere with live music and food trucks. Customers rave about the sours and IPAs, the welcoming vibe, and the sense of community. It's a great spot for a casual hangout.
Check their schedule for live music and rotating food trucks. Parking can be tight, so be prepared to park on the street and get a parking permit.
287
Reviews

Shanty Shack Aptos Reviews

4.8
287
5★
85%
4★
12%
3★
1%
2★
1%
1★
2%
Reviews (70)
T
TheBafsta

Great local brewery, always has great bands and the art is amazing. Awesome chill spot tucked away near Costco . Beer is on point with great rotation for the season. Indoor seating but outdoor seating usually gets you a great view of the stage . Legit food/snack menu.

M
Mario Medinas

I absolutely love this place and wish I lived closer so I could spend more time here. Their patio is done so well, and makes a great dog friendly area. I love how some of the tables are under the shade clothes, and the hopps vines crawling up the walls is such a nice touch. It's a great brewery that cycles through different flavors often, which is nice. I love their sours, especially the once with fruit sourced from gizditch ranch (a local farm). Their food trucks they have also change often and has never let me down. If your looking for a nice spot to relax and have a drink this is the location you need to be!

A
Aiman Al

Facility is very clean and quaint. Employees were very friendly and knowledgeable. Food was very good and high quality ingredients were used. Presentation of the dishes were also very appealing. Finally, the beer was so worthy of anyone who finds themself in Santa Cruz! I will certainly come back to this brewery when in Santa Cruz! The BEER was amazing!!! 😁

S
Sterling Cameron

Dog friendly patio. Partially shaded and heated. Lots of room. Love that they have multiple sours.

B
Brad Palmer

Great spot to grab lunch and a drink. A wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Full of great vibes. -CannaCruz Staff

A
AE Motorsports

Possibly the best brewery in Santa Cruz. The staff treats you like family. Patrons who are usually there are some of the nicest people on earth. Beer is always amazing. Dog and family friendly. Food is great. Fridays and Saturdays they also have fries which are fantastic. Its a MUST to visit when in Santa Cruz

M
Martin Čech

About 10 beers on tap, decent pilsner for the west coast although they cannot resist making it hoppy. The setup is very nice even in winter afternoon which makes it most likely superbly nice when the weather turns warm. Staff was very pleasant and helpful.

A
Adam Kapp

Great beers, live music, nice outdoor space!

S
Simone Cardona

Great community space for music, artists, anyone to enjoy local brews and vibes.

k
k flores y

An amazing selection of on-site brewed beers that are truly amazing. I had the double IPA and it was smooth and clear. It's high-quality brewed beer. Also nonchalant, with parking off the 1. Water, bathrooms, parking. (no food).

P
Paul Neall

Our favorite brewery in town, no pretentious attitudes and always a great vibe! Sour beers are always bomb, good selection of ipa's also with a mix of other styles always on tap. Hard kombucha on draft, red and white wine and plenty on n/a options for the non drinkers. Tons of live music to keep you entertained. Treat you like family everytime, highly recommend

A
Alex Schönherr

Good vibes, Great 🍺

C
Clay Ostrander

Shanty Shack, what can I say other than AWESOME? Incredibly thoughtful beers with constant innovation and improvement. The beer here is amongst my absolute favorite in California. They keep a nicely rotating tap list with the currently trending beer styles and never seem afraid to try something new and experimental. The atmosphere is great, I always feel warm and welcome at the Shack.

R
Rob Regan

They hand a 5 piece acoustic band on a Wednesday night which was an excellent touch! But a brewery must be judged on its beer and we had 2 delicious offerings. A stout and a saison that were both very good. Food was very mediocre but that's to be expected from a brewery during COVID. I'd go back for sure.

J
Jonathan Withrington

Great spot for beer and lunch after riding UCSC the Caesar salad is great the tostadas are small the beer is excellent

C
Christopher Negrete

It was very good. The several beers I tasted were all very well put together and contained unique tastes beyond what you would ordinarily expect. I was not very impressed with the appetizers although the beer and staff formidably battle the "ordinary" appetizers! Excellent

A
Arjun C

Great brews with an excellent staff who are good at matching taste to the right beer. I generally am opposed to the haze craze but this brewery nailed it! Nice outdoor seating area as well !

i
iVan

Nice tiny brewery to chill outside and enjoy craft beer. The parking on the street is restricted to locals, but owner provided picked paper permissions. Dog friendly. 🐕

m
marty estrada

Stopped in for some beer to go. Would have loved to sit at the bar or out in the Bier garden on this lovely April day. The beer in cans is as fresh as what I tasted off the tap. I highly recommend Shanty Brewery.

G
Gina Donoghue

Great ambiance, delicious beer & friendly staff! 🍻

G
Greg Emery

Clean, straight forward and interesting beer. I enjoyed a very hoppy (wet hopped IPA), nice bitter, juicy, easy to drink. not too boozy. I also had an Olalliberry Blonde Ale. It was beautifully balanced with a stunning color. It's finish is very dry. The laid back, friendly atmosphere complemented to clean, vital, easy beer. I'll be returning often.

J
Jerry Zimmerman

Not a fancy setting, but exceptionally good beer.

F
FoodProbe

Nice local brewery. Mostly for locals. Food options. Must Drive by. They have kambucha for non drinkers

D
Danielle Shaw

Come and enjoy the fresh fare! I enjoyed their Market Salad with fresh persimmons from the garden! Wow!

J
Julie Horner

Socially distanced outdoor bliss! Live music, fantastic brews, heated patio.

C
Chris Goelkel

A Santa Cruz Gem! Shanty Shack Brewery is hands down one of the best spots in Santa Cruz. The beer is consistently delicious with something new and creative on tap every time I visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming — perfect for hanging out with friends or catching some great live music. The outdoor patio and laid-back vibe make it feel like home, and the staff always bring good energy. If you’re looking for amazing brews, great tunes, and a place that truly captures the Santa Cruz spirit, Shanty Shack is it! 🍻 P.S. parking permits are free inside.

B
B

Solid beers, Friendly Staff, Amazing vibes here. Truly a Hub of the community, modern day third space ~ Will be back.. Good food trucks & live music also

D
Dennis Bishop

Great little "nano" small batch microbrewery. I had the "Hell Yeah - Hazy IPA" and the "Harvey West Coast IPA", both were excellent. They also have food on Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun. Dog friendly. I will be going back. Parking is tight so you probably will park on the street, remember to pick up a parking pass.

B
Buddy Cat

An amazing place to meet new locals and to get a sense of the vibrancy and magic of this city's residents. They have delicious drinks, host amazing bands and food trucks. My favorite spot in the whole city.

D
Day P

Great live music. Dancing. Good brews wines and non alcoholic quenchers. We traveling through so I brought in my little dog and teenager without any hassle. Food truck is top notch!

A
Anna Minassian

Nice stop for a quick sour beer. Refreshing and lovely on a sunny day! Live band playing in the outside lot on a weekend. Major Austin live-music vibes!

E
Ekaterina Beliakova

Post-industrial charm patio, spacious enough for a mighty nano-brewery - versatile seasonal offers fresh for reopening. Parking permits available.

J
Jay Porterfield

Great brews. Their sours are on point and delicious. The IPA selection is also wonderful.

M
Michael Henn

Some buddies and I made a quick stop here, about 30 minutes before they were closing - half way delirious from an epic bike ride around the beautiful Santa Cruz coast and desperately in need of good beer - we were greeted with open arms by the friendliest Australian dude! Had some awesome beers in a super cool outdoor patio - had the best time chatting about how awesome santa cruz is and how cool the brewery was. That raspberry porter is awesome! Can't wait to come back!

P
Paisa

I have to say now that I came back in 2023, this place hasnt lost it's mojo. I love this place. They take care of you and they look out for you. I pulled up Friday night and didn't leave me disappointed. I sincerely thank the people that work here for there patience and there hard work

T
Tasha Wells

You must stop here and have a beer or a kambucha like I did . Great vibe friendly staff. They also have yumm grilled cheese.

P
PiroChu

Quality brews (& some food offerings) with great low-key/friendly vibe. Perfect spot to stop by after a ride (or anytime).

Chris Goelkel
Chris Goelkel

A Santa Cruz Gem! Shanty Shack Brewery is hands down one of the best spots in Santa Cruz. The beer is consistently delicious with something new and creative on tap every time I visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming — perfect for hanging out with friends or catching some great live music. The outdoor patio and laid-back vibe make it feel like home, and the staff always bring good energy. If you’re looking for amazing brews, great tunes, and a place that truly captures the Santa Cruz spirit, Shanty Shack is it! 🍻 P.S. parking permits are free inside.

B
B

Solid beers, Friendly Staff, Amazing vibes here. Truly a Hub of the community, modern day third space ~ Will be back.. Good food trucks & live music also

Dennis Bishop
Dennis Bishop

Great little "nano" small batch microbrewery. I had the "Hell Yeah - Hazy IPA" and the "Harvey West Coast IPA", both were excellent. They also have food on Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun. Dog friendly. I will be going back. Parking is tight so you probably will park on the street, remember to pick up a parking pass.

Buddy Cat
Buddy Cat

An amazing place to meet new locals and to get a sense of the vibrancy and magic of this city's residents. They have delicious drinks, host amazing bands and food trucks. My favorite spot in the whole city.

Day P
Day P

Great live music. Dancing. Good brews wines and non alcoholic quenchers. We traveling through so I brought in my little dog and teenager without any hassle. Food truck is top notch!

Anna Minassian
Anna Minassian

Nice stop for a quick sour beer. Refreshing and lovely on a sunny day! Live band playing in the outside lot on a weekend. Major Austin live-music vibes!

Ekaterina Beliakova
Ekaterina Beliakova

Post-industrial charm patio, spacious enough for a mighty nano-brewery - versatile seasonal offers fresh for reopening. Parking permits available.

Jay Porterfield
Jay Porterfield

Great brews. Their sours are on point and delicious. The IPA selection is also wonderful.

Michael Henn
Michael Henn

Some buddies and I made a quick stop here, about 30 minutes before they were closing - half way delirious from an epic bike ride around the beautiful Santa Cruz coast and desperately in need of good beer - we were greeted with open arms by the friendliest Australian dude! Had some awesome beers in a super cool outdoor patio - had the best time chatting about how awesome santa cruz is and how cool the brewery was. That raspberry porter is awesome! Can't wait to come back!

Paisa
Paisa

I have to say now that I came back in 2023, this place hasnt lost it's mojo. I love this place. They take care of you and they look out for you. I pulled up Friday night and didn't leave me disappointed. I sincerely thank the people that work here for there patience and there hard work

Tasha Wells
Tasha Wells

You must stop here and have a beer or a kambucha like I did . Great vibe friendly staff. They also have yumm grilled cheese.

PiroChu
PiroChu

Quality brews (& some food offerings) with great low-key/friendly vibe. Perfect spot to stop by after a ride (or anytime).

K
Kent Gallick

Great local beer community spot! They tend to have something for everyone's taste buds!

M
Matt Spevak

Great spot to go for a great beer or two, some good music and often a rotating food truck for lunch or dinner. These folks make some really good beer onsite that you can enjoy pints of inside or on their patio at nice big tables. They also have to go for packs available and will let you mix and match a combo pack of your choice. Great gifts for beer drinking friends or for treating yourself. They have awesome music shows there also with a wide range of musical genres represented. Solid option for after a mountain bike ride given their location and how much space they have in the back to bring your bike in with you.

R
Rick Noorlag

What a cool place, beer is great. Your choice, whether you're in for an IPA or something more imaginative, Shanty has it going on. Wednesday was our visit, v and a mix of live music. Was lively, funky, and plain fun.

M
Michael Bobay

Friends and I got a flight sampler and some additional. All the beers were very good. Staff are very genuine, fun, people. Ambiance is laid back, live music, even a stand-up comedy segment. Good beer, good vibes, and to top it all off, I left my wallet behind, and they stayed after work hours for me to pick it up. If you like good beer, and good times, this is your place!

Kent Gallick
Kent Gallick

Great local beer community spot! They tend to have something for everyone's taste buds!

Michael Bobay
Michael Bobay

Friends and I got a flight sampler and some additional. All the beers were very good. Staff are very genuine, fun, people. Ambiance is laid back, live music, even a stand-up comedy segment. Good beer, good vibes, and to top it all off, I left my wallet behind, and they stayed after work hours for me to pick it up. If you like good beer, and good times, this is your place!

Rick Noorlag
Rick Noorlag

What a cool place, beer is great. Your choice, whether you're in for an IPA or something more imaginative, Shanty has it going on. Wednesday was our visit, v and a mix of live music. Was lively, funky, and plain fun.

Matt Spevak
Matt Spevak

Great spot to go for a great beer or two, some good music and often a rotating food truck for lunch or dinner. These folks make some really good beer onsite that you can enjoy pints of inside or on their patio at nice big tables. They also have to go for packs available and will let you mix and match a combo pack of your choice. Great gifts for beer drinking friends or for treating yourself. They have awesome music shows there also with a wide range of musical genres represented. Solid option for after a mountain bike ride given their location and how much space they have in the back to bring your bike in with you.

J
Joe Aiello

Great friendly staff. Sample any beer but no sampler. Vibe is great. Outdoor patio is nice. There is a parking lot and street parking too. Beers are good. No IPA this visit which is a bit counter culture and not having one on tap us a knock for me.

M
Mark Filipowicz

Great little shack full of great beer and some tasty eats. This place makes going to Costco totally worth it! (Location joke) Great outdoor space with wood fires burning in the winter, live music inside. Food trucks all the time, a great spot, check'em out!

J
Jeff King

Great beer and they finally have food! Perfect for after a ride!

S
Suzy Keidel

Hot tip if you're visiting Shanty Shack. They provide a parking pass so do not be discouraged when you see no parking unless you have a permit. Simply park, then go to the brewery get your pass, go back to your car and you're set. Worth the visit!

M
Mr.Rickey Titus III

So I have been in Santa Cruz x3 months and I have had about a lot of Calmex taco these ones get 10 for the price and delectable construction of flavors, the ladies and live Dj very nice Al though !

A
Arthur Weaver

The beers are on par with today’s micro brews. The current berry sour barrel aged is special, fruit sour profile. We were passing through town had to swing by. Canna cruz is right across the street so we could pick up some edibles while enjoying our brewskies. It was also tie dye Tuesday dollar or two off the brewskies. Great outside patio and stage. There was a DJ playing the jams but we didn’t stay long enough to fully appreciate his talent. This plas has a good vibe. The staff was friendly and helpful, allowing us to sample till we could lock in our choice. Hot dog stand in the street out front. They also have their own appetizers to choose from. Definitely check it out.

D
Daniel Bee

Really good beer! I was surprised the staff was not too friendly as I was coming from far though but enjoyed the beer. Ambiance is good. They have a nice terrasse outside as well.

D
Dan Nitake

One of my new favorite places as a local. Unassuming, private parking, really good beer. And really good pupu food. The cole slaw was really good after a mtb ride as were the tacos. She even gave us another salad after complementing her recipe. Very friendly. Not mobbed. Sorry I havent gone there sooner. I like darker beers like ambers. They seem to be hard to come by, but their red ale was quite good. They normally have a stout which I can do a blend. Didnt ask. A bunch of mtbrs there too. My new post ride fave now

Mr.Rickey Titus III
Mr.Rickey Titus III

So I have been in Santa Cruz x3 months and I have had about a lot of Calmex taco these ones get 10 for the price and delectable construction of flavors, the ladies and live Dj very nice Al though !

Arthur Weaver
Arthur Weaver

The beers are on par with today’s micro brews. The current berry sour barrel aged is special, fruit sour profile. We were passing through town had to swing by. Canna cruz is right across the street so we could pick up some edibles while enjoying our brewskies. It was also tie dye Tuesday dollar or two off the brewskies. Great outside patio and stage. There was a DJ playing the jams but we didn’t stay long enough to fully appreciate his talent. This plas has a good vibe. The staff was friendly and helpful, allowing us to sample till we could lock in our choice. Hot dog stand in the street out front. They also have their own appetizers to choose from. Definitely check it out.

Daniel Bee
Daniel Bee

Really good beer! I was surprised the staff was not too friendly as I was coming from far though but enjoyed the beer. Ambiance is good. They have a nice terrasse outside as well.

Dan Nitake
Dan Nitake

One of my new favorite places as a local. Unassuming, private parking, really good beer. And really good pupu food. The cole slaw was really good after a mtb ride as were the tacos. She even gave us another salad after complementing her recipe. Very friendly. Not mobbed. Sorry I havent gone there sooner. I like darker beers like ambers. They seem to be hard to come by, but their red ale was quite good. They normally have a stout which I can do a blend. Didnt ask. A bunch of mtbrs there too. My new post ride fave now

S
Stephen Rendon

12/14/22 got a quick beer drink and a sando. mushroom panini was the best. im guessing the owner of the joint said he gets the mushroom at the far west fungi. another co. which this joint associates with. if your a vege or a mushroom lover try it out. west coast beers was good too.

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About Shanty Shack

How to get there

138 Fern St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Aptos, CA 95060

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Highlights

Highly Rated
4.8/5 stars
💬
Many Reviews
287 reviews
💰
Budget Friendly
Price level
👨‍🍳
bar
Cuisine type

Restaurant Info

Status
Verified by owner
🕐 Hours Today
3-10PM
Rating
4.8/5
💬 Reviews
287
💰 Price Level
$
📞 Phone
+1 831-316-0800
🌐 Website
www.shantyshackbrewing.com
📋 Menu
View Menu

Amenities

Wheelchair Accessible
💳 Credit Cards
📱 Mobile Payments
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The Neighborhood

Location

138 Fern St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Aptos, CA 95060

📍 Explore the Neighborhood

Weather
12°
Weather updated hourly · Jobs and events refreshed daily
Harvey West Park

park in Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America

A 507m
Holy Cross Church

church building in Santa Cruz, California

A 828m
mission de santa cruz Heritage

mission in Santa Cruz, California

A 911m
Grant Park

park in Santa Cruz County, California, United States of America

A 956m
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