Sea Breeze Tavern,Rio Del Mar comes to life

Sea Breeze Tavern,Rio Del Mar

The venerable of Sea Breeze Tavern is back in action in Rio Del Mar, Aptos Ca. This old landmark, albeit unattractive, has been put back into service. Having a long history from probably the early 20’s as a sales office for the Rio Del Mar development, it has been a bar or restaurant for probably most of its life.

I knew it as a biker dive bar in the 80’s and it was run by the owner Georgia Derber. The place had grown rough and was reportedly shut down because too many bar fights.

The place has recently been opened after being shuttered since the late 80’s.I remember looking at it, thinking that some time I’d buy the ugly green building and repaint it. I think Pat, the owner of the Café Rio at that time, had a big hand in getting it painted beige while Georgia was still alive. My angst of the big ugly green block was over after that, and I never bought the building. It was purchased about 2005 and has been renovated, though you wouldn’t know it from the looks. Martha Stewart wont’ get jealous, but many old locals will find it much the same. They still seem pretty true to form and have a nice old feeling.  After much run around from the county, they opened in late 2007.

The place is small up front; cozy if you will, with a bar and about 6 round tables. In back is a larger dark room, which I believe was the pool table room, where one can rent out the space for events. I’d guess it could hold maybe 50 people. There is a small stage back there and music is played.

They serve food, though limited to burgers and dogs; it is nice to have another venue in the Rio Del Mar flats. We had Angus beef burgers with blue cheese, which were good and they came with an organic spring greens mix salad. It was a first time there, and they are still working out the wrinkles as happens with any new business. While the business is new, it isn’t, but more about the history another time. Generally open after 4 week days to closing and probably noon on, on weekends. Call (831) 688-3420 or go to 101 Esplanade, Aptos, CA 95003. If you want to find a home close to here so you can walk or see the water, search here.

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