Michael’s on Main
2591 Main Street
Soquel, CA 95073
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Contact: Special Events Coordinator
Phone: 831/479-9777
www.michaelsonmain.net
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Why We Like This Place
Where do the Santa Cruz “locals” go when they want a superlative meal in a relaxed, attractive setting? To Michael’s on Main, the hottest bistro in one of the area’s most desirable locales. The buzz grew fast upon Michael’s auspicious opening, and they were quickly voted “Best New Restaurant of 2002” by The Good Times Newspaper. The good news doesn’t end there—not only can you patronize this gustatory gem for great food and drink, but you can also take advantage of their delightful creekside facilities when planning your next special event.
Michael’s makes its home in a wooden A-frame building, set back from Main Street against the lush bank of Soquel Creek. With the understated elegance of a place that knows it’s cool and so doesn’t need to broadcast it, the décor at Michael’s is tasteful, not flashy; earthy without being dull. The staff employs the acronym MOM (from Michael’s On Main) when referring to their restaurant, and this homey epithet heralds the friendly welcome you’ll feel from the moment you step onto the Front Patio. The Patio is a sheltered courtyard that boasts genuine teak furniture atop terracotta tiles, a stone fountain, and trailing bougainvillea—details that create a sociable, Old World ambiance. Bask in the Patio’s charms during an al fresco cocktail hour, then proceed to the adjoining Front Room for your reception. This comfortable, light-filled space features pinewood walls and double-tall picture windows. High, open ceiling beams frame a pair of skylights for natural illumination by day and a peek at the stars by night.
The heart of MOM is the lively Bar and Lounge, where regular patrons relax in oversized armchairs around a hearth, enjoying the vibrant color scheme and tree-filled view through the tall windows. But just beyond lies your private oasis: the Creekside Patio, an utterly enchanting spot for your wedding ceremony. A redwood gazebo decked in twinkle lights is perched at the terrace’s edge, while a graceful fringe of tree boughs enhances the view of the mossy creek bank. A mood of peaceful contentment overtakes guests as they observe this romantic tableau, and the babbling brook and lilting songbirds form a harmonious counterpoint to your musical accompaniment.
Another way to appreciate Soquel Creek is to have your ceremony or reception in the Fireside Room, where a wall of windows lets you dine alongside the flowing stream and a petite herb garden. This room is loaded with artistic touches, including a ruby-brick fireplace bejeweled with pillar candles.
Whether you choose Michael’s for an intimate rehearsal dinner or reserve the entire eatery for a lavish gala, the meal will be accompanied by a chorus of “mmms” and “ahhs.” Chef Michael Clark began his decades-long culinary career in upscale European venues, but at his own place he focuses on “cutting-edge comfort cuisine”—classics like pork chops or crab cakes, enhanced with exciting gastronomic twists. For Michael, it’s all in the details, and since he insists upon superior ingredients, he sources the freshest and best of everything through a variety of local specialty vendors. (Organic produce and outstanding gourmet cheeses are staples.) Bread is baked on the premises daily, and Michael’s is passionate about turning out exceptional desserts; their seasonal fresh fruit cobbler and ice creme sandwich simply knocked our socks off—in fact, everything we tried dazzled our tastebuds!
Michael’s is proud to be a certified green restaurant using organic produce and sustainable seafood.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 100 Max. Seated Outdoors: 120 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 250 Max. Seated Outdoors: 85 Max. Standing Indoors: 350 Max. Standing Outdoors: 125 |
Max. Seated: 250 |
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EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: Individual spaces in the restaurant hold 40–85 seated or 70–125 standing guests. Outdoor areas accommodate 85 seated or 125 standing. The entire restaurant can seat 250.
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Fees & Deposits
25% of the estimated event total is required to reserve your date and the balance is due 1 week prior to the event. There are no room rental fees if food and beverage minimums are met. Buffet receptions begin at $30/person. Seated dinners are also available. Tax, alcohol and an 18% service charge are additional, as is a $500 ceremony fee. A $2.50/slice cake-cutting fee may apply. A buyout of the entire restaurant is available for large events.
Availability
Year-round, daily, 10am–midnight. Earlier hours may be arranged.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedBYO w/ Corkage Fee Location UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided, no BYOKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: yes Bride’s Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: CBA or BYO Parking: large lot or on-street Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: pay phones Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQs Cleanup: provided View: Soquel Creek Other: event coordination
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Amplified MusicIndoorsOutdoors w/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsCreek/RiverGarden Garden Patio/Courtyard Venue TypeBanquet Hall/Events FacilityRestaurant RestrictionsAlcohol: provided, $10/bottle corkage for WCSmoking: outside only Music: amplified OK with volume limits Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: not required Other: no pets, rice, birdseed, glitter or open flames
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