Bites Nearby: Carpo's

I'm told is the family place in Soquel. After youth soccer, graduation or a high school play, the line at Carpo's reaches the door. In sleepy Soquel, it makes sense. It's close to the school and residential neighborhoods, and, most importantly, the food is good.

Carpo's is the kind of place you might see on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. There's a mix of the classic diner mystique with a hint of local idiosyncrasy, making the place, oh, so Santa Cruz County. Where else are you going to find a diner with jicama in its salad bar?

The Drill
While Carpo's is a sit-down joint, you still have to order at the front. Check out the overhead menu as you wait in line, so you don't get to the register unprepared. The person who takes your order will give you a remote buzzer that will let you know when your food is ready.

The Food
Carpo's food is classic: burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fish sandwiches, calamari, fish and chips, etc. The kicker is that everything is homemade, and while there is certainly a grease factor, you can tell it's not canned grease.

The Recommendation
The salad bar is award-winning, so go for that. The spread is impressive, and the dressings are all made on site. The Carpo Burger, which comes on ciabatta bread, is a classic. The shrimp and crab sandwich is nice and simple, but still flavorful. Also, the homemade pies are highly touted.