hit up super taqueria off main st is damn good for a quick bite to eat. Also there is the corralitos meat market you should hit up which is more in freedom but still not too much out of the way in watsonville area and get a tri tip sandwhich from here and go out side and just chill and eat on the benches. Also Aldama's Carniceria Y Market‎ next to the swap meat is hella good. I cant find a fuckin meat market around modesto that slices the skirt steak like the guy does it there. He adds 1 can of beer,onions then has this big thing of teriyaki seasoning he dumps into the meat and spins the bag adds some air to it and adds a twist tie and your good to go. Let it maranate over night before eating and man o man is it bomb. Also Green Valley Grill is pretty decent off green valley Rd for decent burgers and all around american food. For a good sub sandwich You can also hit up Erik's Deli which is on the tale end of Green Valley Rd by the movie theater closest to Hwy 1. Cilantros is another good place to grub for mexican food. Its the sister restaraunt to El Palomar in downtown santa cruz although I prefer el palomar but the chips are hella good at both places. Jalisco's Restaraunt is another good one but it depends on the time you go. Shit There is so many. I would even add Mi Pueblo Market on there off freedom Blvd cause there Hot Deli has some bomb ass foods from Super Burritos to Carnitas. Also the Wooden Nickel bar and Grill is hella good. Hard to spot though, its right next door to the liquor store on the corner of green valley rd and freedom blvd and shares the parking lot with the liquor store. Also the seating inside can get jam packed during rush hours which is pretty much breakfast and lunch time and then you will be standing for a seat but its worth the wait. Thats all I can think of for now I am sure I will think of more lol I worked in this town for 3 years and my boss and co workers were always taking us out to eat. Home town is santa cruz before you ask why such a long post lol.
**EDIT**
A Well Worth mention if your willing to make a 15min drive down the road is
"Manuel's Mexican Restaurant" I lived literally about a block away from this place and the smell alone was torture lol. I would vote it one of the best authentic mexican restarunts in santa cruz county followed closely by el palomar. On the weekends it was always jam packed. I am sure someone her can vouch for this place besides me.