East End GastroPub: The much-needed newest addition to Kings Plaza Shopping Center

In the spirit of "neighborhood research" we decided a trip to East End Gastropub was in order. 

Open for less than two weeks we were excited to see what the owners of West End Tap had in store for Capitola.  As it stands, Angel and I are HUGE fans of West End Tap. Two words: Salmon Board.  If you’re regulars of this hip eatery located at the end of Mission St you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

Our first trip to East End actually turned out to be hugely unsuccessful.  Maybe we were trying to be ambitious showing up at 7:30 on a Thursday evening; but once we were actually able to FIND the place, there was an hour wait for a party of 4.  With kids in tow, we decided our neighborhood research could wait another day.  

Don't Get Lost

I sure hope East End owners will contact Google and get their map updated. (Hint, hint.) But, in the meantime, East End Gastropub is located right across from the Cinelux inside the shopping center, tucked on a corner next to Palace Art and Office Supply and Flying Crane Massage.  Massage, Craft Beer, and Office supplies; Anyone? If you Google map yourself to 1501 38th Ave or 1501 41st Ave (depending on where you’re pulling your directions), you’ll end up driving up and down 38th Ave. There’s no signage for the new Gastropub on 38th Ave or 41st Ave.

Despite the lack of signage and proper Google directions, this new eatery doesn’t seem to be having a problem drawing in business. Our second attempt was for an early dinner at 4pm on Friday evening. We were a party of 5 and were seated right away. We timed it just right, because over the course of the next hour, the place filled up quite quickly. 

The Menu (No pictures! We are that family that puts away our phones at dinner!)

Angel and I ordered the Goat Cheese & Bacon pizza, lamb chop (small plate), and brussel sprouts (small plate.)  The brussel sprouts were undeniably both of our favorites. Portions were plenty as we went home with 1/2 of the pizza for leftovers.   Our oldest ordered a hamburger.  Her french fries were crispy and seasoned well. The two small kids ordered from the kids options ($8): chicken tenders and a cheese pizza.  Food Hack Alert: The kids cheese pizza is a full pizza pie. It easily would have fed both our 6 and 8 year old.  

Miscellaneous, but important details

The two bathrooms were very clean and one even had a baby changing station.  Although we are no longer in need of a changing station, most of our friends, family, and clients do still have babies in tow. Service was great.  From the hostess to the wait and bus staff, everyone was very friendly and on-point.

4 Stars

I give this place 4 out of 5 stars. I would love to see a flight of wine offered.  After all, they do offer two beer samplers. With a great selection of wines, it would be great to be able to order a tasting flight.  Will we go out of our way to return?  I'm not sure. It's equally distant for us to head to East End or West End, and I do love that Salmon Board. 

Aimee Thayer-Garcia is a Real Estate Broker Associate at Bailey Properties. She is Top-Producing Agent and practices Real Estate full time with her husband, Angel Garcia. Mom of 3.  831-435-9146. ATGarcia@BaileyProperties.com

Use your Tax Return to take years off your Mortgage

T-minus 38 days and counting until the IRS deadline for filing Tax Returns.


With the various credits and deductions related to housing, children, and retirement contributions, most people we know are fortunate enough to receive a sizable return every year. I'm always curious to see where people spend their tax refund.

Does the money go to pay down debt, fund the next family vacation, or finance the bathroom
remodel?


I always encourage clients, friends, and family to make an extra mortgage payment once that refund arrives.  I'll be the first to admit it doesn't seem very glamorous or exciting to make an extra mortgage payment.   Why would anyone do that when they could spend the week on a tropical beach in an exotic locale?  There's no instant gratification in making an extra mortgage payment, no box that arrives with Amazon Prime tape, and no girls weekend in the City.


You make the payment and then move on.  The reward may not come until much later, but I promise it will be sweet.  You see, making ONE extra payment a year will save you about FOUR+ years in mortgage payments.


Let's break down the basic math.

Assume you have a $500,000 30 year mortgage with a 4.0% interest rate. Your payment is about $2,387 a month. Make one extra payment with your tax refund and you will reduce your mortgage by 4 years, 2 months and save over $58,000 in interest.

Now what would you do with an extra 4 years of NO mortgage payments?

Aimee Thayer-Garcia is a Real Estate Broker Associate at Bailey Properties. She is Top-Producing Agent and practices Real Estate full time with her husband, Angel Garcia. Mom of 3.  831-435-9146. ATGarcia@BaileyProperties.com