GETAWAYS • Santa Cruz
The Skinny: Opened in 2019, Bad Animal is a used bookstore, natural wine bar, and restaurant in Downtown Santa Cruz. Owned by Jess LoPrete and Andrew Sivak, the concept has been a hit for Santa Cruzans, who tend to seek out unique, lo-fi experiences. Since opening, they’ve played with various formats in the kitchen, starting with Chef Todd Parker (who left and started Bookie’s “Detroit-ish” Pizza within Sante Adairius Midtown Portal up the road).
After his departure, they switched to a chef-in-residence concept, but then in January, hired Nick Hahn (former chef de cuisine at local Thai spot Hanloh) to take the helm, fresh off a year at LA’s lauded n/naka.