43 Best Bars in Santa Barbara

“Food is fantastic and so delicious!“

“Hello Page Administrator, We regret to inform you that your page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to violations of our trademark rights. This decision has been made after careful consideration and in compliance with our user protection policies. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or wish to contest this decision, please contact us through our page: Mike be Best regards, Mike_bee“

“This bar is a gem. I had three cocktails over two visits that each impressed me. One even converted me to mezcal! The staff were helpful and knowledgeable and helped me make good choices; my advice is to go for the slightly risky thing because it’s likely to pay off. Also, the olives are *amazing*.“

“Beautiful place, amazing staff and delicious food and drinks! I definitly recommend.“

“Took our youngest for her 16th and the staff was exceptional, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was delicious! Thank you!“

“Great service, delicious food and nice atmosphere. The guys who was playing guitar on a street was fantastic 🤗!“

“I love the Crocodile Restaurant!! I found this place last year when I was asked to perform for a birthday there. I knew it would be the right atmosphere for my vocal entertainment. I'm there every THURSDAY & FRIDAY night! (5:30-7:30) I sing mostly romantic songs but change it up for the kids to enjoy the fun of live music. I love taking requests to make the evening what the guests want it to be. The extensive food menu as well as the variety on the song menu make this restaurant a really cool place.“

“Love this spot! We come as often as we can when we’re in town. Such a welcoming and chill atmosphere. Tanya and her staff are all wonderful people. They take care of you and are all so friendly and make you feel like you’re family. Highly recommend going by for a quick one or two!“

“Authentic, and a pleasant surprise.“

“First of all, being an out of towner & putting down roots for the next 2 years….Alice made us feel like we were home!!! Right out the gate! Popcorn, watermelon & the best pours!!! I’m telling you, the Ambiance is you & what you do with the time you’re there❤️🦋🍸🍹🍺🥃“

“Perfect place for a night out! The Bobcat Room is like a more elevated version of Wildcat, offering craft cocktails and a higher end, cat themed atmosphere. Overall, it’s a great place to begin your night out and the Wildcat dance floor is right next door.“

“There are a LOT of options at the deli that are filling- my favorite is the box of an entree + 2 sides. They usually have 3-4 vegan entrees (one tofu, a couple faux meats, there was a vegan spanakopita when I went) and 3-4 vegan sides available (fingerling potatoes, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc). This box is only 9$! I love that they don't upcharge for vegan options (buying animal meat costs 3 extra dollars!) like most other places do. The grocery store itself also has a wide array of vegan foods you might not come by elsewhere, despite it being pricier. The sandwiches are also great, filling, and flavorful. I enjoyed the smoky TTLA; there was a super delicious and flavorful vegan garlic aioli on it. I haven't tried the pizza at this specific location but pizza from whole foods has generally been pretty good and you can veganize any of them although it'll be a bit of a wait. Generally, the food is really yummy and well-priced for a filling vegan meal, as well as quick and easy if you're not waiting on a pizza.“

“We stayed at the Agave Inn down the street and walked to find something to eat. Uptown Lounge came up with great reviews, including “best”” fries”, so we checked it out. Awesome bartender, recommended a nice tap beer and the fries were the “best”. My husband loved his crispy wings. Check it out you won’t be disappointed.“

“We did our wedding afterparty at Studio and it was such a fever dream and incredible night! The owners and staff were soo accommodating and worked so hard to make sure we were having a great time!

We were able to book the outdoor area for our guests and they also gave us our own bar / bartender! At multiple points, they came up to me to let me know that anyone who wanted to dance could just come into the main room and really took care of us the entire night!

They even got us on the bar to dance and also gave us a sparkler / sparkling wine and it was just soooo much fun! We closed the place out!!!!“

“Truly excellent people and wine“

“Looking forward to some more live music and a nice selection of whiskey. The bartenders here are super cool ! also , the location is great !“

“ambience and stuff are very friendly. food tastes amazing 😋👌 good non alcoholic beverages 🍹🧋“

“We stayed at Hotel Santa Barbara for a wonderful weekend to take in the sights. To conclude an amazing night on state street, we came to get a nightcap from our lobby bar.

What really made the evening special was our bartender, Anthony. He was fantastic—friendly, engaging, and genuinely passionate about his craft. He took the time to chat with us about drink ideas, listened to what we liked, and created some truly amazing cocktails tailored just for us. Every sip was a little masterpiece; creative, balanced, and far beyond what we expected from a hotel lobby bar. Whether you’re into classics or want something inventive, they deliver.

We loved the whole experience: the historic-inspired setting, the thoughtful service, and those standout drinks that turned a casual stop into a memorable date night. If you’re in downtown Santa Barbara, 1926 is an absolute must-visit for a relaxing evening sip. Highly recommend—especially if Anthony is behind the bar!

Also I noticed another review mentioning being overcharged for a drink. I’ve included a picture of my bill and the menu to ensure transparency for future visitors. Our experience was grand and the prices for drinks are very competitive for the area.“

“I’ll be honest. I could have eaten anything in Santa Barbara. I hadn’t eaten anything since 9am and it was 5pm when I arrived in Santa Barbara. I walked one mile away because of the great things I heard about Jill’s Place. And you know what? I was not disappointed! I was stoked and impressed greatly 🥰😁 I had two wonderful, dazzling, and sweet waitresses (lucky me!). I was served a yummy chicken breast sandwich and it was the best one I had ever! No seriously! It wasn’t too salty and the bread was golden brown and ready to be munched on. The tator tots had the perfect texture. It’s almost as I had food from some amazing restaurant, which, hello, I did 😅 The place was packed, since it was Fiesta, but I imagine it always is. It sucks I live 45 minutes from this great establishment. The atmosphere was fun and a little country, but I love that. It’s casual, and not some elegant place like Lucky’s is. I’d still show up in a suit, if I could and would. Definitely check this place out and ask for the two blonde sisters who work there. They’ll dazzle you with their charm and diction 😉 Hope to be back again one day!“

“Cooney’s at the Public Market is an easy 5 stars. The service is always great, they have a great selection of beers, and the atmosphere is awesome. It’s a fun, welcoming place to hang out, grab a drink, and enjoy being social. Highly recommend!“

“We were exploring Santa Barbara and were strolling down main street, looking for a place to have a cocktail. We saw this place had plenty of people both inside and out so we decided to check it out. It is an upscale establishment, but that does not stop many people from stopping in. Are bartender made excellent cocktails.“

“I gotta say it was my first time trying the food I order yaters meal it was a grilled chicken sammich with the toppings and the Caesar salad with shaved parmesan cheese with croutons and fries with ranch. It was soo delishhhhhh!!! I highly recommend you give it a whirl. Follow Your Taste Buds!!!!“

“We have we our company holiday lunch the attention was excellent as the service all the staff is super friendly el señor the Manager Marciano is awesome 👏 Felipe as well I highly recommended this place and the food and drinks just awesome 👏👏👏👏was a great time“

“I literally cant say enough about this place..... The bartenders were super nice, the atmosphere has a great vibe and the karaoke was awesome fun! The DJ was organized, he interacted with the crowd and was super friendly. Not to mention the patrons were all so nice... everybody claps and cheers for you, if I lived there I would be there every week, for sure! Cant wait to go back!“

“A rare gem in Santa Barbara. A friendly bar with billiards and a smoker's terrace. Very good beers and a charming atmosphere, a bit out of time. The staff is friendly and helpful. For a real change of scenery, it is a place not to be missed.“

“**Title: A Charming Spot with Delicious Eats!**

Lucky Penny is an absolute delight! From the moment I entered, the cozy, welcoming atmosphere made me feel right at home. The menu features a fantastic array of comfort food, and everything I tried was bursting with flavor. The breakfast options are particularly standout, especially the fluffy pancakes and perfectly brewed coffee. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure a great experience. Whether you're stopping by for breakfast or brunch, Lucky Penny is a must-visit!“

“Just to inform you that the name Dutch is the English name for the language and the inhabitants of the Netherlands. They are called the Dutch, and the language spoken is Dutch. There is nothing Dutch about the food. It’s more traditional German food, so maybe rename the restaurant Deutsch.
And the language and culture are not the same.“

“Great location, good food, but do NOT order limoncello. It is their own production they say. But tastes like bad wodka. For the rest we will be back. Piet & Annette“

“Friendly, inviting, relaxed atmosphere. The best wings around by far. We love Mel and her staff! 🍻“

“We desperately needed an Irish Coffee, and not only did James Joyce deliver, we've already gone back for seconds and plan to make this a frequent stop!Would highly recommend! Friendly bartender, security, and easily one of the best Irish Coffees in Santa Barbara.“

“Alex is the best! Food is great, and the service is amazing.“

“sumptuous food. great beers and wine. a favorite place to meet old neighborhood friends every time I visit!“

“Great food and better drinks!! 🥃“

“some good shows and supports local punk rock“

“Stopped by after a local recommended this place and it was well with the stop for drinks and a great snack! We had frose, burgers and tacos and everything was so delish! We especially liked that it was dog friendly and had a puppy menu! 🐾“

“It's a bit non-sensical to say a restaurant that's been there since 1956 could be a hidden gem. But, that is the case. Tucked away in a strip mall next to a nail salon with the tallest snake plants I've ever seen is Tee Off. It's kinda' Musso and Franks little brother. Harry Bosch would be right at home with red leather booths, dim lights and food from a different era. If you're over 60 you gotta go here. If your under 60 you won't understand how I gave the ambulance a 5 but you'll dig the food and service.

This was a splurge dinner for Jacki and I but it is possible to have a very satisfying meal and keep it under $30. We went the other direction...

Jacki went for the New York and I the Rack of Lamb. Both cuts were perfect. My medium rare lamb was perfectly done. Jacki's medium steak was a little, stress little, underdone. All entrees come with choice of soup or salad, potatoes or rice and veggies. Nicely done. I had a beautiful salad and Jacki had a spectacular prime rib soup. Very satisfying meal. Very large portions on the entree. Rack and a half on the lamb and steak had to be 12oz or more. Accompanied by a bottle of Jordan Cab ... a perfect pairing.

We loved the meal and just being there. treat yourself. Ask for Suzie. Service was 10².“

“Guest in town and after time at the Natural History museum decided to try out their Seafood Sunday event. Reality was just a seafood special - this time shrimp ceviche. The shrimp were plump in a tomato based served with crisps. Also ordered the tuna poke, which was more of a chopped tuna versus the hand cut cubes I have experienced in the past. Recommend the brocollini served with parmesean. Drinks were tasty and was informed of happy hour that I will put on my calendar to experience. Manager came out and greeted us making the experience even more personal and welcoming.“

“Craving some pizza but hubby wanted Mexican. The public market was the best choice. The pizza was delish. I got the four seasons. The dough was very good. Not dry. Not too thick or thin. Just right. We are the whole thing even though we asked for a to go box.“

“Great food, drinks, and desserts.“

“We stopped in over the Fourth of July for the first time and were very pleased by the relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the beet salad and chicken scallopini and both were excellent. I initially thought $20 was rather high for a salad, but it was one of the best salads I'd ever had. The chicken scallopini with side of mashed potatoes was wonderful. I thought the chicken scallopini was very similar to chicken piccata, but it went perfectly with the seasoned mashed potatoes. The broccoli rabe was okay but wasn't my favorite. We also ordered the fried calamari which was delicious. My daughter's gem salad looked delicious, but they forgot to add the requested shrimp. My son's maccheroni bolognese was tasty, but the pasta was very al dente and should have been cooked a little longer. Everything was very nice except for the country music. Soft jazz would have been more appropriate, but I'm sure we'll be back because of the excellent food.“

“Had the pleasure of attending a bday day celebration here. New to the city, always a bit nervous going to new places, but from the person at the door, bartender, staff and the owners of the pop up food provider, everyone was warm and welcoming and helped me navigate with ease. Speaking of the pop up food provider, the food from Mylestone BBQ was on point. I had the burnt ends and ribs which were very tasty. Others at the table also enjoyed the trip tip. There was another wedding party in attendance, but everyone was so nice and social. The drag performers were fun and interacted with the crowd effortlessly and the dj had the people on their feet. Highly recommend 👌“

“A wonderful place to meet friends for a delightful bite to eat“

“Good food and friendly wait staff.“