39 Best Cocktail Bars in Santa Barbara

“Paloma absolutely delivered an excellent dining experiences in Santa Barbara.

The crispy cauliflower was the perfect start—light, flavorful, and honestly hard to stop eating. The steak frites was cooked beautifully and packed with flavor, exactly what you hope for when you order it. And the panna cotta to finish… incredible. Smooth, balanced, and the kind of dessert you remember after you leave.

What really elevated the night was the service. Linda took amazing care of us—attentive, warm, and genuinely on top of everything without ever feeling overbearing.

Great food, great atmosphere, and outstanding service. We’ll definitely be back.“

“Wonderful place for dinner and a drink. Relatively small menu but the food is fabulous. Carnitas street tacos, smash burger, Korean wings, brussel sprouts - all were excellent. Service is on point and pretty much any drink in the book is available and well made. My only knock, and it has more to do with my age than anything, is that the music is a tad loud when trying to hold a dinner conversation. I have been there twice now and will definitely be back. Highly recommend.“

“I logged in and happened to notice that this place had a 4.3 rating, and I thought to myself how absurd that is. This restaurant is nothing short of wonderful - from the location, to the ingredients, to the drinks/vibe. Also sneaky has some of the best desserts in Santa Barbara (that Pavlova!). Compliments to the owners for keeping up the quality and experience for over a decade.“

“Food is fantastic and so delicious!“

“That is the speak easy spot to be in Santa Barbara. Matt our fantastic bartender served us signatures cocktails and they have the best deep fried pickles in North America. From the Canucks who appreciate California’s hospitality, we seriously want to make you our 11th province! Cheers!

Steeve“

“Authentic, and a pleasant surprise.“

“Food was fantastic. We tried the tuna melt and Wagyu burger. The burger was fresh and so flavorful. Not a frozen patty. My husband and I are local and enjoyed a nice lunch with a great view of the harbor and beautiful Santa Barbara mountains. It took a while to be seated, get our table cleaned and pay our bill… they seemed a bit understaffed for the size of the lunch crowd on a gorgeous sunny January afternoon. One of the servers was wearing casual clothing and could’ve been a bit more professionally dressed as a server. But the food came out fast and tasted amazing and the view was perfect and was a great price value. I highly recommend trying Gracie‘s if you are visiting Santa Barbara and want to be near the waterfront and boat activities. Very large outdoor patio with lots of great seating. It would be a great location for celebrating a special occasion or birthday.“

“Tonight for delicious dinner, great specials,great service!👍🌈“

“Good cocktails and a nice place to relax especially for Friday Happy Hours.“

“The Cliff Room, located at 1828 Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood, has been a cherished local bar since 1980. 

Under the ownership of Scott Hail, the establishment has garnered praise for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. 

Patrons appreciate the bar’s post-COVID makeover, which has enhanced its cleanliness and comfort, making it a place where even families feel at ease. 

The Cliff Room offers a variety of entertainment options, including a jukebox, pool tables, and karaoke nights on Thursdays, contributing to its lively and engaging environment. 

While the bar does not serve food, its reasonable drink prices and friendly staff make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Santa Barbara experience. 

Operating hours are Monday through Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM. “

“Ashley was an amazing bartender! The pocket full of parrots was absolutely amazing!! Best cocktail I've been had! My sister had the summer spritz and it was delicious as well. Highly recommend this joint!“

“Amazing dinner and experience!! Our waiter Dan and his staff were very professional, knowledgeable and accommodating. We eat out often but this experience will definitely stand out and we will be back. We went to celebrate our 20 Year Wedding Anniversary and everyone made us feel special from the minute we walked in. Food was amazing and unique and the views spectacular!!“

“Awesome Tiki bar. Super fun cocktails 🍹 with fantastic presentation.“

“I love Sunday nights on the Rooftop from 5-9 ❤️😍 🌅“

“If you're looking to make a lasting impression on your special someone, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. With its refined ambiance, exquisite cuisine, and impressive wine selection, it offers a truly exceptional dining experience. Having had the pleasure of dining at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, I can confidently attest that this one stands out from the rest. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by beautiful gardens and breathtaking views, leading to private bungalows. The staff's warm hospitality and welcoming smiles further enhance the experience. For a truly unforgettable high-end dining experience, this venue is an absolute must.“

“Miracle in the funk zone is the reason that I tried Pearl Social but I will be back to enjoy this neat little spot!“

“Loved Haley!!! We had great conversations!!“

“We love the atmosphere and bartender are AMAZING❤️🏳️‍🌈❤️“

“Ensaladas y mariscos en realidad todo está riquísimo“

“Cocktails here were top-notch. Enjoyed both the espresso martini (Stefani) and the last word (1925). We ordered some focaccia bread to nibble on to balance out our drinks and were stunned when we received a full loaf along with some bougie butter.“

“Food was great! We tried the sweet breads- my favorite, lobster gnocchi-daughters fave, ramen-good, scallops-super lite and fresh, and the catch of the day-very tasty. The amazing menu doesn’t necessarily lend itself to picky kid eaters (my son) but he loved the catch of the day with the sauce on the side. The food took a while as they were pretty busy so the manager comp’d 2 desserts which were both spectacular! We will be back!!“

“Hi I enjoyed it very much thank“

“Dusk Bar at the Drift Hotel is hands-down one of the best spots in Santa Barbara to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere. The space itself is beautiful—open, modern, and airy during the day, then intimate and moody at night. It manages to feel both elevated and approachable, making it perfect whether you’re stopping in for a quick happy hour or settling in for the evening.

We tried - The Picante Amante, Dapper Dave, La Adelita, and Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em were all phenomenal—balanced, bold, and beautifully crafted.

Goose and Shiloh, behind the bar, were absolute masters. Their artistry transformed each cocktail into a sensory experience. Their craftsmanship made every sip feel intentional and the evening memorable. Goose and Shiloh are not only skilled mixologists but also genuinely personable and welcoming. They take the time to connect with guests and make you feel like a regular even on your first visit.

We will be back soon!“

“Friendly staff. Great Happy Hour specials.“

“We were there late afternoon, in time for the happy hour menu (nice selection) we actually sat at the bar in the dining area, very nice atmosphere. Our waiter was excellent, beside servicing our needs, his job was preparing all the oyster dishes for the tables... fresh and grilled. We had a few of the grilled upon his suggestion, the oysters were excellent... done just right with butter and garlic. We ordered off the HH menu, and were not disappointed. Would definitely return... now on our favorite list of food eateries in the SB area. And the mixed drinks 👌.“

“This place rocks! This small intimate environment allows for everyone to feel closer to the performer and close to their friends. Singing, dancing and drinks what more could you want for a great night out? I will come again and every time I am in SB.“

“Never had tapas like these! Loved it! So sad we live in Europe…would go there everyday! It was soooo jummy!“

“Great ramen and ambiance 🍜 ♥️“

“Intermezzo by Wine Cask is a true gem! The restaurant boasts a stunning atmosphere with gorgeous decor and perfectly set lighting, creating a wonderful ambiance. The service we received was truly phenomenal – our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience even better. We tried the pizza, fries, and chicken, and each dish was outstanding. The quality of the food was evident, and everything tasted incredible. This was an amazing experience, and we can't wait to return. Highly recommend!“

“Delicious Margaritas - Amazing food and service. 5 ⭐️“

“My husband and I stopped in for some drinks but ended up staying for some delicious appetizers and games. The service was 10/10 and the atmosphere was great. This would definitely be a regular stop of mine if we were local to Santa Barbara. Thanks for a great time!“

“Wine tasting in a relax, low key, fun place. Excellent wines. Our server explained all the wines to us. We enjoyed the meat and cheese board. It was very relaxing and not rushed. The bathrooms are very clean. They had bottles for sale and a little shop. Pleasant atmosphere.“

“Excellent food and a great beer and alcohol selection. Detroit style pizzas, excellent salads, happy hour specials and nice outdoor seating. It can get loud inside with big parties, and it can be loud outside with mesa traffic so plan accordingly.“

“We visited Marisella for Valentine’s Day dinner and were fortunate to secure an 8:45 p.m. reservation. From the moment you pull into the circular drive for valet at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, the experience feels elevated. After being directed through the property to the back where the restaurant is located, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly at a table that was ready and waiting for us.

For Valentine’s Day, they offered a curated four-course menu rather than à la carte ordering. The courses were well executed and thoughtfully paced. I have a fruit allergy, and the staff was very mindful of that, which I appreciated. Accommodations were handled professionally without making it feel like an inconvenience.

Service was somewhat mixed. Our primary waitress seemed informal and borderline overwhelmed throughout the evening. In contrast, the support staff—runners, bussers, and cocktail servers—were polished, attentive, and proactive. At times, they felt more engaged than our assigned server.

The food itself was excellent. Everything we had was flavorful and well presented. The wine list was strong, which is not surprising given the property’s location and reputation. There are plenty of higher-end selections available. The exclusive cocktail menu, however, is fairly small. They can certainly make anything you request, but if you are hoping for a large selection of signature house cocktails, you may find it limited.

Overall, it was a very good experience, especially for a major holiday evening. I would absolutely return and look forward to visiting again on a non-holiday night to see how the restaurant performs under more typical conditions.“

“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.“

“No kitchen, but restaurants and Ralph’s are in the same shopping mall. Nice people, reasonable prices. More a local hangout, which I look forward to. If in the area search “dive bars near me.” It will come up. It’s a nice place, just not a tourist stop. Clean and friendly. I’ll be back next time I’m in town.“

“Saint Remy is a cute little spot connected to the Marriott on State St, the restaurant area has such a fun and beachy atmosphere I loved it! I had some yummy poolside drinks and food, and the service was great! Definitely one of my new favorite spots.“

“love this place, great atmosphere and i love how they have games or you can bring your own!“

“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! 🐾“