Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar

Dang! The Tom Yum with chicken was just perfect - I was surprised to see how well it traveled to-go. My order was ready in no time, staff were friendly. I’ll look forward to another visit!

Tomyum noodle with side if chilli…it was soooo goood! Loved it !

This place is bomb. Tom yum noodle and drunken! Oh my god! Just blew my mind!

Great pad thai!

I had a very disappointing experience at Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar in Santa Barbara. The Pad Thai I ordered was one of the worst I’ve ever had — lacking flavor and freshness. Service was extremely slow, and the staff were inattentive and unprofessional, which made the experience even worse. The overall atmosphere and service quality did not match the standards you’d expect from a place in this area. On top of that, we were pressured into leaving an unusually high tip, which felt very uncomfortable. Definitely not a place I would recommend or return to.

The Empty Bowl has been one of my favorite spots for a long time. Whether it was grabbing lunch during work, dinner during my college days at Westmont, or just a casual lunch with friends, it has always been one of those go-to places that never disappoint. The food is consistently good, and the prices are fair for the quality and amount you get. The Drunken Noodle, Hangover Noodle, and Tom Yum Noodle are packed with flavor and the perfect amount of heat. You get a solid portion that usually leaves you feeling full, and if not, their dumplings, egg rolls, or even their seasonal wings are great add-ons to round out a satisfying meal.
Their Thai tea is definitely on the sweeter side, maybe a bit too sweet at times, but it pairs perfectly with the spice from the noodles and helps balance everything out. It is one of those combos that just works. The place is always busy, with the staff moving fast in such a tight space, but they still manage to keep things flowing smoothly. And being in the Santa Barbara Public Market adds to the whole vibe. It is a fun, social area that is always clean and full of energy. If you have not been to The Empty Bowl yet, do yourself a favor and go. It is the kind of spot that becomes a regular in your rotation once you try it.

‘OMG Leslie kept seating all night, bro.’
~ I think some other person made the comment that the people who are supposed to be like serving us, or whatever these 20-something’s’ job is, is hard to say. I received my food but no one checked on me.
I ordered mild…, it’s MISSING SALT & No One has checked on me! But they’re standing Right in Front of me talking g about how late they left. Tall blonde streak guy didn’t leave till 9:40pm!! Blonde streak lady with the nose ring didn’t get me the salt I asked for. She had time to chat with the tall guy, lean on the to-go table, & do a little boogie in front of the other woman. Now, the long hair darned complexion woman got me the salt right after I asked. Kudos to her.

Ummmm helloooooo I’m Right Heeeere…..

And, I’m a woman who decided to dine alone. They brought the couple their waters first. They didn’t offer me any. I had to ask. Then, he brought theirs before he even started the ice into my glass….. smh.

Btw I only spent under $20 because I didn’t buy a drink.

This place is great get the hangover with beef!

Delicious! Very fresh. Quick service. Little pricey but would expect it for the food market feel.

Amazing pad see ew within the public market. Extremely flavoursome and made fresh. My pick of all the eateries within the broader market

The food is alright, but NEVER come here during their busy hours. I ordered one dish and waited for 35 minutes.

The best Thai in SB. Limited but VERY good menu. Locals fave. In The Public Market, seating at the bar - if you can get it. If not, you will receive your food in take out containers to eat in the public areas of the market or take home.

Just terrible. Ordered Pancit noodle. Almost $20. Worst Thai food I’ve ever eaten.

The food quality consistently excels, both exceptional flavor and expeditious preparation. My takeout order was completed within 15 minutes, despite the high volume of customers.

The spicy powder is indeed spicy. Plenty of fish sauce in the long boat broth.