Rose Cafe

424 E Haley St, Santa Barbara
(805) 966-3773

Recent Reviews

Michael Neal Arnold

I really, really, miss this place. Sure hope they open back up soon!

Pamela S.

I was raised on the Rose Cafe. I have been eating there for 52 years, my parents, since 1959. I am so sad that they are closed and I keep hoping that they will reopen. We often drive an hour and a half to have an early lunch at the Rose and then head over to the Santa Barbara Zoo. So many amazing memories however what has kept a family coming back for over 60 years? THE FOOD of course. Hands down the best Mexican food we have ever had and let's just say my family has had a lot of Mexican food. In 1959 my dad graduated college in Nebraska, him and my mom packed up and moved to Santa Barbara where he purchased "Kirkpatrick's Auto Parts." He changed the name to "Cody's Auto Parts," and his weekly lunches at the Rose began. On the weekends he would take me to the Rose for my bean burrito! Hands down the Rose has the best taco chips and if you like spicy salsa you will fall in love. My dad always said you could tell how good the food would be by the chips and salsa! My dad passed away suddenly in 2001 however we have continued our family tradition of eating at the Rose. The owners even let me have a menu to bury with my dad. Please, please, someone in the family bring your amazing food back to SB!

charley48

Birthday party for husband and family, three generations. The food is always perfect. The best guacamole, fabulous salsa, green chili enchiladas, and my pastor tacos were so tasty. Thank you to all the staff, cooks snd all involved. Great time, again!!

Mindy Mckinney

The place was perfect for unwinding while enjoying the food. Also the servers were ever present to provide whatever we liked from their café menu. My husband was so happy with your service because you made the order exactly what we wanted.

Santino Morrison

I often take my friends to this place with my warmest recommendations. I visit this restaurant often. I get very good feedback from my friends. The meals are tasty and the crew is very friendly and cooperative. Whenever we eat in this place we have a cheerful time. I recommend this place with pleasure.

Johnmichael H.

What a great little find in Santa Barbara. We were able to eat outside safe and clean. The food was wonderful and the staff was so polite!!!! Can't wait to come back!!!!

Brian R.

Came to Santa Barbara for Father's Day today, was looking forward to eating brunch the Rose Cafe! They were closed at 10:30 AM! No sign, no nothing! Watched many other people come up and walk away disappointed! I have eaten here for over 40 years! Yes, I am old! A real shame if they truly have closed for good.

Tim A.

This lil place has been here forever. They recently did a real nice job giving it a fresh look. Unfortunetly i heard last week that they have closed for good. Hope that's not true!!

W S

I love this place. And there's always major rock stars eating lunch there.

Tracy B.

Im going to say that Rose Cafe has indeed gotten better lately. For a while the food was a bit geriatric and without any spice, but steadily we have found that each meal is downright perfection. Im not sure what they do to theie chile rellenos, but they should patent it. I haven't dound anywhere else that has such a perfect command of the chile relleno. A time consuming and messy task at home, I always include one in my order with that delightful and unique sauce. It is the same place its always been, with fresh flowers, and the charming old fashioned doors and bar seating. The waitresses are the friendliest in town, and the price is reasonable.

Michael Montenegro

#1 Mexican / Chicano restaurant in Santa Barbara, California. Most Historical as well.

Sarah D

Sooooo good. Excellent service, great coffee, outstanding chilaquiles

Mr Brown

This place hasn't change it only has gotten better . I'd forgotten what good Mexican beans , salsa , and pork tasted like . This is a old school Mexican restraunt still cooking good food and great service .

Scott H.

About 28 years ago we met some friends at the Rose Cafe on Hailey. What a classic prize back then! Our friends had been enjoying Rose on Hailey since the covered wagons rolled down Hailey. They always raved about the great food, and we could enjoy a nice ice cold beer with our dinner on a warm summer evening. We have been coming here for years as you know. Fresh paint, a major cleanup and a revised menu last year have brightened everything up. Two excellent salsa flavors, nice combo plates and specials. We like most of the menu treats. Still a classic, food quality is real nice. Great with kids and other munchkins. Sit at the counter works if the tables are full. You have got to love Rose Cafe on Hailey. We enjoy it every time. Take out works perfect. Enjoy

Stephanie Y.

This outwardly unassuming cafe holds wonderful things inside! With plenty of seating at the bar as well as a number of tables, you shouldn't have to wait long during a rush. Fair warning, if you arent very hungry, ask for a to go box up front. Portion sizes are extremely generous! Our choices this morning were Asada and eggs, bacon breakfast burritos (HUGE), and chilaquiles. This amount of food could have easily fed 6 instead of three. If you like homemade salsa you will not be disappointed by the family recipe. Very tasty with a little spice. Will return to try more food options.

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