Absolutely the best pasta I've ever had in my life! If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. It was my first time here, but it has instantly become my favorite restaurant. Huge thanks to the team for the amazing care and hard work -- you've truly made my day! read more

Joe's Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Stopped for breakfast on our way to Santa Maria. Service was great friendly, helpful and attentive. We didn't wait to long to get our food. I tried their bacon and eggs and it was pretty good. I wanted to try their pancakes but those were a bit of a disappointment I would give this place 4.5 starts. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The music they played was good and had tv so you can watch sports. read more

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Well we're back! Decided to take a drive just to get out of the house and away from the heat. Plan was to come again to Joe's Cafe for breakfast then walk around town. Server is very friendly. Husband ordered the same breakfast as the last time we stopped. Me, decided on pancakes. I asked if they were buttermilk. I was told they were. I didn't think they tasted like it. But they were ok. Next time going to try the Chilaquiles Divorciados read more

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Open since 1928. Joe's Café is a real Santa Barbara staple. Every time I visit town I pass it but was lucky enough to have time this visit to stop in for my first time. We chose to do breakfast although I know it is also popular for dinner. Located on State Street it's a beautiful walk filled with other shops and restaurants and is closed to auto traffic so it's pedestrian walking only. Inside is really large and open with a lot of different seating options both booths and tables. We were able to be seated immediately after arriving and our waitress was fantastic. She was extremely polite and very quick with everything. There are large parking lots located close by and the first 75 minutes is free, after that it's $3 an hour. They have a pretty large menu that's filled with all sorts of different dishes. Being that we stopped in for breakfast I chose to order my favorite breakfast dish: Eggs Benedict. It was truly great and the eggs were cooked perfectly. The hashbrowns weren't my favorite but I still finished them and overall really enjoyed it. I also got a cup of chili on the side and thought it was very good. It had beans and meat but still I was a big fan. Their coffee is strong and the iced tea is homebrewed and delicious so I would recommend ordering both. Overall a really great meal and someplace that I would definitely stop at each time I visit Santa Barbara. Service is fantastic and pricing is fair so it's a real easy recommendation to anyone. read more

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Pricey breakfast, standard fare. Joe's has everything you would expect from a local cafe. Eggs and bacon, decent coffee. Nothing to write home about, but it will get the job done if you're okay with shelling out $21 for breakfast and coffee. The environment was cozy, people were mildly friendly. It was fine, and just that. read more

Joe's Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Joes is a cool place restaurant during the day and bar at night unfortunately although almost 100 years old the food tastes like that it's hard to ruin breakfast but they managed the huevos cubano had virtually no actual meat just tiny bits I. A mass of garbanzo beans the toast was stale although the potatoes were pretty good my wife had the corn beef hash which was dry and tasteless my daughter had the pancakes which if drowned in syrup were ok but the bacon was poor quality and way overcooked the staff were very friendly and attentive but o would certainly not eat there again sad because it's a nice downtown landmark read more

Fried Calamari * crust fell apart from picking up/did not stick well to calamari * would not recommend Lasagna * generous amount of meat * on the saltier and saucier side * did not particularly stand out in taste Fettuccine Alfredo * super creamy, buttery, and cheesy alfredo sauce * salt and pepper at every table to season to taste * must try! * orders came with a standard ceaser salad and bread slices (which were dense and untoasted) * energetic environment with friendly staff 7.5/10 read more

Joe's Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

like the degenerate i am, i always start at joe's to initiated my weekly bar crawl. I ordered a diet rum and coke, and the nice gentleman on the left made it in less than two shakes of a lamb tail. after chatting with some of my fellow warriors (westmont students) i left my phone at the bar and when my girlfriend and I walked back from dargans to retrieve it. they were closed, but the gentleman on the right graciously ushered us to the back so that he could give it to us. these guys are doing God's work. if you ever lose your phone, know that they got your back. Thank you Joe's! you have stellar bartenders read more

Joe's Cafe - AMAZING bartenders - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Is super loud and smoky place as well as mediocre service. We sat and took 10 mins por a waitress to take our order. We asked for coffee and took another 15 mins for the waitress to bring it and only because we reminded her about it. After they brought our food, she didn't come to check if everything was ok. We had to place our coffee mugs by edge of table for her to notice it... run away from this place. Not worth it and hamburgers are better at the habit. read more

1st time here. Good food, good portions, fast service, charming environment. Would definitely recommend.

Local spot. Fantastic food and atmosphere. our waitress "MaiTai" was a gem. Two visits in three days.

Chile rellano Monday special. Large menu, full bar. Classic SB decor, cozy, dark wood booths and a bright well lit room. Busy staff, friendly hostess. read more

This must have been a happening restaurant back in the day. I have been there several times, but this last visit will be my last. Overrated, and not very good food! I ordered a Turkey Burger, and it looked like a well done piece of wallet when served. The salad was eatable but nothing to write home about. The waiters all wore fancy uniforms, and were nice. Yikes! These people are riding on an old established eatery, but doesn't hold up! read more

This omelet revived me from a long night out, and dang it tasted soooo good. The generosity with the avocado was much appreciated! The biscuits and gravy were also well proportioned. The best part of Joe's though, was the service! Our waitress was so welcoming, kind, and efficient. I definitely will be returning to this classic themed restaurant next time I'm in SB! read more

Joe's Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The food was good but the fries got cold and didn't taste good after that but everything was amazing. imma season type of guy but some plates needed more of that but that just mine opinion read more

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When I am super hungry, I don't read reviews. This is my fault for not checking with my helpers. This is like a Dennys. Nothing special or great. It did contain my hunger, which boyfriend appreciates. Until next time, Santa Barbara , I will do better and read my reviews read more

Joe's Cafe - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This is a busy restaurant on a Saturday night and very loud too. But we didn't have to wait for a table when we walked in around 7.30pm. I noticed that most people were mainly by the bar having drinks. Food was average but drinks were good. Service was friendly and pretty good for a busy night. By about 9.30, they had cleared out some of the tables to allow people to stand around in groups so it seemed more like a bar then. I don't think I'll be returning to eat there but maybe just for drinks read more

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This place was super crowded and hopping on a Sunday morning and it looked like a good place to be... however, our expectation was not what we expected. The atmosphere here was that of a typical diner with a slight modern edge to it. It felt comfortable but also was a little loud, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Service was friendly and does seem to make sure you do get you needs met. However, the reason for the lower score is the food is not up to par for what you are paying. It took almost half hour for our food to finally arrive. I think this would make sense since it was so crowded so it can get backed up, but the food when it arrived was cool/room temperature minus the omelette which was cooked pretty well I will say. The breakfast sandwich was also room temperature and definitely not cooked properly, the cheese was slapped on and there was added tomato which was not said on the menu either. Again, usually hate sending food back because of the horror story that comes with sending it back unless for a really major reason like allergies. Also, I do recommend the tap water here, something funky tasting about it Side note, the menu on the table is riddled with spelling errors and mistakes (e.g, should be scrambled not "srambled" or the added "and bacon " for the breakfast sandwich.). Not huge issues but something that felt a little off putting unless a menu was meant to be riddled with errors on purpose. Overall, I don't think I can recommend this place due to decent wait times and the price not being what you pay for here. Maybe it was just a bad experience on our end, but based on some other reviews here, I do not seem to be the only one. read more

Joe's Cafe - Menu as of September 2023 - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Sooo. Was passing through Santa Barbara on a Friday evening with my better half. We live in Ventura, but felt like trying something new... so why not downtown state street. The sun was still up but it was about that time. As it neared dark, we have walked most of downtown state street and landed at Joes. Tbh, joes wasn't our first choice, but service was lacking at our first choice. Anyways, we were pleased on our choice. From the outside, you'd never know how lively it is inside. The staff all were friendly and engaging as were the guests. It was a Friday evening and there some lubed youngens, but all were having a blast! For dinner, I almost went with the special pot pie, but opted for the Cuban sandwich. I give it a solid B. Nothing really wrong with it, but may or may not get it again should I return. 4 stars for the service and atmosphere. Better tasting food or anything else over the top would have earned the 5th. I'd return and recommend a friend to try. read more

Joe's has been a SB favorite forever, since 1928! I have many, many fond memories coming here over the decades with family and friends. Joe's used to be located in the building just to the right on State of where it currently sits. It moved to the corner location in 1985, and then was later bought and is still run by the Montesanos (Lucky steakhouse, jeans, etc.). The Montesanos did a nice job of maintaining the original, old school diner vibe, while upscaling it a tad. You will find the same cozy booths, checkered tablecloths, high and meticulously crafted ceiling, impeccable service, stiff drinks (not as ridiculous as Harry's), diverse menu (steaks, pasta, hot sandwiches, dips, prime rib, etc.), with a touch more refinement (and higher prices) than in years past. Lower State was considered downright sketchy back in the 60s and 70s, and older restaurants (are there any others left?) have necessarily upped their game with the times and increased tourism. This latest occasion was for my birthday with family after a movie. We were seated immediately as it was relatively early. My wife and I ordered a couple of drinks - an aperol spritz type thing and a Mai Tai (it's my birthday after all!). We started with some nice sourdough bread and salsa, which may sound odd, but used to be delivered to the table without asking - it's an old habit. We ordered two sirloin steak sandwiches, braised beef ravioli and a burger. I love the steak sandwich - it's a manageable and tasty piece of meat, perfectly cooked with a nice portion of salad (blue cheese please), fries and a couple of onion rings, reasonably priced. The fries are nicely cooked and tasted super fresh IMO. The side salad is chopped iceberg with shredded carrots and croutons. The ravioli was a good portion and delicious. Burger ok, perhaps a touch dry. We finished with some house-made cherry pie and ice cream. We were happy campers. If you are looking for mind boggling culinary creativity or uber-crafty cocktails, look elsewhere; Joe's Cafe is simple, comfortable fare, stiff drinks, great service, a fun crowd and a cozy environment that has not changed much in the 50+ years I have been coming here and the nearly 100 years it has been in existence. Long live! read more

Joe's Cafe - Sirloin steak sandwich - perfect portions, a great deal. - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The food was very good. It is our go to breakfast cafe when we are visiting Santa Barbara. The service was really phenomenal . Our waiter, Eric was amazing. It is a really cool older cafe (since 1929) and the ambiance is really nice. The have a beautiful bar there as well. read more

Went to joes with my bother last night because we just wanted a piece of pie and some coffee.. we were helped by the nicest waitress ever! She was so charismatic and friendly even though we were not a big ticket or anything special! The pie was amazing but she made it an amazing experience! read more

Great location, lots of table and friendly staff, was seated right away. Hubby just had root canal and needed something soft to eat. He ordered the Open face turkey plate, he thought is was a bit bland but the portions were large and they brought him extra gravy ...I liked it but it did need some salt and pepper. i ordered the potato skins (big mistake) they were horrible, tasted old and dry...the worst I have ever had. That is why only 3 stars. Place was packed and the meals that I saw looked good, so just a bad night for potato skins I guess read more

It was my son's first road trip along the coast with me the dad. We studied most of the restaurants alone the main strip State Street that were populated. We decided Joe's Cafe for dishes we both enjoy. Our waited was cool and helpful. Plates were delicious and portions were great. read more

Came to this cafe which has been here on the corner for almost 97 years! The food is super and our server Carlos wearing his suit and tie and jacket was outstanding! Inside takes you back in time with the decor. Great place for anyone anytime. read more

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Walked here while our car charged for breakfast. Right when you walk in, you are greeted with the ambiance of a classic cafe. The staff was amazing and suggested their favorites. Our group went with The Champion, breakfast burrito, and lox (not on the menu) and everything was delicious! 100% recommend this Santa Barbara gem read more

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The food here was pretty mid but I've since learned that this is not really a place to go for dinner lol The food wasn't terrible but prices are definitely not worth the food quality. I've heard they make up for it in how strong their drinks are but I don't really drink, so I don't think I'll come back. Service was sparse, as well, so we waited a long time for our food and then it came out with wrong items. Restaurant was pretty empty when we were there around 7pm on a Sunday. read more

I was spending the day in SB and decided on this place for lunch after reading about the history. It wasn't very busy and was seated right away. The friendly server came over and took my drink order, which was the spicy margarita. They boast about serving a stiff drink which is great, I don't mind paying $15 for a cocktail as long as I'm getting what I'm paying for. The margarita was very good and no disappointment. I then ordered the cheeseburger, cooked medium & fries extra crispy. Didn't wait too long and it came out exactly how I wanted and was delicious. I love the nostalgic decor being how old it is, nothing fancy but very cool. There were a lot of regulars that came in and the staff welcomed them by name, that was nice to see. I will definitely come back again when I'm in SB. read more

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The food was amazing, especially the lasagna!Are server was attentive. It was also very quiet and relaxing atmosphere. The portion's are generous. read more

It is like a 3.5 since the wait for the food is quite long like 45 minutes. Customer service was good and JC was friendly and courteous. We ordered a wedge lettuce salad, clam chowder soup, lasagna with garlic toast, and tuna sandwich. This is one of our fave spots to eat whenever in State St.,however, we found that the wait for the food today is longggg. read more

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We stayed four nights on State Street and this was our go to for breakfast each morning. We were a party of five and they accommodated us each time with no problems. The staff were friendly and the food was tasty. read more

Joe's Cafe - Joe's Scramble - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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We had a terrific visit on a Saturday evening. We had been car shopping, and were hungry. I saw the Yelp entry for this place, and remembered and old song from my youth, Peter Noone's "Meet Me On The Corner Down At Joe's Cafe," so we had to try it. It's really good. My wife had a Mai Tai and Cheese Ravioli, which she said was the best she ever had! It's made with 4 different cheeses, and the marinara is very flavorful. I had the Prime Rib sandwich, which features a huge slab of meat open face, with fries and a side salad. It was to die! They said it was the "small cut," but it was huge, and simply divine. Well seasoned, properly cooked medium rare. Highly recommended. We got a slice of chocolate cake to go, because it sounded so good but we were stuffed! Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable, and we liked that he had a good sense of humor. We will come back here intentionally next time. read more

Joe's Cafe - Full menu minus specials and dessert - American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Great place for big groups. That's about it. The food is nothing special, the drinks are ok. They are known for their "stiff and strong drinks" the margaritas I got were watered down. The menu consists of hearty meals and appetizers your general bar type appetizers. The portions are generous. The service is attentive. The short ribs as well as the mashed potatoes were dry but the meat is enough to feed two people. The chicken wings are drenched with sauce and are spicy great for a sharing appetizer. The potatoes skins are roasted loaded with bacon and cheese. The nachos are ok, unless you are like jalapeños since that's what they are sprinkled and drenched with instead of cheese. Pies galore is the star dessert here. It's an ok place to come for hearty dishes but nothing too special. read more

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So we hosted a 90th birthday celebration at Joe's Cafe, taking over their side sitting area. Hats off to the staff keeping the drinks coming, taking food orders & keeping up with all the attendees. You name it, it got ordered. For starters there was : potato skins, fried calamari, spicy steak bites, prawns with cocktail sauce. For mains there was: steaks, halibut, French dip sammies, turkey sammies, pasta dishes, lasagna, Caesar salads - lost track of all the orders; bottom line - wait staff did their best, as did the kitchen staff to keep up. There was a birthday cake, again the wait staff was on it bringing it out for grandma to blow out her birthday candles & then getting it cut up & passed out for all to enjoy. In hindsight, a set menu would have been best. Thanks Joe's Cafe for making grandma's birthday dinner possible! read more

Love this little spot in Santa Barbara, we came here a few times. I love the vibe and the lights in the restaurant. Service is pretty fast and they are very kind. The food is ok, not maybe 5star but it's good enough. read more

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Joe's is an old style restaurant with a full menu of classic dishes of all types. My wife had the special - turkey pot pie - and she loved it. I had the open faced meatloaf sandwich with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies and it hit the spot. I know meatloaf and this one - with a rich gravy - was delicious. I started with a Manhattan and it was a great pour. The hardest part is picking what to order! Service was great. read more

Joes Cafe " Stiff Drinks Good Food" still a Santa Barbara institution . Slangin good wholesome fare seven days a week since 1928. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had fhe biscuits and gravy, and a coffee. The proportions of the biscuits were generous with plenty of delicious gravy in top. Could be enough for two. Fluffy and decadent, more like a savory cake. The staff is so kind, I had my big scary dogs because my car was being worked on nearby, they brought some extra bacon for them and water. So fun to sit outside in the street while State Street is closed to cars. People watching spot and lots of fun. read more

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Unbelievably unprofessional and no regards for making things right. Place was empty upon arrival, placed our order and was waiting for over half an hour. Server never checked in on us or to explain why it hadn't arrived. Spoke to hostess and once Manager got to us the food had still not gotten to us. Left without our food!!!! Disappointed and very unprofessional!!! read more

Went there on a Wednesday morning about 10:30. We got served by a very nice hostess. The waitress seemed to be annoyed that most of our party of 4 was deaf. By the time she took me order she seemed pissed off. Food came out in two orders about 5 minutes apart. Read this only one waffle maker. The rest of the food was over cooked. Sorry to report that a place that has been I business as long as they have, could not get it right. Will be eating elsewhere read more

Literally forgot more than half my order. Ordered a very plain and simple meal and they even forgot the bread I literally just got an egg lmao read more