Paloma

Amazing bar with a highly skilled bartender (on a Tuesday night) who managed to deliver…read moreconsistently perfect cocktails with zero help, to a crowd. The cocktails are highly creative, diverse in flavor and design, and really could stand up to any you would find at a top cocktail bar in a major city. The exterior doesn't scream "must come in" but you absolutely should. Is it a tiki bar? Yes, but in the best way. And the bartender deserves applause for pulling off 3+ quite complex cocktails every 5 minutes off of memory and without any support.

Tons of one-of-a-kind drink concoctions, making it the perfect first stop on our bar-hopping…read moreexcursion. Everyone got a diff. cocktail, which was fun to talk about, compare, and sip. Impressive bartender skills. Was told it was more of a tiki-bar vibe, but that ends at the menu. It's got some nautical interior vibes, like a knotty chandelier, but otherwise, some of the space is just wide and empty, to accommodate crowds. Bonus points for a Golden Retriever being there.

Bananacapa and Oaxacan Dead cocktails

Inside

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Seasonal Slushy

Dusk Bar

4.5(71 reviews)

0.2 mi

Oysters hh 2 for 5 Drinks were about 10 to 12 each…read moreTheir paloma was great Not a whole lotta food options during happy hour fyi

For some reason, this is considered the top cocktail bar in downtown Santa Barbara, however, we…read morefound the experience underwhelming and the service remarkably slow and unenthusiastic. When we arrived on a Tuesday evening, there were about seven patrons throughout the bar and the outdoor seating area with the live music drew us in. We were told to order at the bar, so while the rest of our party was seated, I stood there for five minutes before someone took my order. Totally fine, but no sorry for the wait or even smile or any warmth from the male bartender, who disappeared for a five minute break shortly after taking my order. The tables at the outdoor seating area were very sticky and since there were no employees in sight I (and the other patrons who arrived then) cleaned the tables ourselves. After waiting 10 minutes I went up to the bar and assumed since our drinks hadn't been delivered, I was supposed to pick them up, I was told don't worry, we'll bring them to you, and after another five minutes, our drinks arrived. The cocktails were decent, nothing revolutionary but I am spoiled in this department, well made but nothing to get excited about . After 30 minutes of enjoying the genuinely nice outdoor area we ordered another round, three shots took another 10+ minutes. When we realized we had to leave to make our reservation, we asked for a box for our untouched food, and we were told we don't have boxes. They ended up finding one for For us, but it appeared to be a pastry box from somewhere else. The female bartender who took over after the male clocked out, was much more personable, but not much more efficient. To their credit, this bar has an excellent selection of tequilas and Mezcal's, so if you're not in a rush and you enjoy those spirits it's definitely worth stopping by. The music was really great and was definitely the highlight of that bar.

Pleasant decor

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Ah huevo and Oaxacan old fashioned

Pearl Social Cocktail Club

3.8(107 reviews)

I absolutely loved Pearl Social and kudos to my friend Jara S. For highlighting them and for the…read morestellar drink recommendation. Pearl social is such a whimsical fun spot to grab a drink and a snack in the funk zone. We stumbled in for a late afternoon drink and it wasn't very busy inside - giving off "best kept secret vibe". The decor is very feminine yet playful. Loved the design and bar area. We opted for a casual booth area by the bar which was really nice. Also all of the little things were done well, crisp menus, clean bathrooms, and music done at just the right sound level. Their menu in the bar area for food is small but mighty - oysters, cheese plates, you name it. I'm definitely going to keep coming here for the cocktails. I've had one of the best sips in 2025 here - which would be The Mixtape cocktail. My friend told me I had to get it and I'm so glad I listen sometimes lol. This cocktail completely blew me away. Passionfruit forward, it's silky, sweet yet very well balanced. One of the more unique and tasty cocktails I've had ever and honestly I'm not sure how I could come back and get anything else. 10/10 Cocktail and menu. Super impressed. Kudos to Mark who was working the bar. Such a lovely spirit and kind person. He really is passionate about his menu and the drinks he's curated. Loved talking to him as we got to know a lot more about Pearl social and how some of their drinks were concerted. Really appreciated his time and expertise. Anytime I'm in the funk zone I will 100% be stopping back by here for a cocktail and good vibes.

Came by here on Valentines day to have a couple drinks. Place is beautiful and the vibe is very…read morechill and relaxing. Took a minute to get some service unfortunately. The drinks were well made and we ordered the charcuterie board to eat. Small place, small menu FYI. Overall not a bad little spot to hang out and catch up with friends or bring a date.

Cute decor!

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Accident in paradise and Stay Ready cocktails.

The Good Lion

4.6(461 reviews)

Great craft cocktails in an incredible and historic building. We got there right at opening so…read moreservice was very quick and happy hour was in full swing. We only got two drinks because we were on a time crunch but both were delicious. The space is very intimate and dimly lit, the perfect space for a craft cocktail.

Great cocktails, great spot with Excellent customer service…read more It has good atmosphere , we were there after Happy Hour on a First Thursday and the band playing jazz was a lot of fun. Right next to the Granada Theater Downtown Santa Barbara

Passionfruit Fizz

Bar

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Edgar - Ken-tiki Kentucky

Miracle At The Funk Zone in Pearl Social

3.8(45 reviews)

So fun and so amazingly decorated. The service was super slow but the decorations make up for it…read more The cocktails were creatively named but didn't taste super special. Decent tho. The pizzas were delicious! I would go back for this any day. Love the vibes and would def go again.

Had a great time enjoying the drinks at this holiday location. Everyone was really kind and polite…read more We met some other patrons and the hostesses were great to talk to; since we were seated near them. Very interesting drink offers: I loved my Old Fashion and my wife really enjoyed the Mutha-f@€ker in the cute santa pants cup. It was a $10 entrance fee but went for a great cause and we did get a Christmas beanie with lights. How can you go wrong.

Inside decor from the bar

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Decorations hanging from ceilings

Finney's Crafthouse

4.2(1.7k reviews)

0.6 mi

We went to Finney's Craft House in Santa Barbara and had such a fun dinner! The vibe was energetic…read moreand lively, and our waitress was great and super attentive. We clearly came hungry We ordered the poke nachos, avocado egg rolls, spicy tuna crispy rice, yuzu buffalo boneless wings, crispy coconut shrimp, fries, and the prosciutto and arugula flatbread. Everything was fresh and really good, elevated bar food with lots to choose from. The spicy tuna crispy rice was probably my favorite! My sister LOVED the avocado egg rolls, which have mango in them and were definitely a fun twist. The only thing I probably wouldn't order again was the prosciutto and arugula flatbread. The prosciutto was sliced pretty thick and cooked almost like bacon, which just wasn't what I was expecting. And the margaritas!! We tried the skinny, guava, and spicy mango and ALL three were excellent. I also loved being able to split and pay the bill ourselves on the little kiosk at the table. No waiting around for the check, which is such a nice touch! Fun atmosphere, great service, good food and EXCELLENT margaritas. I would definitely come back! Only took pictures of the drinks because we were too hungry lol.

Prosciutto and arugula pizza (1/5) wasn't a quite what I was expecting. It is more like a bacon and…read morearugula pizza--the prosciutto was cooked. It is topped with shredded cheese, but the cheese is...firm? Sweet potato fries are perfectly crispy and salted!

Happy Hour Time

Bacon & Blue Burger

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Stearns Wharf

Cutler's Artisan Spirits

4.4(67 reviews)

Cutlers was such a fun experience. They've got a cute patio area that is decorated well and they've…read moregot a small menu of cocktails. I had the apple pie mood lifter it was perfect for a warm summer day. It tasted like apple pie! And my hubby got a Negroni, which was very good. We ended up also getting a shot of the cold brew liquor and ended up taking a bottle of that home. We will definitely be back!!

After a sweet drink, at a bar nearby, I was seeking something less sweet- thus we headed over to…read moreCutler's for a drink or two. This location is in the heart of the Funk Zone near the pier in Santa Barbara. When we approached the location, we saw that they were only offering drinks outside on the patio- as the temps were ok on Saturday in early September, we felt ok sitting on a small patio on lounge chairs with relaxing music in the background. The patio is in the back of Cutler's that can be entered around the corner (map on the front door of Cutler's shows the directions). The patio is next to other tasting room patios featuring wine and next door to Lark's restaurant. When we visited the tasting room at about 3pm in the afternoon, we were the only individuals there but started to fill up with other small groups. When a large group entered, the waitress said you will need a reservation as she was only wait staff there. Perhaps a sign is needed to notify people, that groups need reservations. The drinks were spot on- the drinks started at 14 dollars to about 16 dollars for cocktails. The tasting room also offers tastings of their products too. The tastings looked small. The cocktails were well poured. I was just disappointed to find out that I could not get a Bloody Mary on a Saturday- only Sundays- the Bloody Mary looked really good. If you are done with wine, and seeking something different, come relax on the patio here if your vibe is a low key environment with solid distillery cocktails.

Our cocktails

33 Bourbon and a shot of their Cold brew coffee liqueur.

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Signage on patio

Santo Mezcal

4.3(2.1k reviews)

0.6 mi

Very impressed. Best taco's I've ever had. Service was exceptional. Would highly recommend.read more

Location was great, service was solid, decor felt legit. It was a cool place to come and eat but…read morecould see myself just enjoying a few drinks too. I have challenges paying for Latino food at these prices, however if they actually have food worth those prices I will do it. This Resturant satisfied these challenges, food was amazing like really good. I ate the veg meal and wow!

Seating area

Picana Oaxaquena

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Sopecitos

Oku - Santa Barbara's premier waterfront restaurant

Oku

Oku is one of our favorite restaurants in the area. The food is amazing and the service is amazing…read more Can't beat the rooftop patio at sunset.

Food was excellent and our server was just lovely. There was a small hiccup in our experience that…read moreshe handled as best she could within her level of experience (saying this in a positive way), and then the manager came in and was insanely gracious in all respects. Most impressive to me was that as much as she wanted to take care of us as her customers, the manager seemed equally dedicated to taking care of her server and staff. Huge respect and appreciation to both our sweet server and the woman leading such a strong team this evening

Gorgeous place for our post-work drink!

Yellowtail Carpaccio paired with Sakuna Rose Sake

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Way of the Dragon Roll and Piranha Roll. Paired with unfiltered Momo Kawa Sake!

Shaker Mill

4.4(188 reviews)

0.3 mi

Cute bar with some delicious drinks…read more The place is decorated nicely, service was fast and friendly. The place was not so busy since it was a Tuesday afternoon. My friend ordered a piña colada and I had a Paloma. Super yummy drinks.

Came here for a quick drink and had an amazing time…read more The bartender Chesco was super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I was craving a drink that was not on the menu and he was nice enough to make the drink and it was also DELICIOUS. It was a great drink and a great time, I can't wait to return.

Skeleton in the bar

Fresh oysters, ceviche and tortilla chips.

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Pina Colada

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Frank C.

5 years ago

I have never walked out of a restaurant in my 40 plus years of living in this community until now. Our birthday celebration dinner started off very nicely by enjoying a drink in La Paloma's bar for an early Happy Hour. Our dinner reservations were for 5:00 pm for a party of 4. Originally, we scheduled our reservation online for a Monday night, but I was informed by a friend that the restaurant was closed on Mondays & when I called the restaurant, that was confirmed on the restaurants voicemail (thank goodness I called the restaurant) So, I re-scheduled my reservation using their online reservation service for Friday night. I received a phone call from (Kayla) confirming our reservation & at that time I reiterated that we requested "outside". When we were being seated for our table the hostess started to seat us inside, when I said, our reservation was for outside she quickly referred us to a superior (Rachel). Rachel immediately was on the offensive stating that she had no tables to offer us since all outside tables were "reserved" meanwhile, all outside tables were empty. I quickly responded, well, we reserved our reservation the Monday prior with confirmation with Kayla, no one is at those tables, so what are you saying? When I tell you that her attitude was less than accommodating that would be an understatement. Not only was she dismissive, rude & condescending, but someone that should never be working in a service oriented establishment. She needs to be schooled in "Customer Service 101. To her generous credit, she offered us a horrible outside table next to the hostess stand & we would have stayed possibly if her body language wasn't so rude when handing us menus. That was the final straw, no one deserves to be treated so nasty - we were actually floored by her attitude. We got up from our table & drove down the street to "Playa Azul" who was also booked that night, but graciously accommodated us - a local establishment that has repeat clientele because they know how to treat their customers/patrons - Dang, I miss the Paradise! Good Luck Paloma Cafe, you will never have my business or any of the 3 other people in my party - read more

Don W.

Elite 21

265

317

1838

2 years ago

Review: La Paloma Cafe in Santa Barbara is a charming little spot that offers a mix of positives and areas for improvement. My recent visit left me with a moderately satisfying experience. First, let's talk about the positives. The ambiance of the cafe is delightful, with its cozy interior and inviting outdoor seating. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while soaking in the Santa Barbara atmosphere. The decor is quaint and adds to the overall charm of the place. Moving on to the food, La Paloma Cafe offers a limited selection of dishes for brunch. I opted for their Chilaquiles, which were mostly tortilla chips. The ingredients seemed to be of good quality, and the portion size was decent for the price. The coffee was also decent, although it didn't particularly stand out. However, there are areas where La Paloma Cafe could improve. The service, while friendly, was a bit slow and inattentive. It took a while for our orders to be taken, and there were noticeable delays in receiving our food. Improving the efficiency of the service could significantly enhance the overall dining experience. Additionally, while the food was enjoyable, it didn't leave a lasting impression. It was good but not exceptional, lacking that extra touch of creativity or flavor that would elevate it to a higher level. In conclusion, La Paloma Cafe is a decent spot to grab a bite to eat in Santa Barbara, especially if you're looking for a cozy atmosphere and simple, satisfying dishes. With some improvements in service efficiency and perhaps a bit more culinary innovation, it has the potential to become a standout destination in the area. read more

Luis R.

4 years ago

Hello, just wanted to write a quick review, this place is great. I come to La Paloma becuase my partner really likes the crispy brussel sprouts. I will say that as a restraunt worker they have some pretty good service, waiters knew the menu and were very kind. Kaila and a hostess were very accomodating with us grabbing a few more seats than what we asked, and a waiter named Art was (genuinely) swift with placing the meals and explaining what they were. This resteraunt is very distinct in the dishes it has to offer, but as my partner mentions most of the time, there is never a "dull" or "boring" flavour (And I have tried multiple dishes to really figure out what I like). There are some foods that just were not for me, but I learned and didnt mind, I do notice some feeling disappointed with the foods given, yet I really do think its hard to understand what one may like with a menu like La Palomas. Its not the usual model where it caters to the general peoples (IE resteraunts that offer dishes that almost anyone would choose if nothing else seemed comfortable) but instead offers very exotic options that are definitely risky, but still pretty damn good. Anyways, my name is Luis, had a great time and am looking forward to the breakfast/brunch menu. :) (PS If you're a broke college student like me, but still wanna have a buji night out, just try some of the appetizers, they're affordable and offer very interesting taste) (Double PS, thanks Bobby for the conversation) read more

Jennifer W.

2 years ago

We had an incredible dining experience at La Paloma Café before heading to a show, and I'm so glad we made reservations--this place gets busy! Thankfully, we were seated on the top patio, tucked into a cozy, secluded corner with a perfect view of Santa Barbara's bustling nightlife below. It was such a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Our server, Bobby, was outstanding--attentive, accommodating, and genuinely friendly. Great service can make or break an experience, and Bobby made sure everything was seamless. Now, let's talk about the food! Instead of standard chips, they serve Churritos--light, crispy, already spiced, and absolutely addictive (pro tip: ask for a side of lime!). Then came the Crispy Brussels Sprouts--charred to perfection with oak soy porcini sauce, pickled red onion, and cotija cheese. Hands down, the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had. 11/10. For the main course, we had the Pork Shoulder Carnitas, served with comal roasted tomatillo salsa, peanut macha, black beans, and warm flour tortillas. The pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. 10/10. If we lived in Santa Barbara, we'd be regulars! Everything--from the ambiance to the service to the food--was top-notch. Highly recommend making a reservation and treating yourself to an unforgettable meal here. read more

Cara A.

Elite 23

219

289

3 years ago

La Paloma is a bit off the beaten path, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of State Street, making it a cherished local gem. The ambiance is relaxed and a bit more sophisticated, with guests in slightly dressier attire. This place has delightful double-deck seating, perfect for indulging in al fresco dining. Their staff is nothing short of kind and accommodating, and I appreciate their welcoming attitude towards dogs. My dog was even treated to a fish skin, making him feel right at home. (Meaning, spoiled). The menu is full of fresh, health-conscious, and inventive options. We ordered their beef ceviche, so delicately prepared, it could easily be mistaken for raw tuna. The hominy was comfort food at its finest, reminding me of mac and cheese, while the black beans packed a flavorful BBQ punch. I loved the white fish, and it was served in a bowl with a wonderfully warm and appetizing sauce. The only downside: the drinks seemed slightly pricey. The $10 canned drink and $7 ice tea felt a bit steep. Nevertheless, the combination of the delightful meal, pretty views, and friendly servers made for an enjoyable dining experience. I would definitely recommend La Paloma for its healthy and unique culinary approach and casual, yet inviting atmosphere. read more

Giselle J.

577

5 years ago

A wonderful place to have brunch in Santa Barbara! I did not expect such care and attention to detail! I highly enjoyed savory and perfectly seasoned Pozole Verde and Power Green Salad. The drink list was quite a treat as well! We ended up ordering 2 cocktails; the Bloody Maria & Sunrise Spritz. Along with one non alcoholic beverage, the Oat Milk Horchata. EVERY beverage order did not disappoint. If you want something light, smoky and refreshing I would recommend the Sunrise Spritz. The Bloody Maria was garnished with celery, tomato, and pickled cactus. The well balanced in house tomato mix and tequila pairs well with any items on their brunch menu! As a self declared dairy free horchata connoisseur. I had no issue paying for this small ounce $6 beverage. From the presentation to the taste; it was worth every penny! Thinking of going to brunch with a large group? I would highly recommend booking a reservation prior! read more

Sara M.

270

126

2 years ago

La Paloma is hands down one of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the drinks and food are consistently fantastic. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a full meal, you can always count on an exceptional experience. The flavors are vibrant, the presentation is on point, and the overall vibe of the place is just perfect for a night out. A special shoutout to Jorge, the best bartender in town--his cocktails are nothing short of amazing. You can really tell he puts his heart into every drink he makes. And I can't forget Atiana, our server, who was tremendous! She's attentive, friendly, and really made our dining experience unforgettable. La Paloma has it all: great drinks, delicious food, and top-notch service. Highly recommend! read more

Diana K.

2 years ago

La Paloma Cafe was the perfect venue for our private cocktail hour and dinner. We had a beautiful 3.5-hour event on their stunning two-tiered patio, which offered an intimate and breathtaking setting for our guests. The food was absolutely amazing - each dish was delicious and beautifully presented. The service was top-notch, and we received so many compliments from our guests on how great everything was. A special shout-out to the bartender outside, who was incredibly friendly and made everyone feel welcomed while serving up fantastic drinks. We even had our first dance on the patio, which made for such a magical moment. I highly recommend La Paloma Cafe for anyone looking for a beautiful, welcoming venue with amazing food and exceptional service! read more

Rodrigo H.

5 years ago

i was thinking to come to this restaurant and eat at right there, not for free!!!!! but i talked to the chef, just bucause i stop by to say hello to this guy, he got mad at me with no other reason, wow what a racist guy, since the incident i recomended to my over 7,000 followers not to visit one of the same corp restaurants, i'm not giving the names of the other restaurants that this guys is the cook guy, because i'm not giving free publicity to this racist guy, becareful people, say no to racism, the chef at there i will say it again and again it's a racist. do not eat, and do not suport racism........ read more

Hannah B.

264

4 years ago

I just went to La Paloma and it was so delicious! Been to many restaurants in SB, but I have to say this is one of the best, especially for a date night/special occasion. The vibes are immaculate and the food is top quality. The margaritas were delicious. Not to mention the service! Desiree was incredible I will definitely be requesting her for all my future visits (and there will be many). Thank you for the great experience! read more

Jonathan S.

4 years ago

Omar and Nate are some of the most kind, attentive, and knowledgable people in the service industry I've ever met. Upon being served I asked if they received a Michelin star and they said "Not yet, but I will send that up the chain." If you want to be in one of the best places in town before everyone knows it's great, make sure you give this place a visit. read more

Ella Y.

2 years ago

I had an amazing experience! My friends surprised me by booking this place for my 21st birthday, so I had no idea where we'd be dining. La Paloma Café had always been on my Santa Barbara bucket list, and it did not disappoint! The ambiance, service, and pricing were all fantastic. I can't wait to come back and try their dinner menu! read more

Sophia R.

333

5 years ago

La Paloma Cafe is the best new neighborhood restaurant and bar. Jorge and Alex in the bar are so welcoming. The Desert Solstice is super tasty and the The Green Flash Ceviche is to die for. read more

Margie G.

4 years ago

We loved our visit! .....attentive waitstaff , delicious interesting food, nice private back patio. Super clean attractive restrooms. Bobby D doing a great job!! We will be back! read more

Ari M.

10 months ago

I don't need another drink that was great mid summer now and the sky is gray. I want another (*) things to think about now the greatest place and time!! read more

Paloma - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

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Gracie

4.4

(114 reviews)

My beautiful Daughter is named Grace so when I heard I was going to a restaurant called Gracie I…read morewas excited . I'm in town for few days and looked forward to catching up with my old friends who adore this great Restaurant! We were served by a wonderful waiter and staff .. Followed by wonderful fast service food and drinks . The vibe is very laid back but efficient. The views and the patrons are very cool and reminded me of other fabulous coastal restaurants in towns like Sicily and Mallorca ! The food has such a great fresh taste coupled with wonderful drinks ! I'll definitely tell everyone about this wonderful place and look forward to visiting Gracie's again ! Definitely one of my top food experience this year !

Very nice outdoor seating, it was just a bit hot out and some sort of fan would have been nice. The…read morefood took a bit of time, so it made it feel even hotter to have to sit there while we waited. Visited on a Sunday afternoon and ordered the binchon burger and fish tacos. The burger was very good and juicy, and the fries were very good. It did say it had a yuzu aioli, but I didn't really taste any of that flavor. The fish tacos were good too, but the pictures seemed to have included three tacos and we only got two. The rent here must be insane and I get it if they can only serve two, but as a customer it was a let down to be paying $24 to end up getting less food. Nice service, but waiting time took a while and it was not very busy.

The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar

4.4

(1.3k reviews)

•$$$

My partner and I came to celebrate our one year anniversary and we had an amazing time!! We chose…read moreto do the 4 course tasting menu which was out of this world and incredibly worth the price. Each dish was so flavorful and made with so much care. My favorite dish was the pumpkin style gnocchi we had and the branzino fish, he loved the bone marrow. The soup I forgot to take a picture of was potato and leek with truffle was amazing as well. The restaurant is also very cozy with great ambience and we had fantastic service.

This was a last-minute booking, and I was glad to see plenty of seats available. The food was…read moredelicious and full of flavor. Yummy! The portions were quite small (that sucks!), but the quality and taste definitely made up for it. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I really loved the décor and the overall atmosphere, especially the upstairs section. I was seated in a corner on the ground level, though, and it was extreeeemely hot. The front door was open, but I didn't notice any fans, and I don't believe there is air conditioning. My date was sweating, and I was feeling quite warm as well. We also didn't have any ice in our water, which would have been especially nice given the temperature. Our waiter was pleasant and friendly, although the service didn't feel particularly memorable or exceptional. I was also a little surprised that bread and butter cost extra if you'd like them before your main course. Overall, I want to thank the chef for preparing such delicious food. I would definitely return if I needed a last-minute booking.

The Lark

4.2

(2.1k reviews)

•$$$

630pm on a Sunday with reservations…read more It started to get really busy by 7:30pm. Outdoor fire pit and string lights make it a true vibe for casual outing or date night. Service was phenomenal! Everyone was extra attentive and went above and beyond to make sure my family was comfortable, including the baby! Fried chicken with the grits was excellent!! Orecchiette and lettuce salad were also really good. I would say the crudo (salmon) and fisherman's catch (bluefin tuna) were forgettable. Cornbread and shrimp toast are worth getting to try- good but not great. Come for date night or family dinner, but make a reservation for the weekends!

Best cornbread of my entire life…read more Whilst bar-hopping, we only stopped at The Lark for a bite, and a cocktail... (we were hoping to find something on the less pricey side for our main dinner) The whiskey fruit-infused cocktails sounded amazing, but just tasted like whiskey. Bit of a let-down, despite being good whiskey. But HOLY-YELP, if you're looking for THE best CORNBREAD you will EVER eat in your life... look no further. It's insane. We didn't explore the menu much beyond that, but it's honestly worth a stop for the cornbread alone.

Costa Kitchen & Bar

4.0

(131 reviews)

Food was amazing. Myles was a great server. Very friendly and attentive. He was very knowledgeable…read moreabout the menu and his recommendations were delicious. The octopus and the lamp lollipops especially. The whole staff made this a great experience. Definitely will come back when I'm in town.

"Outstanding Stay at Mar Monte Hotel - Heartfelt Thanks to Your Team!"…read more Dear Mar Monte Hotel Team, We recently stayed at your wonderful property and wanted to express just how much we enjoyed our time with you. From the atmosphere and accommodations to the amenities, our experience was absolutely top-notch. What truly made our stay unforgettable was your exceptional staff. Every person we encountered went above and beyond: - Costa Kitchen & Bar: - Evening drinks with Matt at the bar were fantastic--he is an absolute gem. A special thank you to Patricia, the Food & Beverage Manager, who greeted us in the evening and was wonderful. - In the mornings, it was a highlight to chat with George (Jorge), the F&B Director, as he made his rounds to greet guests at every table. We looked forward to speaking with him every day! - Morning Dining Team: Eric and Pedro provided stellar service at breakfast, and Emma at the host stand greeted us with warmth and kindness every single morning. - Valet Team: Derek and Jack were incredible--always friendly, quick to assist with our car, and super helpful when setting us up with the complimentary bikes. - Front Desk & Housekeeping: Jesus at the front desk was genuinely friendly, considerate, and the perfect welcoming face upon arrival. We also loved how warm and welcoming all the housekeeping staff were whenever we passed them in the halls. We enjoyed walking across the street to visit East beach, and also enjoyed your onsite pool, Jacuzzi, and the lovely outdoor sitting areas. The building we stayed in was fantastic, Santa Maria, and the food at Costa was excellent throughout our visit. If we could offer two small pieces of constructive feedback to make a great place even better: 1. Morning Coffee: Having complimentary coffee available starting at 6:00 AM, instead of 7:00 AM, would be a huge plus! I noticed every morning (along with myself) that many guests are up and ready for an earlier cup of coffee. 2. Hallway Flooring: The carpet in the hallway between the front desk and the pool is looking pretty worn down. Transitioning that space to a stone tile floor would elevate the aesthetic and hold up much better against pool traffic. We also love that your hotel is listed with Costco Travel now and loved our Costco executive perks offered at your hotel! These perks were outstanding with the complimentary breakfast from your scrumptious Costa restaurant menu and 50% off the valet fee. Overall, Mar Monte Hotel is a superb establishment. Thank you all for making our trip to Santa Barbara so memorable. We cannot wait to return! Warmest regards, Zabrina Tipton

Bistro Amasa

4.6

(51 reviews)

Food was great. Amazing service! No notes. I would recommend to anyone in Santa Barbara. Gluten…read morefree options although not explicit on menu. Potato, meatloaf, salad and carrots.

First time here, we came via a deal running on the inkind app and were pleasantly surprised!…read more Really peaceful patio especially on a summer evening. Service was excellent, our waiter was very knowledgeable about each dish and the specifics of how everything was prepared and where the ingredients came from. Happy to hear farmers market produce is included! Pacing of service was also good. All the food was delicious, nice array of flavors and spices without being overdone. Concepts were also creative, especially the marshmallow not being made of gelatin but rather koji. Still tasted like a regular marshmallow! Will definitely be back!

The Set

3.5

(69 reviews)