Riviera Bar is that effortlessly cool friend who doesn't try too hard and doesn't need to. First things first. It is first come, first served. No reservations. And if you show up with a group larger than six, just know you may not all be seated together. This is more of an intimate night out spot, not a birthday chaos situation. The space has a vintage midcentury vibe inside a historic building. Moody, dim, a little dramatic in the best way. I actually love how dark it is. It feels cinematic. Like you should be whispering something scandalous over a martini. We came before an SBIFF event and grabbed seats at the bar. Sitting at the bar here just feels right. We ordered the deviled eggs and the chopped salad, very much a Cobb situation and super satisfying. My partner had the steak and frites, which disappeared quickly, always a good sign. I ordered a dirty gin martini. Cold, briny, and exactly what I wanted. My partner and I also had a nostalgic moment remembering when The Sportsman used to be in this space. The memories we had there. This feels like a polished, grown up chapter of that era. read more

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The Riviera Bar is truly a hidden gem in SB. If you're looking for really delicious cocktails and a vibe, this is your place. The Riviera also serves tasty food to go with their drinks. Highly, highly recommend. read more

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Excellent vibes and stellar cocktails. Ordered the Spanish Manhattan & Old Tom Crusta. Also tried Tom Cat Gin and loved it, despite not being a big gin guy. Samsun is an excellent mixologist and knows his tradecraft well. Enjoy. read more

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Cozy ambiance in a historical building. Enjoyed a variety of apps with artisanal cock and mocktails including eggsellent deviled eggs with toast, home fries with dip and tangy Caesar. Efficient service. read more

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Great service. I requested to have the croquettes fried in tallow instead of canola oil and they said no problem. Those were tasty. The burger was good, not the best I've ever had but no complaints. The tallow fries were good and the main reason I stopped in to try them. My water was filled several times during my visit. The vibe is dark inside and cozy. Would be good for a date spot. read more

Riviera Bar - Dark vibe - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Dirty Gin Martini + Beef Tallow Potato Chips w/ Herb Ranch Dip= My Happy Place They also have a really good Caesar and some of the Best Bartenders in town! read more

Amazing experience, wasted no time in getting us seated and placing our orders. Drinks are excellent and service is A1. Shout out to the entire team for this delightful experience. Ps.. do yourself a favor and get the Steak Brochettes. That churri is to die for. read more

It's always a shock when a dive bar gets bought by new owners and "gentrified". Although I have fond memories of drunken nights at the Sportsman (the former bar at this location), they did a nice job with this remake. It's still dark... but very clean with nice lighting and wall decor. Our friend had the double cheeseburger and raved about it. We just had a cocktail but it was well made and tasty. Thumbs up! I'll be back. read more

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Thank you for keeping it professional, I know we were a handful. I came here on my birthday, our server was awesome. I asked a bunch of dumb questions and she tolerated me. I would like to say they have the best steak in town. It was so good I ordered it twice. I also love the vibe in there. Was giving old school classy American diner theme. read more

Riviera Bar - Steak - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great new bar downtown. What was once a run down dive bar is now a swanky, cool bar! Light and airy the remodel is gorgeous! Really great staff and tasty cocktails. We had dinner plans somewhere else so it was a quick stop, but the bartender made us feel like locals and the drinks were stellar! We will be back to try the food which looked really good! read more

Riviera Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I had no idea this place had food! I've passed by what feels like a million times thinking it was a fancy cocktail bar but finally popped in last night for a nightcap and was handed a full menu. The cocktails were priced about the same as any cocktail bar in town, and I was a little disappointed my Old Fashioned was full of bar ice (the nicer places in town opt for one large cube) but it was tasty and perfectly accompanied by the dessert we ordered: the whiskey pot au creme. Only other complaint is that it is DARK. Like, the lights are all the way down. It'd be nice to have a bit more lighting to read the menus, perhaps more candles on the table or something. I'll have to be back for what looks like tasty, middle-priced food another time. read more

There are moments in one's life when everything fits perfectly together, like a jigsaw puzzle or a key in a lock or an eyeball scan required for entrance to a secret laboratory in a James Bond movie: the Riviera is one of these moments. Consider: the staff. Chad is a gregarious, knowledge, and super skilled bartender--his whiskey drinks are as accurate and penetrating as a laser on a dark. Bruce is also bad ass. Oliver is a true Santa Barbarian who will tell you the all the best truths and leave you wondering about his mysterious mustache, but also accommodate your vegetarian requests and serve you great sherry. Also, this is a proper cocktail bar--low lighting, smoky mirrors, and plenty of booze for your Bumble profile breakdown. Finally, the food is impressive for bar bites! Fried artichokes? A beet salad? Sautéed spanish mushrooms (ask for garlic!)? If ypu haven't been here but are reading this review, pack your purse up and put on some heels--this is a low-key glamorous but welcoming spot you'll want to come back to again and again. read more

Saw the menu online and I liked the classy decor - so gave this spot a visit for a Sunday dinner. It was a bit awkward as we stepped in but weren't greeted and such. Stood there until a bartender just advised we sit anywhere we'd like. They have bar seating and booth seating. From there, more awkwardness ensued after we were handed a menu and rather than our waiter asking if we'd like some water and passing recommendations, he just stood there at our table... hovering over us... and I just felt the pressure to order there. Well, good thing I figured out what I wanted before hand? Yea, just felt like a very awkward experience and I didn't want to be rude either and ask that he go away but yep haha. Tried their fries, tempura green beans, and their double cheese burger. Fries were great as it was cooked in beef tallow so every bite was flavorful. Came with a side of ketchup and an aioli (it tasted like ranch though). Tempura green beans were a star - very fresh and the mustard sauce had a nice hint of wasabi. Loved it. Burger - it was good and juicy, but I think I've had better. Definitely not a bad choice, but I wish sides were something other than pickled veggies. As for the drinks, I liked them both. Went for their house cocktails. Ginger Pimms and Sicilian Spritz were both enjoyable. Total damage was about $59 or so before tip. I'm a big finger foods person and their simple yet quality take on some classics has me say yes, I'd revisit~ read more

Riviera Bar - Double cheese burger, tempura green beans, fries - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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The drinks were so good , the customer service was on point , very friendly staff , loves the vibes from it too !!!

We had a great meal here. Sat at the bar and ordered fried chicken, steak frites, and calamari and couple drinks. It was epic honestly, it has a great vibe, it's not contrived or pretentious and the bartenders and entire FOH staff were super chill. The steak is a snake river farms waygu sirloin it was great ... the fried chicken game could get better imma be honest it would be sick if you guys pumped out some really crispy chicken and waffles it was good tho ... will definitely come back read more

I intended to go out to dinner at another close by location. I'm glad I found this place instead! The service is exceptional. I had the Prime Rib. It was good, just not cut thick enough. Suggestions, get sharper steak knives. get small candles for the tables and bar. It's soooo dark in there. I will become a regular there because I want to try everything on the menu!! read more

amazing cocktail, delicious food, fantastic service. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. We are local and cannot wait to go back. Hidden gem that needs to be frequented often!!!! read more

Hard to believe this was once the seedy Sportsman! The interior has been completely renovated in an elegant vintage style. Expert mixologists (the place is too bougie now for me to call them bartenders) offer a good selection of outstanding cocktails. A food menu is on offer and the fare far exceeds expectations. Service is always attentive, never intrusive. In all, a snout-to-tail transformation for this beloved SB address. read more

The service, food, and atmosphere at the Riviera Bar is exemplary. We dined in on a Saturday evening for the first time and were quickly seated. We expected to grab a drink and a snack and were pleasantly surprised to be handed a full menu of appetizers, salads, entrees, and a plethora of tasty drink choices. The staff were friendly, attentive, and very accommodating to gluten, dairy, and shellfish allergies. We ended up enjoying three courses with the highlight of the evening being the fish of the day a delicious Salmon accompanied by sautéed spinach. We can't wait to go back and explore more dishes. read more

Came in for a beer and the Fried Baby Artichoke with lemon aioli which was pretty good. Then we decided to try the Fried Chicken since the Artichoke was pretty good. Big mistake. It had to be the worst fried chicken I ever had. Once I tried cutting it with the steak knife(now I understand why they give you a steak knife) and noticed more breading than chicken is when I should've sent it back. Don't usually do that so I did my best to tolerate it. The buttery mashed potatoes were nothing to write home about. After reading the almost five star reviews I noticed most of them are for the drinks and service and not so much as the food. Can't say much about the other dishes as we both got the fried chicken. read more

I came in on a cold January night and ordered the fried chicken, it was fantastic along with the mash potatoes and broccoli. Hot, crispy with just the right spice outside, juicy, tender and delicious inside. Bourbon is a perfect pairing with this dish if you are having trouble making a decision. Service was spot on. Staff including the bartender were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Clean, comfortable, with an inviting vibe so nice to see when many places try to outthink themselves with fakeness. Bravo Riviera Bar, bravo! read more

I very rarely eat meat but when I do, it has to be grass fed burger. It was fantastic and so were the fries, another not often food. But hey. Cooked in ox fat! And delicious. read more

The Riviera Bar is a lovely little bar that took over what was apparently a long-standing Santa Barbara dive that could no longer make the rent (the Sportsman, which we visited at its new location the night after we checked out the Riviera). It's a nice place, attractively decorated with a calm, warm atmosphere. We dropped in at 10:30 on a Saturday night and the bar was neither full nor dead, definitely the sweet spot if you're a person who likes to sit on a stool and enjoy a pleasant nightcap. The service was fast and friendly, and we enjoyed an excellent round of cocktails. The menu was full of classics, and we got a Mai Tai and a Spanish Manhattan. The Mai Tai was spot on, tropical and boozy, made with Denizen rum, Clairin Vaval rum, Meyer's dark rum, orange curaçao, orgeat, and lime. The Spanish Manhattan was a balanced mix of Rittenhouse rye, Bordiga vermut rosso, and Amontillado sherry (this is also how I found out that my husband has never read or even heard of "The Cask of Amontillado"!). Both were delicious. We had a great time at the Riviera Bar and will probably be back on another visit to Santa Barbara. Maybe next time we'll come earlier and have dinner with our drinks--those burgers and fries look promising. read more

This is a great cozy spot. The drinks are very well made by a stellar bartender and all of the staff is welcoming and top-notch. The food is also good. The only thing I would change is the lighting, it's all overhead and they need some candles or other lighting on the bar and at the tables read more

Extremely rude manager. There were only 6 people in the entire bar, 3 of which were in our party. The manager asked us to quiet down when we were not even loud, just laughing and having fun. I can see why it was empty. read more

We went last night, around 5pm - was pretty empty then saw how fast it filled up closer to 6. And this was a Wednesday. Had two Mai Tais that were the perfect sweetness I was looking for in a drink. We ordered the fried artichoke, which Id order again. The grilled cheese was good, and potato chips were slightly over cooked but loved the crunch . Great dipping sauces for these items. I had the steak frites, which was fine, ordered medium well, but was cooked more than I preferred. Chimmichurrri def made up for it - so good. But overall great service and lovely interior. Would definitely try again and recommend for a nice evening . read more

Riviera Bar - Mai Tai, Moscow Mule, Ginger Pimms & Old Fashioned (clockwise) - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Welcome to Santa Barbara. Are you looking for a place who deserves your business and will reciprocate with service that'll make you feel like you're at your favorite restaurant back home? Oh, and everything you order's exquisite... Welcome to the Riviera Bar! read more

This was super fun. Soft opening of neighborhood Riviera Bar off State and Figueroa Street. Walking by and wanted to check it out. They were great and invited us to come join them. Yes, fun, happy, friendly atmosphere. Met Oliver and Jim who are part of group getting this up and running. It's been a long tough year for business to get up and opening; so happy to see that another one is here. Great looking menu, will be back to try something soon, to bad I was walking by just after dinner. Give a new business some support. read more

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This place takes you back to a different time, it's old school feel, the lighting the decor it was delightful to be sitting there. No show/or entertainment but with the excellent customer service and the music in the background it felt like an experience. Not to mention... the food! Delicious , the drinks tasty, classic, fresh! Very nice place. read more

Riviera Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Old school bar meets modern today! The staff and service are excellent! Interior is interesting with maroon etched ceiling, dark wood and neon clock in the back.... I recommend the beet endive salad, salmon, fresh catch of the day and the ginger Pimms specialty drink... Will definitely go back to try another drink specialty! read more

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This is such a great spot! The staff are friendly, food and drinks fantastic. They are attentive without being overbearing. The steak frites are delicious. Also love the Caesar salad, cheese toastie and chips. Check this spot out for fantastic ambiance but also casual S.B. vibes. read more

Old school. Great ambiance, friendly bartenders, and the owner always makes sure you're having a great time. They've got some good drinks on the set menu, great selection of beers on tap and in bottles and cans and a solid wine list. And if there's a personal favorite cocktail, ask them...chances are they can make it. Food is mainly apps, all good. And the steak frites is deceptively delicious. You can't miss stopping in for early dinner or after show cocktails. read more

Riviera Bar - Steak Frites - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Went in as a party of two for a quick drink and had a great experience! It was a Tuesday, so the place was on the emptier side. We were greeted at the door and sat right away and our server/bartender was very kind! Place has a classy vibe to it and the drinks were very tasty! read more

Me and my girlfriends were looking for a fun place to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine, and eat something after 8pm on a Monday, found this awesome Gem of a bar in downtown SB! Our servers name was Oliver and he was awesome. Gave us some great recommendations and even swapped out a wine that wasn't hitting the spot for one of us! We love eating family style, so we ordered a bunch of appetizers. We started by sharing the Caesar salad. We had the fried baby artichokes, ham & cheese croquettes, fried calamari, and steak croquettes. Everything was delicious!!! We enjoyed the Rose and red wines. After our yummy meal we wanted dessert, but didn't see any on the menu. Well Oliver knew the right thing to say when he offended us dessert, we got 2 pot de crème and then extra whip! Sooooooo yummy and very smooth. Amazing flavor. We highly recommend this bar. It's fairly new, been around about a year. Let's make this place known! New spot for drinks with the girls. We will be back! read more

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Never heard of this place until now. Had the smash burger, it was pretty good. Ordered for take out so don't have much feedback on the staff or ambiance. Will have to dine in and check out more of the menu. read more

Best new bar in town? Almost every weekend, I hear one person from my group of friends express interest in going to Riviera bar, this past weekend a friend and I popped in and I saw 5 people I knew there! This is the new happening spot in town, and for good reason! While I haven't tried the food here, it's definitely on my short list, as I have heard they serve delicious small bites and plates! I would imagine the food is elevated diner/bar food. The drinks, on the other hand, I have tried! I have ordered their house wines which are priced reasonably and have asked my server to make me a coffee cocktail that was DELICIOUS. The other drinks on their menu sound interesting and I look forward to trying more! The service here is incredible as well! My first time here, I was having a girls night with some friends, and we had Leah as our server. She was super attentive and friendly! She always made sure we had water in our cups and were good on drinks! The second time, it seemed like the manager or owner was helping us out, but he was so kind and also made sure we were always set on drinks! I would love to gate-keep this spot, because it is going to be a bummer when it starts getting busier BUT I won't - Riviera Bar is a must try in Santa Barbara, whether you are looking for a pre-dinner drink, dinner, or night cap! read more

We jumped over to Riviera Bar thanks to a recommendation from the folks at Shaker Mill. It was everything we hoped for and more. Our bartender, Sean, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, creative, and highly skilled. The atmosphere was great. We just had drinks but food looked good. Definitely recommend checking it out! read more

Love the makeover! Finally a lounge where two women can enjoy a great tasting cocktail AND enjoy delicious food! The Old Fashion was perfectly made and all of the apps we tried (3) were delicious. Only thing I'd change is dim the lights and switch the music to swanky lounge or Motown. read more

Happy to have had the opportunity to check this great spot out. As I learned from the bartender, this particular lounge was all set to open in March of 2020. Enter Covid, and a patient year and 8 months of waiting. Some things are worth the wait. I stopped here after work this evening for a libation and was pleasantly surprised. Riviera Bar is leagues away from its predecessor, The Sportsman. Gone is the dirty, divey feel and in is a clean, elegant venue. I was in awe over the preserved vintage feel of the bar, with its subdued yet classy decor. Each of the staff were equally as friendly and made my experience a positive one. My martini was wonderful and the side of fries were the perfect complement. Riviera Bar is most certainly a spot for locals to converge and take in the lovely, laid back atmosphere with a quality cocktail in hand. I had an awesome experience and will definitely be back soon. read more

Riviera Bar - A well-made dirty vodka martini - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Pulled into this place when I was looking for a late meal. It was unfamiliar to me and wasn't my intended destination but I called an audible when I passed by and saw the place was totally hopping at 830 pm on a Thursday night, which in Santa Barbara, is 30 minutes to restaurant bedtime. I found the only available seat at the bar and it was so loud I had to shout my order (it was a good energy loud). I ordered a cocktail, side of fries and their flagship double cheeseburger. Burger was fire ~ I added egg and avocado and it didn't disappoint. The cocktail was refreshing (Stella Cortini) and the bar tender was super high energy, attentive and took care of all of us. The only thing I wasnt stoked on - not my favorite fries. Skinny fries aren't my favorite. I still ate them. Overall, very pleased with the drop in and definitely a fun new Thursday night spot to hit up, especially when most of state st is shutting down. read more

Riviera Bar - This is what their known for - the double cheeseburger. Really good. Added egg and avocado. - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California