Friendly staff. Indoor, patio, or on-the-sand tables available. Quiet, gentle, lapping waves. Classic Santa Barbara palm trees and some Central Coast Cyprus trees on the Mesa towering over the west end of the beach. Fish was probably from frozen, even though we're 50 yards from the ocean. Nicely crisp fries. read more

Shoreline Cafe - Fish and Chips - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

While visiting Santa Barbara, we walked to Shoreline Café hoping to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset on the beach. It ended up being the perfect, easy walk from where we were staying. We were seated promptly, and thankfully outdoor seating was available, which made for a beautiful atmosphere. One thing to note is that it may not be the most ADA-friendly location due to the beach access, but the setting is wonderful if you're able to navigate it. We shared an order of the fish tacos, and they were absolutely delicious. They also have a nice, small wine selection that paired well with dinner. The only thing that caught us off guard was closing time. We didn't realize they closed at 8:00 PM, and rather than letting guests know verbally, the staff simply brought everyone's checks. It wasn't a big deal, but it felt a little unexpected. Overall, we would absolutely return. One funny tip for anyone planning to catch the sunset here: despite being right on the beach, this stretch of coastline faces south, so you won't actually get one of Santa Barbara's famous ocean sunsets! read more

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Amazing beachfront restaurant with stunning ocean views! The atmosphere is relaxing and the location right on the beach makes it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner. The Baja shrimp tacos were absolutely delicious--fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. My favorite dessert, the lime cheesecake with mango sauce, was the perfect way to end the meal. The tangy lime flavor paired beautifully with the sweet mango sauce. Good food and service beautiful scenery, and a memorable dining experience. I can't wait to come back! read more

Shoreline Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Shoreline is a super relaxed beachfront spot with ocean views and dining on the sand! Loved sitting outside with the view to the beach and the Channel Islands in the distance. The lunch menu runs the gamut of typical California coastal style dishes ranging from fish and shrimp tacos to burgers, sandwiches, ceviche. Etc. they also have a brunch menu. We ordered fish and shrimp tacos, which were all pretty good. The corn tortillas were on the stale side. The service was super slow. That was the most notable downside for us. And with toddlers in tow the wait was no ideal. However. Sitting outside in the sand was fun for all of us. They do not allow dogs. read more

This is probably the coolest beach cafe I've ever eaten at, with the tables actually in the sand on the beach with the waves crashing a few dozen feet away. The environment is incredibly chill and I really enjoyed the vibe on my bike adventure in Santa Barbara. Even though it was a weekend and they were pretty busy, a table was available, service was decent enough, being unhurried but still meeting all the basic needs. The food was tasty if not a bit on the small side, but it got the job done. After all a place like this is not where you would go looking for a huge meal! The coffee was also good. Overall this is a dynamite place for breakfast and if I lived nearby I would go all the time. Five stars. read more

Shoreline Cafe - Amazing view! - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Perfect spot for kids right on the beach! We were seated right away, right where we wanted to sit, at 6pm on Saturday! Our server was great. The margarita was good, and fish and shrimp tacos were amazing! We would definitely come back! read more

Shoreline Cafe - Grilled Shrimp Tacos - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Enjoyed it all with the family, great view, friendly and attentive waiters. The food was really good. read more

Shoreline Cafe - Chicken salad - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This place could be great if their food was decent. The atmosphere is fun, relaxing and you can put your feet in the sand. But the food is so below par, it is hard to believe anyone would go back there twice. Obviously they rely on unsuspecting tourists they can give fish tacos, where you have to be a sleuth to find a few morsels of fish amidst the cole slaw. read more

Great SB spot to come hang and put your feet in the sand! Food is great and fresh! The service from start to finish has never let me down! If you get here and there is a wait grab a beer or cocktail and go sit in their waiting area which is in the sand! read more

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The view was the best part of this experience. Our server was also very friendly and attentive. The food however, was very underwhelming. The clam chowder had good flavor but was lukewarm by the time it got to me. The fish in the fish & chips was oddly chewy? I couldn't bite through it and it ended up separating from its deep fried batter. The drinks were also okay. My bf and I had upset stomachs later that day, not entirely sure if we could blame it on food poisoning, but I did see a review from 3 weeks ago claiming food poisoning. Thought that may be worth a mention. read more

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We had a wonderful experience at Shoreline Café! The fish tacos were absolutely delicious, and the onion rings and French fries were perfectly crispy. The ocean view was phenomenal, and sitting outside while listening to the waves made the meal even more enjoyable. The waitresses were friendly, attentive, and provided great service. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience, and I would definitely come back again. Highly recommend if you're looking for great food with an amazing beachfront atmosphere! read more

A cafe with good food and fantastic views. This lil gem is literally on the beach. You can dine in the patio which is comfortably heated for those cool days or enjoy a spot on the sand under an umbrella. We visited on a busy Saturday afternoon but were quickly seated upon arrival. A friendly & polite young lady promptly took our order and brought us waters as we waited for our food. The menu has your standard fare of burgers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers. We chose the 1/4 & 1/2 pound burgers with regular & sweet potato fries. The burgers may look small but are actually quite substantial, cooked to an ideal medium. Fries were perfectly seasoned. They offer happy hour drink specials as well. This establishment is located in a large parking lot where you can pay by the hour or you may find one of the 90 minute spots near the cafe. All in all a great first time dining experience at Shoreline Cafe! read more

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Wineaux A Go-Go here again...talking about Beach Cafe vibes at Shoreline Cafe. This is a Santa Barbara sleeper that's sure to please. Great selection of winners on the menu. Not many choices but each are all stars. We split the breakfast burrito got our coffee in to go cups (keeps it hot). Fruit is always fresh. No WiFi so you can talk to each other. No dogs is the only bummer. They have killer beach sand table scene to watch the waves and umbrellas for shade. Service is friendly. Plenty of parking and Breakfast libations a plenty. Yum. If you don't enjoy this I'm not sure what to tell ya! read more

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Layla was so great very knowledgeable! Loved her recommendations great Margarita she was so sweet love her energy! Wil definitely be back and recommending her Section thank you read more

Shoreline Cafe - Best Adidas nachos - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Horrible service I walked in & the girl In the front just looked at me & ignored me, so after 5 min I asked "excuse me how long is the wait to be seated" & she said "oh outside like 15-20 min, so I said ok, two women walk in right after & she Immediatley goes to them & grabs menus to seat them, at that point I turn to The other girl in the front and I say "excuse me I've been waiting here & she hasn't helped me but yet two other women just walked in and she's seating them" so the girl turns and says "oh I thought you were waiting to sit at the bar", when I specifically asked her how long the wait was to be seated, so I get seated and the waitress takes my order brings my food & after that never checks in on me not once, I had to go up front to ask for a box and check . I have never been treated like this before and it's extremely sad and unprofessional. Do better read more

I went there craving a tuna melt , someone in a local Fb page said they had a good one. I ordered full size melt with fries , wheat bread, sadly I had to get it to go because they aren't dog friendly, bummer the place has so much potential on a beach side location ! With plenty of outdoor tables could be busier ! The sandwich was underwhelming and my order didn't even include a ketchup, I had only noticed when I already left the premises, had to leave quick coz cashier seemed annoyed by me asking why they weren't dog friendly . read more

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Lunch and service and the sand. Yeah it was a first for me, at least there was some good scenery around it (being in Santa Barbara, there should be amazing views almost anywhere. Except for the oil drilling derricks) atmosphere was good, hosting and servers were wonderful as we were part of a school group from Northern California. Since I was on the coast I like to eat seafood while I am there. So I ordered the Baja Style Shrimp Tacos, it had breaded shrimp,chipotle sauce, coleslaw and with it along with pico de gallo and black beans on the side with a wedge of lime. I ate it all so and enjoyed the shrimp as it was cooked with that snap it makes when chewing , I am not a seafood connoisseur so I am not sure how to describe it. Shoreline Beach Cafe in Santa Barbara is a nice recommendation if you want some beachside seating, even on a overcast day. read more

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The location is fantastic - let the kids run on the beach - sit and watch the windsurfers- idilic, the drinks are fine - cocktail on the beach - huge kids milk shakes - 1 between 2 is more than enough. The food is average and deteriorating- avoid anything fried - it's terrible. Go for the views, location and friendly staff but avoid the food. In such a prime location- this should be a lot better read more

Shoreline Cafe - Cala what ? - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Ate here right after landing in Santa Barbara and it was a wonderful start of our trip! We sat on the deck and had beautiful views of the ocean and even saw a baby seal, which the waitstaff (who were great!) pointed out for us. Cocktails were great. The food was very solid. We got calamari, the garlic shrimp appetizer, fish tacos, and French fries. Everything was tasty and the fries in particular were cooked perfectly. read more

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The view is amazing, it feels straight out of a movie! You can sit right on the beach. I highly recommend the clam chowder soup and fish tacos! Best fish tacos I have ever had! The service was so great and kind. read more

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Excellent location and ambience! Got their chilaquiles (4/5- very flavorful) and blueberry pancakes (3/5 - served with maple syrup and butter). Fairly quick service even for a Saturday morning and friendly staff. Parking in public lot outside; slightly expensive - paid $7 for 2 hours :( read more

Shoreline Cafe - Chilaquiles with a side of roasted potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Food and location is great (recommend tuna melt) BUT if you split a bill with another couple watch out for deceptive billing. I have never seen this at any other restaurant in Santa Barbara! We split bills with friends we eat with. At Shoreline Cafe, each bill shows half the total cost, as it should. But the tip line where it offers you % options for tips, is computed on the total bill, so unless someone is careful (and unaware) both parties are actually tipping on the whole bill, not their half. To my knowledge this is not a common practice in restaurants. and should be made clear to diners. read more

Our go-to beach restaurant over many years. Their fish tacos are always good.Their take out window is always busy, but we manage to get a table on the patio rarely with a wait. The tables located on the sand have an even better view but usually have a wait, and aggressive birds, so don't leave your table unattended! The patio is glassed in, so a better choice on a windy day.. My mahi mahi special was fresh and perfectly grilled this visit on a perfrct sunny day with island views. read more

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The name says it all...Shoreline Beach Cafe sits right on the shore. They even offer tables on the sand. The deck gives a wonderful view of the Channel Islands and the blue water. Service is quick and friendly. The food delicious and reasonably priced. They have a full bar, too! read more

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We have been to Shoreline many times over the years. This was our first visit in over a year. The service was very poor. The waitress was overwhelmed with tables. She kept forgetting to bring us items. My lunch order was wrong. The food was mediocre. She didn't have time to bus the table but was ready to collect our bill pretty quickly. The bloody mary was ok, but in a short highball glass and certainly not worth 17.95$. Everything was too expensive and the portions were small. I ordered sear ahi and it was burnt and crunchy. All in all, it was only the atmosphere that was worth the trip. If we do go back, I'll make sure to not bring a huge appetite. JoAnn read more

Gorgeous location right on the sand just north of the harbor. Sitting here watching ocean swimmers and dolphins is amazing. I ordered the huevos rancheros and they were excellent flavor but a small portion for the price charged. The restaurant gets a 4 star for not providing free parking and no WiFi The service was good but a lack of personality I would come back for the ocean view but if I don't want to pay for parking or want WiFi I will go elsewhere read more

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My husband and I went for lunch yesterday. Great vibe! On the beach, you can sit right on the sand if available. Food was tasty and the views were amazing! If we travel back this way, we will be back. read more

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Beautiful restaurant right at the beach. They got a variety of different items on their menu. There is a different plate of fish special each day. Enjoy your food and drinks right at the beach or on their patio. read more

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This place never disappoints! Their salmon salad is the best! Fish tacos are perfect for some yummy grub when you are hungry after hanging out at the beach. Yes on the weekends you generally have to wait for a table but if you come when it's not so busy, it's much easier to get a table faster. The view is perfect as you are right on the beach toes in the sand if you're lucky! This is definitely a spot to check out whether you're a local or a tourist. read more

Shoreline Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Nice ambience, Service is kind of slow, at least this server seemed complacent , cold, didn't really care. Food was alright, expensive for what it was, but, can't say it was bad. Just would really recommend you go here only if you're looking for a nice beach view and don't care about service. read more

Our dinner was perfect! Ambiance, service, and attention from owner who came over and asked how our meal was! A very Caring and delightful person with big time personality! He was actually helping his employees clear tables! This restaurant really wants their customers to return! The special tonight was sea of which was cooked to perfection and so tasty, so reasonably priced!,my husband ordered nachos - topped with guacamole and cheese- a favorite here ! And I can see why! Enough for two!! I will certainly be returning for this delightful food frenzy right on the beach! Oh and did I mention the wine and cocktails served for Happy Hour 4 to 6 pm read more

The ambience is amazing you can't beat a beach view. But that is where it stops. The food was cold when it came out. Sat for 20 minutes and i had to go ask for a server. The food was ok nothing to get happy for. Sad because had seen so many good reviews read more

I wasn't too impressed with the breakfast food here, but the views were great. I ordered the pancakes and fruit, and the fruit didn't really go well with the pancakes and was kinda just plopped on top. Definitely wouldn't recommend the pancakes. I'd definitely come back to try the lunch tho! read more

Shoreline Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I loved this place. At 9 am it wasn't too busy. I opted to sit in chairs and drank a beer and watched the shore. Very relaxing read more

Shoreline Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This used to be my favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. I would come here at the distress after a long, hard day, have busy meetings, or just come to enjoy good eats with a good view. Last time I came, it was the first time I ate at the restaurant under new management and it was like a big flop. I tried -34 dishes and they all sucked so I thought maybe my favorite place was over. But today was like the worst day with the worst clients , truly just horrible so I needed that old stress, relief, vibe and nourishment. So I was like OK let's give new management one more try. And I'm so glad I did because the food today was amazing. Their new menu item, the chicken taquitos 30/10! Amazing! The juiciness of the cheese mixed with the flavors of the chicken wrapped by the most amazing, beautiful crunchy shell gives these taquitos homemade vibes to the nth power. The nachos I get every single time . Today was the best. I think they did something extra with the guacamole or maybe it was the added onion and cilantro to the nachos, but so flavorful~ and refreshing at the same time. 10 out of 10. And the Carne Asada last time I came was extremely gummy and inedible but today, perfection. I had it with raw onions to give it a little zap, don't recommend this for people on dates, but for me, it was a wonderful marriage between a little bit of spice from the onion with the savory of the Carne Asada. 7/10 Parking is easy here. Backdrop is perfection. You will have to fight with the birds occasionally, but it's a perfect place for groups, for solo, for families with children, and they even have a corner where you can booze it up and enjoy your life overlooking the ocean. Oh a little: suppperrr romantic vibes at night~ check out the picture of Shoreline Cafe at night read more

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I absolutely loved eating here! It's got a great casual atmosphere and you can order drinks, soda or snacks at the window while you wait for your table. There is parking in the paid parking lot and also in front of the restaurant for 90 minutes without fees. We got a table on the sand with a few rocks, separating us from the rest of the beach and got to eat with our toes in the sand truly a great experience. They have small but good menu and the food we ordered was delicious. We had fried calamari starter and then shared the regular fish tacos. They will tell you at the front the dogs are not allowed, but if you insist you can take your dog to the back area as long as they stay on a leash and in the sand by the rocks read more

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My poke was so fresh, loved sitting on the beach and the server was friendly. Best lunch spot for us when stopping in Santa Barbara. Only problem is parking. read more

Great choices. Open for breakfast, I love it! Great service and ambiance. Sat by ocean view read more

Shoreline Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Food was so yummy, sat outside and it was perfect weather! Server super sweet and attentive!! read more

Shoreline Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

They had a special weekend menu and I had sushi poke. So yummy with chips and rice! Kids friendly. Service was great. Not very full around 1:30p on a Sunday afternoon too. Prices are decent for food but sodas are crazy at $5 (7/2025). A few free 90 minute parking spots or pay option in beach lots. read more

Shoreline Cafe - View from patio deck. - Seafood Near Me - Santa Barbara, California