Joshua G.

FUXS GIVEN = x.x ******************* Food = 3 Chicken was good but the sides weren't my jam. UX = 1 I'm not sure if this place is new but felt not quite ready yet. It was like if someone bought a bar to live in and then sold food out of it. Service = 2 One woman show and service isn't her forte.

Justin L.

Savory, soulful Southern specialties! You'll find them on the 400 block of State Street, next to Zen Yai Thai Cuisine. There's street parking, public lots, and garages nearby. Most are free for the first seventy five minutes. They operate inside a small kitchen connected to a former nightclub/venue that has hosted musical performers like Kendrick Lamar and the Foo Fighters. Even though Velvet Jones is no longer in business, I like that Soul Bites still utilizes the space for live entertainment and community events. Seating is available on the outdoor patio, with additional tables inside. What's on the menu? Fish po'boy, shrimp 'n grits, fish 'n chips, maple brined fried chicken, several light bites, the usual fixins (mac 'n cheese, collared greens, black eyed peas, etc.) and more. They also serve several alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Whether you dine-in or take out, all food is packaged in disposable containers. Vegan Crab Cakes - pleasant plant-based rendition of a classic coastal delicacy. Exterior was satisfyingly crispy and well seasoned. Filling was flavorful and herby. Moisture content was a bit minimal, which gave the interior a firm, tough texture. Thankfully the remoulade sauce came in handy. Mac & Cheese - delightful; well prepared, slightly creamy but not runny Their kitchen is on the smaller side, I think it was only meant to handle concessions for the prior business, not for a full working restaurant. So it can take a while to get orders out. Patience is key!

Amy C.

I have heard mixed reviews about Soul Bites. Went there on a Saturday night and it's was not busy at all. There was a band playing inside and a juice bar outside selling non-alcoholic drinks. To me, the food was mediocre at best. I had the fish sandwich which was enjoyable but was a little salty. Then my friend and I had the Johnny sticks which were tasty. I have never had them before, I usually enjoy my food with lots of flavor so to me the sticks could have used some sauce or a little something extra. If I go to State for dinner again, I would like to try the bbq Mac and cheese and vegan crab cakes.

Imo O.

When they said Food for the Soul...they are not kidding!! This is the best soul food I have had in such a long time! Visiting Santa Barbara or long time local looking for the best fried chicken around? You need to not walk - but R U N over to Soul Bites! First the hospitality of the owners is amazing! They truly get to know their customers and want to ensure that you have the best experience from the moment you sit down to the moment you leave. Thank you so much Stirling and Rose! Now..let's get into the food! First, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu! I personally recommend the Johnny Sticks, the Hibiscus Lemonade, the Hot Cracklin Mac, the chicken sandwich and of course the fried chicken. The chicken is so juicy, tender, and the maple brine makes it so much better! The chicken is just everything! If you get anything at all, you have to get the chicken! I love everything about Soul Bites as it has become one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara! Days later, I am still thinking about the chicken and the Johnny Sticks. I am already planning my next visit! Come by, support, and get ready to leave full and happy!

Chris D.

On a spare weekday.. A friend and I decided to try soul bites Based on Richies recommendation.. I got the fried chicken sandwich.. And Mac and cheese.. My friend ordered the fried chicken meal with Mac and cheese And greens While waiting for my order I got the opportunity to talk with the owner I listened to him speak about the impact and difference He intends to bring to state street.. Full of energy and a man of family values I felt good about my choice to eat at Soul Bites The mac and cheese has great appeal. The smokiness it's packed with leaves the mind to wander down into deep southern territory Oh wait, I'm still on state street, lol Their was slight peppery notes in the Mac and cheese The fried chicken sandwich bread was great.. Not your burger bun type thing. And the quality of their fried chicken is definitely there. Wasn't to salty, A nice crust, hot and paired perfect with the barbecue sauce they have The food was made fresh.. So it came with a small wait. I recommended Soul bites for others to try out Definitely think they have a good thing going And look forward to my southern food cravings to be alleviated by this great addition to state street

L M.

Highly recommend this place especially on Thursday nights! Live Blues music from 7-10pm. The fried chicken here is so good. The potato salad was super dry and the potatoes were hard but the chicken made up for it. For the live band there is a $10 cover charge to sit inside, but you can hear it from the patio area and that's free. Super friendly staff, we will defiantly be back

Tina L.

SERVICE: We arrived right as they were opening so everything wasn't completely set up. All good, no judgement. Our server was super cool, forget his name. He offered suggestions and engaged in small talk as long as he could. Place is giving bar meets comfy lounge feel. Small stage in the back and sofas along the side. FOOD: It's bar food. Nothing to scream about. Wasn't impressed with my shrimp and grits. Partner in Crime had the bbq chic and mac which was fine. Keep in mind, this may be the best "soulfood-like or cajun" items in Santa Barbara so allow us to give that some respect. WELL: We'll be back to support and I want to come back when there's live entertainment. FYI, I posted the menu with prices for ya, you're welcome lol.

Our server, Adriana, was great! She was very attentive, kind, and patient. We got the whole bucket and the vegan po'boy and they were both good albeit a little pricey. The banana pudding was good as well. The restaurant was very dark inside so it was a little off-putting but overall good experience! Thank you, Adriana!

Service is always quick, great and friendly. Food is made fresh and worth the wait. Have never had a bad experience.

This place was such a let down. I feel like the other reviews were paid for. 1. The staff didn't know if they should have opened. 2. It smelled dusty and moldy and there were cob webs. 3. Really should have spent money revamping the place instead of trying to run a business and the staff didn't know what to do. 4.if this is a soul place black art should be on the wall. 5. The main cook just happened to come by on his day off and had to tell ppl what to do. 6. The food was a 2/10 at best. I've never seen transparent gravy. The grits were lumpy and the cook didn't understand cheesy shrimp& grits. 2 people didn't get their food in a timely manner and I ended up serving the food to the guest bc our wait was over an hour. 7. The owner was in LA I heard and Mr. Man should have been there no excuses. 8. Nothing against the staff, we were trying to be patient Ol' dude should make sure all ends are tied before trying to hit the ground running. Oh yeah, if yall decide to fix up the place I can paint some pictures... I told the Hispanic guy working the whole thing.

Amy S.

We came on a slow Sunday and got our food within 30 minutes. Food was great! We got the fried chicken sandwich and the tenders n' wedges. Both were delicious and I would return again. I highly recommend getting the hot sauce, it is a sweeter version of Tabasco sauce that's made in- house. I hope this place gets a bigger crowd because their food is worth it'

Laura M. B.

This is my new favorite place. First, the staff behind the bar are adorable and super sweet. I love talking to them because they actually smile and laugh! They have hot bands rolling through there on a regular basis! The bluesy, down home feel makes me so comfortable, I'm all about it! I feel like I can dance and sing anytime anyway I want. And the food. Omg the food...the fried chicken....the cracklins (fried chicken skins), the Mac n cheese bowls. The greens are juicy and not too spicy - just the right amount. If they added a cider or seltzer to their drink menu, they'd have to start charging me rent because I would never leave and I would spend every last dime there!! Love you guys! Thanks for hosting a place in Santa Bárbara for the soulful!

Markesha S.

I have a bowl of craft mac n cheese with a pile of salt. This is not what I saw online.