Get in here already.... Hate seeing this place dead when the fried chicken goes so hard. The grits are great as well!

I really meant to update this review ages ago. My apologies, Stirling. As I've written in other reviews here over time, sometimes the best measure of a business is how they handle things when a ball is dropped and a client or customer is dissatisfied. Stirling, the owner of Soul Bites, gets 5 stars for his classy reply and how he made me a happy, REPEAT customer. Basically, he suggested a "do-over" on him. I ordered exactly the same thing a couple of weeks later and ALL of my problems with that first order were simply GONE. The fried chicken was larger and probably the best in town. I don't know what he's doing with that batter, but it's DELICIOUS! Complex, but not for complexity's sake. It works. It arrived so hot I think it was still sizzling and I even burned my tongue a little biting into it because I couldn't wait. That's on me. I've since been to Soul Bites downtown and eaten there as well as seen a band, danced, and had drinks at the bar. I've met him on a couple of occasions and found him to be as warm, kind, and classy as his reply to my initial complaint with the first Grubhub order. This is the only place in town I know where you can get some truly delicious, legit soul food and the best fried-on-demand fried chicken anywhere in town. I'll be back and you should check it out too! read more

We happened upon Soul Bites while goofing around DT SB acting like tourists. I'm SO GLAD we did!! They had just been opened a few weeks. We decided to try a few things and ate in the outdoor seating area. First of all, the Johnny Sticks are one of the yummiest things I've ever eaten!! I want a huge basket of those all to myself!! We also tried the Black Eyed Peas, and my BF had the Mac-N-Cheese. The owner and his family were extra attentive. They were friendly and gave us the best service. I highly recommend you check out Soul Bites! read more

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It didn't take much convincing for us to give Soul Bites a try. Between the perfect 5 stars and someone claiming the best fried chicken, we were sold! It was a very rainy Tuesday evening and you could tell it was a slow night for everyone. Some places didn't even look open. Lucky for us, Soul Bites were still taking orders! The set up is slightly peculiar at first but then we found out that the set up was suppose to be a little bit different. We ordered our food and found a place to sit. We were a little bummed nothing was happening that night but that was our fault for not looking at the schedule. The food was beyond delicious. We had the bbq Mac n cheese, the crackling Mac, the chicken sandwich and chicken strips and chips. The chicken was plentiful! We are definitely on a protein high tonight! The breading on this chicken is beyond finger licking good. Stirling also gave us some pro tips for what to do with left over fries I'm not sharing it here. You'll have to find out for yourself. We had the absolute pleasure of getting to speak with Stirling at the end of the evening. He is so down to earth and full of knowledge on a vast array of subjects. Our chat might be my favorite part of the entire evening. This place needs to be a definite yes on you list of places to eat. You will not regret it read more

The best Mac and cheese!! So flavorful and buttery. We got the bbq mac n cheese and the maple brined fried chicken. So much flavor in each bite and truly felt like soul food. 10/10 recommend read more

Soul Bites - BBQ Mac Large - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This place feels... Confusing. We came here based on Yelp reviews, and regretted it. 5pm - all other restaurants are busy with patrons, and this place was dead with no customers and only 2 employees. First red flag. There was no sign on the building like others, so we almost missed it. We figured it was new and let that slide. We sat outside and asked for the heat lamp to be turned on since it was chilly, and the staff never helped. They repeatedly said they forgot. We got the maple brine chicken and couldn't taste the maple at all. Chicken was decent, but we've had better at literal chain restaurants. The Jack sticks (fried grits) were overly salty, but were good otherwise. The cracklin hot Mac n cheese felt like they dumped store bought hot sauce in it. There wasn't a melding of flavors, interesting spices, or bubbling cheese. After a few bites, all you can taste is hot sauce. The cracklin wasn't great either. We ate at another restaurant up the coast a day earlier that had homemade chicken cracklin that was epic. These pieces were anemic and sad looking by comparison. We were served everything, dine in, in plastic to-go containers, which I found weird. If this place was a food truck or a small takeout stand, it would pass. But this is supposed to be a restaurant. I've been to a lot of soul food places, and each is different, but skip this one. I have no idea where these 5 star reviews came from, but they're sus. read more

Don't sleep on this place like I have. This was easily the best fried chicken I've had. Actually, we ordered almost everything on the menu, and it was all delightful. Everything was seasoned well, from the spices in the mac to the greens (no pork, yay), to the juicy tender maple brined chicken that was still juicy reheated the next day and the vegan crab cakes. We will absolutely be back asap. Worth every penny! read more

The food was fabulous the service was fabulous and the ambiance was fabulous. Great hospitality and good location. read more

Soul Bites - Fried chicken Mac n cheese and grits were all 10/10s - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Best god damn fried chicken in sb. Full bird stylee too so you know it's authentic. I first came here right when they were opening up. Met the owner and everything and this is a family run business! They were so nice and the fried chicken was out of this world. Or at least out of this California bubble. Seriously good food, good people, good vibes. I was so bummed when the Velvet Jones closed down as that was sucha dope venue. But it made me so stoked to see that Soul Bites is keeping the dream alive serving up hella good soul food (which prior to them opening was hard to come by in SB), but they keep the music link too. Love these guys. Great food, great people, much love. Humbly yours Raymundo read more

Pleasantly surprised last week by this spot, fantastic plant based options. The plant based crab cakes are phenomenal, and like all the plant based options they don't try too hard to perfectly replicate meat instead they beautifully bring out the flavors and textures of the ingredients to make something reminiscent but wholly unique. The chef was also very friendly and you could tell he was excited that we were excited about his food. Great energy! read more

I wanted so much to love my food, but unfortunately they missed the mark. I had the vegan crab cakes which were very tasty. I also ordered the fried chicken with macaroni and cheese to go. The macaroni and cheese was delicious, but sadly the chicken was too salty for my taste. The service was excellent and my waiter was awesome. read more

The service here was really good. The owners were really nice and respectful however the chicken was the only good food out of having the Mac & cheese and the grits there. The lemonade is really good as well. Overall, if going there you should stay to the chicken meals and lemonade drink. I emphasis the lemonade drink because i never liked that type of lemonade drink and theirs was really good. read more

My Husband and I happen to drive by and see this place and was like "Let's check them out" We were greeted by the lovely Chef Rose and her husband Stirling. At first glance we thought they were closed and under construction, but they were very open and seated us out on their patio. I encourage everyone to give Soul Bites a try! My favorite is their signature Hibiscus Lemonade and the Black Eyed Peas. My husband loved their fresh fried Maple brine fried chicken, we go thighs and breasts and it was sooo flavorful and juicy, and cooked all the way through. I can't wait to visit again and try more items on their menu. Thank you Chef Rose and Mr. Stirling and Lil. RJ for being so kind and serving my husband and I. May God Bless you and your amazing Business read more

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Soul food is something I miss being in Santa Barbara and I was excited to finally try this place out. Let me say that the fried chicken is incredible!! Not just for the area, but probably just of the best fried chicken I've ever had. Not only was the coating seasoned and delicious, but the inside was brined which made the meat so tender and flavorful. Also, I ordered for delivery through UberEats and it arrived hot, which I appreciate. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the mac and cheese. It was dry, overcooked and didn't seem like it had a sauce. I am used to versions that are creamy and gooey in the middle, and I have Southern cooks in my extended family so I know what good mac and cheese is. It was also undersalted, but I will say that the cheese used was high quality, so I can tell an attempt was made. If the mac recipe were to be revamped, I could probably give five stars. Still definitely worth checking out! I will definitely order food from here again but probably stick to the chicken. read more

Ordered the Hot Crackling Mac and fish plate! Wouldn't really call this place a soul food spot nor a southern spot! Price for the food 6/10! (Can of coke was almost $4) Taste of food 7/10! (Fish 9/10, Potatoes 7/10, Hot Crackling Mac 3/10) Customer Service was 8/10! Justin I believe his name was great! Did wait almost 15 minutes for my order to be taken! After that it took another 15 minutes for the food to be ready which was a pretty decent time. Place has potential! read more

One of my favorite Santa Barbara restaurant, good food, good vibes, comfy couches for reading, great comedy shows, and live music. This place has it all! read more

Soul Bites - Chicken BBQ Mac - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The only thing that comes to mind when I think about our trip to Soul Bites is Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World." My partner and I decided to check out this little piece of heaven last night and we are beyond happy we did! We were greeted by Mr. Stirling and Chef Rose as well as had the best waiter in the game RJ. This place is made with love and that came across right when we walked in. Soul Bites is some of the best food I have had in Santa Barbara... PERIOD. We sampled a few of their items last night and the only problem we had is that we were full and wanted more! We tried their BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, Johnny Sticks, and Maple Brined Fried Chicken. After our first bite I knew exactly why they called the restaurant Soul Bites....cause that food hit straight to my soul! The Johnny Sticks we're described to us by Mr. Stirling as "The caviar of grits" and he was not lying! These fried and tender grit sticks are some of the best things ever created! They were crispy, soft, a perfect balance of sweet and savory and absolutely fantastic. Their mac & cheese was outstanding with flavor and paid wonderful tribute to the past venue, Velvet Jones. Lastly we tried their fried chicken....and simply put it's the best fried chicken in Santa Barbara. The outside was perfectly crispy and flavorful while the inside was extremely tender and packed full of flavor. Whatever Chef Rose is doing....it's pure magic and out of this world! This place had me at a loss for words. It's not often you have a magical experience like this one. I cannot recommend this place enough and being one of the few black owned businesses in Santa Barbara...my partner and I are happy to make this a regular place for us to feed our souls! Please check out Soul Bites and I cannot wait until my next trip in! read more

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Great ambience. Music venues were free. Great staff. Casual and comfortable setting. Look forward to next venue. read more

This place is AMAZING! Great wine, cool art, OUTSTANDING SERVICE. The food was so good! I'm vegan and the greens and oyster mushrooms were delicious! I will definitely be back! Thanks SoulBites for such an amazing meal and ambiance! I will be back ! read more

We were looking forward to dining at this establishment. The menu looked great and the website was intriguing. However, I waited 15 minutes after my family received their food and mine still has not been delivered. They bring your beverages out in cans or water bottles so you have to buy more than one . When I asked the waitress to cancel my order, she told me the kitchen manager said I had to take it because it was already prepared. Horrible customer service. Food was not great. Would never recommend or dine here ever again. read more

Friendly service. A couple of vegan options. The "crab cakes" were delicious. The black eyed pea hummus on the sandwich was flavorful. read more

Soul Bites - Vegan Soul Sandwich. - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Ya'll better listen up... Soul Bites is officially open for business! It is a Santa Barbara FIRST, and MUST, in our local culinary business scene. Let me tell ya why: - The owners and tag team duo, Stirling and Rose, are super fabulous, down-to-earth and extremely dedicated to their business and team. They believe that if you take care of your staff and put love into your product, that customers will leave happy. - It is one of the few Black-owned businesses in town, though they honestly welcome ALL with open arms; now that's some Southern Hospitality! - Southern, comfort, downhome, soul 'take-out' food that tastes delicious WITHOUT all the horribly unhealthy stuff; Cajun Kitchen and The Palace Kitchen ain't got nothin' on them! - Don't be turned off by their small kitchen and outdoor seating. Step inside Music Alley for some live music. - They make all of their sauces and aiolis in-house, and their fresno chile aioli is to die for! Oh, and they don't nickel and dime you for a cup. - Soul Bites has come up with the genius idea of having ordering QR codes at several nearby South State Street joints to order their food via your cell phone and have it hand delivered to you for FREE! The business list currently includes: The Red Piano, Old Kings Road, O'Malley's, The James Joyce, and The Haley Hotel (Did someone say room service?!); they also offer home delivery via DoorDash. - Get good grub even at night with their late evening hours (open till 10 pm on Wednesday/Thursday and 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Now onto the good stuff...FOOD!: - Fried Chicken Sandwich: Brioche bun with a uniquely pressure-fried organic chicken breast topped with an apple slaw and chile aioli. Yup, not greasy whatsoever and dangerously one of the BEST chicken sandwiches I've had around this neck of the woods. - Johnny Sticks: Picture thick breaded 'polenta textured' fries that will keep you coming back for more. I loved them dipped in their fresno chile aioli. I agree with my fellow Yelper Stephanie Y that they should rename them "Magic Sticks." Vegetarians will love 'em. Psst: You wouldn't know they don't have any cheese hiding inside! - Collard Greens: I love me some greens, believe it or not. These greens were not overly smoky or chewy and had a slight hint of meat flavor (from turkey, not pork). -Mac 'n Cheese: If you like lots of peppery, smoky flavor, their mac is spectacular. Their two secret cheeses within are smoked in-house! Plus it's topped off with some crispy bread crumbs. - Cracklins: Highly addictive fried chicken skins that imitate pork rinds or chicharrones. They come with a sauce of your choice. I enjoyed them with the BBQ, but if you like spice, don't pass up their hot sauce. Finger lickin' good! The only item I didn't order was the Fish 'n Chips which are actually made with catfish. Oh and technically the Maple Brined Fried Chicken by itself, though it was inside the sandwich. Next time! And there will definitely...hands down...absolutely be a next time very soon!!! read more

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What a great find in Santa Barbara! As a vegan, I was able to enjoy wonderful vegan soul food with my friends who were enjoying meat or cheese items. Great ambiance! I will come here again and again! Great service as well! read more

Soul Bites - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Amazing and unique atmosphere. owner was a delight and very attentive. Felt like I knew him already.

Absolutely fantastic bites! Was looking for a spot for a quick dinner and was treated to some excellent soul food with my partner! She had the chicken sandwich which was amazingly breaded and juicy. I had the Fish and chips with the Mac and Cheese. The potato wedges were hot, crispy, and salty, and the fish's breading was perfect! I tried it with the hot sauce which definitely brings some heat, but was able to cool off with their Hibiscus lemonade! Definitely recommend and can't wait to go back! read more

We ordered the chicken breast and wing, fries, banana pudding and Mac & Cheese. I think the chicken was over cooked. The batter on the chicken was so brown and hard I was afraid to bite down at times for fear I would break/crack a tooth. The meat was dry. As a result of the over cooked meat, there was little flavor. The Mac & Cheese was just okay but seemed a bit grainy. The steak fries were good. The banana pudding was underwhelming. Based on the reviews we expected more from Soul Bites but we were disappointed. However, everyone has an off night. We will try Soul Bites again with the hope that we will be more satisfied. But tonight just was not that good. read more

It's was ok. Service was great but somewhat bland food to be called soul food. The potato salad had carrots

Stopped at this spot on day 2 of a mini vacation in Santa Barbara. The BF was drawn to it because it featured soul food in a plethora of eateries on State Street and the hostess the night before proclaimed that they have the best fried chicken (now that I think about it...did she assume that the only black people on the street must like fried chicken- hmmm - I digress). Ohhh boy she was right! Mitchell (the cook and server at the time) hooked us up with fresh fried chicken, black eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and greens. I also wanted to try the shrimp and grits which he brought out later. We started the meal with the crackling appetizer and then ordered the whole chicken meal. Everything was absolutely delicious. I don't even care for macaroni and cheese but I ate it today. I also ordered a Chardonnay which is courtesy of a Black owned woman owned winery called House of Brown, it was delightful. read more

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Love this hidden gem! Had I know they been here earlier I would have been making this review awhile ago. Fried chicken and greens here in SB?? No more driving to Roscoes ! I truly hope with rent in downtown SB doesn't ruin this yummy place! Actually coming today for lunch! read more

I was walking by looking for live music and I found this gem. After chatting with I think one of the owners, said he had the best fried chicken in town. I was like yeah right. Wow amazing, perfectly cooked. The hot sauce was on another level, never tasted a sauce like this one. Sorry no photos of the chicken, I was hungry. Stirling service! read more

Soul Bites - The fried chicken!!! - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Great selection of southern food that's very tasty! The fried chicken is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. My son demolished the chicken sandwich, and the serving size for the chicken tenders is quite generous. LOVED the Mac and cheese, and the collard greens had a nice spicy kick! There's a parking station nearby that offers the first 75 minutes free, but since the food is made to order, be mindful of the time! read more

The shrimp and grits was tasteless. The fish po boy was dry. Honestly looked and tasted like bad cafeteria food.

Just tried Soul Bites for the first time and it is SO good. Got 5 different items and they were all delicious! First time ever having collard greens and banana pudding, but definitely won't be my last. PS: Loved the music too! read more

This place is amazing! Super friendly and welcoming! Great food, drinks, and prices! Grace (our bartender/sever) was super informative, friendly, and knowledgeable. There was live music and the ambiance was superb! I truly had an amazing time here right before I hopped on the train back to LA. It was a great time. Not to mention, the owner was very friendly and welcoming too. Definitely coming back here and telling all friends and family! read more

We had a wonderful lunch with good wholesome deep fried chicken, black eyed peas, and mac and cheese. Maybe not the diet your doctor would recommend, but for me, some things are worth the risk. The chicken was cooked to order, so we had to wait a bit, but I'll take fresh, moist, delicious chicken that I have to wait for over a dried-out piece that was cooked and spent extended time in a warming rack. Great addition to the Santa Barbara restaurant quiver. read more

Words can not begin to describe my love for this place. FINALLY. Authentic Black food in SB. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside. Dare I say the Mac n cheese is as good as my moms? The collard green still have the slightest bite, and no, they are not too salty. I was lucky enough to be helped by the owner Sterling. He is so kind and inviting. The ambiance is a complete 180 from velvet Jones. This spot is warm, welcoming, and beautiful. Also- the bathrooms are very clean! read more

This place is a Diamond in the rough! Fantastic food and events! From swing dancing to blues mid week it is a great place to go with friends. Support this business so they stay open! There is nothing like it in town. read more

What a cool spot, owner and chef were friendly and charming, plus the food was great! We are vegetarians, and we had the vegan crab cakes that were OMG delicious, the vegan chicken sandwich which was also fantastic, and possibly the best banana pudding if my life. It's a nice change from so many taco and burger places downtown, we will definitely be back! read more

Found this establishment on my Toast app. I thought I would give it a shot, regardless of parking. I order online , parked on Chapala and walked over, it was perfect! I was early so my order wasn't ready , which was fine. The food was worth the wait, and it was fabulous! Shrimp and Grits so delicious! Hot Crack Mac Yummo! Cheesy grits so wonderful .. collard greens to absolutely die for! Can't wait to go back! Worth the try! read more

Love the type of cuisine so unfortunate that I have to give this score. It is still decent food with solid service and a bar like ambiance, but overpriced and small portions, for those prices and portion sizes I really expect to be wowed. You will not hate it just won't love it. read more