AMAZING food! Super friendly staff and the guy working gave us a Hibiscus Lemonade to sample while we waited. I haven't found collard greens this good since I left the South East, not to mention grits - which are just as hard to find out here. The maple brined fried chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I could eat here every day, it reminds me of home - but better because it's local! 100% check this place out if you like soul food/comfort food, you won't be disappointed! read more

Fish sandwich was perfectly crisp and fresh. I'm from the south so I can vouch for the quality of the fish, the breading, the seasoning and the hot sauce options to go. Service was quick with my to go order and extremely friendly upon my arrival. Definitely going back! It's in a great location for enjoying the day on their patio and people watching. Overall if you want quality fried fish and good service it's worth the stop! I definitely double parked in a loading zone for my pick up but it's on a one way street. I must also say the area this is located in has high foot traffic and other shops nearby so it's nice to stumble upon if you aren't looking for something specific! read more

Food was outstanding! The mac and cheese had the perfect balance of cheese and was seasoned well. The fried chicken was cooked perfectly and the maple brine flavor came through nicely. Collard greens were interesting. Also liked the shrimp and grits. read more

Hubby, and I were hankering for some soul food during our week getaway...we found Soul Bites. I reviewed the ratings and she that it was situated near the Tuesday Farmers market in SB. We went inside ordered from Mitchell who prepared the food and made recommendations. The collard greens were more delish than expected along with the mac n cheese and potatoes salad. Mitchell was so kind and helpful during our dinner there and because they ran out of the black eyed peas he was making a new batch that we will return tomorrow. The fried chicken was so tasty among with the sauces and we had vegan crackers that were to die for. Definitely recommend going! Mitchell was awesome! We also liked the art on the walls and the music. read more

I've lived in SB for 7 years, and have always wanted a soul food joint. Was in the funk-zone tonight and was hungry for a late night bite. Soul bites popped up on google; prices were SUPER reasonable. I ordered the fried chicken thigh and leg to go. When I entered, there was a big bar, a live band playing blues, and the owners were in the kitchen. The fried chicken was PERFECTLY cooked and seasoned. Trust me, it's legit fried chicken. Will definitely be back! read more

This place is it. The best place in Santa Barbara if you're craving some good southern style soul food. The vibes are immaculate and the food is amazing. Don't go to KFC or Chick-Fil-A this places knows how to do it. The chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. You want some good fries? Come here they know how to fry the potato so it's crispy on the outside but potatoy on the inside. Grits and collard greens are packed with flavor and do not miss. Stirling is also super chill so you get the chance to stop by don't walk past because his service is peak. Super friendly and likable boss man. read more

Soul Bites - tenders and chips, hot cracklin mac, collard greens - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

While looking for soup on a chilly night in SB, the web browser popped up Soul Bites. Not one to question fate, I took the Spirit's prompting. I saw the shrimp and grits(my favorite) with gravy and knew it would be great. The taste exceeded my expectations, which are high. I chat with the owners who are super nice people. I love their vision and mission for their space. Santa Barbara is lucky to have them. I took the banana pudding to go and let me tell you, it is delightful. There's a hint of something that is familiar. I will come back and try the fried chicken because the smell wafting in the space let's me know what a treat it will be. read more

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

See all

Ever had something soo good it makes you a little emotional? That is what Soul Bites comfort menu and space did for me! Grits: light, delicious, savory, Fried chicken: How do they get the skin so perfect whike keeping the insides so moist and tender??? Vegan Black Eyed Peas??? No way something that good doesn't have animal fat - but it's true - they are VEGAN! Space: Great Space! Performance space with stage, huge bar space up and coming, upstairs space with stage view, and passionate owners who care! A little background about this reviewer - I am a Black woman with family rooted in Louisianna and Oaklahoma - we cook and we eat to feed our mind, body, and soul. I am impressed with Soul Bites and waiting for a Los Angeles County location! read more

See all

Loved this place. My family had the fried chicken, fish & chips, shrimp & grits and hibiscus lemonade. They definitely know what they're doing here--the fish and chicken were well seasoned and the batter was the perfect thickness and crispiness. The shrimp and grits were also brimming with flavor. Some of the best I've had in a long time. I definitely recommend a visit! read more

Great NO style grub - hard to beat this side of the Mississippi. Shrimp and grits with a side of (vegan) greens are the real deal - even without passing a pig over the collards. read more

Newly opened restaurant. Still a work in progress. Ordered chicken and Mac n cheese. Both were really good. Music venue with great bands coming through. Will definitely support in the future. Only recommendations: add decorative items on the tables, actual silverware/cloth, and serve plates cups read more

Woah momma!!! First tried this place when I went to check out friends play inside on their stage; ordered the shrimp and grits, the Johnny sticks (like mozzarella sticks but made of grits sans cheese), and the oh-so-delicious banana pudding. Ok... now, that all might sound heavy, right?? But NOOOOO! it was all just right and light, and a 'soul-satisfying' two thumbs up!! PS, y'all gotta check out the music!!! Heck yeah!!! read more

Without a doubt the best friend chicken in Santa Barbara. Cracklings and banana pudding were also delicious. Super friendly staff with a casual and easy going patio dining area. Looking forward to visiting again. read more

Tasty food and surprisingly good stuff Enjoyed it on a vacation and will be back on my next visit to SB read more

everything is pretty good. get the cracklins. best thing on the menu!!! best fried chicken in sb read more

Soul Bites - fried chicken, mac and cheese, cheesy grits, CRACKLINS - Soul Food Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This was easily the best-tasting, juiciest, fried chicken I have ever eaten. And believe me, I know fried chicken! The greens and black eyed peas were so good, I couldn't believe they were vegan. I never thought I would find such delicious soul food in Santa Barbara. read more

Amazing food & service Exactly what I came for and was not disappointed! Highly recommend! read more

Had one of their chicken sandwich & collard greens. Five stars to the chicken sandwich. The staff was hospitable and friendly. Looking forward to going during one of their music nights next time. read more

Amazing food with perfectly sized servings, accompanied by beautiful music performed by local musicians. Very cozy and warm atmosphere, and great service. Definitely recommend, as it is one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara! Also very convenient location, as you can walk or drive to it. They have a large selection of food and it's none of it Is too pricey. The food and drink they serve is bold and delicious. It is also very different (and in my opinion better) than the typical Santa Barbara eateries. read more

What an unexpected treat on State St! This place totally satisfied my craving for good southern food. I had the fried chicken, mac & cheese, and collard greens. The chicken is made to order and OH SO worth it-honestly it was better than the fried chicken I tried in North Carolina (but to be fair I don't think NC is particularly known for fried chicken). The skin was super crispy without being burned and the chicken was perfectly cooked & juicy. Plus the sides were just what I was looking for. Everything was so good I wanted to finish it all, but I still ended up with some leftovers to enjoy later. I'm excited to go back to try more of their menu, but it'll be hard to not just order the same thing again! read more

They have the best fried chicken ever!!!! The greens were pretty spicy and the service was great. The owner and his wife were very friendly. The prices were pretty good as well. read more

The hosts are warm and welcoming, the way soul food should be - make people feel welcome. The fried chicken is good - seasoned well. Lovely people and good food. read more

Nicest owners in a great historic music venue space. Yummy fried chicken and fish po-boy. Liked supporting a local couple doing soul food.

Some of the best chicken tenders i've ever had. So juicy. That hot sauce they have is !! Great kick of heat. My friends got some of the fried chicken. And we all agreed the grits were the best we've ever had. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Soul bites is a must have when in Santa Barbara! Went there during soft opening, fantastic. We all got something different so we could share and everything was Great! Rose and Stirling are super sweet and make the visit even that much more amazing. The Banana Pudding was my favorite. I had to talk to Rose after dinner to let he know how much I loved the food. I have in all my years, never tasted a banana pudding as good as Grandma use to make, it brought tears to my eyes literally . My son-in-law said "I have never seen anyone cry over food" LOL, such great memories it brought back! Thank you Rose and Stirling for your great food and hospitality, our family will be returning!! See you soon! read more

The chicken is legit. Collard greens pretty good. Mac n cheese was not good. Chicken strips very good as well. Best fried chicken in Santa Barbara. read more

This is my favorite new place to eat soul food!! The maple brined fried chicken is out of this world along with the cheese grits and mac 'n cheese. Can't wait to try the other soul bites. Thank you to an amazing chef!! read more

Delicious food!!! I ordered the chicken sandwich and mac'n cheese. The chicken was so flavorful, juicy and the mac n cheese was perfect! You also have to order the banana pudding. You will not be disappointed. The customer service was also great. It feels as if you're eating at a friend's house. This place was very welcoming!! They also have a live jazz band that starts at 7pm. Worth it!! Oh!! Get the black eyed peas. read more

I just ordered the soul plate on door dash, and let me say this , this plate made my toes curl. I'm from the Bay Area and have not been able to find any soul food in this area until I stumbled upon this place. Mac and cheese super fire, collard greens got the right amount of kick and flavor, and the fried chicken.... Let me just say that this place might be placed higher than some of my favorite soul food spots in the Bay Area. read more

I met the owner stirling a few days back and he told me he had a new spot on state street. I decided to pop in and wow, let me start off by saying stirling and his wife (the owners) are so hospitable and friendly, automatic green flag. I asked them what they liked and took their recommendations and order them and I'm still in shock at how good the food is at this price point. The chicken is made to order so it took a few minutes to come out but the wait was well worth it. The juiciness and flavor that the chicken had was almost unbelievable. I even got some of their hot sauce on the side and I asked them " is it tangy hot sauce or smack you in the face hot sauce" to which they replied smack you in the face. They did not lie. 10 golden ducks. read more

Walked by and decided to drop in yesterday and we were pleasantly surprised! The owner, Stirling, was super nice and friendly, which is always a plus :) After putting in our order, he informed us it would take about 20ish minutes to get our food -- this wasn't an issue for us because we weren't in a hurry or anything. I'm not sure if it's because we came at an off-time so they didn't have all the food prepped and ready or if this is just their usual wait-time but just FYI in case you think this is a "fast food" place. Thoughts on our food: the shrimp and grits with crab gravy was amazing! Definitely best shrimp and grits in town -- came with plenty of delicious shrimp and the crab gravy actually had a giant chunk of crab in it! Mac and cheese was good, as was the fried chicken and hibiscus lemonade. I didn't care for the collard greens, but that might just be a personal opinion since I haven't had much exposure to it in the past so I'm not used to the flavor. Overall, we were really pleased with our meal and would come back in the future to try some of the other menu items. Only suggestion I would say to make the place better is to cut/reduce all of the one-time use plastics. Does make me feel guilty eating there with all of the plastic waste :( read more

Lovely service. The maple brined fried chicken was phenomenal. Also try the hot crack Mac if you can handle spice. It's not overpowering but does have a kick. read more

Stopped here in a whim and am so happy I did! The owner rang me up and he was very warm and friendly. The menu had a nice variety of soul food options, some classic and some with a twist! I ordered the Johnny Sticks and they were to die for! They're essentially grits in an almost cheese stick like form. They're dairy-free but tasted so creamy and cheesy - you'll definitely want more than one order of these Would highly recommend giving this place a try! read more

Holy Cow! Soul food done EXACTLY right! The chef smokes the cheese for the mac & cheese and I dont think I've ever had any better - ever! The cracklins are made from chicken instead of pork, and are highly addictive. Much more so than those potato chips 'you can't eat just one of.' Johnny sticks, should be called either Magic sticks or Sticks from heaven. I would have sworn they had cheese in them, because they are so creamy on the inside, with the perfect amount of crisp on the outside. I wasn't sure if I would like the apple slaw on the chicken sandwich, but it was the perfect compliment. The chicken is so juicy on the inside, and the batter on the outside is perfect. Not overdone with spice or thickness. And even though it is fried, there is NO GREASE DRIPS when you eat. Quite literally the perfect chicken sandwich. I cant wait to go back and try the Maple brined chicken and the fish n chips! read more

See all

This is one of my boyfriend and I's favorite places to eat in SB. I could personally snack on the cracklings and fries every day forever and the fried chicken thighs are my boyfriend's favorite. All the food is packed with flavor and travels pretty well. The food does take a while to come out because they cook everything to order I think but it's always piping hot and fresh so it's worth it. The bar has really nice live music and theme nights if that's your scene. It's a bit pricy but a really great local SB business to support. read more

Average food and service. Went here based on the excellent reviews. Service was slow, waited over an hour for our food after we ordered, not told what the issue was, and not even compensated for having to wait so long. Was just about ready to walk out when the food came. Not sure what was worthy of a 5 star review. Maybe it was an off night. read more

Food was excellent with a good selection of vegan dishes, small but very tasty. We ordered crab cakes which were sublime and potato wedges, greens and black eyed peas. Everything is served on paper or plastic nevertheless you're charged for fine dining at a subpar location across from a drug store and homeless hanging out. Ambiance outside is non-existent and server was slow and forgetful. Most drinks we ordered they were out of even though it was lunch time. Strange experience overall but crab cakes were the best. I would take the food to go. read more

This place is a gem. It's family owned and operated and the food was fantastic. My kids loved the Mac and cheese and the chicken tenders. I'd find any excuse to return for the collard greens and the fish and chips. read more

I wasn't sure what to expect but the Vegan Soul Sandwich was mouth-watering delicious. Also, loved the Fish & Chips. Will dine here again.

Had the chicken sandwich. It was amazing! Great little place with unique fare. Inside is getting renovated atm. But outside seating was quite nice. read more