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    The Nugget

    3.6 (246 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    The Nugget Photos

    THE NUGGET ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Guacamole burger
    Genezaret C.

    The Nugget offers Saturday and Sunday brunch now; the chilaquiles are so delicious! We also ordered Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and it was so filling. Every time I come I'm always amazed by their service and food. It's a nice place to enjoy an intimate dinner. Sometimes it does get pretty packed at dinner time, though we're always able to snag a booth!

    Small-Bubbled Coke/Sprite (not enough ice either)
    Chipper C.

    Very casual treatment upon arriving to dine alone, don't know if that was because I was alone or if they are always like this. The abrupt behavior continued throughout the order process. I ordered Nugget Nuggies (so-called "tempura" chicken) and a Cheeseburger & Fries. Botomless soda was a good thing, but it lacked big bubbles and tasted like Pepsi instead of Coke. I also ordered Meatloaf dinner to-go with mashed potatoes. The tables are really high in the booths, luckily they moved because it hit my belly!! They were quick to bring the soda, and did bring napkins. While I waited I had to listen to men speaking bombastically from the bar area and one table. The first soda refill was fast, but not the rest of them throughout my meal. The chicken nuggets were hot but dried out, the fries were skinny and not very seasoned, I asked for more Ranch to dip them in. I liked that the cheeseburger had a medium-rare option, but the burger tasted like nothing!! I had to add salt. Also, the romain lettuce got cooked by the meat. Meatloaf was very spicy and the mashed potatoes were garlic mashed potatoes. Neither of this was mentioned in the menu!! I couldn't even eat the mashed potatoes and had to drink a lot of water while I ate the meatloaf due to the spiciness. I will definitely not go here again. In fact the only reason I went here was because this was the restaurant where my late aunt and I used to meet up for our birthdays (she lived in Thousand Oaks and I live in Morro Bay - so it was sort of half-way). To be honest I can't believe it is still there all these years later, I suspect it is the regulars that support it, mostly at the bar.

    Kelly S.

    I didn't even know there was a Nugget in Goleta until a friend recommended it. It was pretty crowded inside but we were seated right away. When I went to the restroom I noticed they have a huge outdoor patio in the back. Our server was super friendly. The wine was priced really well and they have a decent local selection. I enjoyed my burger. Probably not a new regular spot for me but if you're looking for a well-priced sit down restaurant in the area it has good vibes.

    Menu march 2024
    Valerie Y.

    American standards for an American palate. Not really for foodies. I've been there 4-5 times with friends and everything is average. Club sandwich looks to be one of the better items. Meatloaf is...meatloaf. Grilled salmon tastes like the char of the grill, so not my style. Jalapeño poppers are good. $4 up charge for baked potato.... missed that detail, oops. Definitely a locals' haunt. Loud and popular, but solidly meh.

    Nugget decor
    John R.

    Food is always great and some of the best fries I have ever tried! (Thin style). The Chicken Marsala is my favorite. Service is fantastic, they are so attentive and always eager to please and the decor on the walls is so much fun to look at, they have outdoor patio dining too where they are dog friendly and even have water bowls. Back to ambiance and or decor: we love it. My wife loves the salads and fish dinners. Good variety of menu items and full bar. Try it, we go often!

    Philly Cheese Steak

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great service. Yummy food. Big portions! Kid friendly. Indoor and outdoor seating. People are happy here. Highly recommend.

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    2 years ago

    Just an excellent mid west style place great food. Great service. Classic. And great specials.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Reasonable prices, beefy flavorful prime ribs, cheerful service FUN Valentines dinner.

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    6 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Fast service really greasy potato skins just ok costumer service and very odd decoration

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    4 years ago

    Had the beef stroganoff and sampled the meatloaf sandwich. Good food and great service.

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    Page 2 of 7

    The Nugget Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Nugget

    Jeannine's American Bakery Restaurant - Veuve split

    Jeannine's American Bakery Restaurant

    4.3(312 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Been coming to Jeannine's for 25 years (first San Roque and then Goleta). Food is always excellent,…read morebreakfast or lunch. Baked goods are wonderful (apple scones a favorite). I had family in town this weekend and wasn't sure if Sunday breakfast at 9:30 in Goleta with a large group would work well, but it was great! The manager and his staff were incredible, truly outstanding service. I don't generally notice service much at restaurants unless it's really bad, but today was so impressive I had to review. Manager jumped in immediately to put tables together (there is a lot of seating now by the Thai place), made good food recommendations, when one of our large party arrived after the rest of us they got his order in immediately so his food arrived with ours (even though there was a long line), all the food came quickly and was beautifully plated. Staff checked on us multiple times and manager suggested and took a nice family group photo. I hope he and the staff are well compensated because they were working so hard, SO friendly, really great at their jobs, and made our morning! Over and above service for any restaurant, let alone an order at the counter one. The food was also delicious, but I expected that ;)

    Such a wonderful spot with wonderful potatoes! We were greeted with such amazing service and it…read moremade a great spot to celebrate my birthday! I ordered their breakfast burrito with their very colorful burritos while my partner ordered their American breakfast with no meat. The bacon in the burrito was cooked perfectly! The salsa they have also did wonders as well! Thank you guys for making such a wonderful morning special!

    Photos
    Jeannine's American Bakery Restaurant - Wonderful pastry selection

    Wonderful pastry selection

    Jeannine's American Bakery Restaurant - Buttermilk Pancake Breakfast with Sausage

    Buttermilk Pancake Breakfast with Sausage

    Jeannine's American Bakery Restaurant - Now serving adult beverages, plus seasonal lattes

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    Now serving adult beverages, plus seasonal lattes

    Rare Society - The executive

    Rare Society

    4.1(343 reviews)
    7.7 mi
    $$$$

    Rare Society isn't just my go-to--it's become my happy place with a menu. Great food? Always…read more Impeccable service? Every time. And State Street views that come with a side of good people-watching? The cherry on top. But what truly elevates this place above the rest of Santa Barbara's dining scene isn't just the vibe or the view--it's the people. And I'm not talking about the diners (though they do put on a good show). I'm talking about the dream team behind the bar: Derek, Greg, and Kai. These three aren't just bartenders--they're cocktail whisperers, mind readers, and all-around hospitality wizards. Their drinks are crafted with precision, their timing is borderline psychic, and their warmth never crosses into overbearing. They don't just serve you--they curate your evening, turning a simple meal into one of those nights where you're already planning your next visit before you've even paid. And it's not just the bar team--every single staff member I've encountered has been a genuine pleasure to interact with. Shout out to Trevor, Liz, Drew, JC, Adrien and Julio for their exceptional service. And the food? Do yourself a favor and order the Parker House rolls, the grilled artichokes, the Wagyu Denver, lobster, oysters, swordfish and - non-negotiable - dessert. You can't go wrong here, but my personal favorites are the Butter Cake and Bananas Foster's Cheesecake.

    I've been to this place 3 times and just realized that I never leave any review,So here it is…read more Vibe : Classic,Cozy,Warm and inviting. Service : Always great! Never once experience a bad service here.Keep up the good work guys! Food : Steak were great! Cooked to perfection and what temperature you want that's what you will get! Amazing! Appetizer like crab claws or pork belly were yummy as well.Lobster were amazing and the best part was the meat already came off the shell,Which make it less messy for us! Don't forget creme brule' to finished your meal and you'll thank me later. Definitely my go to spot every time I visit Santa Barbara.

    Photos
    Rare Society - Bar @rare Society

    Bar @rare Society

    Rare Society - Wedgie salad

    Wedgie salad

    Rare Society - Rolls

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    Rolls

    The Nugget - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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