My first ever drive-in experience & I'm a convert. Loved it! Super fun, completely novel. We bought our tickets for the show & headed on in. $17 for two of us. It's laid out with dirt mounds so you can pull up on the mound & have the hood raised up a bit to see over cars in front of you. We went for the 9:30 showing - it was dark. They have trash cans placed between parking spaces so you can easily dispose of your trash afterwards. We walked over to the snack bar to get some mouth watering treats and left super psyched with their popcorn. It was fresh, hot and delicious. Yum! The movie, Venom, was awesome & the whole experience was fun. A lot of people had air mattresses in the back of their pickups or brought out folding chairs to enjoy the flick. If you've never been to a drive in movie theater I really recommend it. It's campy & a throwback experience. read more

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Nice option for cheaper movie experience in the comfort of your car. Sound is OK since it's transmitted to your radio. Video is OK since projector and screen are not latest and greatest. One problem I have with the theater is they show kids movies at 11PM and rates R movies go first around 8PM, which is when you would want to take your kids. Not a great movie schedule for families with little kids. read more

We just love going to the drive-in! Such a blast from the past ! Places like this are a real Boon to the community. A way to have some inexpensive family bonding or a great date. This place has clean restrooms &snack bar. Vintage but tidy.We love that we can bring our chihuahua and some snacks with us . Smoke, have a drink ,,,know what I mean? The snack bar is pretty reasonably priced & offers refills on a large popcorn,So that's cool. They have diner items like pizza burgers, burritos.Bring small bills$Cash for your tickets, please?You can sit in your car or bring some chairs and blankets. But TURN OFF your running LIGHTS and dome lights so everyone can see better?Maybe arrive on time so you don't disturb the show while you park?They often offer a double feature making "drive-in night"a real bargain ! read more

West Wind Drive In - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

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We were so happy when the Drive-In opened again during the Pandemic, as it was one of our favorite places for a low key date night beforehand. Since they have reopened, they have diligent about safety standards and proper spacing. We usually get there 30-45 minutes early and are able to get a spot with a good view. We prefer seeing action movies here as they really light up the screen. It's an affordable way to see new releases, especially when you bring your own snacks! Although they do have a selection of candies and food inside. We also stay for the double features too for no extra cost! read more

Their open! Double Features Every Night Adults $6.75, Kids 5-11 Only $1.00! Tuesdays - Family fun Night Adults $4.75, Kids 5- 11 Only $1.00! read more

Well early into the pandemic, we were so impressed by how serious they were taking safety here. It was the best outing you could could have. Now, in late October, they and the patrons have become very lax. I saw people walk into the men's and women's restrooms without masks - walking right past staff who didn't say a word. I get it that people are setting their chairs inside and behind their cars and trucks without masks, but when staff aren't controlling who goes into the common areas, that's a major change from a few months ago and an equally major disappointment. read more

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So much fun! Great price. You get a beautiful view of the moon siding also. Glad to have new movies coming out & old like this anime movie read more

West Wind Drive In - Demon Slayer - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

Total bust! Bring it back! Just found out about this and wanted to take my son, but alas, like all great things it has left us too soon.

What a wonderful Summer treat! With the indoor cinemas being close, this is a great alternative! Music blasting! Snacks! Drinks! Social Distancing! Mask! Etc.! What I love about this is that it brings great childhood memories back! Thank you Westwind Drive-In! read more

West Wind Drive In - Subaru Forester & Drive-In Screen. - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

It's probably been about 6-7 years since I've been to a drive-in and I forgot how great it is. To be in the comfort of your own car, snacks and blankets (if needed). Especially with everything going on now it was a nice getaway and safe! If you're wondering what you should do with COVID not going anywhere anytime soon, I would recommend this drive-in! read more

West Wind Drive In - Drive-in movie - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

One of Goleta's coolest businesses, in my opinion. We all know that drive-ins are a dying breed, whether we want that to be the case or not. For years, Goleta has had remnants of two once-thriving drive-in theaters appear as a ghost of their past self. While one still sits forgotten, I was happy to see when this particular location had new life breathed into it. Then it closed up - and then opened again probably thanks to the pandemic. I hope they stay open. Westwind did not change too much about the venue and it feels like a serious time warp to the 1960s which I love. The concession room, the unpaved parking area, super vintage. They have, however, done away with car speakers and replaced with a digital projection and a corresponding radio channel to tune to. If your vehicle has a good speaker system, then it's like watching a film in surround sound from the comfort of your own car. This venue offers a great deal and is a fun alternative to the traditional theater. I hope to come back again soon. read more

Sunday evening and every time I'm headed into Isla Vista I drive by and I am oh so tempted to drive in and catch a flick. This time I convinced Bf so we looked up the drive in and they have their own website w/ showtimes and everything listed. There is nothing better than a good movie underneath the stars in the comfort classic (old school) drive in style. try it before you knock it !!! We found an available showing went to get some takeout and headed back in time for the ending of their double features SING! And saw the last 15 min of that. We pulled up to the booth and proceeded to this sign outside their snack bar area it was cold out so I'm assuming that's why we paid in the indoor snack are not the booth entrance. It was ($8.25!?) the clerk was nice. Also they have their own radio station that you tune into and it was incredible Bc that's how you hear the flick from your vehicle Parking you can pull up however is most convenient for your vehicle viewing. They have lanes. And there's plenty of viewing area in each lane (yes, we tested it) The Radio station was clutch but they also have it playing aloud. So turn off your head lights and enjoy. The most ideal would probably be a pick up truck or convertible and with better weather although in my SUV we had a fab time and no viewing obstructions. Snack area seemed pretty dead but they do have popcorn and snacks. read more

Been here several times! It's always a fun idea for a date. I'd recommend watching from the back and laying out a blanket! *DON'T FORGET TO BRING CASH* they have an ATM inside the drive-in, but just save yourself the trouble and bring cash with you. read more

They've got a bit of NOSTALGIA goin' on, up in here! Technology has certainly altered the way we watch movies, sometimes incredibly so. But there is just something cool about lounging in the car/van & watching a flick in the open skies with family and friends! Drive-in movies are not an easy find, and yet, here is West Wind Santa Barbara Drive-In Theater, in all its splendor! It's the closest drive-in screen to Ventura County. This blast from the past is actually located in Goleta, so it's about 40 minutes from my hometown. Yelp directions are on point. Snack bar has tasty options and popcorn hasn't been overly salty. Still doesn't have something you want? No prob! Bring it! I transport my own spicy ramen pipin' hot and Calbee Shrimp Flavored Chips to munch on. YUUP!!! I slurp & crunch away like nobody's business AND I'm not bothering a soul! Need to stretch the appendages a lil bit? Please, feel free to roam. How about pre-movie distractions like gettin' thrown popcorn at me by my kids to make in my mouth?!? Oh yeah, fun times! No way we'd get away with that @ any walk in cinema! But, it's all good here! Some details to know... *Prices: $7.25 adults; $1 kids 5-11y/o; under 5y/o FREE! These prices are usually for a double feature, too! *Try to get there 30 minutes early. There is only 1 cashier & as it gets closer to start time, the longer it takes to get in. *Smaller cars park in front section, while SUVs & vans are relegated the the middle & back areas. Mobile homes are in the WAAAY back! It's basically a dirt lot, slightly uneven, so no fancy shoes. Its beach California, so there is the normal little chill in the air at night. *All digital projection, all digital sound. Tune in to 96.9 FM on your vehicle's stereo. Staff is more than ready to help with a jump start, just in case your vehicle is having too good a time! West Wind does the drive-in experience just fine at a great price. My fams loves the freedom to talk & move... well, I love it. My young squires don't know they prefer it, but they aren't bothering others, that's for sure. Staff is friendly and helpful. There's never been a glitch with the movie projection. As this is THE ONLY Drive-in for miles & miles, its as good as it's going to get around here. read more

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This is the perfect place to see a movie in Santa Barbara. Having been to this drive-in since I was little seeing movies like RoboCop 2 and Arachnophobia, I was happy when it reopened two years ago. First off, the price of admission is just fantastic, $7.00 for adults (only $5.00 on Tuesday's during Family Fun Nights). You can't get that at any of the local theaters where it is about $10 for one movie. The price of admission is for two movies here. I went just this last weekend to see the movies Battleship and Men In Black III. There was a security guy outside the entrance doing traffic control making sure everything was nice and organized. The attendants at both the entrance and concession stand were very friendly. The night that I went was fairly busy, with a couple of motorhomes parked in the back (first time seeing motorhomes at the drive-in). It is great that they got rid of the sound boxes and now the sound is projected off a FM radio station used in your car or a portable stereo system. If your car dies, West Wind employees offers a free jump start so you will be able to drive home. In terms of food, there concession stand has a great selection of items ranging from popcorn (they have the bucket that when bought, gives you one free refill), fountain drinks, hot dogs, pretzels, churro's, candy, among other things. They also have some arcade games (just two when I was there). Also, this place doesn't frown upon outside food or drink, they are more than welcome as well. Only bad thing that I have seen is some people turn there headlights on during the movie, which causes a distraction for the viewer. Overall, this place is highly recommended to visit in Santa Barbara/Goleta with friends, a date, or even alone. read more

West Wind Drive In - Showing a preview for Snow White at the West Wind Santa Barbara Drive-in. - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

Took the kids to see a double feature last night Malificent and X-Men. Over all we had a good time. It was not even close to the one in SLO but it was still a good time. The prices have gone up to the following: Adults - 7.50 Kids (5-11) - 1.00 The cons: They have a dirt lot so every time a car goes by there is a dust cloud that hits you. Another annoying thing was the the entrance is right in front of the screen so all the people that get there late reflect their headlights and brake lights on the screen. And I think they said it was a digital projection?? Well last night was it was not digital.. Or there must have been something off. Popcorn is not that great, both time we went in to go get some it was cold, major turn off. The nachos, same lame nachos as every theater, so not worth it. The pros: People there were nice, they were not rude or obnoxious. The popcorn, as much as it sucked, at least you got free refills with the large bucket. Their jalapeños were very yummy, don't judge!! I like to top my popcorn with it :) All in all, we had a good time, I still think the drive-in in SLO is much better because it doesn't have any if the cons I mentioned above and everything is less expensive and bigger in their snack shop. But I'm still glad this place is around, for us its only a 40 minute drive vs. the 2hr drive we would have to SLO. So I recommend you give this place a try, but be forewarned, bring LOTS of blankets, it gets very cold here!! read more

The West Wind Drive-In Movie Theater in Santa Barbara is now open with Double Features & Cheap Ticket Prices. Retro & Nostalgia Mania has hit America Big Time as the country embraces The Drive-In Movie Theater once again for a Inexpensive Fun safe night out. Drive-Ins were really popular from the 40s-70s & most were all torn down to make room for apartments etc. There are less than 300 worldwide & now are having a Huge Resurgence. Older people who remember Drive-Ins from their youth want to go once again. A whole new generation of younger people who have never been to one are embracing this as something Unique, Different & Cool. Save yourself some money & Bring your own Picnic Basket or Cooler with your own Food & Beverages in your car or you can visit the Concession Stand too. You might also want to bring a separate portable radio instead of draining your car's battery. Get Ready for Some Fun as America heads back to the Movies! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really rich to have The Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've Been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like A King On A Limited Budget! read more

Tuesday night, movie date night at the drive in This was our second time going to the Drive In on a Tuesday. Not only is it discounted ($4.95 pp), but we also came on a double feature night. (Woo hoo!) The lot is a decent size, and unlike the first time (when we were one of 2 cars), there were about 10 other vehicles around us. Back in the day, you used to have to use one of those speaker boxes that balanced on your window/ door to get any sound, but these days, you can turn into an FM radio station that broadcasts the movie. Pretty nifty idea, and has super clear sound. (Which also helps drown out the planes flying overhead.) The concession stand is full of goodies. We got the freshly popped popcorn last time we were there and if we didn't already have our picnic all laid out, I would have gotten some more. That is the good stuff! The bathrooms are also very clean and nice. If you are itchin' to go to a drive in, this is a great place to go! read more

I couldn't wait to bring my kiddos to experience the drive-in!! It was pretty damn cool for them to sit out & watch it like I did as a kid!! But I have to say, Bring Your Own Snacks!! So glad I brought a bunch of extra stuff. We bought popcorn which as ok, but when we added extra butter... YUCK!! My kids were grossed out! I also bought churros which were a pretty big BUT were SUPER dry & nasty! We ended up chucking them. Only 3 stars because of gross snacks here read more

Love this drive in! For less than a regular movie theater ticket you get to take a trip down memory lane and experience an old school drive-in movie! If you haven't been to a drive-in in a while the technology has definitely upgraded! When you pay they give you a radio station and get to use your own car speakers to hear the movie! Badass! They have great traditional snack options available but you can always pack your own like I do :P #ballingonabudget Love the experience here, definitely recommended! read more

A little on the ragged side, but lets be honest.....ITS A DRIVE IN!!! I was so happy that they still had one, somewhere, anywhere, for my kids to experience! We drove from the san Fernando valley to see a double feature that was under $7 for adults and $1 for kids! Great deal! We had such a fun experience and made a day out of it, stopping in Santa Barbara for the day. Can't wait to come back later in the summer with a caravan of friends to see another movie! One of my favorite memories growing up and I was so happy to share it with my kids! PS - bring your chairs and blankets. You tune the sound in on your car through the radio! They have snacks that are priced great, but you can bring your own. Just come early, because there is only one person who checks people in! read more

West Wind Drive In - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

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I love this place such a great atmosphere. We've gone a few times and every time I love it. Great COVID safe date night

My family loved it. There's just two things, people who leave their cars running during the movie, those of us in an open vehicle have to smell the car fumes. Some people leave their lights on during the movie as well and it takes away from the quality of the movie. The directions FAQ say car should be in Accessory Mode (ACC). read more

I really loved it! We went for the 1st time yesterday and saw a double feature (Inside Out & Lost World). The tickets are very affordable, $7.50 per adult and $ per child age 5-18 for a double feature! The movie started at 8:30 and we got there at 7:45 and were the first ones there and got the best spot (in my opinion). We had someone park directly in front of us and completely blocked our view but we kindly asked them to move over one way and we would scoot over the other way and it worked out perfectly. The snack bar is well stocked but I think some of the candy is older as nothing we got (buncha crunch, butterfinger, and red vines) tasted super fresh. The popcorn is cold but you can put as much butter and salt on it as you want and it is a huge bucket with one free refill so don't throw away the bucket! You listen to the movie through the radio in your car or a boom box if you have one by tuning to a specific station. I think next time we will bring a boom box (if I can find one LOL) because our particular model of car keeps all the lights on if the keys are in the ignition and I'm sure it annoyed our car neighbors (we ended up covering them as best as we could). The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it isn't the most modern facility and I personally feel that they should have parking curbs or clearly marked stalls so that the cars are purposely staggered and not blocking each others view. However, the facility is clean (please pick up after yourself), has clean bathrooms, very affordable, and it is an amazing experience that I am glad to share with my children. We will definitely be going again! read more

One of a kind in Santa Barbara! I usually come here on Tuesday nights for their $5/person deal. There's lots of family with kids and they come prepared with tables, chairs, snacks, and big cars. If you have a smaller car, come early to get to the front row - it's hard to see with the big cars in the front with their trunks open. Projection isn't the BEST quality but the experience is worth it. Come with that special someone and have a great date night! & don't forget your blankets and pillow pets! read more

West Wind Drive In - Showing Transformers - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

Love going back to a drive-in. There is nothing quite like getting to see a movie from the comfort of your own car. The screen is pretty good size and the sound is decent. The digital projector make the picture crisp and bright. Maybe I was a bit too optimistic about seeing cartoons, a snack bar commercial, or other drive-in traditions. But otherwise this is a great deal compared to your movie house experience. read more

West Wind Drive In - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

Fantastic. This was such a fun event to do with the family. Bathrooms and snack bar open. Popcorn hit the spot

We had a blast here! We got to park in the front row since we were in a small car. The bathrooms were ok and the snack bar was perfect to grab some popcorn and candy. We picked up dinner and ate in the trunk before the movie started. We saw security walking around a lot and felt very safe. We will definitely be back. read more

Trust me, I'm more than ecstatic to have a drive-in theater near me. There is some very clear room for improvement here though. The screen needs to be repainted DESPERATELY. My biggest issue with this place is the people that work here. Some staff members are incredibly unhelpful and unbothered by any concerns someone might have. Tonight, there was a girl passed out in a bathroom stall with 2 of her friends. When I told the employees in the lobby, they didn't really seem to care at all. read more

West Wind Drive In - Screen needs to be repainted - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

We went early and got a really good place with the car. but it was not crowded even it was Friday night. It was my first time going to a drive in cinema and I loved it - the whole atmosphere! the snacks were also great, normal prices. Only the security guy was a bit creepy :D I would definitely go there again! read more

West Wind Drive In - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Goleta, California

I'm so upset this place closed. I only went there one time last week and it was the first drive Inn Theater I have ever been too. I wanted to watch so many movies there and after just finding out about this place it decided to close down. So upsetting. read more

Wow, so much fun. Not much of a snack bar, but we brought our own food. Family fun. I would definitely recommend. I never thought that my children would ever get to go to a drive in theater. They loved it. read more

Two Words: Nostalgic Escape I have been to the West Wind Drive-In many times - with groups, my parents, and even on dates. Each time I go, I feel like it is an escape from my daily life as a UCSB Student. You drive and park where you desire. Tune to 96.9 FM, push your car seat back, and eat. Unlike indoor movie theaters, you can bring your own snacks and food! If you forget to bring your own food, they have their own snack shop where you can purchase items such as popcorn, nachos, and soda. Admission is a mere 7.50, but if you come to the first feature, you can watch the second one for FREE! On Tuesdays, they have a special where tickets are only $5, this is a sweet deal. I recommend to come early on Tuesday. The place may be hard to find, so I suggest leaving early if you have never been here and using your GPS to navigate. It is by the 217 freeway! Side Note: Every Sunday Morning, the SB Public Market is held here from 7AM-2PM read more

I really love this quaint little place. You never see drive-ins anymore. They only have one screen but there's plenty of parking. The price is pretty decent too. I enjoy being in the privacy of my own car where u don't have to deal with others and can even talk without disturbing others. Things to remember: 1. You can bring your own snacks and drinks 2. Go in a truck or SUV with a big trunk that you can sit in 3. Come for the first movie and stay for the second movie for free! read more

I definitely enjoyed my double feature at the WestWind. Four of us went in one car on a Saturday to see the second feature, but we had heard that it gets really packed and harder to see if you're in back so we got there before the first feature, a children's movie, started. Arriving this early probably isn't necessary, as a nice spot next to us was open pretty much right up until the start of movie #2. For two movies the price is really reasonable and you can feel free to bring all of your own snacks. We had a picnic and brought our own lawn chairs, and other people were doing similar things. They do have an indoor area with restrooms, a few arcade games, some food for those who get hungry and a strong heater to help you warm up. Even in Santa Barbara it got chilly at night so dress warmly if you plan to sit outside your car. You use your radio to tune into the audio (96.9 FM) and overall it was a nice experience--more intimate than a movie theater without annoying people next to you talking or rustling their snack bags. Note: SUVs automatically have to park in the second row. The parking lot is all dirt so don't wear your favorite shoes as they will likely be dusty. Also, I hear they give free jump starts if your car's battery dies. read more

It was my first time at a drive-in and now I can check this experience off my bucket list! So a couple points... - Cash only - CHEAAAP tickets! SOO cheap! $7.50 for adults ($5 on Tuesdays) and $1 for kids under 11. Forget the movie theater, I would come here all the time if I could. - Double feature! aka TWO movies for the price of one - New movies - Very old restroom, BUT surprisingly nostalgic and not gross. I like that the toilets had lids (I have a major fear of toilet mist), but then again there's probably germs all over it because hands - The gals at the snack bar are lightning fast. They grabbed all my stuff AS I was ordering it and it was done before I could even pay. - Service, overall, very attentive - $5.75 for a refillable bucket of popcorn - Pretzel was not so great, but it was decently priced If I ever visit my brother at UCSB again, I'm definitely coming back! Thank you for existing! We need more drive-ins in 'Murica read more

The first drive in movie theatre opened in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey on June 6th, 1932. Over the 82 intervening years they've been around, they had their grand hey-days, and their decline in interest. They have become mostly extinct nowadays. I remembered visiting one back in Shrewsbury Massachusetts in my younger days. Knowing I'd be out that-a-way, I planned a visit to close out an exciting day trip. I arrived early, not really knowing what to expect. On their website, I'd read that they let cars into the theatre 30 minutes prior to the 1st movie. It was well before that and there was a big truck sitting in front of the entry booth already. I decided I needed munchies for the movie, so I located the nearest 7-11 on my GPS. It was less than a mile away in downtown Goleta. I took off, and was back before too long. I guess I was still pretty early, as there were now two cars 'in line' to be let in. I pulled up behind the second car, and took a nap. I was awoken by movement ahead of me not too long afterwards. The 'theatre' was let in much earlier than I had read. It was let in over an hour before the first movie. I paid for my ticket (just $7.50!) and pulled into the lot, where I observed several rows of grooves and hills. Remembering how this should work, I drove down a groove, and pulled the front of my car up onto a hill, so my nose was up, pointed to the screen. I then turned on my radio, and found the correct radio station so that it paired up with the music blaring from the snack bar (96 point something). I then cracked open a cold soda, and opened a bag of chili-cheese hot dog potato chips and settled in for the movies. The movies were great. High quality film, high quality sound, and I didn't have to hang that big clunky thing in the window. After Maleficent finished, I got out of the car, and took a walk over to the snack bar. If you sign up for their email club, you get a coupon for $1 Nachos. They had all the movie theatre classics, candies of all sorts, the bucket 'o popcorn (with refill!) and the giant cups of sodas that I could swim in. I pondered a bucket of popcorn in addition to my nachos, but decided after all the junk I'd been eating already, I'd cut my losses and just stick to the nachos. I held my coupon high and was presented with an order of nachos. A plastic tray, a handful of chips, and a tub 'o nacho cheese were handed to me in exchange for my dollar bill. Not exactly the stellar nachos my brain had conjured up. But hey, it was a dollar. I graciously accepted the inexpensive treat, and quickly ate them outside the snack bar. No way I was eating these in the car. After finishing, I washed my hands, and returned to my car. After the second movie let out, It was 12:45, and I had a long drive back home. I was very tired, but I'm very glad I added this to my day trip. It was loads of fun, and it brought back a few memories. ...And I got to see the after-credits bit to tease the next X-men movie. If you can't get out to Goleta, here is a website with a list of surviving drive-in movie theatres. http://www.driveintheater.com/drivlist.htm read more

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Went here last night to see Guardians of the Galaxy (which was incredible, in case you were wondering) and we were so pleasantly surprised. There was quite a bit of a bottleneck to get in, especially since there was only one gentleman working both the lines. It moved pretty fast, though. When we got to the front and handed him our card, we were informed it was cash only. Needless to say, I was a bit upset. However, he let us park and use the ATM and get the money back to him. I don't know why, but because he trusted us enough to come back and pay, I just felt really good about their service. It definitely contributed to the feeling of a community and family event, which you can't get much anymore. The audio a video were great. It was nice to bring in our own food, but love the option of the concession. We will absolutely come back the next time they are showing a movie we are interested in, especially since it's comparable to seeing a movie in the theater but you can watch in the comfort of your own car. read more

My wife and I visited here to experience an old school american drive in theatre and that is what we got. Sound quality was good in the car and the usual snacks and rest rooms like other cinemas. We left after the first movie but people looked to be staying for the second,not sure if that was included in the ticket price but if so it would be a bargain. read more

So much fun! 2 movies for $6.75 and what a great way to escape the routine! The snack bar and bathrooms are clean and retro in a 50's- style rotunda. The staff is super nice and mellow. Plus, you can bring your own grub. In n' Out anyone? Oh, and for all the a/v geeks, the sound is fine, broadcasted through your stereo (which is nice cuz it blocks out any stray sounds from other cars or the airport) and the picture is crispy against the dark black Goleta sky once the sun goes down. This place is a gem! Check it out. read more