Stopped in Zookers Meat & Seafood Shoppe which is located behind the Zookers restaurant and my wife and I agreed that it was the best cold cut turkey sandwich we ever had! Well worth the $17 price as the roll was amazing filled with turkey piled high and fresh lettuce tomatoes crunchy dill pickles... we split the sandwich and were both highly impressed and satisfied. The turkey was sous vide and roasted per the super friendly butcher and tasted oh so good! This is a hidden gem of a small butcher shop and deli (that is part of the Zookers Restaurant family) known for its farm-to-table, locally sourced, and organic meats and seafood. read more

Tuna tartare - overall delicious, fresh and well seasoned but you gotta be cray if you think 2 wonton wraps is enough to eat it with, need 4. Calamari and shishito peppers- bomb.com tender and well seasoned. Heirloom Tomato Salad- $18 for 3 thin slices of tomato, absolutely not, the menu should be written to say loads of greens with 1/8th of a tomato. Would never support anyone ordering this for this price. Iberian pork chop- shut the front door this was a good chop, a few more veg would be nice, overall the mustard sauce and the cook on this was delightful. Alaska Halibut special- that's some juicy fish you gotta there!! The dill sauce absolutely sublime! Banana and walnut Bread pudding- so we ordered dessert ONLY because dinner was so good and whomp whomp it was awful- overall dry and sweet. My guy had said based on the dessert menu which is everything restaurants without a pastry chef have on ten menu ie bread pudding, crisp, ice cream and something chocolate we shouldn't have done it, eat savory here and go somewhere else for dessert. Service was great, and we were there early before the Saturday night crowd, it was airy and calm, overall enjoyable. read more

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Never fails, first cabin quality every time. In the event you are out and about in Carp, on a burger expedition your journey will be amazed at the fresh local ingredients that are simply delightful and delicious in everything Zookers prepares, not just their popular hamburger that is excellent! Local grown vegetables, nice salads, the lunches offer up a bunch of great options. If you're journaling you will be remembering the spectacular food you have enjoyed at our local favorite restaurant in Carp. The Dinner Specials are always delicious! For amazing ingredients to prepare at home try Zookers Meat & Seafood Shoppe just around back. Wow so freaking fresh and tasty too. Perfect party favors and snack stuff too. Do not hesitate here. read more

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Excellent in every way from quality of food to service. Presentation was great! Server was so sweet.

This is a down home-style restaurant in Carp. The food is very tasty, the service is pleasant and sweet staff. There are a lot of new places to eat in town, but this is the most consistently good, fun, reasonably priced place to eat. read more

Zookers Restaurant - Filet minion wrapped in bacon with Gorgonzola crust. - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Great Service. Always greats their customers with a smile. Food is superior and the booths and tables are always clean. Love their outside seating. They have takeout service so if you want one of their great meals you can call and pickup. Our family have done this many a time. Don't miss their fantasy Meat and Fish store in the back read more

We were on our way up No. and were lucky enough to find this gem of a restaurant! Lovely atmosphere and music, great food, very friendly and helpful waitress!!! And the tiramisu was absolutely wonderful, We will definitely make Zookers a destination when we are in the area!! Loved it read more

Zookers Restaurant - Warm and inviting atmosphere - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

food was AMAZING absolute 11/10, and there was such a nice guy that kept checking up on us and making sure everything was good. the interior was nice and had paintings of carp that reminded me of my local spirit. i would definitely recommend this place even if it is on the pricy side. read more

Was staying for a weekend with my bff and this place was recommended! We did a to- go order but... Food: OMG, delicious! Service: warm & helpful Ambiance: cozy If you're heading up north or Carpinteria- why not stop by at this place and have something. Highly recommended.‼ read more

This place was a fast casual place. My family and I were staying in the area for a bit and this restaurant was appealing so we decided to give it a try. Ambiance was quiet and nice but the outside surrounding area was a little sketchy. The food was ok to get by. My party was a still slightly full from lunch so we wanted something lighter. - Turkey meatloaf 8/10 meatloaf ran a little salty but it was a lighter steak like substitute - Curry halibut 7/10 (from their special) misleading lol, they used some spicy sauce that tasted like buffalo sauce so it was not even close to curry. Still good though, I liked the black rice it was paired with - Tofu saute 5/10 as a vegetarian option it was ok, all I tasted was the cheese They also charge a 3% credit processing fee so just beware. read more

Zookers Restaurant - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Super-fresh seafood, very friendly and responsive staff, and ez parking. Other dishes and specials are ever-changing, snd the result is a local favorite. Highly recommended. read more

We stop here on our way between Orange. County and the Central Coast. We haven't been for several years since we are usually traveling when they are closed. So I was really excited about stopping here again. And it didn't disappoint. I had the curry chicken sandwich with dried apricots and slivered almonds. So good on the multigrain bread. I am obsessed for finding the recipe. I also had the soup- don't remember the exact name- something like pozole verde. Wasn't expecting much- but it turned out to be as good if not better than the sandwich. I also took home the house made hummus. It was also excellent. The ambience is lovely. Can't wait to go back. Our server was very good and able to answer all my questions. read more

Zookers Restaurant - Curry chicken sandwich, pozole verde soup and blue corn tortilla chips. - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

The other couple of times to this restaurant we bicycled in from Ventura and ate lunch outdoors, but this visit was late in the day so we stopped for dinner. Seafood chowder and Seafood tostado were both delicious! Mixed green salad and Eggplant parmigiana eaten by my friend was equally delicious as I had a bite of each. 805 beer and Lemonade, but unfortunately no room for dessert. Waitress was more than helpful as we searched for sandwiches from somewhere for the next day. Thank you for the Carp Kitchen recommendation. read more

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Unbelievable good!! And consistently good! The best variety of foods for everyone ! Great atmosphere with great service!!!!

Yelp has there time wrong. They actually open at 11. And are open Tuesday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

The staff is friendly and hospitable, and the space is fine. The drawback is that for a dinner that's $30-$50, you expect excellent food. It was ok, but not great. The seafood pasta was a little bland and overcooked. The balsamic pear salad was tiny, basically a side salad, and it was $17. They're going to have trouble with the price point for what they're serving. read more

It was one of those days where my wife & I drove north exploring. Went to the beach on PCH and decided to keep driving north, eventually getting off in Carpenteria. Never having been there, we relied on a locals advice and went to Zookers...best advice ever!! Ultra clean café with a deli next door, also a part of Zookers. Immediately seated and our server, Gabby arrived with two menus and two glasses of ice water, much appreciated as it was a very warm day. My wife wanted wine but was considering two varietals...no problem, they gave her a small amount to try. Very nice! She had the mushroom soup, which was phenomenal, and I chose the Hot Pastrami sandwich, which was in the top ten of any sandwich I have eaten. Ample meat in a soft, warm roll, with a delicious aioli. Perfect. We even stayed for dessert...warm berry crisp and a chocolate pot au crème, a perfect way to end the meal. The atmosphere was great, not too crowded, everyone was super friendly and they played very nice music piped in at the perfect volume (a pet peeve for us). But besides the food and the atmosphere, the best part of our experience was our server, Gabby, by far. Very friendly, efficient and patient with our menu questions, she didn't miss a service beat. Water half full? She was on it...didn't have to ask. Menu questions? She was very knowledgeable. Between the meal and dessert, she loved it when we engaged her in conversation, and stayed and talked for a few minutes after the meal. My wife fell in love with her, she was perfect...very kind, seemed to enjoy us and her job...in that order. A true rarity. As a career manager in service environments, I can tell you that I couldn't think of a single thing she could have done better, and I am highly critical. I wish Gabby worked in SCV, if she did, it would quickly become my favorite restaurant, we enjoyed and appreciated her so much! If you are ever in the area, I could not recommend Zookers (and Gabby) more highly. You will not be sorry!! We are already planning a return visit, we only hope Gabby is on duty! read more

We needed a yummy pit stop on the way to Santa Barbara. This sleepy town had a few options but the ratings for Zookers made us stop in. We both had the combo: 1/2 sandwich and soup for lunch. The roast beef was great, the turkey stack was meh. The meat didn't really have flavor and although it was generously portioned on the sandwich, it was dry. The fresh sourdough bread was the high point of our sandwiches but I would have had it toasted if offered. The seafood chowder was really good but mostly just potatoes in a really creamy flavorful broth. The service almost ruined it for us. The hostess was amazing and sat us on the patio right away. It was loud next to the road but we wanted the fresh air. Our assigned waitress was a young, pleasant girl but didn't show up except to bring us waters, then our food, the check. I wanted to feel bad for her but I just don't think she had the personality or training to interface with diners. She'd be better and refilling waters or running food only. We love to tip generously but just couldn't. I wouldn't go back as there is so much good food to eat and service is really make it/break it in this economy. read more

Zookers Restaurant - Wine menu by the glass - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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The food was excellent! Every dish was delicious. Even my young kid said they want to go back ASAP. Ambiance is pretty and a bit fancy. The staff was kind and patient dealing with kids who spill as well as lots of questions. The only slight issue was that they only have one bathroom so, if more than one person in your family has to go, there might be a wait. The Chilean seabass was our fave! read more

This was a great find! We stopped in our way from a road trip and it was soooo good! I devoured the salad I ordered: my husbands ciopinno was delish and my toddler's chicken tenders were incredible. We do this drive a few times a year- definitely will be back. read more

I was able to spend the day in the SLO area and my client said we must eat at Zookers if I've never tried it. Let me tell you, it's nice to find a local spot that's been open for over 20 years dishing out amazing table fare. I went with the pastrami Reuben and I think this is in my top 3 fave Reuben's in America. Service was great and the ambiance gives you that living room patio vibe from a house. Great artwork and super clean bathrooms. I'll be back for sure read more

Zookers Restaurant - Pastrami Reuben - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

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One of the best restaurants in Carp. Everything on the menu is wonderful. It's always fresh and delicious. Indoor and outdoor seating and pooches are welcome :). A few of my favorites are the salmon dinner, the Cobb salad and THE HAMBURGER!!! I actually love everything on both menus, lunch and dinner. The specials are a delight too! I get the halibut when available. The pork chop is another go to. The filet mignon is also an excellent choice. I could go through the whole menu! The soups are yummy too! Just try anything, you won't be disappointed. Zookers is a Carp staple and 1 of the only two "fine dining" options in carp. Sweet spot for a date night too! If it's not Zookers then it's good ol Clementines down the road! read more

The service is exceptional and the food is delicious. One of the best restaurants in Ventura county.

All the positives first; Excellent parking which makes it Less of a hassle.. Service is exceptional and friendly! I ordered chicken Kabob which i would not recommend because it seemed underwhelming in my opinion. Lacked color, the taboule was green and grain only couldn't find tomato anywhere. The rice was cold and the skewers were small pieces so they seemed a little dry. Today with so many kabob places around the bar is much higher than before so my advice don't put it on the menu unless its going to be a knock out for $20 .. That being said i would definitely try this place again because the menu seems like its worth another try. read more

I used to order their spinach salad regularly without dressing and would regularly get home with my salad drowning in dressing. I recently ordered a sandwich at the Meat Market. Sadly the only thing that was right about my order was bread and turkey. Specifically asked for smoked mozzarella (never even made my sandwich), lettuce, tomato, onions and mustard. Ended up with mayo, oil and all kinds of crap I didn't ask for. Had to scrape everything off. Sheesh, here's an idea, write the order down. read more

On holiday in the area, my family had a wonderful and leisurely lunch at Zooker's a short time ago. What a charming little place! We were pleasantly greeted upon entry and our party of five was quickly seated at a family table. A charming brunette, with a cute pixie cut, gave us the specials, and seconds later, our server appeared. Our server is named Kate and she is just awesome! Waters, sprite and lemonade was ordered and served. Our glasses never sat thirsting for additional liquids. The staff zealously maintained our glasses. Three of us had the blackened cesar salad. One had the angel hair pasta with spinach & shrimp in a lemon caper sauce. The 5th in our party couldn't decide between two sandwiches, so we got both, thinking the table can share the one she preferred least. The food was so delicious and flavorful. We all ate heartily with little remaining. My niece liked both sandwiches, but was partial to the steak, so that is what she ate and the remaining pastrami sandwich was shared among the table. Kate and the entire team were super attentive and solicitous. We were all very happy at Zooker's and we will definitely return, during this, or a future, visit. Thank you Zooker's for a beautiful first experience! read more

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Possibly the best cooked salmon I've had. Wonderful menu, friendly server, great artwork and orchids on the table. What a find!!! First time back since the pandemic and was disappointed. The salmon was only on the menu as a salad so I missed it and ordered a stuffed poblano chili for 15.95. I had ordered this in the past and enjoyed it. This time it was good but the order was small and I was still hungry. I asked how much it would be for chips and salsa and the waiter said he would get it for me. The waitress came and brought it. When I checked the bill I had been charged an additional 3.50$ for this without being told. I'm not a big eater and usually take home half my meals at restaurants. Very disappointing. read more

Zookers Restaurant - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Best restaurant in carp! Fresh fish great salads. Really really needs a refresh but great food! read more

It's certainly the best restaurant in Carpinteria, having quality food and decent service. Unfortunately it's become a-bit too pricy for most of the locals to eat there. read more

We went for dinner the food and service were good we had the fried cauliflower was very good we definitely go back

Food is delicious. They definitely put heart into what they are making. Specials are always legit, there Cobb salad is different and the best you'll ever have. read more

New to town. Found this restaurant on yelp. Very fresh ingredients, especially seafood. Great taste. Authentic Italian foods.

Really good home-cooked food very nice service. I always like going here. I usually usually have the short ribs which are amazing great local family friendly restaurant. read more

The food is SO fresh and good. You just know you're eating good, real food here. We started with the bruschetta as our appetizer and holy. Moly. Incredible. I have never tasted something so delicious and flavorful in one bite. My mom and I each got the Cobb salad as our main dish and it was soooo delicious. I love that everything was chopped up and combined so that it was easier to eat/ mixed with dressing, and not like a regular salad where they just throw stuff in a bowl and make you mix it. My dad got the sirloin burger and said it was incredible. Juicy and flavorful. Our dinner also came with bread. The staff was awesome, friendly and served us super fast. We went here during a cold front (45 degrees) so didn't get to eat outside, but the patio looks super cute. If we weren't visiting I would definitely come back! My only complaint is that it was cold inside. I was in many layers but can't imagine the people in t shirts and shorts. read more

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absolutely delicious cuisine! service was fantastic! outstanding wine selection. a wonderful restaurant to visit and dine in the beautiful city 0f carpinteria. we will be coming back many more times to come. thank you jeenie. read more

Great food at reasonable prices. Awesome service. Wide variety of indoor and outdoor seating. read more

This is one of my favorite spots in Carpinteria. The food is always fresh and delicious I have never had a dish here that I did not like. The produce is all local and I believe organic the specials are seasonal and usually quite popular. It's a great place to come for a casual lunch and they have great outdoor seating. Their sandwiches and salads are delicious and generous in size, and the soups are freshly made and delicious. I have not had dessert here but I saw today someone getting huge amazing looking brownie topped with coffee ice cream and I was envious! This is always a great place to meet a coworker, come with family and even great spot for a date. read more

Restaurant is 3 and the shop in the back is a 5! Our restaurant food was really mixed and the service was odd/bad. The Steamers starter was amazing, very meaty muscles cooked in this heavenly butter, wine and garlic sauce - make sure they bring the bread/butter so you can sop up the sauce. Unfortunately the waitress hadn't timed our mains and so we were pretty surprised when they came out quite a bit before we'd finished our starter. She had really become quite engaged chatting with another table, so we didn't see her that much afterwards and they have multiple folks bring out the food and clear, so there's no one really watching the experience. The burger was good, great bun and cooked perfectly, but the potatoes that come with it aren't that good - if you're not doing fries...then it should be great. I had the meatloaf, which was ok and the mashed potatoes were very good, but the gravy was very bland and flavorless. For dessert, they have several seasonal items, but our gal just dropped off the menu and disappeared before we could ask about them. We had the cheesecake to go and it was awful, we ended up throwing it away. No flavor and odd texture. What is new, to us, is they've got a deli/meat/seafood market behind the restaurant and this is amazing! The meat/seafood looks really good, pricy but worth it. They've also got cheeses, sandwiches and the full fixings for a great deli board meal to go. We got a freshly baked sourdough loaf that was really delicious. I don't think we'll do the restaurant again - too pricey for bad service - but we will stop by the market again. read more

The review is about the newer Zookers Meat and Seafood Shoppe attached to Zookers Cafe. The atmosphere reminds you of an old school deli with a small, but fresh meat and seafood selection. I enjoyed a most delicious sandwich which was more than I could consume at one sitting. The pastrami was piled high, I am guessing about 3/4 lb.or more. The roll was fresh and perfectly matched. This is a must try location for your deli fix. My next selection here will be there pork baby back ribs and their prime ribeye steaks. read more

Zookers Restaurant - Pastrami on hoagie roll with tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and a touch of mayo/mustard. This is one sandwich cut in half! - American Near Me - Carpinteria, California

Great food & service. We were there for an early Saturday dinner. Relaxed atmosphere.