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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Barbara

Cocktail bars

A bar where the cocktails are the main event, not just a way to pass the time while you wait for the kitchen to open.

Based on 616 Opinions
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01
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Small cocktail bar with speakeasy vibe and 1930s decor offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Popular music plays while guests enjoy artisanal mixology and late-night food options. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio.

A cozy dark bar with a 1930s vibe offers premium cocktails and impressive food beyond typical bar fare. Service stays attentive even when packed, and bartenders create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Cocktails here are premium and consistently on point. Drinks like the Laid Back cocktail come across as fresh and inspiring.

People are saying

"The drinks here are fantastic and really creative."

"I found the cocktails here to be fantastic and inspiring."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with special deals.

2

The kitchen stays open until 11pm for late-night dining.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for quick service.

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Old woody design with a tin ceiling sets a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere. Friendly staff and lively energy create a welcoming vibe, enhanced by 80s music and occasional baseball on TV. The bar offers classic cocktails and a limited, well-executed menu that complements the relaxed setting.

A welcoming and vibrant atmosphere greets you with a lively vibe and friendly staff. The bar offers an impressive selection of well-priced cocktails alongside a solid food menu featuring standout dishes like salmon.

Cocktails here are expertly crafted with an old school menu that fits the bar's vintage vibe. The Old Man Crusta stands out as a recommended choice.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the expertly crafted cocktails here."

"The bar staff is so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for drop-in visits.

2

The bar is open late on weekends, making it a good late-night spot.

3

Expect a limited but well-prepared menu with a focus on quality.

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French restaurant offers a romantic, cozy atmosphere with a quiet, mellow vibe and classy metropolitan decor. A lovely outdoor patio adds to the intimate setting. Music complements the warm and convivial mood throughout.

Cocktails start the visit with a French-leaning twist. The patio offers a lovely spot to enjoy drinks. Service stays great throughout the experience.

Cocktails feature French-leaning flavors and craft techniques with a focus on bourbon. Service includes engaged and helpful staff guiding choices.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails and vibes here to be great."

Good to know

1

Bar Lou closes at 3pm and reopens at 5pm.

2

Happy Hour is available on Fridays with special pricing.

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The menu features a limited selection but is well curated.

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Small space with a polished, warm vibe feels like a cozy European spot. Friendly greetings create a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. Focus on fresh pasta, Italian DOCG wines, and rotating menus featuring locally sourced ingredients.

More than a typical wine bar, it offers a lively spot with engaging bartenders behind the counter. Sitting at the bar provides a great atmosphere for enjoying drinks and conversation.

Fantastic cocktails come with a great wine list. They also offer delicious virgin cocktails for non-drinkers.

People are saying

"The bar owner personally greets everyone like an old friend."

"The staff here are so accommodating with dietary needs."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The menu features fresh pastas and locally sourced ingredients.

3

Expect a wait for a table during peak dining hours.

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Restaurant combines old-fashioned Parisian style with SoCal vibes in a space featuring high ceilings and arched windows. Atmosphere feels cozy and elegant, balancing intimacy with openness through semi-private layout. Music plays at a comfortable volume, enhancing a chic yet welcoming mood.

A full bar offers a wide selection of drinks with fair prices. Bartender Jess provides exceptional care and knows the menu well, giving great recommendations on food and wine.

Creative wine cocktails stand out here, offering unique flavors beyond standard drinks. Non-alcoholic options are also tasty and thoughtfully crafted.

People are saying

"The staff here make you feel so welcomed and important at the bar."

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The parking fee is $3 per hour after the first 75 minutes.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy nights.

3

Happy hour runs from 5 to 6 PM with special menu items.

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Lively cocktail bar with an open space and long tables suited for groups. Decor includes Nightmare Before Christmas themes and outdoor seating offers people watching opportunities. Atmosphere grows loud when busy, attracting a friendly crowd for chatter and merriness.

An amazing tiki bar with excellent drinks and reasonable prices. The bar area feels open and nice, though service slows down during busy times.

Cocktails show a mix of quality with some being really good while others look better than they taste. Bartenders provide attentive service, like refilling water glasses without being asked.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are so knowledgeable and friendly."

"The cocktails here were great."

Good to know

1

There is no happy hour at this establishment.

2

The bar shares a space with Broad Street Oyster Company.

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Open air patio overlooks a busy street with palm tree roof feature and beautiful bar. Atmosphere blends upscale fun with a local vibe, energized by music that evokes Mexico. Known for an exceptional tequila selection and handcrafted cocktails, it attracts those seeking a lively yet classy setting.

A huge selection of drinks fills the bar, including margaritas and happy hour dishes. A palm tree growing out of the roof adds to the wonderful atmosphere while the staff accommodates with options like delicious mocktails.

Handcrafted and artisanal cocktails stand out with a fantastic selection of tequila and mezcal. Drinks like the Beso de Verano deliver delicious flavors alongside a great atmosphere.

People are saying

"This bar has an amazing tequila selection and knowledgeable bartenders."

"I enjoyed the delicious, hand-crafted cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekends.

3

The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM daily, but check for holiday hours.

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Mexican restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating and multiple TVs showing football creates a lively, sports-friendly atmosphere. The space combines heated patios and a cool bar vibe, attracting families and sports fans alike. Fresh, welcoming environment features beautiful decor and a casual, local cantina feel.

A full bar offers more than just beer and wine, serving beautiful cocktails that taste amazing. The spot has a cool bar vibe and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Creative cocktails balance strong alcohol without overpowering the flavors. Drinks like the Paloma and passionfruit margarita look beautiful and taste amazing.

People are saying

"The food here is artfully displayed and tantalizes the taste buds."

"The cocktails were beautiful and tasted amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is daily from 3:00-5:30 pm with a special menu.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options, but check with staff for preparation.

3

Parking is available in the Vons shopping center lot.

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Old school pub with dim lighting and leather booths creates a casual, relaxed vibe. Noise levels vary from quiet to very loud depending on crowd size and events. Frequented by diners seeking classic cocktails and hearty American fare in a nostalgic steakhouse setting.

An old school bar with an old-fashioned style offers a packed, lively atmosphere. Drinks come in generous servings alongside a locals' favorite vibe.

Classic cocktails come in a vast menu with a solid wine list. The setting includes old school leather booths that add to the vibe.

People are saying

"This bar has a classic, old-school vibe that takes you back in time."

"You'll love the vast cocktail menu here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekend nights.

2

All-you-can-eat prime BBQ ribs night is on Wednesdays for just over $20.

3

Happy hour at Tee-Off Restaurant and Lounge runs on Fridays with discounted drinks.

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Space combines live music, DJ and dance floor, and an outdoor dance scene to create an energetic atmosphere. Artwork and clean, stylish decor add a unique ambiance that feels neighborly and inviting. Crowd mainly consists of people in their 20s and 30s looking for food, drinks, and late-night fun.

Staff show a neighborly vibe and provide quick, helpful service. Bar food is enticing and live music plays on some nights, though cocktails are less impressive.

Speciality cocktails stand out with crafted flavors and a chill cool vibe. Tap and bottled beers join classic cocktails on the menu, though some cocktails feel less impressive compared to nearby spots.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are super nice and friendly."

"The cocktails here are unbelievably delicious and crafted."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 11 pm, so arrive before then for food.

2

Menu items are marked with V for vegetarian, which can be confusing.

3

Vegan options are limited; staff training on dietary needs is lacking.

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Outdoor patio with Adirondack chairs and fireplace creates a cozy, elegant vibe. Atmosphere blends timeless charm with lively social energy, especially during busy times. Space attracts a well-dressed crowd who enjoy people watching and casual yet refined gatherings.

Quick and excellent service keeps the bar moving even when busy. The atmosphere draws a crowd looking to snack, sip, and be seen, with standout items like the fried chicken sandwich and chicken salad.

Cocktails come expertly crafted with options like the Jackrabbit and a carefully prepared Martini. Sitting by the fireplace adds a cozy vibe while the manager offers personalized recommendations.

People are saying

"I thought the cocktails were great, especially the Jackrabbit."

"I've never had a French Dip this good; the meat was like butter."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours to avoid long waits.

2

Parking in Lower Montecito can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Expect a waiting line for the bar area during busy times.

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Spacious American restaurant with old-school steakhouse vibe and red leather booths creates a retro speakeasy atmosphere. Energy stays lively with a classic full bar serving strong martinis and cocktails. Crowd leans toward retirees and families enjoying a traditional, comfortable setting.

Atmosphere feels like an old-time bar with classic NYC style vibes. The bar serves strong drinks and offers a charming, tavern-style setting with big portions.

Cocktails come with very generous pours and pack a strong punch, often equal to about four normal drinks. They serve potent, stiff cocktails that stand out for their strength.

People are saying

"You get really generous, stiff cocktails here."

"The bar service here is really friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups.

2

The all-you-can-eat deal is available for under a dollar.

3

The cafe has a private back room suitable for large gatherings.

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