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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Barbara

Cool bars

A bar is only worth your time if the atmosphere matches the quality of the drinks.

Based on 555 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.

Small size creates an intimate setting with a relaxed bar atmosphere. The vibe feels consistently cool and laid-back.

People are saying

"The drinks here are fantastic and really creative."

"It's a super cool, relaxed spot with a great atmosphere."

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.

02
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Former motorcycle shop converted into a bar with eclectic decor and three indoor spaces plus an outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays chill and convivial, with pool table and arcade games adding to the relaxed vibe. Cash-only spot known for its hidden gem feel and casual social energy.

Offers a lovely selection of beer and wine with a calm, convivial atmosphere. Features a pool table, couches, and secluded tables alongside friendly, genuine staff.

Super cool servers deliver excellent service in a spot that feels weird and hip. This place stands out as a rare find these days.

People are saying

"I considered this my favorite bar in all of Santa Barbara."

"It's a really cool little place."

Good to know

1

Elsies Tavern is cash only.

2

Parking on de la Guerra could be limited; consider side streets.

3

They have an ATM available for cash withdrawals.

03
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Original brick walls and natural edge wood tables create a rustic atmosphere with plenty of seating for a chill vibe. Live music and board games keep energy mellow and engaging, while dog-friendly patios invite a community feel with pets welcome.

Original brick walls and natural edge wood tables create a wicked awesome ambience. Friendly folks behind the bar make it a fun local home brew bar and a nice break from strolling the boulevard.

Lots of seating creates a chill vibe. The brewery stays clean and serves as a cool hangout spot.

People are saying

"It's a cool hangout spot with a chill vibe."

"The bar staff here really take their time for you."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Live music performances occur on weekends, starting at 8pm.

3

The comedy show ticket costs $10 per person.

04
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Brewery with live music, board games, and multiple big screen TVs creates a chill, social atmosphere. Regulars enjoy locally brewed beers and casual food options like tacos and nachos. Outdoor seating offers a great street view and pet-friendly space.

A lively spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, featuring metal bar chairs that are notably uncomfortable. Bartenders Joey and Joey deliver great service, creating a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels at ease.

Strong cool vibe defines the atmosphere. The overall energy feels relaxed and inviting.

People are saying

"I thought the beer at the bar was really good."

"The vibe here is so cool, with good people around."

Good to know

1

Craft pints are available for $5 on selected beers.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The venue is dog friendly, allowing pets in outdoor areas.

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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.

The space has a cool bar vibe that sets a relaxed mood. Overall, the atmosphere feels consistently cool and inviting.

People are saying

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

"I found the vibe here to be cool."

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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Industrial decor sets a casual, come-as-you-are vibe with outdoor patios and distinct seating areas. Friendly energy fills the space, welcoming families and locals alike, often accompanied by live local music. The spot stands out for being dog friendly with a special menu for furry companions.

Industrial decor and a come-as-you-are vibe set the scene. The bar offers a great selection of beers, a full bar, and elevated pub grub. It works well as a sports bar to watch football games.

A standout feature is the pup menu, making it a unique spot for dog owners. The vibe attracts cool people and creates a relaxed place to hang out.

People are saying

"It's a great local bar to watch a football game."

Good to know

1

The Brewhouse is dog-friendly and offers a special menu for pets.

2

Free parking is available in the rear of The Brewhouse.

3

Happy hour includes a cheeseburger and a beer for $14.

07
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Winery offers stylish indoor and outdoor tasting rooms with a modern, inviting atmosphere. Live music and a hidden back patio create a relaxed, social vibe. The space suits events and casual visits, drawing people who enjoy exceptional local wines.

Wines rate between 7 and 9.2 out of 10, showing strong quality for an off-strip spot. The bar stays open late, letting you enjoy a glass after dinner in spots like the back patio or by the fireplace.

Tasting room features a cool vibe with chill tunes playing. Staff like Madison bring a knowledgeable and patient energy.

People are saying

"I loved the local wines at this bar, especially the All-Red flight."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

Karaoke night happens every Friday, starting at 8pm with no cover charge.

3

Wine tasting flights are available, featuring both red and white options.

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Brick-walled interior with authentic Irish decor creates a warm, lively atmosphere. Multiple seating areas include a bar with pool tables and a quieter dining section, separated by a sliding door. Frequented by friendly patrons, the place fills with noise during sports events shown on numerous TVs, offering traditional Irish drinks and meals.

Warm, brick-walled interior with a Guinness for Strength mural creates an authentic Irish pub vibe. The bar offers a wide variety of Irish brews and serves traditional meals like Bangers & Mash and Shepherd's Pie. It gets lively late on weekends with a packed, rocking atmosphere.

A very cool Irish pub atmosphere sets the tone here. The decor adds to the relaxed, cool vibe throughout the spot.

People are saying

"This bar offers an authentic Irish pub experience with traditional food."

Good to know

1

Karaoke takes place on Thursday nights starting at 10pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with drink and appetizer specials.

3

The pub offers traditional Irish music and dancing on Thursday evenings.

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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.

Vintage look with old burgundy booths sets a cool, old style atmosphere. Service matches the vibe with a cool approach throughout.

People are saying

"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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Historic performing arts theater with old-world beauty and stunning decor creates a charming, intimate atmosphere. Comfortable seating and excellent sound quality support a great concert experience. Lack of air conditioning can make the space feel warm during events.

Courtyard bar offers a spacious lounge with plenty of seating. Full bar and concession stands provide a good variety of drinks and snacks.

Old architecture gives the venue a cool vibe. The interior feels classic and adds to the overall theater charm.

People are saying

"The interior architecture here is really cool."

Good to know

1

The theatre has no air conditioning, making it uncomfortable during hot weather.

2

Parking can be tricky, but there are several empty lots nearby.

3

The venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts and film festivals.

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Live music fills an intimate venue with exquisite sound quality and clear acoustics. A decent-sized dance floor hosts energetic salsa and bachata nights alongside talented house bands and DJs. Video monitors in various sections offer views of the stage, enhancing the friendly, lively atmosphere.

Jazz plays on the 4th Sunday with a setup that includes video monitors letting you watch the stage from the bar and outdoor seating. Front bar seats gather band members and new arrivals, though sound could improve by moving loudspeakers forward.

People are saying

"I loved the jazz performances at the bar on Sunday afternoons."

Good to know

1

Cash is the only accepted payment method at the door for cover charges.

2

A minimum spend of $15 per person is required for seating.

3

The venue hosts live jazz performances on the 4th Sunday of each month.

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Santa Barbara, California

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