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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Dinner spots at bars

You prefer a dinner spot that understands the importance of a well-stocked bar.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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01
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Casual eatery with large outdoor seating including a fenced-in kids' play area and dog-friendly patios. Atmosphere stays laid back and cozy, welcoming families and pets alike. Indoor space features quirky decor and comfortable seating options.

Locally owned pub offers a good selection of craft beers and local wine. Seating includes a heated front deck, indoor bar and tables, plus a covered back deck and tented area. Orders go through the bar with food brought out, and staff respond when flagged down.

Dinner offers perfect and delicious dishes with options for a light meal after a long day. The spot suits casual dinners, food to go, or a dessert and night-cap.

People are saying

"I loved the bar's good selection of local beers."

"I came here for dinner and everything was perfect and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deals are available with weekly specials.

2

They sometimes host tap takeovers by local breweries.

3

Vegetarians should be cautious due to cross-contamination in food preparation.

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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.

Offers late night dinner options with drinks. Food suits a late meal and fits well for nearby hotel guests.

People are saying

"The drinks here are fantastic and really creative."

"Their old fashioned cocktails are scrumptious and amazing."

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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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.

People are saying

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

"The service here is amazing; the staff really goes above and beyond."

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.

Salmon, halibut, and cheese enchilada dinners feature prominently on the menu. Meals suit groups, with options to share and enjoy a variety of dishes.

People are saying

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

"The staff here is so friendly and provides great service for dinner spots."

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.

05
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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.

Dinner offers a world class menu with consistently excellent food. The apero early dinner prix fix provides great value. The owner personally greets guests and oversees the experience.

People are saying

"The food for dinner spots was amazing and delicious."

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

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.

06
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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.

Offers a satisfying dinner experience suitable for family meals or private dates. Serves consistently good food and drinks, making it a reliable spot for evening dining.

People are saying

"I celebrated Christmas dinner here and it was the very best."

"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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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.

Outdoor patio offers a relaxed setting for dinner. Cocktails and dinner feature delicious flavors and a dry dinner option exists. Reservations are honored with timely seating in the dining room.

People are saying

"The dinner here is unbelievable, especially the pasta with uni."

Good to know

1

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

2

Happy Hour is available on Fridays with special pricing.

3

The menu features a limited selection but is well curated.

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Corner location with plenty of outdoor patio seating creates a spacious, inviting environment. Atmosphere balances cool bar vibe and youthful energy without overwhelming noise, allowing easy conversation. Offers wide whisky selection and strong cocktails, attracting smaller groups seeking a relaxed late-night spot.

A full bar offers a great bourbon selection and a variety of drinks. The bar serves quality, interesting food and has a vibrant, inviting vibe that encourages conversation.

Dinner here takes over an hour and a half even without appetizers. The spot offers a nice location for a walk after eating and covers all essentials for a solid dinner.

People are saying

"JP's charm and expert drink suggestions made the bar feel like a celebration."

"The service at these dinner spots was speedy and excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drink specials, making it a great time to visit.

2

Eureka! is dog friendly, allowing pets on the outdoor patio.

3

Parking is available at the public lot next to the restaurant.

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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.

Dinner here features good food that draws repeat visits. It suits special occasions like weddings and anniversaries without requiring minimums.

People are saying

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

"The food here is amazing; I'd return for dinner."

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.

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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.

Dinner combines with live music featuring bands like The Dales. Reservations often include a show alongside the meal, creating a lively atmosphere.

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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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.

Dinner features prime rib cooked to perfection and beef BBQ ribs available on Wednesdays with a full dinner option. Drinks and salads come quickly, and meals arrive promptly after the first course.

People are saying

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

"The prime rib here is tender, juicy, and flavorful."

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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Dark interior with dim lighting and old school dining style creates an elegant yet noisy atmosphere. A self-service salad bar complements the juicy, perfectly cooked steaks. Outdoor seating feels uninviting and lacks thoughtful design, contrasting with the lively indoor bar area.

The bar offers a quick service and a great spot for drinks alongside a satisfying steak. Seating at the bar is available without reservations, while other areas require booking.

Dinner features a delicious menu with a salad bar and fresh bread standing out as highlights.

People are saying

"The salad bar here is fresh and offers a great variety."

"I found the dinner spots here to be delicious, especially the rib eye."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait to be seated during peak hours.

3

Parking is available for free off State Street and behind the building.

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