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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lower State

Food and cocktails

A night out where the food and the cocktails are given equal attention instead of one being a weak companion to the other.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated May 2026
01
Aperitivo image 1
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Wine bar

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.

Food features elevated Italian cuisine with dishes that change weekly. Highlights include a special with corn pudding, mozzarella, and truffle. The menu pairs well with a unique wine selection.

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

People are saying

"I enjoyed the Italian wine and delicious food."

"This place offers creative, delicious northern Italian-inspired food and spritz for a perfect date spot."

"The food here is delicious, especially the homemade pasta."

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.

02
The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar image 1

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.

Food here is delicious and reasonably priced. The chefโ€™s 4 course menu offers a generous amount of food with great quality and flavor.

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 tasting menu offered great value and was plenty of food."

"The food here is amazing, with flavors on spot and perfectly cooked."

"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.

03
Brass Bear Funk Zone image 1

Outdoor seating with cozy patio, vegetation surroundings, and dog-friendly areas creates a relaxed vibe. Live music and mid-2000s rap and R&B add to the fun atmosphere. Family-friendly features include a supervised play area and games for all ages.

Food here stands out for its outstanding quality and prompt service, keeping wait times short. Staff customize menus to fit preferences, ensuring dishes meet expectations exactly.

Mezcal margarita and paper plane stand out as signature cocktails. Drinks include mezcal and tequila options, with special and unique cocktails crafted on request.

People are saying

"The beer here is always amazing, especially the IPAs."

"The food and service were incredible, making the whole event amazing."

"The specialty cocktails here were excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Public parking is available behind the brewery, but it may require a fee.

2

Brass Bear Funk Zone is family-friendly with a fenced area for kids' activities.

3

Reservations are recommended for hosting events, especially for larger groups.

04
Dusk Bar image 1

Small, modern bar with an open, airy design that shifts to an intimate, moody vibe at night. Live music on Tuesdays creates a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere for conversation and drinks. The space feels inviting and packed, with no screens and a focus on expertly mixed cocktails and fresh seafood.

Food features great quality and includes a notable blue fin tostada that stands out.

Cocktails here are balanced, bold, and beautifully crafted with a focus on mezcal. Bartenders create delicious craft cocktails that look great and taste complex, often available at reasonable prices during happy hours.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are masters and make great drinks."

"I love the wide variety of artisanal tequilas and mezcals they offer."

"You have to try the food, especially the tuna tostada."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers BOGO oysters, providing good value on select days.

2

Live music occurs every Tuesday evening at Dusk Bar.

3

Expect a 5-minute wait during peak hours on Fridays around 6pm.

05
Holdren's Steaks & Seafood image 1

Old-school steakhouse with dark leather decor and a dimly lit, tight interior featuring a large bar and booths. Atmosphere is vibrant and lively, often loud with TVs but no obnoxious music. Outdoor seating offers a comfortable patio ideal for people watching.

Food features exquisite taste and presentation. Dishes deliver excellent quality and consistently great flavor.

Perfect cocktails come with a mix of good flavors and balance. They pair well with appetizers and steaks, adding to the overall great atmosphere.

People are saying

"I had a steak, and it was perfectly cooked."

"The food here was fantastic and perfectly cooked."

"The cocktails here were perfect."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 8pm daily.

2

Special entrees for $21 available during early bird seating from 4-6pm.

3

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

06
Rare Society image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse offers a beautifully decorated interior with a dog-friendly outdoor patio that brings lively energy. The atmosphere is loud and vibrant, not suited for quiet or intimate dining. Guests enjoy excellent steak and bourbon selections alongside creative cocktails.

Food here is bursting with flavors and beautifully presented. Servers offer great recommendations without pushing extra dishes.

Great recommendations and knowledgeable staff make the cocktails stand out. Drinks are super yummy and well crafted.

People are saying

"The steak here was cooked very well and tasted buttery."

"The food here is insanely good and delicious."

"The cocktails here were excellent and solid."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Oysters are $1 each on Mondays, a great deal for seafood lovers.

07
Drift Santa Barbara image 1

Hotel combines upscale casual rooms with loud live music from an on-site bar that plays until early morning. Location places guests in the heart of downtown with easy access to local attractions. Amenities include a cocktail and oyster bar and complimentary bike rentals for exploring the city.

Unbelievable food pairs with excellent service and cleanliness. Staff, including the general manager, engage personally, enhancing the dining experience.

Craft cocktails focus on agave spirits beyond just tequila and mezcal. The bar offers a packed cocktail and oyster scene with a strong old fashioned presence.

People are saying

"This Hotel's location on State Street is perfect for walking to the beach and restaurants."

"The cocktails here are creative and delicious."

"The staff here makes the food and drinks experience amazing."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a partnership with Buttonwood Vineyard, offering a buy-one-get-one-free wine tasting.

2

The hotel is located within walking distance to the beach and downtown attractions.

3

Expect noise from weddings and events that may last until 1:00am.

08
Augie's of Santa Barbara image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Mexican dishes here have excellent flavor and show clear care in preparation. The food feels authentic and every detail seems intentional.

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

"Hector was the best server for our Mexican food."

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

"I found the food here to be delicious."

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.

09
Pearl Social Cocktail Club image 1

Industrial luxe space offers beautiful design with perfect lighting and tasteful live music. Small outdoor area includes patio heating for comfort. Atmosphere feels chill and fun, attracting groups for social nights.

Food quality varies with some dishes like the cheese ball being good while others, such as the beef, taste off. Seating includes quiet areas away from main tables for chatting.

Craft cocktails come with beautiful presentation and feel special. The cocktail list is limited and curated, with options beyond the menu also tasting spectacular.

People are saying

"The craft cocktails here are beautiful and feel special."

"The food here was all good, like that cheese ball."

"The outdoor space has heaters to keep it from being chilly."

Good to know

1

Entry fee is $10 per person, and seating is limited to the bar area.

2

The venue is dog-friendly, making it a great option for pet owners.

3

The atmosphere is intimate, suitable for smaller gatherings.

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Lower State, Santa Barbara

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