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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Lower State

Food dinner spots

Made for those who prioritize a substantial evening meal over a quick bite when they are out on the town.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Tamar image 1
Tamar image 2
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Restaurant

Restaurant shares space with a coffee shop, featuring an open cook area and airy design with long windows overlooking the sidewalk. Atmosphere stays casual and chill, with Bob Marley music adding to the vibe. Dog-friendly patio invites relaxed dining alongside a garden setting.

Food here stands out for its freshness and high quality. Large portions of simple and delicious Mediterranean dishes make the meals both satisfying and flavorful.

Dinner here offers a chilled vibe that suits a relaxed evening. The food delivers good quality for a fast casual spot, making it a solid choice for a family meal.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the chicken shawarma, is packed with flavor."

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The meats at these dinner spots are so flavorful and moist."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, making it easy for walk-ins.

2

The dog-friendly patio allows you to bring your pup while dining.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during midday on weekends.

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.

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

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

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

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
Silvers Omakase image 1
Restaurant

Small, intimate sushi counter with handcrafted Japanese dinnerware and artisanal finishes creates an elegant, modern atmosphere. Warm, approachable vibe with thoughtful personal touches and carefully curated sake pairings enhances the dining experience.

Food shows masterful craftsmanship with every dish meticulously designed and crafted. Carefully selected sake pairings enhance the harmonious and dynamic dining experience.

Dinner features freshest omakase style sushi with a focus on perfectly crafted courses. The experience feels unforgettable and well worth the money.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is expertly crafted and presented with meticulous attention to detail."

"The sushi here is the freshest I've ever experienced."

"The Dinner Spots here feature expertly crafted food and outstanding rice."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

The menu changes daily, reflecting seasonal ingredients and chef creativity.

3

Omakase experience is traditional and focuses on the chef's selection.

04
The Palace Grill image 1
Cajun restaurant

Space channels New Orleans style with unique decor and communal sing-alongs led by staff and veteran artists. Atmosphere stays fun and lively without being loud, blending classic warmth with engaging entertainment. Regulars enjoy authentic Cajun vibes that create a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Food features flavorful Cajun dishes with well-presented plates that make even simple fish feel special. The menu offers consistently outstanding meals enjoyed over many years.

Dinner here offers a reliable reservation system with last-minute availability and a consistently amazing dining experience that draws repeat visits over many years.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and wonderfully layered."

"The Bread Pudding is incredible and worth the wait."

"You have to try the bread pudding with the best bourbon sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times.

2

The restaurant features a sing-along of 'What a Wonderful World' once or twice a night.

3

All diners are invited to join in the sing-along during the performance.

05
Siam Street Food image 1

Small, cozy restaurant with authentic Thai decor creates a warm, soothing atmosphere. Space feels intimate with efficient table arrangement, often filled with quiet conversation. Thai food documentaries play on TV, adding to the cultural vibe.

Authentic Thai flavors shine through every dish, with spot on chilies and tastes that transport you to Thailand. Service stays consistently amazing, matching the delectable food perfectly.

Strong aroma draws attention from the street. Dinner offers a satisfying experience with flavors that invite return visits.

People are saying

"The boat noodles here are rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavor."

"The food here is authentic and flavorful."

"The dinner spots here have amazing, fresh flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a challenge, but there is a public parking lot nearby.

2

The price for the Green Curry was higher on the menu, but it came out cheaper in reality.

3

The portions are a little smaller than what I normally see in local Thai restaurants.

06
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.

Affordable dinners for groups around 40 people work well here. Staff are responsive, friendly, and accommodating when arranging events like rehearsal dinners.

People are saying

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

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

"Planning dinner events here is a breeze with their friendly staff."

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.

07
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.

Dinner features excellent steak options and a special anniversary menu offering great value. The Half Wedge salad includes ample bacon and blue cheese, complementing the meal well.

People are saying

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

"You can get a full dinner for $21 before 6 pm."

"The food here was fantastic and perfectly cooked."

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.

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.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"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.

09
Jill's Place Restaurant image 1

Steak house with old school decor and vintage Wild West photos creates a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere filled mostly with locals. The space feels relaxed yet lively, growing louder as it fills up. It stands out for its authentic charm and a welcoming, family-like vibe.

Food here is consistently delicious and excellent with a focus on organic and humane ingredients. Meals come at a fair price and maintain a healthy quality.

Dinner includes entrees like Grilled Chicken Breast and a steak and lobster combo. Meals come with soup, salad, and a side, paired with delicious cocktails.

People are saying

"It's a comfortable local spot with a welcoming, regulars feel."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the steak and lobster."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour menu offers discounted drinks and food items.

2

Dinner entrees include soup, salad, and a side.

3

Parking is not available at the restaurant.

10
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.

Exceptional dinners create a warm, family-like atmosphere even during business events. Dinner rolls stand out as a noteworthy part of the meal, adding to the overall experience.

People are saying

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

"The food here is insanely good and delicious."

"The filet mignon here is amazing and very tasty."

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.

11
SB Biergarten image 1
Beer garden

Spacious beer garden blends German beer hall style with an American twist featuring indoor and outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery. Atmosphere shifts from warm and cozy with fire pits to lively and loud as crowds gather. Music and classic TV shows add to the casual, fun vibe enjoyed by groups and dog owners alike.

Menu features comfort food like schnitzel and burgers with a homemade taste. Options include vegan-friendly dishes and large portions like the Fig Buck pizza paired with generous beer servings.

Burgers stand out as the main dinner option here. Drinks complement the meal well, making for a solid dinner spot with a casual vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection here."

"The food here was delicious and looked great."

"I loved the pizza and bockwurst at these dinner spots."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

2

SB Biergarten is dog friendly, allowing pets in outdoor seating areas.

3

Parking is easy and free, with options for valet or public lots nearby.

12
Blackbird image 1
Restaurant

Elegant restaurant with well-appointed decor and a noisy atmosphere when busy. Offers a limited vegetarian menu alongside meat and seafood options. Patio seating welcomes pets, and nearby wine bar adds to the experience.

Food offers flavorful options like risotto, scallops, chicken, and Brussels sprouts. Desserts and overall dishes come across as phenomenal and worth the expense.

Late reservations are possible, even on busy nights. The spot offers a great drink selection and consistently enjoyable dinners for groups of various sizes.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the scallops and risotto."

"The food here is great, especially the oysters."

"The seafood, especially the oysters, were delicious and large."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a 30-minute wait during busy hours.

2

The restaurant offers daily specials at a great price.

3

Expect limited kid-friendly options, mainly fruit and dry focaccia.

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Lower State, Santa Barbara

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