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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Bars in SB Downtown

A bar that prioritizes the quality of the experience over the volume of the crowd.

Based on 432 Opinions
+429
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Updated April 2026
01
Riviera Bar image 1
Riviera Bar image 2
Riviera Bar image 3
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Old woody design and a tin ceiling create a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting. Friendly staff and lively energy make it welcoming, while classic cocktails and a limited menu featuring standout salmon complement the relaxed vibe. Occasional baseball and 80s music add to the charm.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tallow fries and calamari."

"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.

02
The Good Lion image 1
Cocktail bar

Intimate cocktail bar shines with specialty cocktails and a speakeasy vibe. Cozy seating offers street views and lively jazz fills the air. Perfect for social evenings near a historic theater.

Dimly lit and cozy, the bar offers specialty cocktails with prices often lower than restaurants. Seating options include the bar, booths, or tables with street views, creating a comfortable atmosphere with high-quality service.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and beautifully presented."

"It's a dimly lit, cozy speakeasy vibe, perfect for date spots."

"The cocktails here are inventive and well-executed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers two free drinks if you ask for 'Jenna and The June Bugs.'

2

During peak times, the bar can become crowded and hard to find a seat.

3

Finding the bar is easy with plenty of covered parking directly behind the venue.

03
Elsies Tavern image 1

Former motorcycle shop turned bar offers eclectic decor and a pool table for fun. Enjoy a lovely beer and wine selection in a chill, cash-only spot with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe.

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.

People are saying

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

"I found the outdoor seating to be a cool, hip, and rare spot."

"I found this cafe to be the best in the mornings."

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.

04
The Pickle Room image 1
Cocktail bar

Small space with intimate red lighting and a handful of booths creates a homey, old-school vibe. Strong drinks and premium cocktails blend dive bar charm with upscale energy. Jazz music performances add a lively, nostalgic atmosphere.

Strong drinks and a dive bar vibe define this small spot with a handful of booths. It offers old-school charm and friendly service in a cozy neighborhood setting.

People are saying

"You've got to try the pickletini; it's the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the Reuben egg rolls; they were amazing."

"You have to try the Reuben egg rolls; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

The bar serves food until midnight on weekdays and 1am on weekends.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

05
Sportsman Lounge image 1

Cowboy theme meets dive bar with pool table for casual fun. Crowd is friendly and relaxed, mixing regulars and newcomers. Offers affordable prices and a good beer selection for a chill night out.

Dive-style vibe blends with a more upscale feel at the new spot. Friendly crowd, pool table with league play, and great drinks keep the atmosphere chill and fun.

People are saying

"The pool table here has a great, upscale vibe."

"I thought this bar had a great dive bar feel."

"I enjoyed the good beer selection and knowledgeable bartender."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays, but not on weekends.

2

No food is available except for bagged chips.

3

The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

06
Eureka! image 1
American restaurant

Corner spot with plenty of outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe. Full bar shines with great bourbon selection and strong cocktails. Atmosphere blends youthful energy and cool bar feel, perfect for small groups and easy chats.

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.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious burgers."

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

"The kids menu was awesome, my baby loved the chicken tenders."

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.

07
SOhO Restaurant & Music Club image 1

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. Jazz plays on the 4th Sunday with video monitors letting you watch the stage from the bar and outdoor seating.

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."

"I found it to be an amazing venue for live music."

"The food here was really good."

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.

08
Domโ€™s Taverna Santa Barbara image 1

Open kitchen fuels a vibrant atmosphere with a polished, casual design. Full bar offers perfectly executed bites at great prices. Guests savor extraordinary flavors in a warm, inviting space that feels like a coastal Spanish ship.

Vibrant and fun atmosphere with a full bar. Food during bar bites hours is perfectly executed and reasonably priced.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, exciting, and genuinely good."

"You have to try the caviar cheesecake; it's a dream."

"The bar bites here are genuinely good and perfect for sharing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly.

2

Happy hour features a limited menu and runs from 5-7pm.

3

Expect the restaurant to get busy around 7pm, especially on weekends.

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Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara

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