Santa Barbara boasts a rich culinary landscape peppered with new establishments that are quick to win diners’ hearts.
Some of the classic restaurants, however, earn their name for a reason. These establishments have been serving for years and cemented their place as well-loved restaurants among locals and visitors alike. They rise above being just a restaurant and become favored meeting places for generations to come.
10 Santa Barbara Eateries That Have Been Feeding Generations
Here are ten iconic restaurants that have been serving Santa Barbara with the same warmth and time-honored dishes since they opened doors.
1. The Palace Grill
8 E Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Sitting just off State Street, The Palace Grill has been serving classic authentic Cajun and Louisiana recipes, such as jambalaya, softshelled crab, crawfish etouffée, and other specialties, like pastas, gluten-free dishes, salads, and desserts. Serving diners for more than 35 years, the restaurant has historically flown its employees to New Orleans to experience the city’s culinary culture. The Palace Grill’s brand of hospitality and blend of Cajun flavors has attracted several notable guests, including five U.S. presidents and chefs like Julia Child and Wolfgang Puck.
Some of the recommended dishes include jambalaya pasta, filet mignon, and chocolate souffle.
2. Cold Spring Tavern
5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
Established in 1868 as a stagecoach stop on the San Marcos Pass, Cold Spring Tavern has maintained its old-world charm and offers a rustic dining experience surrounded by history. Although the tavern got electricity in 1954, it still uses the gas lanterns for their warm glow. The tavern’s menu features classic American dishes along with live music at the bar.
Some of the most popular dishes include tri-tip sandwiches, beer-battered onion rings, pulled pork sandwiches, and the three signature chilis.
3. Arnoldi’s Cafe
600 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Founded by Giuseppe and Ilda Arnold in 1936, Arnoldi’s Cafe is one of Santa Barbara’s longstanding dining establishments. The restaurant is known for its Italian and seafood fare, focusing on traditional, home-style cuisine, prepared with fresh produce, high-quality meats and seafood, and imported Italian ingredients. The restaurant also features local fish and specials sourced from the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market. Arnoldi’s Cafe offers two expansive dining rooms, a spacious heated patio, and stone barbecue with red oak wood. The restaurant also features two bocce courts, which are one of the oldest in California.
Recommended dishes include the chicken piccata, spaghetti bolognese, chicken marsala, and eggplant parmigiana.
4. Chuck’s of Hawaii
3888 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Since 1967, Chuck’s of Hawaii has been grilling tasty steaks and seafood at a secluded local’s watering hole on Upper State Street. In 1961, college grad Larry Stone set out to explore Hawaii, Australia, and Polynesia for full time surfing. While waiting tables and bartending in Sydney, Australia, Larry began to develop an awareness of how to effectively run a business. He partnered with good friend, Chuck Rolles who was the founder of the original Chuck’s in Hawaii to open a sister restaurant in Santa Barbara,. Larry’s vision of quality food paired with a laid-back Hawaiian theme resonated with landlord Harold Sumida, whose (then) newly constructed two-story building on Santa Barbara’s Upper State Street was in need of one additional tenant. In 1967, Larry opened the doors to Chuck’s Steak house of Hawaii.
Locals recommend the teriyaki ribeye, grilled artichoke, and Hawaiian chicken. Don’t forget to pair it with a bottle of local Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills.
5. Habit Burger & Grill
5735 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
Ever since it opened its doors in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill has been known for its cooked-to-order charburgers over an open flame. Besides the well-loved burgers, the menu also features California-inspired options, such as sandwiches, salads, and shakes. Today, Habit Burger & Grill has grown into a national chain, with more than 370 restaurants across 14 states.
Recommended dishes include the charburger, grilled chicken, sirloin steak sandwich, and turkey burger.
6. Tee-Off
3627 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Founded in 1956 by the Fletcher family, this Santa Barbara landmark first opened as a bar and hamburger place. Tucked in upper State Street, the restaurant earlier served as a watering hole for golf enthusiasts visiting the nearby Muni Golf Course, which initially did not have a liquor license. The establishment has since grown into a beloved steakhouse and bar, with its famed Wednesday special rib night. Local lore suggests that UCSB coach Ray Schaak holds the record for eating 27 ribs.
Some of the popular dishes include eagle cut prime rib, fried chicken, king crab legs, ace cut ribs, steak sandwiches, and shrimp scampi.
7. Harry’s Plaza Cafe
3313-B State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Harry’s Plaza Cafe in Loreto Plaza is known for its warm atmosphere and walls lined up with more than 1,500 historic photographs. Since opening doors in 1968, the restaurant has been serving classic American comfort food in a relaxed, old-school setting. Local restaurateur John Scott purchased the restaurant in 2002, restoring its character while maintaining the retro charm.
Some of the recommended dishes include the burnt ends sandwich, roast beef, prime rib soup, and Santa Barbara ranch salad.
8. Joe’s Cafe
536 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
One of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city, Joe’s Cafe opened in 1928. Opened by Italian immigrant Joe Ferrario and his wife Adelina, the establishment has since changed hands and was purchased by Gene Montesano in 2003. Now in its ninth decade, the restaurant is known for its modern American cuisine offered in generous portions and some of the “stiffest drinks”.
Some of the popular dishes include clam chowder, French dip sandwich, pot roast, Philly cheese steak, and sirloin steak sandwich.
9. El Paseo Restaurant
10 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, CA
El Paseo Restaurant has long been associated with Santa Barbara’s cultural heritage. The restaurant opened in 1922 and was part of an abode complex. Architect James Osborne Craig designed and restored most of the buildings and added a Spanish village surrounding the restaurant. El Paseo serves Mexican cuisine and has a seating capacity of 275 guests. The dining patio is ideal for celebratory meals and events. A federal landmark, the restaurant has served several notable guests, including Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, Shirley Temple, Salvador Dali, Quentin Tarantino, and Jennifer Lopez.
Some of the recommended dishes include enchilada, taquitos, churros, and carne asada.
10. Chase Restaurant
1012 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Located in the Theater District, Chase Restaurant has been serving New York-style Italian cuisine since 1979. Locals suggest the Chicken Piccata, lasagna, Caesar Salad, Penne Carbonara, as well as the traditional Italian desserts. Diners also recommend the wine list and custom cocktails featuring seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant is currently closed after suffering damage caused by a fire in October 2024. Currently undergoing renovations, the establishment announced on social media that it is preparing to open soon.
In a city where culinary trends are quick to change, these restaurants are a reminder that some flavors and traditions are classic and timeless. Their history, loyal guests, and time-honored menus have been defining Santa Barbara’s dining culture and continue to lend an authentic touch to the city.
Also Read
- J Wilkes Wines Closes its Tasting Room in Santa Barbara
- The Rochers at the Ranch House in Ojai Permanently Closes
- SLO Public Market Expands Dining Lineup with 2 New Restaurants
- Popular Santa Ynez Valley-Based Doughnut and Coffee Shop Opening in Goleta
- Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks Bring Dining and Wine Specials in January
I would’ve added Petrinis as well. Same great food and even same staff as when I was a kid. Our go to for casual Italian!
Oh yes Petrini’s is missing for sure.
Great list. There’s definitely one on there however that lost its luster quite a bit since an ownership change. I won’t name it.
El Paseo had a sweet happy hour back in the 90’s, complete with appetizers you could easily make a meal out of. Great times there – a classic and truly iconic SB spot. Same with Joe’s.
You forgot LaPaloma. Started as a bakery in the 30’s…purchased by our current mayor and renamed Paradise Cafe for awhile…now reversed back to LaPaloma.
Doesn’t count though since it changed to a completely different restaurant for decades.
The food is not very good.
As good a list as this is – and a number of these places have been virtual homes-away-from-home for me over the years – it probably deserves a slight tweaking… I too won’t name the spots that aren’t quite what they once were (I see more than one) — but think there’s room for a few others, namely Chuck’s of Hawaii, Dutch Garden, Brophy Bros., and the Boathouse —
The town is lucky to have these legacy restaurants. I always enjoy it when the Eater or Infatuation round-ups of our restaurants fail to mention any of them!
Dutch Garden would have been a good one to add. Wasn’t the boathouse something else for a while?
Boathouse used to be the Brown Pelican. One of our favorites when I was younger.
That’s right! Forgot the name of it. I’d say it doesn’t count to be on the list since the name changed. Only restaurants that have kept their original names would count.
Several places on this list are iconic just for their history but the food is subpar at best.
Brophy’s better than any of these and yes I WENT THERE AS A KID WHEN IT WAS THE JOHN DORY.
Really surprised it’s not on here. While these are all “staples” of SB, the food isn’t super great for the price. Joes and Chucks were disappointing last time I went. WAY over priced for mediocre food.
Joe’s and Harry’s are inedible.
A note for the administrator, El Paseo is no longer serving Mexican food (since June), they changed to more of an Italian flair. I believe they kept the buffet for taco Tuesday and the same menu of the weekend brunch.
El Paseo doesn’t serve Mexican food anymore?!?! I didn’t think it was amazing but I did like the table side guacamole making. Now they serve Italian food? It’s gotta be due to food costs.