In a coastal town better known for fresh seafood and California cuisine, Etty’s Jewish Deli & Bakery has carved out a heartfelt—and flavorful—space rooted in Jewish tradition. Nestled on lower Chapala Street within the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, Etty’s isn’t just a deli; it’s a cultural gathering place. With its curated specials, soulful holiday menus, and an intergenerational staff that blends hospitality with heritage, Etty’s has quickly become a beloved cornerstone of Santa Barbara’s food scene.
“If We Feed Them, They Will Come”
For the team behind Etty’s, food is more than sustenance—it’s a language of love, memory, and resilience. “Food is at the very heart of Jewish life—through joy and in times of sorrow,” they explain. Inspired by the idea that a warm bowl of matzo ball soup or a perfectly layered pastrami on rye could forge community ties, the deli opened with the quiet hope of attracting a few locals seeking comfort food. Instead, what they found was a groundswell of enthusiasm. From lifelong deli devotees to newcomers curious about rugelach or knish, the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. “We didn’t anticipate just how many people would show up for the delicious food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere,” they reflect.
Weekly Specials That Tell a Story
Every Friday, the scent of brisket wafts through the air as customers line up for one of the deli’s most popular sandwiches—a richly marinated brisket layered between slices of house-baked rye. But it’s not just the brisket that’s drawing crowds. Weekly specials, like rotating knish flavors and seasonal salads, reflect a living menu shaped by nostalgia and customer input. “We love listening to our customers’ feedback,” the team says. “Many of our specials are inspired by personal cravings, nostalgic memories, or unforgettable Jewish deli moments from our own lives.” In a way, each special becomes a kind of edible memory, bringing a new chapter to the story Etty’s tells each week.
A Holiday Table for the Whole Community
Etty’s shines particularly bright during the holidays. Whether it’s a Passover Seder or a Hanukkah feast, their curated menus offer a sense of home for many who may not have the time—or ancestral recipes—to prepare a full spread themselves. “Before each holiday, our team of food lovers gathers with our favorite recipes and cookbooks for a brainstorming session,” they explain. That creative process—often filled with tasting, tweaking, and storytelling—results in menus that balance authenticity with accessibility. Some dishes are perennial stars: matzo ball soup, brisket, and latkes consistently top the order lists. “For Hanukkah 2024 alone, our kitchen produced over 2,000 latkes!” they laugh. It’s no surprise that these meals sell out quickly, often becoming the centerpiece of family gatherings across the Central Coast.
Honoring the Old, Introducing the New
One of Etty’s most compelling attributes is its nuanced approach to Jewish cuisine. Rather than confining the menu to Ashkenazi staples, the deli honors the global tapestry of Jewish food. “While we celebrate the classic Jewish deli experience, we also want to spotlight lesser-known dishes,” the team shares. Customers might arrive expecting bagels and babka, only to discover flaky bourekas or shakshuka simmering in a pan. The name itself—Etty’s—is a tribute to Etty Yenni, a donor with Turkish roots whose heritage subtly echoes through the offerings. In this way, Etty’s becomes more than a restaurant—it’s a culinary homage to the Jewish diaspora, honoring migrations, memories, and the richness of global tradition.
What to Order, According to the Team
If you’re visiting Etty’s for the first time, there’s no shortage of opinions on what to try. The deli’s staff, many of whom are members or volunteers of the Santa Barbara Jewish community, each has a passionate recommendation. “Our CEO, Cyndi Silverman, will insist you try an egg cream,” the team notes. “Our Director of Holocaust Education, Zoe Silverberg, will point you to the Hummus Plate with Sarice’s Harissa, while our Director of Events, Ashley Belinfante will insist on the Hochman Hottie—our signature pastrami sandwich.” It’s a chorus of voices, all guiding you toward a dish that speaks not just to your palate, but to your soul.
A Community Built Around the Table
In the end, Etty’s is more than a deli—it’s a living expression of Jewish culture, history, and community. Through its evolving menu, thoughtful curation of holiday meals, and a passionate staff that brings personal meaning to each dish, the space fosters connection in every sense of the word. Whether you’re Jewish or simply someone who appreciates a good knish, walking through Etty’s doors feels like being welcomed home.
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Seriously, y’all?
It’s a JEWISH community center…
Yeah, y’all! Seriously. Still doesn’t answer why. Background checks on hungry folks?
It’s a pity the article didn’t make it clear that it’s inside the JCC.
I guess that makes some sense if it’s inside a private center.
The whole point being it’s inside a *Jewish* center.
They have security concerns that a restaurant wouldn’t have. You talk about prejudice and attacks, so you must be aware of the danger. Also, it started as simply a cafe for the community. I wonder if they run out of food as they get talked about and more popular. I wonder if they wanted this coverage. Especially coverage that doesn’t address the roots and the concerns of the deli.
I’m very sensitive to these issues as a (lapsed, but can one ever really be?) Jew and as an ex-employee of Planned Parenthood. That was in the early to mid-90’s. We worked behind bullet-resistant windows and every door had a numerical keypad lock. Did you know the Santa Maria PP clinic was firebombed in ’93 or ’94, and the Ventura clinic in ’93. (The Brookline MA clinic murders were 12/30/94)
Especially now that all the hounds of bigotry have been unleashed by the orange moron.
For those interested:
Hours & Reservations
Tuesday-Friday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
NOTE: Due to permitting and security protocols, you will need to become a member before visiting the deli. There is no cost for membership.
I found the “Free Membership” interesting (to say the least:)… Ok, I get it name; address; phone; email; but wait a minute DOB (huh?) no biggie I guess? no hesitation there for the “faint of heart”? …sorry anyways:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=KalTnB6rp0KBLtQsjQhN-PpWg1fF9bNMogxta4-0wGVUOTBKT1NEMTdTOEg1QUJDNjhFSlg2QUZQNy4u&route=shorturl
Thanks, I was going to post this too.
It’s crucial for people to know.
This article makes it sound like a restaurant — it can’t be, for obvious reasons.
The deli is inside the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center.
This is posted next to the “hours and reservations”:
Menu & Online Ordering
Etty’s Deli offers a variety of traditional Jewish deli fare as well as seasonal and holiday favorites. Look out for weekly specials and holiday meals.
Order online for pick-up, or stay to enjoy your breakfast or lunch in the Cerf’s Nosh Nook or outside on our new patio.
Click for Menu & Online Ordering
NOTE: If you are ordering online and want to dine in, write “dine in” in the “special instructions” part of your order.
What “security protocols” would require membership for a pastrami sandwich? Looks delicious either way!
Reading comprehension, as you say: “This article makes it sound like a restaurant — it can’t be, for obvious reasons. The deli is inside the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center.
ANON – Believe it or not, being inside a Jewish Community Center in SB didn’t immediately scream security issues to me. Sorry, but it’s not what I thought of at first, hence my question. Seems many here are convinced it’s needed and now I see the point I suppose.