Santa Barbara’s Iconic Longboard’s Grill on Stearns Wharf Reopens After Major Renovation

Longboard’s Grill, one of the most recognizable and popular restaurants in Santa Barbara, is welcoming guests once again.

Located on the upper level of the Harbor Restaurant at the iconic Stearns Wharf, Longboard’s Grill temporarily closed in late 2025 to renovate and refresh the restaurant.

The beach-and-surf-themed restaurant reopened over the Memorial Day weekend, featuring a refreshed look and new outdoor seating that resembles the deck of a ship, according to the Restaurant Guy.

In addition to its new look, Longboard’s Grill has added lounge areas indoors, offering stunning views of the ocean.

A popular eatery among locals and visitors, the restaurant is open on all days of the week. It’s open daily from 11am – 10pm with Happy Hour from 5pm-close each day. 

Established in 1989, Longboard’s Grill is known for its gourmet burgers, fresh cod fish and chips, fish tacos, clam chowder, and oysters.

The restaurant also has a full-service bar, which is known for beach-inspired exotic tropical drinks and cocktails.

About Longboard’s Grill

Longboard’s Grill and the Harbor Restaurant, which is located on the lower level, are among the most renowned waterfront dining venues in Santa Barbara.

The two establishments were previously operated by the Scott family and Dave Perry for over 40 years, hosting several dinners, parties, weddings, and charity events.

The Harbor Restaurant offered an elegant, upscale dining experience, while Longboard’s Grill offered a casual, beach-themed experience.

In March 2022, the two restaurants underwent a change of hands. The restaurants were acquired by Santa Barbara Harbor Restaurant, Inc., which had announced plans to refurbish the 12,000-square-foot, two-story building with a 5-star menu.

The acquisition price was not disclosed.

The Scott family and Perry had announced that they would continue to own and operate Harry’s Plaza in Loreto Plaza and the Tee-Off restaurant on Upper State Street.

New Owner’s Legal Tussle

In December 2025, the new owners of the restaurants sued the City of Santa Barbara for “unconscionable” rent pricing.

The restaurant’s location, at 210 Stearns Wharf, is owned by the city and is leased by Santa Barbara Harbor Restaurant Inc., which includes John Thyne, his wife Olesya, Gene and Carolina Sanchez.

The owners had requested to reform the lease, which was finalized on February 7, 2002. The owners argued that economic conditions had undergone major changes since then, and that certain lease terms had become “economically obsolete.”

In March 2026, the owners ended the litigation and reached a settlement with the City of Santa Barbara, agreeing “to move forward together.”

In addition to settling outstanding issues, the agreement restructured the lease terms, allowing the owners to continue their remodeling process and support the revitalization of Stearns Wharf.