Anchor Rose has officially closed, and the City of Santa Barbara has listed the waterfront restaurant space for lease.
The closure comes months after reports in November 2025 suggested the restaurant would shut down. At the time, Anchor Rose general manager Carlos Ramirez contacted Edhat to clarify that the restaurant would remain open.
Ramirez said at the time that although the lease was set to expire in January 2026, there were no immediate plans to close the restaurant.
With Anchor Rose now closed, the City of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Department is inviting proposals from restaurant operators interested in leasing the space at 113 Harbor Way.
The location has housed restaurants for more than three decades. City officials have described it as a long-standing focal point of the harbor, drawing both residents and visitors for waterfront dining.
The listing includes both upstairs and downstairs restaurant spaces within the historic Waterfront Center Building at 113 Harbor Way, each offering access to the surrounding harbor area.
The upstairs space includes 1,934 square feet of interior restaurant space, along with two patio areas measuring 750 square feet on the north side and 749 square feet on the south side. It also includes 864 square feet designated for office and storage use, along with two stairwells measuring 47 square feet each.
The downstairs space features 2,954 square feet of interior restaurant area and 931 square feet of exterior patio seating. Located on the first floor, it offers harbor views and regular foot traffic from the surrounding commercial harbor.
The property is adjacent to a large public parking lot with 720 spaces, including 90 minutes of free parking and short-term paid options.
The upstairs space, also located within the Waterfront Center Building, offers elevated views of the harbor.
According to the City, the property offers restaurant operators an opportunity to establish a new concept in a highly visible harbor location. City officials cited scenic views and consistent foot traffic as factors that have supported past businesses at the site.
In an earlier statement to Edhat, Ramirez said majority owner Bryan Deminie had taken full control of operations and live music programming and was seeking a new business partner. This came after a November announcement from former owner Dennis Longaberger, who cited financial pressures facing the restaurant.
Anchor Rose opened in July 2022 and became known for its rooftop setting overlooking the harbor, offering craft cocktails and regular live music. It was among the few harbor-side venues that consistently hosted live performances, attracting both locals and visitors.
The 113 Harbor Way address has a long history of hosting waterfront restaurants including Chuck’s Waterfront Grill, Endless Summer Bar Café, Chomp on the Rocks, and SALTY at the Beach.
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I wonder if the new restaurant owners will get the same sweet deal as the Harbor Restaurant.
Haha, totally! That place didn’t last long. Barely got their name out there and then…adios. Couldn’t have a better location. It’s been very clear for a long time now for those in the know that the City is not kind to small businesses. The City makes it hard. What’s up with that? Here’s what – they just want max $$$ and haven’t realized what they’re doing to our city yet. Heavy on bureaucracy is a bad plan.
How does a citizen report local government misconduct and abuse? There is no public law enforcement agency that will take that on. It has been attempted. There is the saying, ” local government corruption occurs due to lack of oversight”. If there is no oversight, the corruption will grow. If we cannot have oversight of local government, how do you think we can control our federal government? Send me your thoughts.
WTF are you even talking about.
Walk fifty feet over and Brophy’s is packed. Because the food is great. Anchor Rose was crap. Their choice to have bad food and service, the city has nothing to do with it.
Republicans: Survival of the fittest, social Darwinism
Also Republicans: It’s the city’s fault.
Ever run a business? Or work in a local small business? The City and County make things real difficult logistically and financially. It’s a big part of the reason why we’re seeing fewer and fewer local businesses in SB in favor of big chains, which a lot of folks don’t appreciate happening, including me. Layers of bureaucracy and paper pushers can simply get in the way and add to our financial problems as a City and County (pensions, benefits forever…) But if their food and/or service sucks like Alex said, well that’s their biggest problem. I do agree with that.
Successful businesses a few yards away aren’t having a problem. Quit being a victim.
Anchor Rose was, during the NFL season, home to watch every Philadelphia Eagles game. The Eagles Nest was located on the patio facing out with views of the SB Harbor and the mountains. Great for taking photos during the game to send to those friends and relatives back East. Most game days the place was full with some games having standing room only access. Thanks to the lovely Anna for being a great hostess/waitress for the crowd.
I am told the Eagles Nest will now be located at Topa Topa in the Funk Zone. Come by only a few games remain this year.