Guidebook for Santa Barbara
Food Scene
The Lark Santa Barbara
131 Anacapa StExcellent family-style tapas. Reservations required. $$$$
Best coffee in town. Parking lot is usually full, but parking on the street within a block is almost always available. ~20 min walk.
68 locals recommend
Dune Coffee Roasters
528 Anacapa StBest coffee in town. Parking lot is usually full, but parking on the street within a block is almost always available. ~20 min walk.
One of the best French restaurants in town. Reservations required. $$$$
58 locals recommend
bouchon Santa Barbara
9 West Victoria StreetOne of the best French restaurants in town. Reservations required. $$$$
The famous taco stand. Bring cash and be prepared to wait 30 minutes in line. Parking is easy in this neighborhood. $
96 locals recommend
La Super-Rica Taqueria
622 N Milpas StThe famous taco stand. Bring cash and be prepared to wait 30 minutes in line. Parking is easy in this neighborhood. $
If you can find a space at the bar, get a daiquiri and enjoy the perfect views of kitesurfers and dolphins. Make reservations if you want lunch or dinner; they are almost always packed. Parking avail.
223 locals recommend
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
2981 Cliff DrIf you can find a space at the bar, get a daiquiri and enjoy the perfect views of kitesurfers and dolphins. Make reservations if you want lunch or dinner; they are almost always packed. Parking avail.
Fish tacos! Skip the wait for a table and order from the walk-up stand. Pro tip: bring your own beer and grab a bench west of the restaurant; they won't let you take their beer out of the restaurant.
62 locals recommend
Shoreline Beach Cafe
801 Shoreline DrFish tacos! Skip the wait for a table and order from the walk-up stand. Pro tip: bring your own beer and grab a bench west of the restaurant; they won't let you take their beer out of the restaurant.
Essentials
Santa Cruz Markets
324 W Montecito StClosest grocery store, 5 minute walk.
If there's no farmer's market available, they carry the very best produce, much of it local and organic.
18 locals recommend
Mesa Produce
2036 Cliff DrIf there's no farmer's market available, they carry the very best produce, much of it local and organic.
Everything Else
Chevron Santa Barbara
401 W Montecito StClosest gas station and car wash.
Locals only beach! Drive to the end of the street and walk down 12 flights of stairs to find a great dog-friendly beach with awesome surf.
Mesa Lane
Mesa LaneLocals only beach! Drive to the end of the street and walk down 12 flights of stairs to find a great dog-friendly beach with awesome surf.
West Beach
The closest beach! ~10 minute walk.
Sweet local yoga studio with two rooms and a plethora of classes early morning to evening. ~10 minute walk or 5 minute drive with easy parking. www.yogasoup.com
30 locals recommend
Yoga Soup
28 Parker WaySweet local yoga studio with two rooms and a plethora of classes early morning to evening. ~10 minute walk or 5 minute drive with easy parking. www.yogasoup.com
Drinks & Nightlife
Fantastic wine tasting room. ~10 minute walk. Parking is hit or miss.
13 locals recommend
Kunin Wines Tasting Room
831 E Yanonali StFantastic wine tasting room. ~10 minute walk. Parking is hit or miss.
Reds
211 Helena AvenueArtsy full bar.
Arts & Culture
SOhO Restaurant & Music Club
1221 State StGreat local music venue/bar.