Beach casual, good food and fast service is what you get when you visit The Beach Grill at Padaro. Go on a sunny day, sit at one of the picnic tables and let the kids enjoy the 20,000 square foot patio-lawn-sandbox-play area. Enjoy the favorites; Western Burger, Sausage/Sun-dried/Tomato/Goat Pizza or the Santa Barbara Mixed Greens Salad. 3765 Santa Clause Lane, Carpinteria, (805) 566-9601, beer & wine, daytime meals, very-very casual, $$
Bitterman's Deli Looking for a New York deli with a Seinfeld theme, look no further. Don't be put off by the cramped and cluttered interior, just step up and order your favorite sandwich, soup or salad. You will not be disappointed. A few doors off State Street at 5 W. Canon Perdido Street, (805) 965-7500, open 8-5:00 & closed Sundays. As casual as they get, $+
Brew House
Good food is what you will find at the Brew House ranging from Bratwurst, seared ahi, salads, excellent burgers, steaks and the house specialty mashed potatoes. Very laid back with a blue-collar-pride vibe. 229 West Montecito Street, (805) 884-4464. Live music most evenings, full bar (they brew many of their own beers), lunch & dinner; very casual $+
Brophy Brothers
Brophy's has achieved an unofficial local landmark status. If you are looking for fancy plates, candlelight & a romantic atmosphere, don't venture here. Go here if you want a fun atmosphere, crowded room, wrap-around deck, great fish, fantastic clam chowder, friendly staff & great Harbor, ocean & mountains views. There is usually a long wait, but it is worth it. 119 Harbor Way, (805) 966-4418. Full bar, lunch & dinner, very casual, $$
Cajun Kitchen
Serving one of the best breakfasts in town for nearly 25 years from Jambalaya to chicken hot sausage gumbo omelets, this cafe's Southern flavor really packs the locals in. Offering real home style cooking in numerous locations; 1924 De La Vina (the original), 901 Chapala, 865 Linden, 217 N. Milpas and 6831-A Hollister. Breakfast & Lunch only; very casual $+
Cold Springs Tavern
A 15 minute drive up Highway 154 brings you to this former stagecoach stop which has served up a selection of game, fish and other hearty entrees since the 1860's. Amazing old rustic buildings with single wall construction, great fireplaces, good food and about as far as you can get from the Santa Barbara scene as you step back in time and into a tavern rife with lore. Great selection of game, hearty entrees and fresh fish. A summer weekend afternoon favorite with the biker crowd with live music, tri-tip sandwiches and a wide selection of beers. 5995 Stagecoach Road, (805) 967-0066. Full bar in separate separate log cabin, lunch-dinner-weekend breakfast; jeans casual, $$
Fresco!
You would not know it by the location hidden in a shopping center, but you can tell how popular this place is by the lines of people. It is also close to my office, so it is a special favorite of mine. Small breakfast menu, full lunch menu + amazing specials and a short dinner menu. A cafe of surprising elegance given its fair prices, it is famous for it scope and quality. You will not be disappointed! 3987-B State Street, (805) 967-6037. Open from 8-8:00, closed Sunday. Beer & wine, casual $$
La Super-Rica Taqueria
It's a nondescript little spot, but somehow it's become one of the most famous Mexican cafes in California. Do not expect a "typical" menu, but do expect excellent charbroiled meats & vegetables, cheeses & chorizos served with homemade corn tortillas; check out the daily specials. Covered patio eating area, very-very busy. 622 North Milpas Street, (805) 963-4640. Lunch & dinner; very casual $+
Longboard's Grill
Located upstairs from the famous Harbor Restaurant on Sterns Wharf, this place sports patio dining with one of the best views in Santa Barbara, free peanuts with peanut shells all over the floors, numerous TV's, a Surf theme and music. 210 Sterns Wharf, (805) 963-3311. Good food at reasonable prices, full bar, lunch & dinner; casual $+
Mesa Cafe
Casual dining at it's best. This local hangout serves up "real American food" in a diner atmosphere. Do not expect linen service, but reasonable priced good food served quickly with a smile. Serves breakfast everyday until 3:00 PM, try the Turkey Benedict. Most Sunday mornings you may spot me here. 1972 Cliff Drive, (805) 966-5303. Full bar, OK wine list, breakfast-lunch-dinner; very casual, $
Meun Fan Thai Cafe
You will find the interior of the Cafe very relaxing, along with very friendly service and great traditional Thai cuisine, flavorful and fresh. A plain storefront does not detract from the great food within. The cook is not afraid to use spices liberally and each dish has a definitive flavor profile. 1819 Cliff Drive, (805) 882-9244, Beer & Wine, Lunch & Dinner, Casual, $
Rose Cafe
Enjoy award-winning "traditional Mexican food" in what has to be the most homely diner exterior/interior of any place on my favorite lists. Serving up great Mexican food since 1926! 424 East Haley, (805) 966-3773. Beer & wine, lunch-dinner; casual $
Shoreline Grill
The only place in Santa Barbara where you can actually sit at tables on the beach, dig your toes into the sand and work on your tan. Ample seating is also available on the enclosed deck overlooking Ledbetter Beach. Freshly grilled fish, burgers, salads and shellfish dishes make this a real beach hangout. 801 Shoreline Drive, (805) 568-0064. Kid's menu, full bar, lunch-dinner & weekend breakfast; beach casual, $+
Sojourner Cafe
The local's favorite for outrageously delicious and creative natural foods served in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Renowned for its variety of internationally influenced vegetarian, chicken and seafood specialties, plus probably the best home baked desserts in town. 134 East Canon Perdido, (805) 965-7922, Beer & OK wine list, lunch-dinner; casual $+
Super Cucas
If you are expecting fine China, silverware, table service and soft seats; don't go here, but if you want some of the most satisfying Mexican food in town, find your way to one of these small and busy Taquerias on Santa Barbara's Westside or the Mesa. Voted the best burritos in town year after year and with single meals big enough to feed two, this place has it all. 626 W. Micheltorena Street or 2030 Cliff Drive, (805) 962-4028. Lunch & dinner; very casual, $
Via Vai Trattoria Tucked away in the corner of a strip mall in Montecito's Upper Village, this place attracts a steady flow of well-heeled locals, along with very few visitors. Look for consistently great Italian food and pizzas from the wood burning oven! Linger on the patio with a cappuccino and enjoy the views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. 1483 E. Valley Road, (805) 565-9393, Lunch & Dinner, nice wine list, business casual, $$
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Tucked away in the corner of a strip mall in Montecito's Upper Village, this place attracts a steady flow of well-heeled locals, along with very few visitors. Look for consistently great Italian food and pizzas from the wood burning oven! Linger on the patio with a cappuccino and enjoy the views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. 1483 E. Valley Road, (805) 565-9393, Lunch & Dinner, nice wine list, business casual, $$
Beach casual, good food and fast service is what you get when you visit The Beach Grill at Padaro. Go on a sunny day, sit at one of the picnic tables and let the kids enjoy the 20,000 square foot patio-lawn-sandbox-play area. Enjoy the favorites; Western Burger, Sausage/Sun-dried/Tomato/Goat Pizza or the Santa Barbara Mixed Greens Salad. 3765 Santa Clause Lane, Carpinteria, (805) 566-9601, beer & wine, daytime meals, very-very casual, $$
Seinfeld theme, look no further. Don't be put off by the cramped and cluttered interior, just step up and order your favorite sandwich, soup or salad. You will not be disappointed. A few doors off State Street at 5 W. Canon Perdido Street, (805) 965-7500, open 8-5:00 & closed Sundays. As casual as they get, $+
Good food is what you will find at the Brew House ranging from Bratwurst, seared ahi, salads, excellent burgers, steaks and the house specialty mashed potatoes. Very laid back with a blue-collar-pride vibe. 229 West Montecito Street, (805) 884-4464. Live music most evenings, full bar (they brew many of their own beers), lunch & dinner; very casual $+
Brophy's has achieved an unofficial local landmark status. If you are looking for fancy plates, candlelight & a romantic atmosphere, don't venture here. Go here if you want a fun atmosphere, crowded room, wrap-around deck, great fish, fantastic clam chowder, friendly staff & great Harbor, ocean & mountains views. There is usually a long wait, but it is worth it. 119 Harbor Way, (805) 966-4418. Full bar, lunch & dinner, very casual, $$
Serving one of the best breakfasts in town for nearly 25 years from Jambalaya to chicken hot sausage gumbo omelets, this cafe's Southern flavor really packs the locals in. Offering real home style cooking in numerous locations; 1924 De La Vina (the original), 901 Chapala, 865 Linden, 217 N. Milpas and 6831-A Hollister. Breakfast & Lunch only; very casual $+
A 15 minute drive up Highway 154 brings you to this former stagecoach stop which has served up a selection of game, fish and other hearty entrees since the 1860's. Amazing old rustic buildings with single wall construction, great fireplaces, good food and about as far as you can get from the Santa Barbara scene as you step back in time and into a tavern rife with lore. Great selection of game, hearty entrees and fresh fish. A summer weekend afternoon favorite with the biker crowd with live music, tri-tip sandwiches and a wide selection of beers. 5995 Stagecoach Road, (805) 967-0066. Full bar in separate separate log cabin, lunch-dinner-weekend breakfast; jeans casual, $$
You would not know it by the location hidden in a shopping center, but you can tell how popular this place is by the lines of people. It is also close to my office, so it is a special favorite of mine. Small breakfast menu, full lunch menu + amazing specials and a short dinner menu. A cafe of surprising elegance given its fair prices, it is famous for it scope and quality. You will not be disappointed! 3987-B State Street, (805) 967-6037. Open from 8-8:00, closed Sunday. Beer & wine, casual $$
It's a nondescript little spot, but somehow it's become one of the most famous Mexican cafes in California. Do not expect a "typical" menu, but do expect excellent charbroiled meats & vegetables, cheeses & chorizos served with homemade corn tortillas; check out the daily specials. Covered patio eating area, very-very busy. 622 North Milpas Street, (805) 963-4640. Lunch & dinner; very casual $+
Located upstairs from the famous Harbor Restaurant on Sterns Wharf, this place sports patio dining with one of the best views in Santa Barbara, free peanuts with peanut shells all over the floors, numerous TV's, a Surf theme and music. 210 Sterns Wharf, (805) 963-3311. Good food at reasonable prices, full bar, lunch & dinner; casual $+
Casual dining at it's best. This local hangout serves up "real American food" in a diner atmosphere. Do not expect linen service, but reasonable priced good food served quickly with a smile. Serves breakfast everyday until 3:00 PM, try the Turkey Benedict. Most Sunday mornings you may spot me here. 1972 Cliff Drive, (805) 966-5303. Full bar, OK wine list, breakfast-lunch-dinner; very casual, $
You will find the interior of the Cafe very relaxing, along with very friendly service and great traditional Thai cuisine, flavorful and fresh. A plain storefront does not detract from the great food within. The cook is not afraid to use spices liberally and each dish has a definitive flavor profile. 1819 Cliff Drive, (805) 882-9244, Beer & Wine, Lunch & Dinner, Casual, $
Enjoy award-winning "traditional Mexican food" in what has to be the most homely diner exterior/interior of any place on my favorite lists. Serving up great Mexican food since 1926! 424 East Haley, (805) 966-3773. Beer & wine, lunch-dinner; casual $
The only place in Santa Barbara where you can actually sit at tables on the beach, dig your toes into the sand and work on your tan. Ample seating is also available on the enclosed deck overlooking Ledbetter Beach. Freshly grilled fish, burgers, salads and shellfish dishes make this a real beach hangout. 801 Shoreline Drive, (805) 568-0064. Kid's menu, full bar, lunch-dinner & weekend breakfast; beach casual, $+
The local's favorite for outrageously delicious and creative natural foods served in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Renowned for its variety of internationally influenced vegetarian, chicken and seafood specialties, plus probably the best home baked desserts in town. 134 East Canon Perdido, (805) 965-7922, Beer & OK wine list, lunch-dinner; casual $+
If you are expecting fine China, silverware, table service and soft seats; don't go here, but if you want some of the most satisfying Mexican food in town, find your way to one of these small and busy Taquerias on Santa Barbara's Westside or the Mesa. Voted the best burritos in town year after year and with single meals big enough to feed two, this place has it all. 626 W. Micheltorena Street or 2030 Cliff Drive, (805) 962-4028. Lunch & dinner; very casual, $