Where has the service gone?, 8/13/2010
Reviewer: Ginger
from Santa Barbara, CA
There was a time when I was in Backyard Bowls almost every morning before my day began. It's been quite a while since I've been in for my morning pick-me-up due to travel, etc. So this morning I was quite excited to return and order my Berry Bowl. It took 17 minutes for my order and when I received my Berry Bowl it was wrong. So very frustrating... hopefully this is not a pattern and I will write another review with better service. Still love my Berry Bowl though. Amazing and so healthy.
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Ah, the curse of high expectations, 7/29/2010
Reviewer: izzy
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been wanting to try Backyard Bowls for a while, since reading all the AMAZING, RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING, AWESOME, SERIOUSLY INCREDIBLE positive reviews here. I had high expectations! Too high, I guess. It is an interesting product. It tastes good. But it isn't addictive or the best thing I've eaten, let alone ridiculously amazing. Many ingredients are organic. A plus. And it is unusual, a plus. But it is kinda pricey (probably due to the above), a minus.
"Service" is taking your order at the counter and handing it to you (I got it to go), so you can't mess that up much. I was served quickly.
I won't be rushing back, but will enjoy it again if I'm in the mood and I have a few extra bucks.
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foursquare?, 6/26/2010
Reviewer: Lexie
from Santa Barbara, CA
You guys are AWESOMEEEE. I don't know if you've heard of foursquare, but its a social media website that is also an application on phones like iphone/blackberry etc. A lot of venues have linked up with this website to offer weekly deals or specials especially for the "mayor" (the person with the application that checks in at the venue more than anyone else). Or like 5 bucks off for spending 20 or more kind of things. I think it would be awesome if you guys participated like a lot of other venues are. Just thought I'd let you know!
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Ridiculously AMAZING, 6/11/2010
Reviewer: Scott
from Santa Barbara, CA
THE BEST!! Friendly service, PHENOMENAL FOOD, I think I crave backyard bowl every day I wake up. Started by trying out every bowl on the menu & was pleased with every single one. Haven't tried any of the oatmeal or smoothies yet cause I'm still hooked on the bowls. Everything looks damn tasty. Took my sisters there while they were visiting & they wont stop talking about it. They are just hoping something like this makes its way down to San Diego.
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More, please..., 5/17/2010
Reviewer: Elena
from Santa Barbara, CA
I had their steel cut oatmeal which was pretty good although I wish the portion was a little larger. Also it was more warm than hot. Still it was yummy on a chilly mid-morning.
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awesome healthy breakfast, 5/14/2010
Reviewer: Nikki
from Modesto, CA
We were on our honeymoon and was told by a waiter at the resturant we were having dinner in about Backyard Bowls, and decided to try it the next morning. My only thing I didn't like was that I live so far away and will not be able to have them more often. I live in Northern California and we have nothing like this here what a bummer! Great idea and very satifying. Good job guys thanks for the new craving :)
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I will drive from Los Angeles just to eat there again, 4/26/2010
Reviewer: Stephanie
from Los Angeles, CA
I accidentally stumbled across this place while walking with my husband through downtown Santa Barbara. We were visiting from Los Angeles for a weekend away. We noticed these beautiful bowls people were eating and overheard a woman tell her friend how delicious her food was. I said to my husband, we HAVE to come try this place tomorrow. And we did. And I honestly want to plan my next trip to Santa Barbara just so I can eat there again. I had the Berry Bowl and it was just amazing. Congrats to the owners for creating a place and a product to be proud of. I urge anyone in SB to go and I am jealous that Backyard Bowls, along with the coastline and clean air is so accessible to you! Enjoy!!!
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Very tasty, 3/24/2010
Reviewer: Kelsey
from Santa Barbara, CA
Today was my first time at Backyard Bowls. I had the original bowl, very tasty. The granola was awesome, not really hard to chew or break up, like some granola can be. Everything was really fresh, my teeth got a little shock from the cold of the smoothie in it.
The service was a bit slow, seems like it could be done a lot quicker. I understand that perfection can not be rushed, but it can be done faster than that.
This place would do really well in a more central location of State St, but you've all done well with what you've got.
I'll definitely be back for more soon!
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Motivated to eat healthy!, 2/24/2010
Reviewer: Elena
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been to Backyard Bowls 3 or 4 times and love it. I feel so good after eating a bowl and it's so tasty. Much better than what Blenders is trying to do (I love their smoothies but not their rendition of an acai bowl). I wish I could afford to go every day. For now it's a once/mo treat.
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Best Steel Cut Oatmeal I have ever had!, 2/6/2010
Reviewer: Jane
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love Backyard Bowls and until now I have only had their acai bowls, but recently I tried their Steel Cut Oatmeal with homemade cashew milk and fresh fruit and it is delicious! I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of nuts, cinnamon, honey and fresh fruit with oatmeal and the fresh cashew milk really makes it tasty! I have been back several mornings in a row to start off these chilly days with a warm bowl of the best oatmeal I have ever had!
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Who knew healthy could taste sooooo goood, 12/19/2009
Reviewer: Cheryl Smith
from Eugene Oregon
I'm from Oregon and visit SB often as our daughter lives here. She recently learned of Backyard Bowls from a friend and so we went there today...I'll be back again and again. I had the berry bowl...yum....can't wait to return and try one of the other bowls. The young men who started this have hit a home run. This will be a regular return to place each time I visit. You lucky Santa Barbarans can go all the time
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seriously incredible all around, 12/17/2009
Reviewer: courtney
from Santa Barbara, CA
i can't say enough good things about this place. the people are amazing, the food is delicious and i just feel good after eating a bowl. and it's not that it feels "good" as compared to a burger. it's sort of hard to describe but i just feel energized and ready to charge. filling, nutritious, delicious and it lasts!
thank you, backyard bowls!
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Awesome!, 10/9/2009
Reviewer: Ryan
from Santa Barbara, CA
Some friends introduced me to Acai bowls when I was visiting them in San Diego and from the first bite I was hooked. I spread the word to everyone I knew about Acai bowls, but had trouble convincing anyone since there wasn't an Acai bowl shop in Santa Barbara. Backyard Bowls fills that void with some of the best Acai bowls I've ever tasted. The service is good, but I really like seeing the owners doing the dirty work. It's good to see local business succeed because of the hard work of the owners. Backyard bowls is now a regular stop several times a week.
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I could eat this every day!, 9/22/2009
Reviewer: Caterina
from Santa Barbara, CA
A friend suggested we try Backyard Bowls after a spinning workout this past Sunday. I had no idea anything like this existed! It so amazingly delicious, and it makes me feel good to know it is healthy whole food. I ordered the Backyard Bowl, which only comes in large (yes I ate the whole thing.) Brimming with fresh fruit, goji berries, bee pollen, and granola. YUM! I was satisfied without being stuffed. I plan to be a devoted customer for as long as they stay open which I hope will be a long time!!!
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Addictive, 9/21/2009
Reviewer: Nirasha
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love the Island Bowl. It is my favorite. The cool, creamy, acai in the bottom makes me a very happy woman. The fruit on top is always fresh and beautiful. They take pride in good product. Please keep it up. I grab breakfast here about twice a week. Wish I could go more.
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When I'm not eating Backyard Bowls, I'm thinking about it
Reviewer: Alley
from Santa Barbara, CA
The first time I had Backyard Bowls, my husband brought me a bowl as a Sunday morning treat. Since then, I have made it a weekly tradition. There is something about the combination of sweet berries and honey, tangy yogurt, and crunchy granola that keeps me coming back for more. Plus the service has always been prompt and friendly. I like that the to go cups and spoons are earth friendly too. My only suggestion is that they get their website completed so I can find out the nutritional content of their foods.
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Excellent
Reviewer: Mike
from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is great. Their bowls are as good and fresh as can be. Just one gripe, the dude that was making the bowls was grabbing the bowls from the inside, so anything on his hands was where the food goes, who knows what he was touching before that and after. Please grab the bowls on the OUTSIDE, not where the food goes!
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So good it's scary
Reviewer: Sarah
from Santa Barbara, CA
Can't say enough about this place. Sooooooo good.
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Backyard Bowls is the best!!!
Reviewer: Alexis
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love backyards bowls, everything is so fresh and healthy and tastey! The service is great too. I will always keep going back to Backyard Bowls!
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i am NEVER DISSAPOINTED!
Reviewer: Jeanette Rogers
from Santa Barbara, CA
these guys take the time to make sure every order is made perfectly. i believe all the workers there are well trained. plus, it helps that the owners are always there... they make sure things are running just the way their supposed to be. i always tip them, because they deserve it. the service is so friendly. sure, it takes a little while sometimes for the order to come out, but no more then 4 minutes. i can watch them do it, and it only takes that time, because they want to make sure all their bowls and smooties are consistantly delicious. they know how important it is to follow recipes.
try the ginger smoothie. great on a hot summer day. try the spinich bowl. yummy.. you really cant taste the spinich much.. but you know your getting those vitamins in. acai is delicious... and i am glad this company is making it in today's economy!
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Amazingly Healthy and Delicious Meal or Treat
Reviewer: Lynn
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have walked by Backyard Bowls several times in the past few months and have never stopped in. Boy, what a mistake! On the recommendation of my older daughter, my husband, my son and myself gave it a try. WOW! I am a bit of a foodie, especially high quality, whole foods which are hard to find in Santa Barbara in the quick, inexpensive category. The bowls are just awesome! They are full of high quality, whole foods that are loaded with anti-oxidants, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and wonderful flavors. One our first visit, Pete, one of the owners approached our table and asked how we liked it! He really "gets it" about what now passes for food in our country. While you are there pick up a copy of Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food. Backyard Bowls is all about defending real food! I am now a dedicated regular. My son, who is 9, is too.
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Carefully Crafted Healthy Delcicious Food
Reviewer: Dan
from Santa Barbara, CA
I go to Backyard bowls very often lately because I can't resist the delicious, fresh taste that the bowl offers me. Some people say it is a little pricey, but it is worth every penny. Every bite is so amazing, and healthy too! My sister enjoys the Island Bowl, while the Original is a classic I enjoy everytime. The service is excellent. Sometimes it takes a little longer than expected, only because you see them perfectly adding the honey onto the masterpiece. Also, enjoying this at the actual restaurant is nice and relaxing and they play music too! Overall, a GREAT place!
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fav
Reviewer: Nia
from Santa Barbara, CA
my favorite thing about outrigger canoeing, aside from the canoeing part, is the acai bowl after!!!! stuck on the green bowl. will eventually branch out to the others..maybe in a year or so :)
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Tastes just like the acai bowls in Brazil
Reviewer: Jane
from Santa Barbara, CA
Backyards Bowls is a great addition to Santa Barbara. Their acai bowls are delicious and taste just like the ones in Brazil! Thank you for making healthy smoothies and bowls that use all natural ingrediants and for having many dairy free options as well! Often times I wake up and crave your "Island Bowl," it is so tasty and gives me tons of energy! Thank you for changing your hours so that now I can enjoy an acai bowl after an early morning run.
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LOVE IT!
Reviewer: Caroline
from Santa Barbara, CA
I looooove backyard bowls! Its amazing! I only wish it was open later! Especially during the spring/summer when it is light later in the day. They should be open till 7 in the summer!
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Please Open Earlier!!!!!!!!
Reviewer: Katie M.
from Santa Barbara, CA
The acai bowls are absolutely amazing...the honey, the granola, the strawberries! But, PLEASE, I am begging you Backyard Bowls, you've gotta open up earlier than 8am! I frequently want to stop by on my way to work, but unless I want to be late, Backyard Bowls isn't an option for me. So many people have to be at work by 8am, so opening up at 8 is too late. I love this place, but I'll only be able to visit on the weekends.
Backyard Bowls writes:
As you wish! Starting Monday April 13, Backyard Bowls will be opening at 7AM Monday-Friday. Thank you for your feedback!
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YUMM
Reviewer: LMG
from Santa Barbara, CA
So good! Discovered this place about three weeks ago and I have gone almost every day since! I literally find myself craving it and having to make the drive from Goleta just to satisfy myself! The only problem is that they are really slow, and I understand that the workers are trying to make it perfect but sometimes I just want to be like okay hurry up!! Also the prices are a little bit too high! Two smalls for 11 something just seems like too much!
Backyard Bowls writes:
If you are ever in a hurry, please feel free to call your order in ahead of time. 5 minutes notice is usually all we need, and your bowl will be ready and waiting! Thanks, see you tomorrow!
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Delicious, Healthy, and Afordable!
Reviewer: Matt
from Los Angeles, CA
...what more could you want? Oh and they have a great half indoor/outdoor seating area to relax in while you enjoy a bowl. The horse paintings are kinda wierd,but the rad surf ones make up for it. I constantly battle the urge to drive up from L.A. just for lunch!!!
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website info?
Reviewer: Becky
from Santa Barbara, CA
Your website is under construction and says to check back in the near future..By near future, do you mean several months to a year? I am interested in checking out the website before I make the trip there, so maybe you could speed up the website process?
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LOVE this place!
Reviewer: Chrissy
from Goleta, CA
I tried backyard bowls a couple of months ago and I am hooked! All the bowls I have tried are delicious! They are so healthy for you and they fill you up as any meal would. I always tell people about this place and I have never met anyone who has been there and not liked it! I go there almost everyday for lunch and Jessica has GREAT customer service skills! She is always awesome every time I go in there! :)
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Ok food/service
Reviewer: Glenn
from Buellton
I guess I don't see the big draw with adding granola, honey and bananas to basically a shake/smoothie but interesting. I think better eaten for breakfast then at other times(bowl at least).
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I'm hooked!
Reviewer: Victoria
from Santa Barbara, CA
My 30-something, very healthy daughter took me here for my first time several weeks ago, and what a treat! I'm working my way down the menu, but so far, the apple bowl is my favorite. Parking is so easy in the city lot, I know I'm feeding my body with the best possible yummy ingredients, and I have made it my "go to" spot for lunch because I work downtown. I also love the oatmeal bowl, and my grandchildren love the smoothies for their after-school snacks. Try it; you'll be so glad you did!
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the best, healthiest food in town!
Reviewer: Monica Puccini
from Santa Barbara, CA
Everyone is so nice, great service, happy people working there make amazing healthy bowls! They are very green w/ recyclable bowls,utensils etc..
I am completely addicted! it's an any-time meal.
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Excellent
Reviewer: Morena
from Santa Barbara, CA
Great addition to SB. The Acai bowls are delicious. Great treat after a hard workout. Customer service was amazing! Keep up the good work! Beleza!
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The only AUTHENTIC acai bowls I have found in the US!!
Reviewer: Marcus
from Santa Barbara, CA
All of the employees are very friendly and will carry on conversations with you if you so please. I have gone there weekly since moving to the downtown area and I would say this is one of Santa Barbara's best kept secrets. I have introduced a few friends to acai bowls and they also fall in love with them instantly. Try them once and you will be hooked!
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YUMMY!!!
Reviewer: Michele
from Santa Barbara, CA
What a nice addition to our Community! I had the Backyard Bowl and it was awesome. I can't wait to go back and try the other options. The guys who own it are super cool and they also carry my favorite Kombucha drink. Do yourself a favor and check it out!
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Bowl a perfect score
Reviewer: Bonnie Burgess
from Santa Barbara, CA
Great, fresh food served by happy people. Love the Acai berries. I have gone back twice now (in one week!) and the only flaw I see is that there aren't more locations! I hope their business thrives!
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Ah! I'm hooked on acai
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Santa Barbara, CA
First time trying acai and it was absolutely delicious-tangy, flavorful & sweet! Very informative & helpful staff. The berry bowl was a refreshing lifesaver in this hot weather. Really good for you too. Can't beat all the nutritious benefits. You have to eat it at a reasonably fast pace or it will melt. Ah, I'm in love with acai!
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Yum, that's all that needs to be said
Reviewer: Nicole B.
from Santa Barbara, CA
SOOOOO good, and filling! I was unfamiliar with the bowls and the guy at the register was totally helpful, friendly, and patient. I had the berry bowl and can't wait to go back to try the others!
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De-li-cious
Reviewer: L
from Santa Barbara, CA
Backyard Bowls is my new favorite find. It is delicious, filling but not heavy, and I crave it often. Every bowl that I have tried has been amazing and has a good balance of crunchy, soft, cold, and sweet. It is healthy, works for breakfast or lunch, and they are open later now as well! The outside patio is nice for relaxing and the parking lot that is right across the street is very convenient. If you are in a hurry calling ahead is helpful as they make each bowl fresh. I recommend it to all. Such a treat.
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You made a regular out of me!!!
Reviewer: Megan (=From TTA =)
from Santa Barbara, CA
Ever since my first bowl when they open I am hooked! I go at least twice a week (usually more). This is a very "sin" free way to have breakfast and lunch. The prices aren't bad concidering you would spend the same any fast food place on lunch! My favorite is the Island Bowl with extra honey! =) AND if you dont have alot of time to wait for your "TLC" Bowl you can call in the order and pick it up! Also everyone there is very nice and pleasant. I just love it! Highly recommened over any other "smoothie" place around!
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Was just like Brazil !!!!
Reviewer: Max H.
from Santa Barbara, CA
For a long time I was looking for a place with true acai flavor and finally we got one in SB! BB brought the true flavor of acai, make me feel like I am having one from Brazil keep it up and add Natural Guarana and will be like haven! Good job guys!!
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refreshing and exotic!
Reviewer: chee
from Santa Barbara, CA
these acai bowls are fabulous! I got the small berry bowl, which was just enough for breakfast, but kind of pricey (about $7.50). I could totally see how people could have a large bowl--once you start eating, you basically want to inhale everything. granted, the ingredients are so light and fresh that I just feel healthier shoveling them down! the service was a bit slow, but that's probably because the staff are putting so much TLC in making the bowls just right. I'm going to try more exotic bowls in the future...once I scrounge up enough money to make this a more frequent dining experience!
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What a great find!
Reviewer: Julia
from Santa Barbara, CA
I just went for the first time a couple weeks ago. I had no idea what an Acai bowl was, but the guy was very helpful, and explained to us all about it and the different flavor combos. He even came outside to where we were to see if we enjoyed it! Great customer service.
The bowl was amazing too. It was fresh, filling, yet light. The granola on top was perfect. I can't wait to have another one!
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sooo delish!
Reviewer: Jackie
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been meaning to try this place since they opened. I finally got a chance to visit and fell in love with it immediately. It's not only an acai bowl, it's more like heaven in a bowl. It was amazing! The service isn't phenomenal but accommodating enough. I will be frequenting this place for more acai bowls! yummm :)
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I love this place
Reviewer: Melissa Ninen
from Santa Barbara, CA
These Acai bowls are wonderful! I eat them almost daily because they are light, yet feeling. I’ve had Acai bowls at other places in Santa Barbara, but those don’t compare to these. The others ones had way too much ice in them, which lost the delicious Acai flavor-- BB has found the secret of consistency! I highly recommend backyard bowls.
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Super Delicious!
Reviewer: Liliana
from Santa Barbara, CA
I really enjoyed the berry bowl, it was delicious and berry uplifting=D...thank you, Liliana
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TASTES SO GOOD AND IT'S GOOD FOR ME TOO!
Reviewer: Sandy
from San Jose, CA
I've had the Acai bowls both for breakfast and lunch when I have visited Santa Barbara. Unfortunately, I do not live here. I would eat these awesome bowls everyday if I could. They are absolutely wonderful and on top of all that, they are good for us. Acai is one of the superfoods of the world and it’s like having dessert for breakfast and lunch. My favorite is their signature bowl… the Backyard Bowl and the second runner up is the Island Bowl. Mmmm! Service is great too!
Can’t you open a store in San Jose, CA!
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Great way to start the day
Reviewer: ROB
from Santa Barbara, CA
I came here for breakfast and the original bowl was awesome. I really enjoyed it so much I'm going back tomorrow and trying another bowl. Everything was fresh and healthy.
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Awesome.
Reviewer: J
from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is awesome, but the hours suck! 7:30 to 4:30 = work hours. It is, however, worth the extra effort to get there. Please stay open later!!!
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Good stuff!
Reviewer: Eric
from Montecito
I had breakfast there this morning - my only disappointment was not seeing more people in there! I found the berry bowl very satisfying. Motor Drive you say? It's unfortunate they couldn't simply have a State Street address as that would make them easier to find. its really pretty simple though, State and Gutierrez in the City lot.
I expect to go back soon :-)
EMI
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New Favorite Spot
Reviewer: Cait
from Santa Barbara, CA
My boyfriend and I have been awaiting the opening of Backyard Bowls. We stopped by yesterday and were so impressed by both the quality of the food and service. Staff is very welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable and the food was healthy and delicious. Everything was so good that my "meat and potatoes ONLY" boyfriend went back by himself today to try another bowl! We will be frequenting this spot and bringing more people with us.
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New Healthy Alternative for breakfast
Reviewer: Palmer Jackson
from Santa Barbara, CA
I went to Backyard Bowls this morning after my morning workout. I was impressed. I ordered the backyard bowl -- I think it was called the original. It was really good. I ordered the small size and it filled me up, but wasn't too much food. I'm going to go back again soon.
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