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Blush Restaurant and Lounge
630 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 957-1300

Blush Restaurant and Lounge writes: Please stop by Blush for an unforgettable dining experience. Fine dining without the price tag, 100 wines and locally harvested food to warm the soul. Our seasonal menu features local gems, and only the freshest ingredients. Inspired by California, and Santa Barbara in particular, we hope you enjoy blush. Come. Stay. Relax. Blush... A healthy distraction.

  • Specials: We are featuring the following weekly specials: Monday: 1/2 off Bottle of any wine with appetizer, Tuesday: Ladies Night: 1/2 off Specialty Cocktails and Wine by the glass from 7pm-10pm
  • Happy Hour: Daily Happy Hour 4pm - 7pm
  • Brunch: We are open for Brunch Saturday and Sundays from 10am until 3pm

Reviews by the General Public

love it!, 10/29/2009
Reviewer: courtney from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is amazing. The atmosphere is inviting! the management still has problems that need to be worked out. You can tell the people who work there really enjoy it. Everyone there really feels like a family. There are two women that basically run the kitchen! You go girls!
Disapointed, 10/12/2009
Reviewer: Jessica from Santa Barbara, CA
Nice furnishings and decor, and a lovely patio, but our party felt more like a nuisance than a wanted customer. We were seated on the patio and given menus that hadn't been changed from lunch to dinner...and we dinned at 8pm that night. When we asked for the heater to be turned on the waiter simply said "I don't think that one works" and walked away. So after a 1/2 hour of freezing I asked a bus boy if he could turn the heater on and he proceeded to grab another person to finally turn it on. Food was alright but service was unorganized (the server delivered our food to the table next to us before she realized it was ours). Then we got our check and it took about a half hour before the server had time to process and give the receipt. This restaurant seemed to have been trying for new hip look but the welcome feel is definitely not there like that of Opal or Bouchon. Save your money for a better experience elsewhere in Santa Barbara
not worth it, 9/2/2009
Reviewer: Jarrod B. from Santa Barbara, CA
I went here with a friend on a weekend night recently. They seated us in the dining room. Very nice decor, and cool atmosphere, however the server seemed overwhelmed and underprepared. We were left alone for 15 minutes at a time. It took over 20 mins to get 2 simple cocktails. The food also took forever. I ordered the gruyere burger, but would have rather gone to paradise cafe for $6 less. It was overcooked and was not worth the $16 I paid for it. The girls sitting next to us ended up complaining about the time it took to get the food. They just seemed disorganized, understaffed, and clueless about the poor service. I heard there were 3 managers working that night, but not one came to our table. What are we paying for here??
Great food, service ehh...., 8/31/2009
Reviewer: Ed from Santa Barbara, CA
The food was great, had dinner there with my wife and friends. We all ordered an entree and wanted to try one of the late night dishes (late night dinner menu after 10pm) as an appetizer. It was 9:45pm 15 minutes before the late night menu went into effect and the waitress said she had to double check with the chef to see if we could order off the 10pm menu. Well to our surprise the chef said "no!" So we waited 15 minutes and then ordered it. What a joke! we spent over $200 on dinner and drinks and the service was an insult...We only go back for drinks now...
Great Food but Questionable Cocktails, 8/24/2009
Reviewer: Tyler from Santa Barbara, CA
As far as ambience goes, first impressions couldn't be much better. This huge patio is the perfect place to gather friends for Happy Hour. The couches are so comfortable. The Ahi and Shrimp appetizers were exceptional. The major disappointment was the Blush Margarita. All my friends had them made differently and most were simply awful. Way too sour and weird tasting. This is the bar's signature drink so it ought to be consistently delicious.
Restaurant or Noisy Bar? Part 2, 8/21/2009
Reviewer: Julie from Santa Barbara, CA
Like the reviewer below, my husband and I experienced a very similar dinner. The hostess was hardly welcoming at all..but i don't tend to expect much out of a barely 20 y.o being paid minimum. The server was very prompt in getting to us, but it took probably 20 minutes to get cocktails. The food came in a reasonable amount of time and was very, very good. The place was Extremely loud and we were expecting it to be somewhat, but not with 2 groups of stumbling/screaming drunks right next to our table, and it was only about 630. Management? None that i ever saw.
Great, 8/17/2009
Reviewer: Marna from Toluca Lake
Had dinner for the first time Sat. night. Our server Vienna was so attentive & helpful. The halibut was the best I've ever had ... moist & the herb seasoning was amazing. The fresh peach cobbler was a bit too sweet for me, so next time ... I'm going to try the chocolate trio. Great dinner!

A Great New Addition to Santa Barbara Dining, 8/13/2009
Reviewer: julia from Santa Barbara, CA
We have eaten at Blush twice now and have been very happy with our food both times. The service is a bit slow but I attribute it to the fact that they are new and still working out the quirks. The hamburger is delicious and the Lobster Mac and Cheese is a big winner! Love the outdoor patio for a drink and summer dining!
Cosmpolitan interior design, 8/13/2009
Reviewer: Devin from Santa Barbara, CA
Intrigued by the lighting & interior of Blush, such an improvement from the prior inhabitant, myself and two others decided to dine here. Service is slow, but booths, table settings and overall vibe are great. Unfortunately we were disappointed with the food, over salted and overcooked. Caesar salad had beautiful presentation except for the lone anchovy on top which had to be cut up an allocated to each bite. The only dish that survived our critique was the Salmon, delicious with great presentation.

Blush was great. Nice patio seating w/heaters., 8/5/2009
Reviewer: Joe Linden from Santa Barbara, CA
Last saturday is was packed...we had great food & great service. The menu is amazing and since their May opening, the prices have decreased on it...ex. the Mixed Greens Salad went from 10 to 6. The pork chop, rib eye & salmon were all so good. '05 Lancaster Cabernet Sv was amazing with my rib eye. We'll definitely be back.
"Happy Hour" Horror, 8/5/2009
Reviewer: Allison from Santa Barbara, CA
So the husband and I went to check out happy hour last night because we'd been there before and it was pretty good! Happy hour is a rip-off. They give you a selection of beers to choose from and don't mention that they aren't ALL included in HH, we had a beer and a cocktail and the bill came to $16.00 plus tip and you can't sit up front and look out the window anymore, they force you to sit in the back of the room where it's dark, hot and loud or the patio where you get to bathe in the smoke from Hamburger Habit. Won't be back.
Not quite there yet, 7/19/2009
Reviewer: Susan from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I stopped by after dinner for a drink and to check out the place. My husband's drink came immediately but the waitress totally forgot to place my drink order and 15 minutes later, the bartender was "busy" and I was still waiting. We left. It was crowded and the crowd was rowdy as other reviewer also indicated. Lots of staff buzzing around but service was definitely disappointing. Probably won't be back again soon to try the food.
IS BLUSH A RESTAURANT OR A NOISY BAR, 7/18/2009
Reviewer: NICK DOVE from ENGLAND
OUR FAMILY OF FIVE CHOSE BLUSH FOR AN EVENING MEAL BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE A MODERN COOL LOOKING RESTAURANT.HOWEVER OUR OPINION WAS SOON TO CHANGE AS WE WERE GREETED BY A FROSTY HOSTESS WHO USHERED US TO OUR TABLE.AS SOON AS WE SETTLED WE ALL SOON NOTICED THAT THE NOISE LEVEL WAS OPPRESSIVE A COMBINATION OF THE "MUSAK" AND VERY ROWDY/RUDE TABLE OF PARTYGOERS WHO WERE NOT AT BLUSH FOR FINE DINING INCLUDING ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AND EVEN AT ONE POINT DANCING ON A CHAIR. OUR WAITER WAS HELPFUL AND SERVICE WAS SLOW BUT WE EUROPEANS ARE USED TO THIS AND AS LONG AS COMMUNICATION IS GOOD WHY RUSH A MEAL.THINGS SOON TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORST AS THE TABLE OF PARTYGOERS EVEN BECAME SO OUT OF CONTROL THEY NEARLY KNOCKED OVER THE OUTSIDE HEATERS AND MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS WERE GETTING ANNOYED WITH THIER BEHAVIOUR.PROBLEM WAS NONE OF THE STAFF ATTEMPTED TO CALM THEM DOWN AND EVEN THE MANAGER APPEARED UNCONCERNED LATER AS HIS STAFF HAD NOT MADE HIM AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. SHAME BECAUSE APART FROM MY MISSING MAIN COURSE THE FOOD WAS ENJOYED AND TO A GOOD STANDARD.SEEMS TO ME THAT YOU NEED TO DRAW A BALANCE BETWEEN AMBIENCE AND FINE DINING EXPERIENCE AND TRAIN YOUR STAFF TO MANAGE THIS BALANCE WITHOUT LOSING THE FEEL GOOD ATMOSPHERE. WE HOPE THAT YOU ACHIEVE THIS AND WILL TRY AGAIN.
Great Late-night pastries..., 7/16/2009
Reviewer: Rod from Santa Barbara, CA
My wife and I went into Blush for desserts after a movie. No where in town can you get the quality of pastries this establishment serves late-night. I would rank their peach cobbler among the top three I've ever tasted and my wife's fig pudding (with real figs), was not only succulent, but it was cooked to perfection. The service could have been better, however, our server was very attentive and did a great job entertaining us by educating us as to how the pastry chef prepares everything from scratch. Will visit again very soon!
A work in progress, 7/5/2009
Reviewer: Alan Griffin from Santa Barbara, CA
Great atmosphere, great food but the execution was lacking. We asked for our drinks first but they did not arrive until after we received the first course. The beef in the burgers was almost raw and the main courses did not arrive at the same time. Our server was very apologetic and did not charge us for the burgers and treated us to dessert. Everyone in our party agreed that they would come back because all of the problems should be easy to resolve and the food was very good.
My cocktail tasted like weeds, 6/30/2009
Reviewer: D from Santa Barbara, CA
I went to Blush with my boyfreind a few weeks ago. The atmosphere was very very pleasant. I like the outside patio and they indoor lighting..We sat at the bar and ordered a cocktail from the specialty cocktail menu...I order a serano chile/grapefruit martini. I am usually not a very picky person but this 'thing' literally tasted like it was full of weeds! The bartender asked me if I liked it..and I told him it tasted like weeds! He didn't even bother to make me a new drink!
Relaxing Sat afternoon on patio, 6/29/2009
Reviewer: Christine from Santa Barbara, CA
Used to come here for dancing when it was Zelo's -now it's a restaurant. The patio was perfect on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The furniture is clean, comfortable, and substantial. There are a few fireplaces that would be perfect for the space on a chilly night. Had the blackberry/Limoncello cocktail that was light and fruity and not too sweet. Grilled caesar salad was different and very good. 2 romaine hearts could have been 3 for a more substantial lunch, otherwise this would be a good starter salad at dinner time. Service was attentive without being overbearing. Was a great time with my husband, to enjoy a nice plate of food, a cocktail and a glass of wine, the sunshine, and SB. Will recommend to others.
Beautiful Late Night Lounge, 6/23/2009
Reviewer: Nikki from Santa Barbara, CA
I was here late on a Saturday and had a great time sipping their cucumber limeade and talking with my friends. The outdoor patio is beautiful and spacious. The mai tai wasn't great, too heavy handed on the schnapps gave it a buttery taste when it should be fruity and light. However everyone had a great time just relaxing and enjoy the fires. I haven't tried the food but the service was great!
Terrific group dining experience, 6/22/2009
Reviewer: Craig Battles from Santa Barbara, CA
Our first time at Blush with a group of 18, a mix of out of town friends and us locals who have been eager to try this new restaurant and were all very pleased. We were seated out on the patio where canvas curtains provided a semi-private dining experience. Everyone was very happy with the food and portions size was definitely not a problem! My ribeye steak was excellent throughout, pork chop, Ahi tuna and halibut were also big hits and we all had to sample the lobster mac 'n cheese! Loved the outdoor patio and ladies loved the basil martinis. We'll be back!
Excellent with one issue, 6/14/2009
Reviewer: Lori Sanders from Santa Barbara, CA
Made my first trip to Blush Friday night. The food was fabulous. The remodel of this place had to be expensive, it looks great. My only issue is the portion size. Very, very, very small. If you are hungry plan on spending a lot.

Elegant and modern dining in the heart of Santa Barbara, 6/13/2009
Reviewer: Rio from Santa Barbara, CA
My other half and i dined at blush on a Friday night. The staff were happy to accommodate our needs and when we asked to move to another table with a little more privacy, they gave us the best seat in the house. The food was delicious - classic dishes with a modern twist.Whole romaine hearts as a Caesar salad was a first for me! The fillet was cooked perfectly, a vegetable accompaniment would have been the only improvement. The chocolate trio was a perfect sampler of 3 exquisite deserts.Our waitress was on top of our drinks and gave us enough privacy to talk yet was prompt on removing plates once finished with. The patio looked spacious with fire flames to keep warm. The perfect place for a refreshing cocktail on a summers evening. Blush is now my favorite place in town and I will be returning often!
Good fair, understaffed, 5/31/2009
Reviewer: Jacob from Santa Barbara, CA
We ate at Blush recently and being from Orange County are excited to see some more upscale dining in SB. We were seated at our table on time with no wait. The first thing I noticed was the length of time it took for someone to get a drink order. Also, equally long was the time it took to get the food once ordered. Everything we ate was prepared well, good texture, perfect temperature. One of the dissapointing things about the place was the cost and food portion size. I paid $26 for a small pork chop, I thought this was overpriced and unjustly small proportioned. I will give it another try, albeit lunch when prices are more reasonable.
AMAZING, 5/28/2009
Reviewer: Lucille T. Boss from Santa Barbara, CA
The service was exceptional, and the food was AMAZING. All 5 of us completely cleared our plates (appetizers, dinners, and desserts!) . . . We'll definitely be back!
Try it! We'll be back., 5/24/2009
Reviewer: jimstoic from Santa Barbara, CA
The wood bar is beautiful, and the pendant lights everywhere are gorgeous. The atmosphere is very pleasant. I visited late at night with four friends. One had the grilled cheese with short ribs. Two had the Ahi Duo. I had the mixed greens salad. All of the food was good, and I believe they will be able to take it one more step and make it exceptional. Their imaginative menu is a welcome addition to late-night State Street. Service was friendly and knowledgeable, but they were a little short staffed.
What Santa Barbara Needs, 5/7/2009
Reviewer: Jay from Santa Barbara, CA
My wife and I have eaten at Blush twice. Both times have been exceptional. To start, the service was attentive at every level, but not annoying. The cocktail menu is wonderful . . . inventive drinks AND they pour Hangar. We've mixed it up with regard to the food; one time ordering apps and entrees, the other time sharing a bunch of apps. Everything has been delicious and worth eating again. Steaks prepared great, fun appetizers, decent portions--not huge, but I prefer quality over quantity. Desserts are really good, too. We tried the chocolate thing (good) and the creme brulee, which came deconstructed, was excellent. We look forward to our next visit. This could be our new favorite place, especially once the patio opens.
Not Satisfied, 5/4/2009
Reviewer: Theo Wheatley from Santa Barbara, CA
The repetoire that you hear regarding this place is not precisely true. The prices are not practical and the food did not leave any of us satisfied. My wife actually had me stop for a bite on the way home. It was prepared well. Delicious to be fair, but the portion size was not in line with the prices they charge. Our bill was about as fair as the weak drinks (stick to wine). The atmosphere was unique and quite pleasant, but they really need some cost effective menu adjustments.
Great Food; Hygiene Needs Work., 5/1/2009
Reviewer: Allison from Santa Barbara, CA
Our first time here for dinner; we had the halibut and the scallops, both were excellent! Atmosphere is outstanding, the back of the room is too loud and stuffy but the front is lovely. HOWEVER; I was horrified at seeing every plate that came out of the kitchen being wiped down [around the food] using the same cloth all evening [but it was re-folded over & over by the same unwashed hands] by the person who was apparently "the plate wiper" and then the hostess would get bored and pick up the same dirty cloth and wipe around the food again on those same plates awaiting delivery. The food was good but I'm not sure I would order dinner again after seeing so many people handling every plate. If something needs to be wiped off the plate, the chef should be competent enough to handle the task. Too many people handling the finished product!!! And then the always obnoxious, "do you need change?" question. Lots of potential though.
Terrific Dining Experience, 4/25/2009
Reviewer: Geoffrey H from Santa Barbara, CA
As a group of four we were happy to be accomodated last minute on a Friday and it was well worth it. The food was great (lobster mac & cheese, wonderful ahi duo appetizers, beautiful halibut preparation, scallops and pork chop are all recommended) Everything was perfectly prepared and the portions were generous. The food is a good value for the price and the bar drinks were great too although wine by the glass was priced a little high. Our server was great too. The owner stopped by and took real interest in our feedback - which was all good!

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