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Beachside Bar Cafe
5905 Sandspit Rd, Goleta
Phone: (805) 964-7881
- Category: American
- Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-9:30pm, Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9:30pm
- Price: $20+
- Serving: Lunch, & Dinner
- Map
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
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Reviews by the General Public
Exceptional service, great food, 1/9/2010
Reviewer: Danielle
from Santa Barbara, CA
I came in with my family on a busy afternoon thinking we would have to wait longer than usual for our food, but was pleasantly surprised. Our food came out quickly, and our server Paul was very attentive to our needs. My husband tends to be demanding but felt that our server met our highest expectations. Loved the fish and chips. We'll definitely be back!
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very surprised.. , 12/7/2009
Reviewer: Melissa Garner
from Santa Barbara, CA
A few weeks ago, my family and I decided to go out to eat for dinner. From all this early holiday shopping, I wasn't up to much cooking. I remember my friend telling me how she enjoys this place, so I decided to try it out. From what I have been hearing about this place, the food has definitely met the expectations. Unfortunately I got stuck with a bad waitress. I don't know if I was stuck in a bad section, but my server was not the most pleasant person. She quickly introduced herself as Kelsy? Kelly? I can't remember, all I was able to get was the K. She rolled her eyes as my husband asked her any questions, and during my meal (which took a long time to come out) I asked for a few items and she just gave a noticeable sigh and hurried off before anyone else could ask for something while she was out. That took a while to come out too which was frustrating. It just seemed that my family was doing alot of waiting. As a mother of two boys, and tired from shopping all day, we just wanted a nice dinner, quick enough to get the boys in bed on time. It's not like I wanted them to be speedy, but there is a reasonable time to wait. Don't get me wrong, the food was good. I would definitely come to the place again with friends or family. But maybe hopefully not on the day this particular server works. Maybe We'll come for an early lunch. :)
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Calamari Sandwhich, 12/1/2009
Reviewer: Margie
from Santa Barbara, CA
I'd have to disagree with the complainer below. I have ordered the Calamari sandwhich many times and it has got to be one of the best lunch items on the menu. So I guess I am the 'who' that would order it and it is amazing! I love coming to this place for lunch or dinner. The service is always great and if its too busy we always enjoy sitting up at the Oyster bar where we can watch them cook the food and have a great view of the beach.
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A+ CLAM CHOWDER, 11/4/2009
Reviewer: Claire
from Santa Barbara, CA
I come here often and sit at the bar and order Clam Chowder its the best clam chowder by far!!! The view is nice and service is usually prompt!
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Expectations not met, 10/25/2009
Reviewer: Mrs. Lovett
from Santa Barbara, CA
First impressions are very important and when you walk in to a restaurant the hostess is the first person you interact with. Being my first time at Beachside, I had heard wonderful things and was excited to dine here for lunch. There at least ten tables open in sight, but the hostess suggested we sit at the bar because there would be a wait for a table indoors or outdoors. Interesting…we told her we wanted to sit at a table and that we would wait. She seemed relatively clueless especially when I requested the best available table. We seated ourselves at a 2 person table in the bar and waited until a second older very cold hostess came over and quickly asked us what name we put it under and briskly walked off. She came back and said your tables ready and sped off to seat us while we were still standing and gathering our things. Once we caught up with her, which you should NEVER have to do with a hostess, she picked the side of the 4 person table we would sit on without even giving us a choice of not sitting in the blinding sunlight. After the very odd hostess experience, the rest of the meal was pretty good although I still had a sour taste in my mouth. Michael was our server and he went ABOVE AND BEYOND to bake sure everything was perfect. He singlehandedly saved our meal. Although the food was nothing to write home about…I think I’ll stick to Brophy’s.
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Astonishing location great food fun times, 7/26/2009
Reviewer: Jim Melillo
from Santa Barbara, CA
I know I must love this place since I eaten here at least 30 times. I have brought everyone from my family here and had birthdays here. You sit down on the sand, the kids play in the background, the boats are sailing by, the surfers are on the point and that is before you get your drink. The wine is reasonable Qupe Syrah types, the beer is cold and in buckets. The food is a nice mix of very moist fish and chips to big grilled ahi salads to every kind of sandwich you could imagine to mussels mouniere. The servers are young and so they are sometimes good and bad but always running. The manager I know is Enrique and if he is there introduce yourself he is an amazing hands on manager and makes it even more fun. I must have 20 reviewson this site and done bad ones - Cava - great ones Downeys and this is near the top and so reasonably priced.
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there is a reason we frequent here, 7/5/2009
Reviewer: Semour Fox
from Santa Barbara, CA
Great view. Amazing patio. Friendly staff. Tasty food and good drinks. We have been coming to this place for the last 10 years. Casual or fancy, ride our bikes or get dropped off by a limo. This was our Sunday dine for many years. The food can be pricey for what it is, but not over the top. Great sundowner $10.99 meals. Big complainer-who would order a calamari sandwich anyways??
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Great Restaurant, 7/4/2009
Reviewer: Betty
from Santa Barbara, CA
The best restaurant in all of Santa Barbara and Goleta. Service is great most of the time. The Hostess at the front desk who works there only part time is Rita. She is phenomenol. She makes sure you are happy and taken care of as soon as possible. The Halibut and the White Sea Bass are amazing. I highly reccommend this restaurant.
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Our New Favorite Place in SB , 6/14/2009
Reviewer: Jeannie Lancaster
from San diego, CA
Our new favorite place in Santa Barbara - meaniegnee - Today
A perfect touch to a wonderful day. Over the last 4 years we have always meant to try the Beachside Cafe. For one reason or another we never made it. We risked choosing it for our graduation celebration. PERFECT CHOICE TO ADD TO WONDERFUL DAY. Amy, the manager graciously handled our last minute changes. We were treated like royalty. Service fast but not rushed. The food was the best. Everyone, seafood and non seafood lovers, were very happy. Great view to celebrate a Gacho graduation. Wish we had discovered Beachside sooner so we did not have to try disappointing places on our visits. Fortunately, our grad is employed in Santa Barbara, so we look forward to our return.
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Family in for H.S. Grad-- perfect dinner, 6/7/2009
Reviewer: Karen
from Santa Barbara, CA
Beachside is one of my favorite restaurants, so I made reservations when out of town family members came for son's H.S. graduation last week. It was a great dinner! Our waiter was wonderful, and everyone enjoyed their food. Drinks were refilled timely. Service was prompt and unobtrusive. We all had a great time!
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Huge Disappointment; changing grad meal reservation, 6/6/2009
Reviewer: Claire
from Santa Barbara, CA
Everyone raves, so I thought I'd try it before taking my graduation party there. Boy, am I glad.
Food: For $11.95, I ordered a calamari sandwich. The extra sourdough rolls I ordered were wonderful, and the salad I ordered instead of fries was good size and quality. The menu says the calamari is "marinated...in herbs." When it came (after a rather long wait) the calamari was covered in some sort of cajun spice or paprika...unexpected and spicy. I took the sandwich apart and tried to scrape it off, but there was just too much. Additionally the calamari was very rubbery and, other than the cajun stuff, flavorless. It certainly wasn't what I expected from the menu description, and the calamari was not tender.
Service: It was about 3:30 in the afternoon, and the restaurant was somewhat busy, though not where I sat on the patio. I sat at a lovely table near the glass with great views. The hostess was very nice and friendly. When my waiter came to take my order, I ordered extra rolls and asked to have the rolls and my salad served before the meal. He said that was fine. He brought the rolls (somewhat later) but never brought my salad. He didn't come by my table again, and he was hard to locate...when I finally got him and asked for my salad, he seemed to have totally forgotten. When he finally brought my sandwich, he did not come back to check that it was ok this time either, indeed he disappeared. After waiting about five minutes without even laying eyes on him, I got up and went into the restaurant. I checked the menu's description, and spoke with a woman at the bar about the seasoning, and my waiter's disappearance. She agreed that the seasoning could be spicy, and acknowledged that the description didn't match the sandwich. She was very helpful, willing to remake the sandwich for me. As for my waiter, she said she would find him, but I was just ready to go. She did comp the meal without my asking, which was nice, but considering everything, I think it was just the professional thing to do.
While other staff was friendly, the wait service was poor and the menu items don't match their description. For $20+ plate for dinner, risking poor wait service and a plate I didn't order isn't one I want to take.
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Steps from the dorm, 5/29/2009
Reviewer: Penny
from Camarillo, CA
I can't believe we waited until the end of our daughter's first year at UCSB to give this gem a try. We're only 45 minutes from her dorm room and have vistited often to take her out to eat. State St. has great eateries, but Beachside is a complete package. View, good food, excellent staff. I'm sure in the next three years of school we'll be back often.
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Excellent casual dining, 5/25/2009
Reviewer: Steven Joyce
from Mansfield, OH
Although I am from the midwest, I believe that I experienced what is called California casual. Service was excellent, my server in particular was very accomodating ( I misordered a glass of wine, entirely my fault-it was replaced immediately) the environs was beach casual, the food (crab cakes and fresh Rockfish) excellent. Portions are generous, garnishes exceptional--cilantro, mangoe, fresh vegetables. The menu is varied. This is one of the few restaurants that serves fresh calamari cerviche, which is a a real treat. Topped off the afternoon with the best Key lime pie I have ever had. "Sundowner" specials, served between 5 and 6 are a real bargain. When I return to UCSB in fall, this time with my wife. I will return to the Beachside.
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Bring back the filet! , 5/20/2009
Reviewer: Jan
from Santa Barbara, CA
One of our favorite places...consistent and who can complain about the view? Only wish they would bring back the beef tenderloin filet as the one beef dish on the menu. Maybe add a little gorgonza/tomato relish or something on top. The prime rib just doesn't cut it for me. Too fatty!
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Great Place!, 3/10/2009
Reviewer: Jim Marino
from Santa Barbara, CA
Wow, food here is amazing, My son loved the "Chowder Boat". My daughter loved the shrimp. If you can, try to sit outside, it is probably the best place to sit in my opinion, with the veiw of the Ocean. Like others have said, I hope this remains a Local treasure!
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20 years of enjoyment, 3/2/2009
Reviewer: Dave Kistler
from Goleta, CA
We have been going to "Beachside" for 20 years and always enjoy it.
The service is better then most and the servers are generally in good moods. Enjoy the Sundowner meals when we get there on time and the rest of the menu the rest of visits. Food is always fresh delicious and served pleasantly.We are never afraid to bring guests
as they always love the visit and the view.
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Always tasty, but....
Reviewer: Ta
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I have been to Beachside at least 100 times and have always enjoyed the food, view and waitstaff... Our only complaint is the hostesses are generally very bratty and rude - I understand they are college students and are very young but I wish whom ever does the hiring would put forth a little more care in who they hire to greet their customers - it is the first impression that can leave a bad taste in a guests mouth for the entire evening, no matter how great the food and view may be....
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No complaints
Reviewer: Greg
from Peoria,Az
Me and a buddy and his 2 year old daughter flew in from phoenix for lunch and to spend a few hours on the beach ,this place was convenient so we figured we'd try it ,I had the Halibut,wow ,was chargrilled so tender and was very tasty and fresh and since from Phoenix ,it sure is great to get fresh fish.My friend had the chicken sandwich, he said it was very good ,besides the beers being 5 dollars each ,the waitress was cute and very pleasant we were seated right of way at 12:30 p.m. inside or we could've waited 20 minute wait if wanted outside,the place was packed so obviously some people like it here. Will return again next summer when I can enjoy the beach....
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Beachside is the best place to go in Santa Barbara...
Reviewer: Stephanie
from Santa Barbara, CA
I recently tried Beachside for the first time and had a wonderful experience. I was greated with a wonderful smile and seated quickly. My server Jennifer was amazing. She was quick and friendly. We ordered the halibut after the server told us it was her favorite item on the menu. It was wonderful! We did not tell the server we were celebrating a birthday..but she overheard us talking and surprised us with ice cream. Wonderful experience and cannot wait to go back.
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Worst Steak
Reviewer: Tracy
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been coming to this restaurant for years for birthday dinners and I have never had an issue with my food. Tonight it changed. I ordered their sundowner sirloin and it was so tough, I couldn't even chew it and my daughter got the same thing and it was so fatty that she couldn't eat hers either. Very disappointing.
They might want to consider a different supplier!!!
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GREAT GETAWAY!
Reviewer: Dan Pollock
from Saticoy, CA
My wife and I have been going to this neat little place for years and I've never been disappointed. I know the service can be a little slow at times but thats all part of the ambience here. Most, if not all, servers are students at UCSB across the bay and they are not professional servers. We make a good time of it by starting a gambling pool to see who gets closest to the serving time from the order and the winner takes all! Everything on the menu is wonderful and its a great getaway if you'd like to beat the tourists and the one way streets and no parking of Santa Barbara. Lets hope it stays that way and remains a "local" trend! The view alone is worth the price of the meal! Be sure to tey the Crab Cakes and Clam Chowder served in a round, hollowed out loaf of bread! A little bit of advice. Don't go there if you're in a hurry!
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Very Good food, Plastic found in food though
Reviewer: Glenn
from Buellton
The Yucatan skewers were awesome! The Chile Camarones with Shrimp was good, unfortunately there was a small clear plastic part of a ring(probably held the vegetables) that was in the food that thankfully my wife did not swallow. Other than an apology we got I guess I was hoping for a bill reduction or free dessert and did not get one esp. for the higher priced entrees here. View is great. Wife said bathroom was on the dirty side. Overall mixed review but mostly on the positive side.
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Great views, good food and service & big cocktail menu
Reviewer: Sabrina K
from Santa Barbara, CA
Being locals, we've eaten here many times. Service used to be pretty bad but it has gotten a lot better. They also take reservations now, unlike before, which is plus and I am sure that also helped with their service. There used to always be a major confusion at the hostess desk and then you end up waiting forever for a table. Not you just make your reservation beforehand and you'll get your seats almost on time.
The food is not excellent but it's pretty good. Most people are there not just for the food but also the beautiful view and the interesting list of tropical drinks. Their bar is very "Hawaiian" so you find lots of cocktails similar to what you find on the islands. You can eat at the bar as well as in the dining room.
Overall it's a great family restaurant with a beautiful view.
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Beachside Rocks!
Reviewer: Jon
from Goleta
Food is always wonderful and on time. Service is always friendly and fun. Highly recommended! Backbar margaritas are amazing.
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Excellent seafood, nice view, good atmosphere.
Reviewer: Jason Chipkin
from El Monte, CA
Second time in for a seafood dinner and we were once again pleasantly satasfied. Flew into SBA and did the 15 min scenic walk to the beach. Great mixed drinks, started with a special GRILLED artichoke with garlic ayole sauce - awesome! I had the special of the night: Salmon with a hollondaise over a bed of sauteed spinach and real mashed potatos with fresh veggies. Couldn't aske for a more fresh, full taste. My new hotspot. A+
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How can anyone not love this place?
Reviewer: Mark Kascle
from Los Alamos
We arrived at the BeachSide at noon on Sunday, and only had to wait two minutes for a table. We had a great view, and within moments we had our drink order taken and filled. The atmosphere was excellent, and our waitress was both nice and she was very capable. She got our order without one mistake, our food arrived in a timely manner (especially considering the time and the fact they were packed). The food was amazing. I had the White Sea Bass, my wife had the wild salmon, and my daughter had the bay shrimp ceasar salad. It was truly a contest as to which dish was the best, since each one was perfect.
All in all, I would have to say that this was one of the finest meals I have taken the time to enjoy in years. So, if you want great food, an amazing view, and pleasant, attractive servers, don't miss any chance you have to dine at the Beachside.
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great
Reviewer: Sean Eckert
from Buellton, Ca
Awesome food. Great service. Not much for kids but what they do have is great. i definately reccomend for higher class families with older kids
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Redeaming service & food
Reviewer: Catherine Baarsch
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I had Easter dinner at the Beachside. We were very disappointed in the food and the service. However, I spoke with Erik Trippel, Manager about this incident. He was gracious and offered us a gift certificate to try the Beachside again. We were apprehensive at first to go again, but we did. We had terrific service and the Halibut was delicious and cooked to perfection. We will be back!!!
Catherine, Santa Barbara, CA
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Disappointing tonight
Reviewer: Karen
from Santa Barbara, CA
Beachside is my favorite place to go. I love sitting outside and watching the sunset. I've written postive reviews here before. Tonight was disappointing. The service was very slow. It took a long time to get seated, which is typical, but then took a long time to be attended to. When our waiter was around, he was helpful and friendly, and served with a smile. But the trouble was that he was slow. They must've had a new bartender because the cocktails were terrible! I don't remember ever sending back a drink in my life, but I sent the mai-tai back--undrinkable--and got a margarita instead. It wasn't much better, but I sucked it up so as not to embarrass my teenagers anymore. The food was OK. My daughter and I were served cold mashed potatoes. I didn't take more than a couple bites. The fish (halibut) was fine. My family enjoyed their dishes. (I gave three stars based on both the cocktails and the food)
I hope this place doesn't go the way of another beach establishment who recently went out of business. I would hate it to be a location-only, tourist trap with terrible service and food.
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Worth the 2 hour wait???
Reviewer: Kathryn
from Santa Barbara, CA
My Family was in from out of town and wanted to eat at a great resturant on the ocean, for my grandmother who had never seen the ocean before. The food was AMAZING, try the crab cakes and the clam chowder! I would recommend this to anyone. Even the service was great, (ONCE WE HAD BEEN SEATED). The Issue I had with the place is that I called ahead of time at 445 to see if we needed a reservation or if it was busy. They said "you dont need a resevation, its not busy at all". So we showed up at 5:00 exactly. We were told it would be an hour and a half wait!!! So we sat in the lounge because we did not want to miss out on such a spectacular sunset. We ended up waiting 2 hours and 15 minutes. If we asked where we were on the list we were snapped at. THe hostess was very rude. But once we were seated it was a very pleasant experience. But not so sure if any place is worth over a 2 hour wait at 5pm.
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Great View - Excellent food
Reviewer: Richard
from Los Angeles
I have dined at the Beachside Cafe at least 6 times. Overall the food is good and the seafood is fresh. On occasion there may be a minor problem but it has always been taken care of. The view is super and the staff are nice.
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45 minute wait for lunch
Reviewer: Bernard
from Lompoc, CA
I arrived at 12.15, placed my order and waited, and waited and waited, and eventually left at 1 pm with my food in a take-out box! My order had clearly been mislaid, since people who followed me in were happily eating their lunches. The good news is that the crab-and-shrimp pasta (which I ate at my desk) was delicious, but I would have preferred a stress-free lunchtime, watching the waves and the gulls while I ate. The other good news is that my dark-eyed waitress said there would be no charge, and she hoped I would go back. Yes, I'll certainly go back, preferably when the place isn't so busy.
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Very nice lunch..
Reviewer: Foodie Dan
from Santa Barbara
My wife and I and our kids went for lunch here. We were seated right away at a window table. The view is fantastic! We started with the prawn cocktail. I thought we would get the huge prawns that I have seen, but they were just large shrimp. They plate them on a bed of jicama, red and yellow peppers and japanese cucumbers(I think thats what they were). The whole plate was a very odd mixture of flavors and more a fusion dish than a classic shrimp cocktial. I had the bay scallop kebobs and they were very good, cooked just right and it came with a great slaw and some rice with vermicelli. My wife had the ceasar with shrimp. We were surprised at the amount of shrimp on her salad, it must have been close the thirty good sized shrimp. She felt the ceasar dressing needed some work. Maybe a little anchovy paste or more lemon. Otherwise very good salad. My kids got the kids menu and both enjoyed thier meals,chowder boat and a grilled cheese. Overall we were very happy with this restaurant. It had been maybe ten years since we were last there. We won't wait that long again!
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