Last week I conducted an online poll asking readers “Which are your favorite South Coast restaurants that no longer exist?“ I received more responses to this poll than any conducted in the 1,511 days (give or take a few hours) since I started this blog. In part that is because it’s easier to respond now that you can post comments in the blog where before you had to send me an email.
Many of the restaurants mentioned have been gone for decades while some closed in just the last few months. For my column in the Daily Sound newspaper I gathered up the first 100 names mentioned in the poll and sorted them alphabetically.
How many names do you recognize?
1129, 31 Flavors on Coast Village Rd, Aloha Burger, Andrea’s Harborside, Arby’s, Azuma, Bay Cafe, Big Yellow House, Blue Bird Cafe, Bonanza Steak House, Bray’s 101, Brink’s, Carrows, Casa Blanca, Casa de Sevilla, Casa Linda, Castagnola’s, Chad’s, Chanticlair/Irelands, Char West, Charlotte’s Deli, Chart House, Chef Karim, Cliff’s & Co, Coast Village Snack Bar, Dean-o’s, Eggception, El Cazador, El Charro, Epicurian, Espresso Roma, Fat Burger, Feed Store, Flight Line, Fresh Choice, Geno’s, Good Earth, Greek Italian Deli, Green Gables, Haagen-Dazs, Happy Steak, Head of the Wolf, Hector’s, J.K. Frimples, Jasper’s Saloon, Jimmy’s Oriental Garden, Joe’s Café (original), Johnny’s Rib Shack, Josie’s El Cielito, JR’s BBQ, Jurgesen’s, La Chaumiere, La Paloma, La Tolteca (original), Leatherby’s, Left at Albuquerque, Little Audrys, Lobster House, Maggie McFly’s, Mariann’s Italian Village, Mariscos Boca del Rio, Melting Pot, Mom’s Italian Village, Moonangel, Nan King Gardens, Nippers, Norberts, Nu Restaurant, Olive Mill Bistro, Oysters, Pancho Villas, Papagallo, Pascual’s, Paul Bhalla’s, Pelicans Wharf, Peppers, Pescados, Petersen’s Drive-In, Pino’s, Piranha, Plaka, Red Robin., Redwood Inn, Ricardo’s, Rocky Galenti’s, Sage & Onion, Sevilla, Somerset, Spike’s, Storke Road Drive-In, Swenson’s, Talk of the Town, Tea House, Teasers, The Grill, The Zone Sports Grill, Timber’s, Tony Romas Ribs, Whitefoot Meat Market
I’ve lived here a long time and remember nearly all of them. Some of them I had totally forgotten about. I enjoy being reminded of some of my favorite places from years past.
Do you remember the breakfast places Eggception??? and Omletts Etc.??? (sp.?)
I used to work there.. Summer of ’84. We watched the Olympic Torch really from the store front. Remember those gigantic bran muffins…. we used to sell a ton of them.
Wait. How about Club Zelo.?
and the Iguana Club.
Hi Aubrey: I absolutely loved those bran muffins at the Eggception. I was hoping to find their recipe(s) somewhere/somehow. I worked next door in the Granada Theatre building late ’70s thru mid-’80s. Also, the decadent brownies with the delicious frosting! Needless to say, I had to ration myself or I’d be a big butterball! If you have any idea what made the bran muffins so special, maybe you could email me back. Lots of good memories from working in Santa Barbara. I am working in north county now. kkarabians@aol.com
Nan King Gardens, the best Chinese Food on lower State Street, owned by the Yee Family
La Tolteca on Haley St, had the best taquitos, you could buy 10 for $1.00 back in the day!
So are you going to take the finalists and have a vote off to see which was number 1? Surely your new blog software has a poll function.
I forgot about Johnny’s Rib Shack, good call on that one.
I loved that place… best place for after church lunch, or so I thought…
Forgot the Tea House!
I have a couple “classics” to add to the list, Jade Terrace, formally at the Bird Refuge, Flapper Alley and The Bakery.
Definetly some Santa Barbara Classics on that list. Restaurant NU was our favorite. The perfect after work destination. No one comes close to this day
You should have been here when it was 1129. I bought David Crosby several Jack Daniels one night (before his liver transplant) Ah the good ole days.
Does anyone remember a Mexican restaurant on Milpas, closed in the mid 70′s, may have tried to open in Isla Vista. Didn’t have a Mexican name but it was sooooo good
Serrafinas?
loved nu, azuma, chef karim’s & definitely chad’s!!!!
Does anyone remember the name of the French restaurant that used to be in the spot of Norton’s Pastrami on W. Figueroa in the mid 90′s? I loved that little place!
Picasso
Oh, I’m getting weepy!
Mousse Odile
The Tea House
Azuma
There was a mexican food restaurant on Milpas that I went alot with my patents and brother called Tiny’s. The restaurant I miss is the Philadelphia House at Modoc & Hollister. It burned down during the Paint Fire.
Yes!!! Tiny’s. It was so good.
I went there several times in 1986 in my grad school days. I loved it. I thought about it because I still have a few a mint match box from the place. I wondered if it was still there. When you are student, you want a good meal for your date. But you are still on a student’s budget!
Some more oldie’s from a couple friends.
Chili Factory, Queenie’s and The Rice Bowl,
The Espana down on Cabrillo Blvd served up a lot of margaritas back in the 70′s.
A trip down memory lane. . .
The Bakery…ohhhh, The Bakery…..my absolute favorite place for breakfast. The croissants were to DIE for and the view…well, gorgeous. I so miss that place.
Chanticleer (sp?) on CVR, now Lucky’s…really liked that place too.
If you remember Chanticlair then you remember Geno’s breakfast place that eventually became Tuttis and now?? You must also remember Nippers (many hangovers there) and Chucks of Hi. on Coast Village??
I lived right behind Geno’s and next to The Settlement on CV Circle in the mid 70′s. Their italian omelet was my favorite. Great breakfast hangout. And then Casa Linda just down the street for some great mexican food.
I remember Geno’s (and the owner Geno Bonoir) very well. I was a diswasher there when I was 13. It was called Sams before Geno took it over.
OK, just one more….Kelly’s Corner….State & La Cumbre. Used to like their happy hour a lot.
Mousse Odile and then Odile’s last place: Pinocchio which was where Soho opened and is now Hob Nob
The John Dory??? Now Brophy’s
Copper Coffee Pot
Yes, remember it! as well as Mousse Odile.
I would have to say piranha sushi and tuttini I never saw the online poll or I would have placed these two
The Great Wall, when it opened in the early ’80s, was the best Chinese.
Pescado’s on Milpas! THE best fish tacos anywhere!
Zelo’s & World Cafe …. Zia cafe
The restaurants below remind me of growing up in Santa Barbara, I know they weren’t the best restaurants but they bring back so many good childhood memories. That’s when eating out was always fun, I can’t remember ever having a bad restaurant experience when I was a kid. Sunny’s Pizza London Fog Fish and Chips RG’s Giant Dj’s Burgers Mr. C’s Pizza Michael Anthony’s Pizzeria Chewy’s Scandia Buffet Pioneer Chicken Betos Cantina Soho (original location) Alex’s Taco Stand (dont’t remember the name) where the china bowl is now (the volcano salsa!!!) Carnation Chuck Wagon Buffet Wendy’s (Lower State) Hibachi Pescados Foster Freeze Hot Dog on a Stick (La Cumbre) Bobs Big Boy Zeus & Co. Round Table Pizza
Bray’s 101
Spikes on Hollister had exceptional delivery food especially their Clam Chowder and Fettuccine Alfredo. Italian Pizzeria on Fairview; Chicken Parm sandwich awesomeness. I enjoyed Chevy’s too but the Camino Real Cafe especially when new was fantastic. China City buffet…where will I go when it rains now? Paparazzi in Goieta, Greek House in Old Town Goleta, Fresh Choice downtown, Hola Los Amigos at the beach.
I “studied” in SB from 80-83..some of the best times of my life…I’ve eaten, drank ,recovered from drinking, been thrown out of, tried to pick up waitresses, in most of these places…Espana had the best Margaritas in town…clam chowder at chanteclaire,lobster bisque at La Chaumier, Spagetti and meat balls at Joes then hanging out at the bar, there was a place in Carp where you cooked your own steaks Palms hotel?…a great deli on Coast Village Rd that made the best subs on the planet…cant remember the name of the family run mexican rest on either lower De La Vina or Chapala had a couple of tables outside on a little veranda…best tamales and chili relleno I’ve ever had…fond memories steer burgers and the waitresses at Derf’s loved those surf-rats and volleyball girls Dean had working for him…wonder where Jules and her gold VW beetle are now. Funny to engage in this from all the way over in Prague, Czech Republic.
Was it El Presidente?
The deli on Coast Village Road was the Liquor and Wine Grotto, where I worked. We used to get lots of celebrities coming in for the deli and the really expensive wine.
Before JK Frinples I believe it was The Blue Onion. Anyone remember that? Oh and what about The Jolly Tiger on Chapala and De La Guerra.
I absolutely remember the Blue Onion. It was the turn-around spot for the car guys cruising State St. Does anyone remember the Swiss Chalet between Goleta and San Roque?
I remember the Jolly Tiger well. I used to work there during the middle of the night on the weekends in the late ’60s.
There also used to be a Jolly Tiger on South Milpas, right about across from the old Post Office. That Jolly Tiger had a full bar. First bar I went to for my 21st birthday in 1977. Sometime later it became Wendy’s, now it’s a Carl’s Jr. Does anyone remember the Cresent restaurant about the mid-lower 900 block of State St.? Old fashion breakfast & lunch dinner.
I grew up I Goleta, so my childhood/ teenhood haunts were D.J’s (best chat burger ever!) Jasper’s Saloon ( God do I miss Abalone!) Brays 101, (my parents would always insist on eating in the lounge area,so they could have cocktails) my favorite Italian was Baltieri’s! ( now Natural Cafe in Old Town) it was so good! And cheap! And I must lament over the Old Timbers! Our whole neighborhood would go there on Maine Lobster nights!! Boy, that was depressing!!
You forgot or omitted Azteca. I loved that place.
Does anyone remember the name of the German Restaurant located downtown? I used to eat there when I lived in SB from 1990-1995.
I’m pretty sure it was called The German House.
Thanks! So easy, yet I couldn’t remember for the life of me.
Was the German Haus the Rusty’s on Mission? It looks like it was built to be a European restaurant.
Yes, I remember it being very European looking.
I often miss the Good Earth that was near Picadilly Square (which was torn down to make way for Paseo Nuevo). Too bad they couldn’t put the mall somewhere else, Picadilly Square was downright charming!
I agree!
Nostalgic list, John. I ate at many of these restaurants. Casa de Sevilla was my all-time favorite and their Chile con Queso recipe is on our menu for tomorrow night. Thanks for generating this list.
These were some of my favorites as a kid in Goleta….Mr. C’s Pizza, Bray’s, Roland’s Nugget, A&W Drive In where Rusty’s is on Fairview, Manila Cafe, Bonanza, Petersen’s, Happy Steak, Swensens, Dj’s Burgers, Pancho Villa. Once my folks took us to Talk of The Town, that was pretty memorable.
Later on when I moved to SB…Nan King Garden, Frank’s Rice Bowl, Good Earth, SB Cinammon Rolls down by the beach, Little Audrey’s, Woolworth’s counter, Copper Coffee Pot, Frimples, Rose Cafe, late nights at Carrow’s, and for something fancy before a night of dancing at Peppers or hanging out at Head of The Wolf….Teasers.
Good times!
The Nugget with Roland’s white apron covered with grease was truly a classic.
I grew up in montecito worked at the coast Inn Snack bar in 1969, then i bought it 1974 and kept it till 1982 when the lease ran out. I loved it there for that short period of time. it’s now called the Silver Horn, what a trip down memory lane. I had my share of famous people who loved my sourdough burgers. they were the best!!! people forgot tino’s italian deli best torpedo’s in the world. the Santa barbara news press wrote a great artical on me when I closed on that last day. (sad day} Bobby G.
I remember the “Bun” on Coast Village Road where it was six burgers for a buck back in the early 1960s or thereabouts.
Be-Bop Burgers was a childhood favorite of mine. Great shakes and a fun atmosphere.
Besides Jasper’s Saloon, Baltieri’s, D.j.’s Charburgers, Bray’s 101, Scotch & Sirloin, Swensen’s, Pancho Villa, The Timber’s, Heidi’s Pies, The Orchid Bowl, A&W, The Original Habit, Char West, The Good Earth (Picadilly Square) Carrow’s, Italian Pizzaria (Fairview) and Howard Johnson’s end of course….Hot Dog on a Stick (loved those cool uniforms!)….I also miss good old original Mel’s (before Paseo Nuevo took over…sigh..) whaaaaa!!!
Char West! Remember it well. I do miss Santa Barbara…
There still is a Char West on Stearn’s Wharf.
Oh no! Not even the same as the original!
Where was the old Char West located again? I forgot. The owner of the East Beach Grill and Char West on the pier I believe bought the “franchise” from the original guy. Burger I had on the pier was good(reminded me of a Habit one), East Beach one not so much.
The old Char West was on upper State, sort of around the Rusty’s/Jack in the Box area.
Char West was where Taco Bell is now on Upper State. I
remember when they mowed it down to build that. Sad day . Was a
great hangout when we used to cruise Muscle cars on Upper State in
the mid 70s
Great question thank you so much for asking it and the great responses. I worked at the Bistro so was a big fan, loved a little Italian place called Piero’s..trying to remember the hibachi style place on state in the early 80′s oh and surprised no one mentioned the Fish Enterprise when we still had stoplights on the freeway. As I’m in vegas now don’t know if Harrys is still around (stiffest drink in town lol) or that great polynesian bar\restaurant upstairs at the Santa Barbara Inn we would drink those huge crazy blue drinks made for 2…I loved the place up at the El Encanto also…amazing view!
When and where was Bob’s Big Boy?? We would often go there when we were visiting our dad in L.A. Mind blowing chili spaghetti! And I still order that crazy Bob’s seasoning salt (the secret ingredient, believe it or not is curry powder!). I do not remember a Bob’s here in town! I think I was really little when there was an A&W in Fairview, for some reason I just remember a big, round, copper fireplace that one could sit around….is this real or a dream?
The Bob’s Big Boy was around Hitchcock and Calle Real. Before it was car dealerships, it was a Golf and Fun with miniature golf, skate park and arcade games. Bob’s Big Boy was adjacent to that.
I miss Bob’s in general, barely remember that one and don’t remember the A&W. I remember that good Italian place down the street with their great Calzones where Natural Cafe is now. Wonder what happened to that owner.
Golf n Stuff was pretty cool. I was the king of Defender and Battle Zone. Miss those pinball machines too! Good times!
My friend tore up his knee on that trampoline/baskettball game they had there and sued them, I hope that was not their downfall! It was great not to have to go to Ventura.
Hey Glenn! The awesome Italian place you were referring to was called Baltieri’s and it was my favorite Italian place for years! The original owner is the Presto Pasta guy. But he didn’t own Baltieri’s for very long, he told me that he was young and didn’t have a clue what he was doing, so he sold and split. I told him that he must have done something right, everything about that place I just loved! Sigh…
Some great posts… Swensen’s in Goleta and at San Roque had the best icecream sundaes – we always had trouble deciding between the Banana Split and the Cable Carfait. Does anyone remember the Epicurean? I believe it was on Carrillo Street; and, later, Michael’s Waterside. The french onion soup was to die for.
OMG! I remember now! They tore all that down to make way for a friggin car dealership!!??
Btw, you might like browsing the list of SB restaurants going back a century: http://santa-barbara-restaurant-history.wikispaces.com/
If you have information to contribute, you can send it to the site owner.
Thank you!
My family moved to SB in 1969. Pancho Villa was a favorite. Casa De Sevilla was also a favorite.
Char West was good. And Sambo’s pancakes.
Came upon your column, I worked for United at the airport, about 1957-1963 Enjoyed dinners or few cold ones at the Flight Line, Owner Art ?? was ex pilot, Last 40+ years I call Florida home, Back then if you blinked you could miss Goleta, Quick stop about 4 years ago, way over crowded now, .but still pretty area.
Here are a few more to bring back some memories….
The Chili Factory, The Silver Spur and The Crabby Lobster (best clam chowder).
Oh how I miss The Crabby Lobster! That’s where I fell in love…w/ oysters! The chowder was superb indeed. Thanks for jogging my memory.
What was the name of the steak house tucked back in on that little street beside 5 Points Shopping Center and the Animal Hospital? It was on the ground floor of an office building.
it was related to the silver spur after they closed
I lived in SB from 1952 til 1978 and remember most of these places. How about Dick’s Den great avacado sour cream omlet
I miss the fresh cut butter top bread from Irene Davis Bakery. Another great deal was at the Snack Shacks (5 burgers for a dollar) on Milpas, lower, and upper State street. There might have been more, but these were the ones my parents took me to. The one on Milpas was across the street from Milpas Raceway (slot car days).
Wow, a lot of great memories here. A few of my favorites growing up were Bonanza, Char West, Moms Italian Village, Zips Ice Cream Parlor, Sonny’s Pizza, Flying Pizza, La Tolteca, Little Audrey’s, Joe’s Cafe, and JK Frimples. My first job was at The Hibachi on Milpas. As I got older I enjoyed, BB Obrien’s, The Ketch, Club Bistro, The Open Door, Crab Shack, Big Bull Cafe, Sticks, Aloha Burger, el Pollo Norteno, Alex’s Cantina, Acapulco, Maya Restaurant, and Peabody’s.