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Harbor Restaurant
210 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 963-3311
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Reviews by the General Public
it was ok...nothing special, 2/4/2010
Reviewer: Barbara Randall
from Santa Barbara, CA
I went to the harbor to check out one of Santa Barbara's known spots. The view was probably the best part of the whole visit. Our waitor seemed a bit out of it and did not answer any of the questions i asked him for my mother is allergic to certain spices. We ended up ordering a salad, the crab cakes and the calamari. The food was ok. I had to ask our waitor for more water maybe three times and at the end he charged more than we ordered. Considering this restaurant is such a fancy place you would expect the service to be exceptional. Overall, not I was not impressed.
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Great place to eat, 1/27/2010
Reviewer: Jan Chantree
from Nanaimo, B.C.
We picked this restaurant at random, liking it's situation. We were agreeably surprised by our warm welcome, seat with a view of the moonlite ocean, and attentive service. We opted for the Chef's Special, 3 courses including Prime Rib. The Prime Rib was quite the best we have ever eaten. This meal was amazing value, in a great setting with attentive service.
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Family celebration destination, 1/18/2010
Reviewer: Nancy M.
from Santa Barbara, CA
We went to the Harbor for lunch to celebrate my nephew's 8th birthday. We were a party of four young boys and two adults. The service was fantastic! They made us feel welcome. The menu offers good choices for adults and kids (lots of restaurants are good for one or the other.) The view of the harbor -- watching the waves, the boats coming and going -- kept the kids' attention. This is our new family celebration destination!
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Great overall---wont be back though, 1/10/2010
Reviewer: Stefan
from Santa Barbara, CA
My wife, children, and I recently ate at the Harbor Restaurant, great food, good service. Prices are high, but seem to have been lowered. I would say that I would be returning, however, the foreign manager was a complete jerk--didn't catch his name. He was very unaccommodating and, to my astonishment, had the nerve to talk to his employee in the most disrespectful, belittling way. Disgusting. In my opinion, if the Harbor Restaurant has any chance of survival, that manager needs to go.
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Pre planned event, 12/31/2009
Reviewer: Tim
from Santa Barbara, CA
Went to a pre planned luncheon for 60-70 people. We made our orders days in advance. Got there and was told to pick from the menu. I told server of the pre orders. Server came back and said pick from the menu anyway. I did. She came back again and said there was a mistake and to tell her what we pre ordered. Very confusing, and because of it servings were late. Not servers error. Someone above her pay grade goofed that up. Ahi san was good; grilled chicken breast was just that;no seasoning; cobb salad was great.
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Much Improved, 12/28/2009
Reviewer: Roger
from Santa Barbara, CA
I used to think of this place as a tourist trap and had stayed away for many years until recently a friend had told me that the quality of the food had dramatically improved. This past Saturday as a break from cooking at home went there and totally agree with my friend's opinion. The food was excellent, all four of us cleared our plates. Service was average, prices are still expensive. Overall, I will give it another try down the road.
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nice atmosphere and good food, 10/26/2009
Reviewer: Smitty
from Santa Barbara, CA
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara, this is my third time eating at the Harbor and the service has been excellent each time. I continue to recommend the Harbor to my friends and relatives because of the amazing atmosphere and delicious food. Thank you so much!
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great view, and great times, 10/26/2009
Reviewer: Ryan L.
from Santa Barbara, CA
i live out in goleta and never really make it down town, but it was worth it. i showed up with a couple of friends and we decided to eat downstairs at the harbor. the girl at the door was nice, took us to our beautiful table over looking the water. i had a martini and the fact that they shook it a the table was a nice treat. the Ahi was great, and i had a bit of my buddy's Rib eye and it was HUGE and tasty. everything was great, the servers were very formal and checked in time after time to make sure everything was proper. the price was a little high, but the food portions are large and every table seems to have a view, the place is huge
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Overpriced, 10/26/2009
Reviewer: Michael
from Santa Barbara, CA
View was fine. Food was good, but overpriced, should have at least a salad or soup to start included in these prices. Service was good. Have dined here a few times. Prices lately: $10 for one glass of a house merlot that was in a medium size glass that was only two-thirds full. Two fish dishes for myself and spouse: total tab for wine, food, tax and tip was $80. I consider this $20 too much.
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great experience !!!, 10/14/2009
Reviewer: Gabriela Ponce
from Santa Barbara, CA
I took my mom who is from out of town to the Harbor Restaurant. I thought it would be a great place because of the view, and it turns out the food and the service was great ! Our waitor, Joe, took great care of us. He made sure we had everything we needed. He even brought us a sample of the clam chowder to make sure my mom liked it before ordering it. I had the seared ahi which was very good. My mom had the clam chowder and crab cakes. Both were very good, and the service really made our visit to the Harbor exceptional. Thanks Joe ! We'll be back !
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Awesome Experience, 10/8/2009
Reviewer: Jason Kim
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been taking my clients to different restaurants in Santa Barbara over the years and one of my friend told me about harbor restaurant and the change in chef. So I decided to take 2 of my favorite clients to harbor and we had the best dinning experience in a long time. We had a reservation at 6pm and when we got there we were greeted promptly by the hostess and seated us with a great view of the ocean. We started with the dozen oysters and even though it was out of season the oyster were very fresh. My clients order the filet and lobster and I order the prime rib and it was well prepared and cooked. Overall the service was good and managers were very friendly. Great experience all the way around and would definitely take my client to harbor again.
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manager "Sam" and waiters tell the story, 9/30/2009
Reviewer: Richard
from San Diego CA
We always make a special effort to stop here on our way from san diego to Morro bay because of the special friendlyness of the manager "Sam' and all the staff. food is always excellent, as well as view and general atmosphere. really a five star experience!!!! Can't see how anyone could find a better place to eat and enjoy !!
Richard and Brenda from San Diego :-)
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geat service ,great food and managment, 9/28/2009
Reviewer: johnny persico
from thousand oaks ,ca
we often meet our in-laws for lunch,we driving some 65 miles,they driving 45 miles and have NEVER been disappointed with either the food or service.the manager that is on in early afternoon CANNOT do enough for us,all waitstaff are in clean uniforms,all tables set to perfections, everyone trained to help.i being in the business can appreciate all the hard work that is being done. i will always visit the Harbor House when in Santa Barbara
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Service finally matches the food quality, 9/25/2009
Reviewer: George S.
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have regularly brought guests to The Harbor over the past few years. The food was always very good to superb--they have a really good chef. However, the waitstaff was uneven and often appeared to me to be college kids given an apron and no training. Twice our meals and conversation with my guests was ruined by the poor service--continual rude interruptions, plates slammed, removed too early, and far too many "how's everything? requests." At one meal I had to ask the two waitstaff not to come back to the table until I signaled for them so I could finish a conversation with my guests without interrupting conversation in mid-sentence.
Nevertheless, the site is dramatic, the food is good, and I contracted for a banquet for 30 people last week. Even though the writeup instructions to the staff by the banquet manager labeled me as "difficult," the banquet went very well, was properly prepared and the waitstaff clearly had some excellent training over the past months. The meal was well tended and unbobtrusively served.
Thus, The Harbor, especially the Harbor Room, is a good place to host a group of people. as now the waitstaff and supervisors match the quality of the kitchen.
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rude manager!, 8/28/2009
Reviewer: Bianca
from Santa Barbara, CA
I ate there for my grandson's birthday a few months ago and everything was great. I enjoyed the server i had and the food was good but there was one manager that was lurking all of the tables. He seemed to be very unpleasant and very rude. I can't believe that he hasn't been fired! All i have to say is if you eat there beware of this one manager...
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Anniversary annihilation, 8/1/2009
Reviewer: Darrel Morrow
from Sylmar, CA
We called ahead and spoke with a wonderful lady named, Claire. She said she would set us up with a great window table with a wonderful view of the ocean. Knowing how restaurants can be we visited in the afternoon before the big evening and met Claire. She showed us our reservations & all the promised amenities. We came back that evening and were treated like second class citizens. We had to ask for a window seat of which 10 were available. The notes left by Claire were completely ignored. Then we sat for half an hour while an endless number of servers ignored us. We flagged down Harmony, who turned out to be the savior of the evening but couldn't fix the unsatisfactory dinner. Tough "Prime Rib" & just so-so Shrimp. Too bad Claire didn't work the evening shift, it would have probably turned out to be a lot better 21st anniversary. Restaurants that have lost the magic that comes from a special atmosphere created by an efficient staff and a succulent meal will soon be like this one. Half empty & wondering who the new owner is going to be.
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Inconsistent & Inexperienced, 7/23/2009
Reviewer: Julie
from Santa Barbara, CA
After reading online reviews, I didn't quite know what to expect at the Harbor, and sure enough they served up some surprises. First of all I had reserved a window table. Upon checking in with the hostess she took us to a non-window table on the upper level, even though there were plenty of window tables free. Got that fixed, then we met our mumbling waiter. We ordered Caesar salad which was swimming in dressing, and salmon, medium rare ($30). There was an unacceptable problem with my salmon dish & I requested a new one. The waiter seemed mildly distressed & said he would get me a fresh dish, I reminded him medium rare on the salmon, and a new dish came out with overcooked salmon, which I found inedible. Not having the stomach to reorder I just ate the vegetables. No offer was made to adjust our bill, comp a dessert, or any other gesture consistent with a classy restaurant. What I found particularly inexcusable was the inexperienced wait staff in an establishment charging top-notch prices.
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We had a great experience!, 6/16/2009
Reviewer: Elia
from Clayton, CA
Went here for dinner for the first time to celebrate my daughter's graduation from UCSB on June 14. We were seated at 5 p.m. in the Terrace Room per our request, a private room with a nice view. The food and service couldn't have been better! Our party of 11 had drinks, appetizers, and ordered several of the fish and steak entrees - everyone was happy with what they'd ordered. New grad also appreciated all the leftovers she got to take home - since portions were large. I can't say enough about the location, food and wait staff - very friendly, accommodating and great food. I highly recommend this place - I've never written a review before but just had to comment, as we were so pleased! Thanks to everyone at Harbor Restaurant who were involved in making our special celebration that much nicer - and on an extremely busy night, too!
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horrible and tourist trap , 5/19/2009
Reviewer: Melilssa Hite
from Santa Barbara, CA
I was exicted about going to restuarant. I arrived early to Wharf and looked at other rest. I thought Harbor sounded the best. BOY WAS I WRONG. Hostess was nice. I sat at my table. Waiter brought my drink promptly and for there it was HORRIBLE. My waiter did not come back till 20 minutes later. Only 3 tables were being used. Crab Cake I do not think so. I think chef forgot the crab. Mahi Mahi was fair rice was soggy. HOw dispointing to have a wonderful view and be served food worse than a midwest west seafood special
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Special location with excellent dishes, 2/16/2009
Reviewer: Dave Schofield
from Wells, Maine
Sometimes a place as unique as this, with the surrounding ocean, can lead to a little laziness in the menu. But the Harbor has exceeded their venue, with a suberb offering. We are from Maine, and we know when fish is prepared well. We had Mahi Mahi, swordfish, salmon and grilled shrimp and everything exceeded our high expectations. Service was very attentive and knowledgeable, but not intrusive. We all had a great experience for our first visit to SB. Well done to everyone at Harbor's!
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Wonderful Place to eat
Reviewer: Nancy Tappan
from Santa Barbara, CA
I ate at the Harbor Restaurant this Friday night and had a very good evening. My husband and I were promptly seated by the welcoming hostesses. Our waitress was with us very shortly and brought our food out quickly as well. We had the Surf&Turf special and it was very good. The manager seemed a little too tense and seemed to make the employees uncomfortable and unhappy-something that needs work. Overall, I enjoyed my experience at the Harbor Restaurant.
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Lets stay consistent shall we?
Reviewer: Sheri Montgomery
from Santa Barbara, CA
I ate at the Harbor Restaurant with my husband late December and I had requested a certain table, "205" I believe and it was no problem. (I had eaten once before at that same table) We had an amazing dinner and the service was okay.
This weekend I requested the same table for our anniversary and of course, the hostesses failed to reserve our table and we were sat in a different room at the end of the restaurant against a wall. It took the hostess about 5 minutes to even realize we wanted to sit down in the restaurant. She was just staring off into space. She sat us with no menus because they "ran out".
When we finally reached our viewless table, the service was extremely bad. The waiter was running around bumping into us and chairs because there was so little room to move. My husband and I felt very rushed and it took forever to get our meal. Once we received our food, it was cold.
I don't know what what happened to the Harbor Restaurant, but it turned into a tourist trap filled with ill experienced staff.
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what a romantic moment!!!!
Reviewer: patti butler
from la verne, Ca
We just went out of town to get away on a romantic rendezvous and this did it. It topped it all. We stayed at The Harbor Inn and we had such a great feeling going on and this was just the epitome of it all. Great service, great waiter and great food!! Loved it!........would go back in a heartbeat! And I have been in the business for at least 20 years plus...!!!!!
We sat over looking the water.......perfect ambiance and lighting.
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Harbor Revisited
Reviewer: Margaret
from Goleta, CA
After many years of not considering Harbor Restaurant, because of poor food, worse sevice and poorly maintained facility, friends and I revisited yesterday for lunch.
Amazing improvement!!!
Excellent wine list, well represented by local and international choices at very fair prices. Class descriptions of varietals so helpful. Nice stemware also. Lunch menu covered all of basics, some nice sounding fish mains, sandwiches, salads and some appealing appetizers, that could be a sufficient meal as the portions seemed quite large. The Ahi Tuna Melt, came with mediocre fries but a very tasty cole slaw. Seafood salad was superb, with lots of shellfish. The "roll" was the least well received dish, but came as represented on menu. Just a less exciting blend of flavors. A complimentary birthday dessert of creamy cheesecake with raspberry coulis was very fresh tasting, not the standard overbaked,dried out venue at many places.
Service was well delivered, with oversight by a thoroughly efficient, professional manager. While lingering for conversation after meal, water and coffee was continuously provided.
Interior, obviously has had a bit of updating and freshening, so along with the lovely harbor view, approaching storm clouds and waves, a nice backdrop.
Will be looking forward to venturing back for dinner. Maybe trying the Monday, Tuesday evening twenty nine dollar tasting menu.
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Hospitality Plus
Reviewer: Linda Westfall
from Temecula, Ca
We take a friend out for special dinners at least five times a year. He is in a wheel chair and we are treated like royalty. The food is great, the service is super and the hospitality is unsurpassed. Our friends great experience and ours brings us back to the Harbor Restaurant time after time. Thanks to Tru and her staff.
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How is this place still in business!!?
Reviewer: Ernest
from Goleta, CA
I was horrified when after waiting for 15 minutes the hostess asked my 18 year old friend and me if we were looking for Longboards because that's where "young people like to go" and "this place is pricey." I have never been treated in a manner of such questionable legality.
The food was horribly overpriced; my friend paid 25 dollars for a bland, mushy chicken dish. I had the house salad which was 10 dollars for basically white lettuce with ranch dressing, along with about 3 defrosted flavorless shrimp.
If you are a tourist looking for a good Santa barbara-ey place to eat on the pier, go for the Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. at the end of the pier for an amazing crab sandwich which costs half as much as any item on the Harbor Restaurant's menu.
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The kids are in charge.
Reviewer: michael pecht
from Leonia, NJ
I'm from New York, so I know what a tourist trap looks and tastes like. The cioppino was a bland, tomato-ey soup, and no one especially liked their food.
But the service was poor. The staff are all college kids. They have no clue what service or a dining experience should be.
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Above & Beyond!!
Reviewer: Rene Worley
from Riverside, CA
I ate here with my party of 30+ for my wedding. The coordinator I had to deal with for my reservations and menu choices was very nice and helpful. When we got there, we got a room that I didn't book- but it was better. It was actually the room that I wanted but had been previously reserved, well the party that originally had the room reduced their size to 15 so we got that room instead, so I was thrilled! Our servers were so nice and accomidating. The food was excellent. We went around the room to see how everyone liked their food, and everybody loved it! I would definitely recommend it to a friend! I've seen the bad reviews this restaurant has from others and I feel like I need to redeem them, because I could not have asked for a smoother, better experience for my wedding dinner!! The food and staff is excellent, and they absolutely exceeded my expectations!
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This IS Santa Barbara
Reviewer: Peter
from Tarcy, CA
After reading the other reviews, I still tried the Harbor for dinner. The food was good, and definitely hot!! The server set down our plates without letting us know how extremely hot the plates were going to be! After our server set our plates down, we were able to enjoy our food with minimal interruptions from the staff, as that is the way we enjoy eating, not having to answer a question about our food every 3 bites. The service was acceptable, and I would rather not nitpick it as every review has done. There is one thing that one must remember when searching for reviews about restaurants, ANYONE who has had a bad experience in a restaurant will let the world know, but people who have good/great experiences expect that experience and let no one know. Overall, the Harbor has a great view and good food and service. Watch the sunset from a booth and enjoy SB!!
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