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Harry's Plaza Cafe
3313 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 687-2800
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Reviews by the General Public
FUN, FUN, FUN,, 1/26/2010
Reviewer: Donna
from Orange, CA
If you like the old Hollywood atmosphere, then Harry's Grille is a place to be. As you are setting in it's high back over stuffed red booths, viewing all the pictures of movie stars decorating their walls,it makes you feel like you are setting with the stars of yesteryears. The food was very good and the drinks GREAT. The staff was very friendly and made sure that we were taken care of. I'm going to be a regular at Harry's every time I visit Santa Barbara.
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brilliant!!!, 10/24/2009
Reviewer: Rachel Day
from Aberdeen,Scotland
we come to santa barbara every october for 14 days, and roughly 12 of them we go to harrys for tea. i think the food is delicous. the atmosphere is great. the staff are very friendly. the only thing i dont like about the staff is that they are a bit to fake and cheesy! this is a family place and i would truly recommend it!
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If you're coming just for the food...., 7/27/2009
Reviewer: Katie
from Santa Barbara, CA
you're coming for the wrong reason. Not to say the food is bad: I really quite enjoy it. Sizable portions, quality ingredients, always hot, and served promptly, etc. Just basic, good stuff, some of which is better than others. And the servers are so crazy, genuinely nice. And the martinis that are 10 bucks are really like 4 martinis in 1, are divine. I disagree with any assertion that the drinks here aren't strong AND good. I love to saddle up with a martini and a new Chaucer's book at the bar. All of those things are great, but the nostalgia value, the paraphernalia, the history, the legacy staff, the wonderful regulars that have been going there for so long they have permanent reservations that they pass down to heirs in their wills, makes it so much sweeter. Maybe its not an atmosphere for everyone, but I'll pay a little more for all of the aforementioned combined. Either you get Harry's, or you don't. This is a true local restaurant. In a town where everything is becoming increasingly upscale, shiny, aloof, and....new, it's nice to have something old, tried, true.
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Desserts are the cherry on top!, 5/14/2009
Reviewer: chee
from Santa Barbara, CA
I went to HPC for a friend's birthday dinner, and this place is great for large groups. You're seated in this bright red room, vinyl seats, with random pictures on the wall. The food is standard American fare, and it seems like everything on the menu is either $10 or $20, nothing really falling in between those two price brackets. I ended up getting the pork chops, which were really good, and I had half of my entree left over to doggie bag. I don't really get the whole sourdough/sour cream/salsa combination, but it's on the table when you get there--nice! The servers were pretty attentive and checked on us throughout the night. One quip is that the alcoholic drinks were a little inconsistent--one batch being sweeter than the other. Desserts were FABULOUS...I got to try the mud pie and cheesecake, both of which weren't overly sweet and definitely decadent. If I were 20 years younger and had the metabolism of a cheetah (sadly, I'm not and I don't), I'd go for the huge ice cream sundae and go nuts. Anyway, I'd go back to order a side salad and a dessert...none of this "main course" and "entree" business!
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frankie rivas, 5/4/2009
Reviewer: LYNNE DAVIS
from Santa Barbara, CA
I AM HARRY'S DAUGHTER LYNNE AND HARRY'S LOST A VERY LOYAL AND LOVING EMPLOYEE APRIL 7TH 2009 FRANKIE RIVAS WE WORKED TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS AND HE WAS KNOWN AND LOVED BY LOYAL HARRY'S CUSTOMERS .WE WILL MISS YOU FRANKIE .....HE WORKED FOR MY FATHER AND AFTER MY FATHERS PASSING ,OTHER OWNERS FOR 36 YEARS.RIP FRANKIE..............LYNNE DAVIS
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Planning to go to Harry's in May-4-20-09, 4/21/2009
Reviewer: Patricia (McAdams) Newman
from San Diego, CA
I'll be coming to Harry's in May and I am looking forward to it. I was the bookkeeper for Harry from 1969 thru 1979 when he owned Joe's Cafe, the El Cielito Restaurant, Harry's and the Towne House restaurant just above Deloreto Plaza. Hoping they still serve Harry's famous sourdough bread and salsa!! And yes, I hope their drinks aren't watered down - Harry was generous at all times with this drinks. I truly enjoyed working there!
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Not impressed and don't need to go back, 3/20/2009
Reviewer: Helen
from Santa Barbara, CA
I really don't know what the fuss is about. Granted I haven't been a long-time regular of Harry's, so I don't know how it used to be; but I get the feeling they are now just coasting on their outdated reputation. The atmosphere is great: old-time steakhouse with wonderfully nostalgic photos and decor. The service was good: friendly, folksy, mature waitstaff. Unfortunately, the food is overpriced (even for Santa Barbara) and was surprisingly bland. Even the drinks were disappointing (Harry's is known for its strong drinks). Strong? Yes. Good? No. $50 for two sandwiches and two drinks that we really didn't enjoy. Not worth it. There are too many other places I'd rather eat, including at home.
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A fun, funny and good eats location, 2/28/2009
Reviewer: Phil Hoffert
from Santa Barbara, CA
Been going to Harry's since the mid '70's and the place is a gas. Red vinyl booths, wait staff with a nice come back line ALWAYS, excellent sized dishes, fresh veggies and dynamite soups. Love the pork chop dinner (2 thick-boys) and the funky appitizers.....go there, you'll love it!
That plus the owner gave me a twenty to write this....
KIDDING
The value is there, just the parking lot has to be done soon! Please!
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Good Food, But dirty table cloths??, 2/27/2009
Reviewer: Cameron
from Santa Barbara, CA
I ate there a week or so ago and the table cloths had all kind of crap on it. We asked to move and the new table had the same amount of crap on it!! Unappetizing and disgusting!!!! But the food was good.
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great place but lost family feel
Reviewer: emily perry
from Santa Barbara, CA
went to harrys friday for lunch still good crowds ,surpised to see harry's grandson there having lunch .just wish it was run in the family way it used to when harry and his daughter were there to greet you with a warm welcome greeting,food still good .miss you harry and lynne...
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Food/service good, go during off hours for better service
Reviewer: Glenn
from Buellton
We got there at 5 and hardly anyone there, by 6 the place was packed and waiters were thinner. Food was good, they did botch some steak cooked to diner's orders but the manager was right there to correct things. More of an old Hollywood Bl diner type place with a lot of character inside. I would recommend going during off hours there, you definitely need a reservation otherwise.
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Harry's for Sale???
Reviewer: Allen
from Santa Barbara, CA
I read that Harry's is for sale and I hope this is not true. We have been going to Harry's for years and have seen different changes over the years and would hope this would not change as the service and food have been the best in a very long time. You can not find a restaurant like this any where else. The servics is the way it should be warm and relaxing and never rushed. The decor makes you feel like your home at your grandparents house where pictures on walls from old friends and the history of Santa Barbara. This is a Santa Barbara Landmark lets hope this will stay this way for many more years. WE LOVE HARRY'S!!
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??? RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Reviewer: SAS
from Santa Barbara, CA
How does one make judgements on restaurant reviews? They vary all over the map. It is probably a good rule not to recommend restaurants or doctors.
I, personally, was very pleased with Harry's.My kind of food. Simple, solid, no pretensions of haute cuisine.
Service was prompt and friendly.
Maybe, you might like it; maybe not.
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Never again
Reviewer: Keith
from Santa Barbara, CA
1. Botched reservation.
2. Let us peruse menu and then tell us they were out of stuff after we ordered.
3. No croutons for salad = iceberg lettuce and ranch.
4. $32 steak was midling.
5. Pulled same 'we're out' trick with desert menu.
6. Tried to pass house liquor as top shelf.
7. Wouldn't honor gift certificate with no expiration ($10 on $100+ bill).
8. Both waiter and manager ceded nothing on any of these issues.
12 year regular and never again.
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Excellent
Reviewer: Johnny
from LaJolla, CA
I finished up a bike tour in SB and asked the person at the front desk of my hotel where I could find a good steak, potato, etc (as a reward). He recommended Harry's. Started off with the sourdough, sour cream and salsa, it was good! I never had that combo before. Then had a fresh salad. The steak (f. mignon) was perfect. I also liked the steamed broccoli (served w/ the steak and fries), there was alot of broccoli (and it was fresh, not frozen) and not the usual small obligatory portion you get w/ steaks.
The one thing I would change is I would have gotten there after 5 (to get the baked potato), then again maybe not, I was plenty full after all that. Service was perfect too. It will be nice once they get the repair work in that parking lot complete. I'll be back, next time I am in SB.
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Great place to eat great food...
Reviewer: Adeline
from Santa Barbara , CA
My husband took me to Harry's when we moved back to SB.. He and Harry used to get drunk at least twice a month after Harry closed the place for the night. Harry is still missed today, because of the professional way he always run his place, the food is still excellent, and the service is beyound compare. Whether, you go for lunch or dinner, you will always be happy you went.
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Excellent for Parties and Groups!
Reviewer: Paul
from Goleta, CA
I haven't been to Harry's in a long time, but I attended a Lincoln Club meeting there tonight, and the back room was a great deal for our group, and they served excellently prepared, tasty variety of food and dedicated, knowledgeable, cute staff for our own bar. I'm a picky eater and I usually give 5's only for Biltmore, etc., but they made it seem like the Biltmore. I wanted a different beer and they made it appear from the restaurant promptly and found me in the group. I would recommend Harry's for party sized groups, and will go there for dining again.
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Harry's customer for 38 years
Reviewer: Dawn Huberty
from River Falls, WI
Even though I don't live in Santa Barbara anymore; every time I do visit - we stop by Harry's. In my mind - and the minds of most customers -- Harry's has NEVER changed! The food is still the same as when I ate it for the first time at five years old! The decor - yes, it's dated, but it looks as polished as the first time they opened the doors. The service is fabulous! But the best, best, best thing you must try - is the sour dough bread, served with fresh sour cream and salsa. You will never have anything this wonderful. :-)
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Great Job!
Reviewer: Sophia J.
from Santa Barbara
I would just like to thank the staff at Harry's for a wonderful experience my husband and I had on Mothers day. It is all too often people will complain rather than compliment service. We had to wait a couple of minutes to be seated as the front was full of people waiting also. Standing up front and watching the cooks prepare the dinners was amazing to see how well the manager was orchestrating the kitchen. Our server was great and did not miss a beat and was very patient when my daughter got a little fussy when we were trying to get our order in. My husband loved the burnt ends sandwich and my Santa Barbara salad was wonderful. The manager stopped by to see how we were doing and to wish me a 'Happy Mother's Day'. I have worked in a few restaurants and it is wonderful to see how well this one runs. So to all the staff at Harry's thank you. We will be coming back as much as we can so maybe we can get our picture up on the wall.
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Extraordinary efforts in service
Reviewer: Lillian
from Santa Barbara
I love Harry's. What a delightful setting, and a friendly atmosphere with an extraordinary and clearly concerted effort to make sure customers are getting the service they want. I was there for lunch recently and was asked a total of five times, by three different people, how I was doing, how my food was, whether I needed anything, etc. - but never in an invasive way. It's good old fashioned bar & grill food - something for everyone. I'm going there again with friends tonight, both of whom have been there before and are also looking forward to it.
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holiday party to thank our employees
Reviewer: eddie beltran
from santa barbara ca.
each year since we have been in buisness we treat our staff to a holiday dinner after the holidays are over. this year we chose harry's plaza cafe, which our empoyees were very happy about! reason for our pick this year was to visit an establishment whose employees visit us from time to time. we could'nt have been happier with our choice! we saw many of our friends and had the best time! the service was flawless and the food was incredible. we had everything from chicken wings to lobster! we stayed quite late but never once felt like we were imposing on a staff that were trying to end their shift...the manager on duty at the time, george, came by our table to welcome us and followed up to make sure all was well. kudos to the entire staff and management team at harry's plaza cafe!!! see you at our next party, sincerly, eddie beltran and staff, from the tiburon tavern!!!!
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Hot fudge not so hot....
Reviewer: Jessica Gibbs
from Santa Barbara, CA
Me and a friend recently decided to dine at Harry's after a long day at work. While the food was adequate, our drinks remained empty through the entire meal and we never saw our server until the end of our meal. Our male server, when he did reappear, must have thought himself hot shit because he then commenced to touch my shoulder in the most disgusting and inappropriate fashion; while making reference to the "hot fudge he had put on our chocolate cake". We may be young but his actions were completely unacceptable. It took every ounce of restraint not to immediately walk out. In a classy restaurant I expect a certain amount of respect and decency that this server was apparently unaccustomed too.
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I cannot believe these reviews...
Reviewer: Robert Jolin
from Laurel, Maryland
I have not been in Santa Barbara for more than a quarter century. I spent my formative years there in the late 60's and 70's, during which time my parents and I ate at Harry's on an average of once per month. We ALWAYS received the best possible service and the food was of superb, home-cooked quality. Harry himself almost always stopped by to make sure all was well. I am now planning on a visit with to S.B. with my family and I am counting on a great dining experience at my old haunt. I know Harry will not be there physically, but in spirit he will always be ever present. I had not known the restaurant was still there but am happy to learn otherwise! Perhaps things change, but the memories remain.
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