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Palace Grill
8 E. Cota St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 963-5000

Palace Grill writes:
  The Palace Grill is a contemporary American Grill, celebrating the Cuisine and Culture of New Orleans. Featuring USDA Prime-Aged Beef and the freshest Seafood, with a large selection of delicious Pastas, and Specialties like our Crawfish-Stuffed Blackened Filet Mignon, Soft-shell Crab, Jambalaya, and Louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé with Whisky Cream Sauce. The Palace has a unique “Team Service” system whereby the entire dinning room staff waits on all tables as a team. We have won the Santa Barbara Independent Readers’ Poll Award for “Best Restaurant Service” every year since inception in 1988. We are also known for our colorful and entertaining atmosphere, including our unique group sing-along. Our guests come for the Food and Service, but leave having celebrated Life! “Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler”

  • Private Room: Restaurant is divided into two sections. You can do a buy-out of one side of the restaurant.

Reviews by the General Public

Not that great, 1/19/2010
Reviewer: Sean from Santa Barbara, CA
I enjoyed the coconut shrimp and the red peas with ham hocks. Dessert was burned and stuck to outside edges of dish. Jambalaya was very salty and as a result none the ingredients could be tasted. When asked for a recommendation, our sever was not friendly and only suggested the most expensive thing on the menu. Other servers were attentive in keeping our water glass full to combat the salty food. This restaurant was far from a great experience.
Past its Prime, 1/19/2010
Reviewer: Barry from Santa Barbara, CA
I had been looking forward to returning to The Palace for the first time in awhile. I have had several great meals there over the years. The fun ambience and excellent service won't ever change but the food seems very uninspired. The signature appetizer, Cajun Crawfish Popcorn, is very skimpy for the price and kind of boring. The Pasta Lafite was also run-of-the-mill with a lack of crawfish or other ingredients swimming in a drab cream sauce. The BBQ Shrimp was good but not great and felt like poor value. The vegetables were the best part. The Cajun Martini was the only other sure thing. Maybe it was an off night or maybe this place is resting on its laurels.

Why Bother Eating Elsewhere?, 1/16/2010
Reviewer: Savannah from Santa Barbara, CA
Where should I begin...The service is constantly helpful and friendly, the food is wonderful particularly the catfish, filet mignon, scallops, cajun popcorn crawfish, chocolate souffle and keylime pie. The atmosphere is lively and the music puts one in a great mood. Thank the Good Lord, this place is open for lunch as well! Their dreamy array of muffins are served for dinner and this is the perfect place to go for any occasion. Keep up the solidly good work! Other eateries in town should take note of what the Palace Grill does as far as service and ambience is concerned or else they will rest in peace in these volatile/uncertain times.
Our New Favorite Restaurant!!! , 11/11/2009
Reviewer: Melody & Bill Jenike from Corona, CA
We just recently found this awesome place, my boyfriend and I have been coming to Santa Barbara for the past 5 yrs and when we heard that Chad's was no longer in business, I had to find another place for us to go to dinner! To my surprise, we found our new favorite place, great service, great food and the portions were plenty, and we especially loved their famous bread pudding!! We for sure will be coming back next year!
Problem with this restaurant!, 11/10/2009
Reviewer: Jim Johandes from Arroyo Grande, CA
The problem with this restaurant is that there isn't one located near me. Probably a good thing. Fabulous food and fabulous service. RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! You just have to try it to believe it. Fun place. GO!
Always an exceptional experience!, 10/14/2009
Reviewer: Gabriela Ponce from Santa Barbara, CA
My boyfriend and I went to the Palace on Sunday.. We have been here before and we always say we are going to try something new but we always can guarantee amazing food and outstanding service at The Palace. Gina was our waitress, and has been before and she is just awesome and makes our visit there wonderful. I always order the catfish with crawfish, but I wanted to try something new... the Crab cakes our delicious and not like any crab cake I have ever tried. My boyfriend ordered the Pasta Royale which was super good too. The food is always amazing. The staff is great and this is why, hands down, The Palace is the place to go. Thanks Gina !!!!
What an experience!!!, 10/6/2009
Reviewer: Karin from Cologne, Germany
Last year we travelled the Highway numberI and stopped at Santa Barbara. We were deeply impressed by the quality of the food that was served and enchanted by the atmosphere created during our dinner. I`ll never forget the group singing when one of the waiters started "Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. We`d like to come back some day.
Great service, even better food!!!, 10/6/2009
Reviewer: Tim Brooks from Santa Barbara, CA
I needed a nice place to take the in-laws for a good time. A buddy suggested The Palace and it was phenomenal! The blackened red snapper was perfect, my martini was great, and that bread pudding is to die for! The server was on top of it despite the crowd in there. Great music, great atmosphere, a 10 out of 10!
awesome, 9/20/2009
Reviewer: Susy from Ladera Ranch, CA
You must go here. The food is delicious! One of my favorite restaurants!
GREAT!, 9/18/2009
Reviewer: Janice from Santa Barbara, CA
YOU MUST GO HERE! IT"S THE BY FAR THE BEST CAJUN RESTAURANT I'VE BEEN TO! THE FOOD & STAFF IS AMAZING! TRY THE CRAB CAKES AND THE RED FISH! THE WHISKEY CAKE IS SO DELISH! :)

What An Experience - You Have To Try It!, 6/26/2009
Reviewer: David Wright from London UK
Well worth a visit - great fun, reasonably priced, food good and service still manages to make you feel special. Far better service here than at the Biltmore restaurant the following night!
What An Experience - You Have To Try It!, 6/26/2009
Reviewer: David Wright from London UK
Well worth a visit - great fun, reasonnablely priced, food good and service still manages to make you feel special. Far better service here tha at the Biltmore restaurant the following night!
Good Experience! , 6/6/2009
Reviewer: Francis from Santa Barbara, CA
I can't wait to go back to Palace Grill. The food was flavorful, cooked properly, served hot and my drink was kept full throughout my visit thanks to the efficient, friendly (but not pushy or fake). I can't believe I haven't dined here sooner! Yummy, yummy, yummy!
awesome, 5/25/2009
Reviewer: Tracey from Santa Barbara, CA
the food and the service were both awesome. i can't wait to go there again!
Go!! But not on a Friday Night, 5/16/2009
Reviewer: chee from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been to PG a few times, and the food has always been outstanding. I went with my friends on Friday night, and the place was packed! We were told that the wait would be 20 minutes, which ended up being a little over 45 minutes. The manager was nice and found a seat for us in the front, but the waitstaff was sooo busy given the large number of customers in the restaurant. We were confused by the staff's "team" philosophy because they told us to wait for our main server to take our orders and bring us the bill. The food came out very quickly, and the muffins were delicious as usual (I think PG can definitely do without the rosemary ones, and they could make the cornbread ones sweeter). By the end of the night, we had difficulty finding our waiter, and he seemed to have forgotten about us. We later saw him being very attentive to the other tables and patrons, just not us :( Anyway, I'll be back but probably not for a Friday night dinner.
Great Easter Lunch, 4/13/2009
Reviewer: Nicole from Santa Barbara, CA
I stopped here on Easter and got a really reasonable lunch here. I haven't been here in years because of the noise and food portions, who really needs a bowl with a pound of pasta in it? However, I was really surprised by their lunch menu and atmosphere. It was laid back and comfortable, not as loud and the food portions were much more appropriate. I had their cajun crawfish popcorn, very yummy! I also had their cajun crabcakes, really good. The rice was a little mush but there was enough crabcake that I didn't really need to eat it. The veggies were also good, but had a LOT of dill on them. I happen to like dill but if you don't you might want to mention it. They also gave out a coupon for 15% off an online order. I will be using it!!
Disappointed for the first time., 4/9/2009
Reviewer: Robyn from Santa Barbara, CA
I have dined at the palace many times and always look forward to it. However on Friday (4/3) it was very disappointing. Is there a new chef?? The food was ok, but not the explosion of flavor that is usual.I had the diver scallops (small) and the sauce was flavorless. My boyfriend had the veal which was overcooked and rubbery, and the sauce again lacked kick and was unimpressive.Even the cajun martini was not as spicy! WHAT HAPPENED?!?!
Everything Great!, 3/2/2009
Reviewer: Glenn from Buellton
I can see why this place is rated so highly. The food is great along with the service. I suggest if sharing with someone go for the Palace Sampler Platter or the All The Best Platter for two which includes the HIGHLY recommended Bread Pudding. If special occasion they will write in chocolate on the bread pudding plate the occasion for you so mention in your reservation. The muffins they bring out are amazing and they do have the molasses one in there. With a reservation of about 5:30 they sing and toast right about 7:00 and apparently repeat later in the night. Waiters are good and you don't have to flag your waiter down as they wait on tables tag team style. Not as much cajun style food only as just more southern with a taste of carribean even. The carribean coconut shrimp is highly recommended.
The party started here
Reviewer: Brianna from Ventura, CA
I went here for my senior ball with some friends because of the reviews I had read on here. Boy was everyone right! Driving up to find the place and seeing adorable old men playing live jazz music and people dancing put everyone in the car in a great mood immediately. The atmosphere was energetic, fun and carefree, and the food was just incredible. Could not pronounce the menu items for the life of me but the waiter was so nice and helped our group pick out what to eat. The Jambalaya was out of this world! Some of the muffins we were served were a little over baked but everything else was picturesque. Singing what a wonderful world and toasting everyone was the cherry on top of a terrific night.
Not bad
Reviewer: Liza Rassner from Santa Barbara, CA
We've lived in Santa Barbara for three years and have hit almost every restaurant except this one until last week. We arrived on a Tuesday last week and the service was friendly and attentive. We ate our meal which was served quickly and were finished before the music started. Now I suppose that the music is why people keep coming back. If we had more than one drink and stayed until the music started we probably would be overlooking the taste of the food. It's California cuisine with a little, I stress little, creole. We were expecting more authentic cajun food. Nothing to write home about.
Every Febuary with my lovely wife on our anniversary
Reviewer: Richard & Elaine Miller from Riverside, CA
My wife and i visit the Palace Grill every year for our anniversary, Feb 2008 was our 6th year in a row, (our 30th anniversary) but this time we had the joy of bringing our whole family (Kids and grandkids) with us to sample the place we love so much, we talk about it every year, but this time they got the chance to be there, we had such a great time, our service was awesome as usual, we couldnt dream of breaking the tradition, we love you palace grill, and will be back every year.

LOVE THE FOOD AND THE CREW! BUT MAKE SURE U MAKE A RESERVATI
Reviewer: JENN from Ventura, CA
I'M NOT REALLY CRAZY ABOUT LOUD DINING ATMOSPHERES, BUT THIS PLACE WAS MORE LIKE A BIG FAMILY GATHERING! I VISITED A FEW MONTHS AGO AND REALIZED EVERYONE WAS SMILING, LAUGHING, THEN SINGING! IT DID TAKE A BIT TO GET SERVED, BUT THE PLACE IS ALWAYS PACKED, SO I JUST ENJOYED WATCHING EVERYONE. OUR WAITRESS WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND RECOMMENDED OR DINNERS. I DECIDED TI STOP BY LAST WEEK, AND EVEN THOUGH THAT WAITRESS WAS OUT OF TOWN, EVERYONE ELSE WAS VERY KIND AND THE FOOD WAS STILL GREAT!

GREAT FOOD AND FUN
Reviewer: Kristin from Valencia, CA
This place is amazing. I loved everything about it. Having not been there before the server took us through the menu and highlighted the most popular items. Our water glasses were constantly refilled. The manager, after they did not have the wine that I ordered in stock, came to make sure that the one I did get was to my satisfaction. The food was also great! I really enjoyed my experience at this restaurant and would absolutely come back!
Delicious food with amazing service
Reviewer: Michelle from Goleta, CA
My boyfriend and I went here for our anniversary and it was fantastic. The service was great and our food was served very quickly (we were shocked at how quickly in fact) and it was absolutely delicious! The only thing is that it's pretty rich so you had better go on an empty stomach, I really wish that I'd had enough room for dessert. Would definitely go again, just waiting for an opportunity!
Knowledgable cordial staff Unbelievable food!
Reviewer: Miriam Collins from Torrance, CA
We came up from Orange County to check out the university with our daughter. The Palace was suggested to us as the best place to eat in town. I wasn't quite prepared for the experience we had! From the moment we walked in we could feel a warm vibe of friendly down-home hospitality. I felt like we were somewhere in the south. The Cajun popcorn is an absolute MUST! Our server, a blonde woman, (sorry, we didn't get her name) was warm, knowledgable and helpful, she suggested the sampler platter as the best thing to do. We ordered it and let me tell you, I have never had such an array of flavor on one plate before! Just lovely! The meal was crowned by a bread pudding souffle, and Welcome to the Palace written in chocolate! My husband and I have been craving the food ever since. Delightful service beyond compare. The Palace gets our highest rating.
PERFECT food and a personal atmosphere!
Reviewer: Jules from Goleta, CA
I went for lunch the other day, and the salmon salad and ahi tuna salad were AMAZING; the best salmon I have ever tasted. Also the food is SO flavorful but not too crazy for less adventurous eaters. I have heard that it can get pretty loud and crowded at night, but around lunch time the service was outstanding; our waitress gave honest opinions about what was good on the menu, and she even re-cooked my seared ahi which she noticed was too rare for my tastes. She even gave us a free chocolate souffle since she explained it was extra left in the oven, and she was just going to throw it away anyway. Y'all shouldn't complain about the poor service in the evening because at dinner time the restaurant's all about hanging out and enjoying the atmosphere, NOT getting rushed in and out by a speedy staff.
Not Impressed
Reviewer: Gretchen from Santa Maria, CA
We went to the Palace Grill for the first time last night after reading about it on this website. I was not impressed. It was noisy, the service was very slow (but they did have time to go around and toast with everyone after singing a song), the pasta dishes were cold and my husband's steak was dry and overdone. The only saving grace was the tasty bread pudding for dessert. I know part of the experience is the atmosphere which was fun for a short while. If only the most important things like the service and food had been better...
Silver and Gold
Reviewer: Julie Davis from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been to the Palace many times, and I recently took my fiance who can be a bit picky with his food. An appetizer of fried artichoke got us off to a good start, and when he got his crawfish crab cakes and I got my vegetarian pasta, we were both very pleased. I was dying to get some of that famous bread pudding, but he insisted he never liked the stuff. The waitress said the Palace pudding was like no other, so he gave it a shot. After just one bite, he realized what everyone was talking about and loved it! On top of that, all the staff were very knowledgeable and kind, and had no problem taking care of every adjustment and questions on the menu. My fiance had a great time, the price was reasonable, and we will be back! The only thing I was concerned about was the small selection of vegetarian choices (I went veg 2 years ago) but this is not really a vege-friendly style of food, so it all turned out ok!
Great Food and Aura, Service Mediocre
Reviewer: Elizabeth from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been to the Palace a few times and have had enjoyable experiences in the past. So good that I always recommend it to out-of-town visitors, but when I went for lunch this afternoon, I was fairly disappointed. To start with, when our party of 4 came in, we were not greeted for almost 20 minutes, but that may have been due to it being pretty busy. When we finally were seated and our waitress came over, she was very unfriendly. She brought us warm water that had no ice, and when we finally were able to order our drinks 10 minutes later, they took another 10 minutes to get to our table. When we politely asked for their delicious muffins during our wait, she said that they are only served with the meals. We didn't feel like we could ask her questions about the food because of her attitude. As always our food was amazing, and our experience became a bit better when a nice young girl began helping our table. We come to Palace for the overall wonderful experience, and although it wasn't perfect today, we definitely will be back.

A Place to Celebrate The Good Times
Reviewer: Karen Poirier from Goleta, California
We wanted to take our daughter out for a special dinner. Our lives are all so busy during the week that even dinner at home is distracted by the phone, emails, etc. Out of all the restaurants in Santa Barbara she said she wanted to go to the Palace. She had been there only once. When we arrived, the place was alive with diners and the smells of wonderful foods. Our favorite magician was there doing his tableside magic. Our waiter or should I say waiters were fabulous. We felt like royalty even though we all are just regular "Joes". The food was incredible - from the cajun popcorn to the blackened filet mignon (my husband is a stickler when it comes to steak). He was in heaven. We had the pasta jambalaya, and crabcakes - the fresh baked muffins were warm and wonderful. Then, it came time for "Its a Wonderful World"- our daughter and her friend had never experienced this. What followed was a multitude of wait staff walking around and toasting everyone. We had a bubbling hot souffle decorated with warm chocolate syrup for dessert. The Palace is magical- although we live in paradise, it was like we were in another world. Out of all the restaurants we have been to this tops the list. You leave not only feeling full from the wonderful cuisine, you are full of joy and peace. It is a wonderful world with many wonderful folks--if you want to meet some of them, visit the Palace.
Food was great, service was not
Reviewer: Sky from Goleta
We had a party of about 11 people here for my birthday. It didn't really bother me too much that they ignored us for most of the night, but it was awkward when she brought out a souffle with a burning candle for me, just placed it in front of me and left without saying a word. My friends weren't really sure if they should start singing happy birthday or not, but started to after a few moments, since it was obvious our waitress did not care. Also, to my surprise, we were charged for the dessert. I've never heard of a place charging for birthday desserts. We all loved the food - it was great. But the service was a little on the rude side.

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