Reader Cris S. let me know that owners Michael and Sandy DeRousse have announced that their iconic Palace Grill in downtown Santa Barbara will be closing Sunday, September 8th, after 39 years in business. This is so sad. Like you, I have held many memorable celebrations at 8 East Cota Street over the years. Here is a message to you from the family:
As owners of the Palace Grill, my wife Sandy and I had hoped to never write this message, but the fact remains that we have been unprofitable since before the pandemic. As such, barring an angel or flock of angels coming to the rescue, we will be closing our doors at some point.
At the inspiration of the Palace’s founder, Steven Sponder, we’ve been singing the “Wonderful World” singalong with you for most of our 39 years of existence. In retrospect, we never anticipated it being as prophetic as it is.
It has been a wonderful world, and there are a few words to the song that encapsulate who we hoped to be: “I see friends shaking hands” symbolizes all the ceremonies that we’ve been privileged to share with our guests. From births to life celebrations and everything between, you’ve included us in your celebrations.
“I hear babies’ cry; I watch them grow” is the next verse that means so much to us. From babies as guests, to multigenerational guests and Team members, and all through life’s meaningful moments, we’ve watched. “Watch them grow” also applies to the incredible Team who have joined us, for many their first job, hopefully helping launch them on to their life’s fulfillment. Over 34 years of “Stellar Service” awards is a testament to them. (We’re proud to say our own 3 grandchildren, Addison, Cameron and Sasha can be counted in this group).
It takes many partnerships for a restaurant to exist for as long as we have… Mark, the magician, JT and the Zydeco Zippers, Michael Gutin, and our incredible local suppliers who’ve always been there for us.
So… We will be singing “It’s a Wonderful World” until the closing hour of our closing day.
Come join us. Raise a glass and celebrate with us!Cheers and thank you all!
TENTATIVE closing date is Sunday Sept, 8th.
– Michael and Sandy DeRousse
Update: The restaurant now plans to remain open through the holidays.
The Restaurant Guy celebrating his wedding anniversary at the Palace Grill.
Is there a date? My wife and I’ve been going there since it opened. When friends came to town we took them there. We just celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary there last week. We will miss them terribly
awww id love to go before they close as well
Tentative closing date is September 8th per updated post
My heart breaks; we’ve also been going there since they opened (apparently not often enough). Always a good time, good food, good people.
Can you put out a Recipe Book????
What a shame.
This is one of the best of the best in Santa Barbara I love everthing about this place. We celebrated our wedding dinner there in August 1993. We have been loving this place for many celebrations. We will be there before closing to celebrate again at your wonderful and beautiful place. All the best you will be missed.
I lived in SB from 1985 until 2019, and the Palace Grill has been a mainstay in all those years.
I’ve entertained many guests at this restaurant. We’ve had birthdays here. My younger son, now fully grown, has his name on the ceiling, from one of Mark Collier’s amazing card tricks.
If I were rich, I would invest in this restaurant to keep it going another 50 years. The food, the service, the vibe is just that good.
One of my favorite Santa Barbara restaurants, sad to see them go. COVID messed up everyone’s small business.
This is so sad, Easily one of Southern California’s best restaurants. Been going there since they opened. I lived in New Orleans for a time and the Palace was right there with places like Brenan’s and Commander’s Palace. Hopefully, somebody can come along and save them.
Wow! I have great memories from 1985 on! You are closing on my birthday, too. I hope I can suggest going there for my birthday.
One of our favorite places. We took out of towner’s there to show off how cool Santa Barbara is.
Sad to see it go.
Absolutely devastated :'( We didn’t go super often, but we had made it a tradition to celebrate our anniversary there after my best man and his wife had taken us there the night of our wedding which had been earlier that morning. The singing, the magic, and the food always made for a memorable evening that I will miss dearly. I literally don’t know what I will do next year.
The Palace is legendary. Sad day. Thank you for the memories.
This one hits hard.
I grew up in SB, and many wonderful restaurants have come and gone. I love The Palace. From the day they opened, I frequently dined there with family and friends.
Unfortunately I had to relocate North, but I when I was back in town I couldn’t wait to enjoy the best Cajun Martini and lunch / dinner in SB. Thank you for all the great food and memories.
#keepthepalacegrillopen
It was an honor to sell products to The Palace for 20 years. From chef’s Manny, Juan and Ignacio and of course Earl, they were all fabulous to do business with. My family celebrated so many special occasions at The Palace. Your muffins and Cajun dishes will certainly be missed.
a classic spot that will be truly missed. It is a shame that someone couldn’t have taken the torch and run with it.
Legendary, I was there on a trip and I enjoyed this place 🙁
Has anyone heard if this amazing place might remain open a little longer or better yet, have had someone step up to continue it as we will miss it incredibly much! (& are not even local) Have cherished it since discovering it when just a freshman at Ucsb way back in its opening year!
So sad. We plan to go tonight and enjoy
So sorry to see my favorite Santa Barbara restaurant is closing. It wasn’t just the food, which was always top notch, it was the entire experience, the closest thing to New Orleans west of the Mississippi. Thanks for 39 years. You’ll be missed.
The Palace is our favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara. We have been going there for over 25 yrs. We had dinner there a couple weeks ago and heard the news of its closing in September and we were so sad. I will miss everything on the menu (probably had it all). And the friendly staff and of course the singing. I remember when the magician was there too. I hope they can find a way to stay open. SB needs this wonderful restaurant to stay open!
Been going to The Palace for our wedding anniversary since 2000. Now in Santa Barbara again to celebrate our 26th year of The Palace. So so sad it may be our last….it’s been a wonderful world.