I was driving up Laguna Street and noticed that Low Pigeon Coffee Roasters at 401 E. Haley Street has completed the transition to being an outlet for Lighthouse Coffee. Photo by The Restaurant Guy

The Lark and Executive Chef Jason Paluska will present a special Independence Day BBQ Celebration on Monday, July 4 from noon – 3:30 p.m at 131 Anacapa Street. The informal holiday menu includes Smoked Duroc Pulled Pork Sliders with California … Continue reading →

I have been monitoring construction at 6555 Pardall Road in Isla Vista. In 2017 HiWi Tropical Fusion opened at the address after two years of construction that included tearing down the previous building and creating the largest patio in the … Continue reading →

In February 2021 I wrote that a rumor was circulating that Chris Chiarappa from Mesa Burger on Meigs Road plans to open an ice cream shop across the street next to the Cliff Room. Last July I updated the story … Continue reading →

Last April I wrote that Dutch Garden is shooting for a July 2022 reopening under new ownership at 4203 State Street though there is no hard date set. I stopped by this week and noticed that the paper covering the … Continue reading →

Last February I wrote that a new taco shop named Checo’s is coming to 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the former home Mojo (which moved to 6530 Seville Road), 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean Bakery & Cafe, Cafe Int’L, … Continue reading →

Last week I wrote that Rare Society is set to open their steakhouse at the end of June in the Funk Zone at 214 State Street, the former home of Corazon Cocina, American Ale, Yankee Noodle, Rebar Coffee, Tri Tip … Continue reading →

Taza Mediterranean Street Kitchen will be opening this week at 413 State Street, the former home of JJ’s Diner, Onus Donuts, Urkeb, The Mex Authentic, Pace, Momma Donna’s, Billies, and Lettuce B. Frank. The Middle Eastern eatery’s menu includes Salads … Continue reading →

After intense concentration and a wave of my hand over the crystal ball, my eatery oracle has revealed a list of food and drink locations appearing in your future: Alma Fonda Fina, 1024 Coast Village Rd. (formerly Little Alex’s) Anchor, … Continue reading →

Pico restaurant at the Los Alamos General Store, 458 Bell Street in Los Alamos, has officially announced the arrival of executive chef Cameron Ingle, who has joined Pico co-owners, Will Henry and Kali Kopley, in the Santa Barbara County wine … Continue reading →

Reader Q tells me that Romanti-Ezer, which closed at 701 Chapala Street on June 11, 2020, will be the future home a taco shop brought to you by Chris Chiarappa (Mesa Burger, Lighthouse Coffee) and Ramon Velazquez (Corazón). No word … Continue reading →

Rare Society is set to open their steakhouse in mid-July in the Funk Zone at 214 State Street, the former home of Corazon Cocina, American Ale, Yankee Noodle, Rebar Coffee, Tri Tip Company, Union Ale Brewing Company, and Couchez. The … Continue reading →

A rumor heard by reader Kate and second-hand information from reader Annie suggests that Fresco Cafe at 3987-B State Street in the Five Points Shopping Center is considering looking for a new space due to a rent increase. I visit … Continue reading →

I am back from by quinquennial vacation to northern California and am sifting through the inbox. I’ll let you know what I find.

Acme Hospitality is supporting Pacific Pride Foundation this Pride Month with “LOVE IS LOVE” cocktails. For the month of June, $1 from each purchase will go to support programs, outreach, events, and services for over 10,000 Central Coast residents each … Continue reading →

My Santa Barbara friends and I take have been taking a group photo (with the exact same pose) every 5 years since 1982 (see fiveyearphotos.com). We do this at tiny Copco Lake in northern California where my friend John Wardlaw … Continue reading →

Augie’s of Santa Barbara, coming to 700 State Street this August, has announced the addition of Chef de Cuisine Eduardo Gonzalez. “You’ll find an amazing selection of agave spirits, modern takes on great cocktails, superb service, and a fun vibe,” … Continue reading →

This Father’s Day you might consider celebrating at the recently remodeled Finch & Fork at Kimpton Canary. From 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., Chef Craig Riker will be adding two specials just for dad to the menu which includes a … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Jordyn at Java Station, 4447 Hollister Avenue in Noleta: “Hi! We are an all girls, mostly queer, coffee shop in Santa Barbara. Java Station is fully decorated for Pride Month and we wanted to share … Continue reading →

Here is a tip from reader DRGM: “Rumor has it that Bree’osh on Alamar and De la Vina will open its new indoor space and corner patio in June. A worthy successor to Restaurant Mimosa. The space and patio look … Continue reading →

On May 25th reader Primetime, The Restaurant Guy & Kid, Mayor Randy Rowse, and many other locals volunteered at Pascucci restaurant to help raise money for the 2022 Solstice Parade and Festival. All purchases at Pascucci that night, including tips, … Continue reading →

Readers Josh and TPF were at Five Points Shopping Center recently and said that La Salsa at 3987 State Street Ste. D was closed and giving off “closed for good” vibes. In the opinion of La Salsa corporate, however, the … Continue reading →

Reader Brendan let me know that a new restaurant named Hummus Republic, a “modern Mediterranean kitchen” chain founded in 2013, has opened to big crowds at 6546 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Blaze Pizza and Pasta … Continue reading →

Hi John, I wanted to ask if you happen to know who in Santa Barbara makes the patio dining structures for local restaurants. Like the one Crushcakes has downtown. Thanks! James

Chef Justin West tells me that Handlebar Coffee Roasters at 2720 De La Vina Street is holding an event on June 6, 6-9 p.m. titled “Chef’s Night Out.” It will be an evening of unlimited food, wine, beer, and live … Continue reading →

Reader Jonathan says that there is a sign on the door of Foxtail Kitchen & Bar at 14 East Cota Street that says “closed for renovation until further notice. Exciting things coming.” Reader Steve C. also tells me that it … Continue reading →

Earlier this month reader Sande sent me a tip that See’s Candies will be opening a new store in the Calle Real Shopping Center in Goleta. I checked about a dozen empty storefronts in that plaza and all had a … Continue reading →

Way back in March 2019 reader Steve H. noticed that a sign for Mangione’s Italian Ice Company was posted in the window at 1222 State Street, the former home of Spoon. After a near-record three-year run in the Crystal Ball, … Continue reading →

Reader Leonard says that he saw a bright red “Stop Work Notice” for Alma Fonda Fina restaurant, coming to 1024 Coast Village Road, the former home of Little Alex’s. I am told that the sign is dated April 19, 2022 … Continue reading →

Hi Restaurant Guy, Is it my imagination or was there an Arby’s on the corner of Meigs Road and Cliff Drive way back in the 80s or 90s? I’m pretty sure one was there but no one can confirm that … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Joseph: “As the ‘Restaurant Guy’ I would like you to look into the recent sale of the Paradise Store [at 1 Paradise Road] and its potential of being a restaurant/store again. I live in the … Continue reading →

Rare Society is set to open their steakhouse this summer in the Funk Zone at 214 State Street, the former home of Corazon Cocina, American Ale, Yankee Noodle, Rebar Coffee, Tri Tip Company, Union Ale Brewing Company, and Couchez. The … Continue reading →

In April I wrote that Shalhoob’s has signed a lease to take over 5112 Hollister Avenue in Noleta, the former home of Woody’s BBQ. I called Funk Zone location and was told they are planning to open at the old … Continue reading →

Reader Tom says that he went to the Red Piano at 519 State Street recently and noticed they are no longer serving food. They used to have a contract with Paxi Pizza next-door, they said it has since ended but … Continue reading →

Summer Solstice is back and making plans for this year’s Parade and Festival.  One of Solstice’s favorite pre-parade events has been the “Dine-Out” fundraiser, in which fun loving and costume clad Solstice volunteers act as hosts, servers, bartenders and drink … Continue reading →

Reader Primetime says that the Carpinteria city council is asking for an ordinance that could restrict chain or franchise businesses in the future to keep the small town feel. That may include fast-food chains, a limited number of franchise operations, … Continue reading →

McDonald’s Corporation publicly announced that they are closing all 850 locations in Russia, yet, with little fanfare, their downtown Santa Barbara store was the first to get the axe. I don’t believe the two events are related. Reader Primetime says … Continue reading →

Readers Brendan, Bill, Laura, Dianne, and Richard tell me that it looks like plans for a Red Pepper location on De la Vina Street, breathlessly reported in this column in June 2021, have been scrapped. I am told that the … Continue reading →

Here is a message from reader Sande: “See’s Candies will be opening a new store in the Calle Real shopping plaza. My neighbor’s house is a vacation rental and yesterday two See’s construction crews arrived and will stay there till … Continue reading →

Reader Stef let me know that Carp Moon Cafe has opened at 4991 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria, the former home of Juice N Things and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I am told that the restaurant and coffee shop is … Continue reading →