The lights were on but nobody’s home. At least that was the status of the new Wingstop at 888 Embarcadero Del Norte Ste. C in Isla Vista when I visited this week. When you stop by, however, chances are you … Continue reading →

Woody’s BBQ at 5112 Hollister Avenue in Goleta (Magnolia Center), voted Best BBQ Restaurant for 25 years in a row in the Santa Barbara Independent, has closed permanently after 39 years in business. I announced the pending closure in early … Continue reading →

Here is a list of area eateries that have opened in the last 12 months: October 2021: Old Town Coffee, 1131 State St.; Wingstop, 888 Embarcadero Del Norte Ste. C, Isla Vista September 2021: Coast Range & Vaquero Bar, 1635 … Continue reading →

The Lark offers a seasonal menu and the new locally-sourced dip from Chef de Cuisine Logan Jones. The Whipped Pistachio & Feta Dip (hazelnut and crispy black rice dukkah, marigold, aleppo chili oil, sea salt lavash cracker) pairs with The … Continue reading →

Little Alex’s Mexican restaurant, a Montecito institution since 1989 at 1024 Coast Village Road, is closing in late November. I spoke with a representative and was told that their landlord, Montecito Country Mart, did not renew their lease. The area … Continue reading →

Last April I broke the news that the former home of Timbers restaurant, at 10 Winchester Canyon Road, will be reopen as a steakhouse called Timbers Roadhouse. Remodeling is underway and they are in the home stretch. I stopped by … Continue reading →

In July 2020 I wrote that the Dutch Garden restaurant at 4203 State Street, which had just closed the month before after 75 years in business, will reopen in September 2020 under new ownership. Needless to say that didn’t happen … Continue reading →

In June I wrote that Wingstop, which opened next to La Cumbre Plaza in February, will be opening a second area location at 888 Embarcadero Del Norte Ste. C in the former home of Subway and, decades ago, Taco Bell. … Continue reading →

The Michelin Guide announced 27 new Michelin stars across California. “As an international culinary destination and leader in the industry, California continues to impress MICHELIN Guide inspectors with a commitment to sustainable gastronomy and creative cuisine,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international … Continue reading →

Coast Range & Vaquero Bar, a Central Coast steakhouse and seafood restaurant including a full cocktail bar as well as deli counter, café and pastry program, has continued its phased opening with the public debut of the Coast Range dining … Continue reading →

Here is a message to you from the California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria: Dear Carpinteria Community, It is with heavy hearts that the California Avocado Festival announces that our event currently scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021, is postponed until … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Protein Grill, brought to you by the creators of Kyle’s Kitchen, has reopened in Goleta after a pandemic hiatus. The eatery is located next door to Kyle’s Kitchen at 7000 Hollister Avenue. “Our inspiration behind Kyle’s Protein Grill was … Continue reading →

Last April I wrote that IHOP at 4765 Calle Real in Goleta will be closing its doors and reopening in the University Plaza shopping center, home to Albertsons and the DMV. Follow-up rumors suggested that the new home of IHOP … Continue reading →

Last May I broke the news about an unknown coffee shop that is coming to 5915 Calle Real Ste. A in the former home of Pizza Hut which is across the parking lot from Zodo’s Bowling. The only clue that … Continue reading →

This just in from Cava restaurant on Coast Village Road: Hi John, Thank you for all of your efforts in supporting the SB Restaurant scene! Cava Restaurant & Bar will be officially closing its doors next week on Wednesday, September … Continue reading →

  Here is a message for you from reader sbmizzou: I honestly don’t know if it has been like this for years, but driving by the old Outback Steakhouse, I noticed that it has a “leased” sign on it. It … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Brendan: An alcohol license sign is up on the window of the recently closed Starbucks at the corner of State and De La Guerra. The eye-catching business name is “Belching Dragon Tavern”, and the business … Continue reading →

Last April I broke the news that Woody’s BBQ at 5112 Hollister Avenue in Goleta (Magnolia Center) is planning to open a restaurant across town at 10 Winchester Canyon Road, the former home of Timbers restaurant. The new dining destination … Continue reading →

Hi, I am looking to book a dinner for 75 people. Do you have recommendations of where in Santa Barbara I could find restaurants that can hold this many people? Thanks! Crystal

The Foley Entertainment Group, which formed just last July, has announced the purchase of Hotel Californian in the Funk Zone. Included in the transaction is the hotel’s signature restaurant, Blackbird – an 88-seat, indoor/outdoor restaurant known for Executive Chef Travis … Continue reading →

Chef Peter Cham has joined the Gleason Family Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley portfolio (Roblar Winery and Vineyards, Refugio Ranch Vineyards, Royal Oaks Wines) as executive chef and head of culinary operations. As part of the Roblar Winery and Vineyards array … Continue reading →

Hi, I am craving two things from Mom’s Italian restaurant that was on E. Cota Street in Santa Barbara? the pickled onions she served on the salads. Plus her minestrone soup; it got better everyday. Does anyone have these recipes … Continue reading →

La Paloma Cafe, which opened at 702 Anacapa Street last November in the former longtime home of Paradise Cafe, has announced that they are now open on Mondays. “Join us on our sunny patios and enjoy oak-grilled, ranchero inspired favorites … Continue reading →

The Enterprise Fish Company building at 225 State Street sold twice in the past 2 years and was last sold for $3.5 million or about $6 per square foot. I have received word that the next tenant is not a … Continue reading →

While taking The Restaurant Kid for an emergency scoop of chocolate ice cream at Baskin-Robbins on upper State Street I noticed that its neighbor, Vegan GreenGO, was closed during business hours. I’m sad to report that the eatery, which opened … Continue reading →

As we reported earlier this year Montecito Vons is scheduled to be remodeled this fall and will remain open during construction. Reader Darvin tells me the reason behind the remodel: it is being rebranded as Pavilions. Pavilions is a grocery … Continue reading →

The 2021 Buellton Wine & Chili Festival returns on Sunday, September 12 from 12-4:30pm. Back with a new venue, and over 30 wineries and craft breweries and spirit companies to sample from, this festival will be packed with family friendly … Continue reading →

ParadICE celebrates their 3 year anniversary Sunday, September 5st at their shop in Paseo Nuevo with live hula dancing from 2-4pm, by Hula Anyone. Three years ago, two Santa Barbara locals, and long time friends Lee Jacobs and Marek Nold … Continue reading →

Assemblyman Steve Bennett has selected Draughtsmen Aleworks as the 2021 Small Business of the Year for the 37th Assembly District. Draughtsmen Aleworks opened its first taproom in Goleta, CA in 2015, focusing on craft beer. Since then, not only has … Continue reading →

In August 2020 I wrote that Fosters Freeze at 5205 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria had closed and that Katherine & Jason Lesh, who own the Farm Cart on Carpinteria Avenue, have rented the space and will be turning it into … Continue reading →

Reader Oxmyx let me know that the Michelin Guide, which first included South Coast restaurants in 2019, added three for 2021: Bibi Ji: “This trendy Indian dining room makes quite a splash. Harnessing the best of land and sea, these … Continue reading →

Everytable restaurant which is coming soon to 1001 State Street, the former home of Saks Fifth Avenue, J.C. Penny, Wells Fargo Bank, and Crocker Bank, appears to have completed construction. The eatery will be sharing space with Amazon which occupies … Continue reading →

In June I wrote that Wingstop, which opened next to La Cumbre Plaza in February, will be opening a second area location at 888 Embarcadero Del Norte Ste. C in the former home of Subway and, decades ago, Taco Bell. … Continue reading →

This just in from the Centennial Beer Hall at 5871 Hollister Avenue in Goleta (formerly Mercury Lounge and Gus’s Cocktails): “Get ready everyone, we are opening this week! Come out and see us and the brand new bar Wednesday-Sundays! This … Continue reading →

Event co-chairs Karen Johnson and Peter Wright invite the community to the 2021 Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic on August 28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. outdoors on the beautiful, shaded grounds of St. Mark’s Church, located at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue in … Continue reading →

Reader Kim says that she heard Via Maestra 42 at 3343 State Street had sold after 21 years to its original manager. Ownership has confirmed this with the follow message for you: My wife, Lisa, and I can’t thank the … Continue reading →

Reader Eric let me know that Santa Barbara Wine Therapy at 732 State Street has paper over the front windows. The business is under the same ownership as nearby Cruisery which continues to be open. Reader Adrian then forwarded me … Continue reading →

Reader Mike tells me that a second Goleta location for Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming to 145 North Fairview Avenue next to Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch and I confirmed that the eatery is on their way. Started at the Jersey … Continue reading →

Little Dom’s Seafood at 686 Linden Avenue in Carpinteria is the newest concept from Executive Chef Brandon Boudet and restaurateur Warner Ebbink. The two long-time business partners adopted the Carpinteria-area as a second home last July and together, aspire to … Continue reading →

S.Y. Kitchen at 1110 Faraday Street in Santa Ynez is now home to a newly reconfigured back courtyard. Construction began last April with a floor-to-ceiling overhaul of the additional outdoor dining area. Concrete bricks have replaced the formerly unpaved gravel … Continue reading →