KOZY Craft Coffee has opened at 6560 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Campus Point Coffee, Coffee Collaborative, and Java Jones. Kozy had a grand opening May 19 and I noticed that their menu includes traditional coffee,  … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Kim D. Hello Restaurant Guy, Here’s another tasty development happening in Carpinteria. Owners of SB hotspot, Revolver, are opening a sister restaurant at the site of the old Senor Frog’s on Linden Ave. “Linden Hall” … Continue reading →

This just in from Yellow Belly at 2611 De la Vina Street: Hi John! We (Yellow Belly) just wanted to let you know that we started brunch on Sunday’s! We serve all kinds of yummy breakfast and lunch items, as … Continue reading →

Santa Barbara Fish Market is coming to University Plaza next to the DMV in Goleta. The new location will be 7127 Hollister Avenue Ste. 18, the former home of La Bella Rosa Bakery (2016-2019), Cafe Zoma (2010-2011), and Mojo Coffee … Continue reading →

In April 2022 I broke the news that Shalhoob’s had signed a lease to take over 5112 Hollister Avenue in Noleta, the former home of Woody’s BBQ. Last March reader Steve H. sent me photos that suggests that construction is … Continue reading →

Reader Renee R. spotted architecture board of review plans for 1212 Coast Village Road in Montecito, the former home of Cava, that suggest Clark’s Oyster Bar will be the next tenant. Googling their name reveals the eatery currently has locations … Continue reading →

Little Dom’s Seafood, a popular locally-sourced seafood destination in Carpinteria, launched its first-ever Santa Maria Grill Summer Series over Memorial Day weekend. Little Dom’s Seafood co-owner, executive chef and grill expert, Brandon Boudet, pays homage to California’s signature barbecue style … Continue reading →

Over 10,000 beers from 2,376 breweries spanning 51 nations were judged by 272 judges at the World Beer Cup in Nashville, Tenn. I am told that the event is known as the most prestigious beer judging competition in the world. … Continue reading →

Readers asked why Lure Fish House in La Cumbre Plaza has been closed recently. I called their Ventura location and was told that the Santa Barbara outlet had a pipe leak that caused flooding and that they closed temporarily to … Continue reading →

I received stunning news from reader Marty C. early this afternoon: Fresco Cafe has closed permanently. The restaurant moved from their long time home in Five Points last year to the downtown area. Here is a message from management that … Continue reading →

Like many people on the South Coast, my family enjoyed spending the day at the I Madonnari festival at Old Mission Santa Barbara. The main draw for us is always the Rosemary Chicken and of course the artwork is pretty … Continue reading →

Reader Peter T. says that while when walking by Azul Cocina, coming to 7 East Anapamu Street, he noticed that there was plastic over the windows. Peter says that their website offers reservations (powered by Yelp) but when you try … Continue reading →

KEYT reports that Crush Bar at 1129-A State Street has closed. We broke the news in May 2021 that this sister business to Crush Cakes was taking over former home of Armada Wine Merchant. The Crush Bar space, popular with … Continue reading →

Reader Josh tells me that Chick-fil-A restaurant at 3707 State Street is closed for the next couple of months to redesign the entrance to the eatery to hopefully end the chronic problem of cars lining up on the street for … Continue reading →

Los Altos Mexican restaurant at 318 North Milpas Street has opened a second location at 5892 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, the former home of Mariscos Santa Barbara, Wingman Rodeo, Gimeal Cafe, and The Natural Cafe. Owner Alberto Gonzalez’s … Continue reading →

I have again been away from Santa Barbara the last few weeks but have returned for the next 10 days after which I’ll be gone for another week. I am meeting my friends in northern California, near Yreka, to say … Continue reading →

California Tacos and Taproom (not to be confused with Cal Taco which is open for business as usual) has closed their restaurant at 956 Embarcadero del Norte in Isla Vista. They opened in January 2019. This address is also the … Continue reading →

In January 2018, the 805 Deli at 135 East Carrillo Street closed and posted a sign that read “For all our customers, 805 Deli will be closed for the month of January for remodeling. We will be open February first.” … Continue reading →

SocialEats, an Instagram-ready food concept from Los Angeles-based hospitality group K2 Restaurants, is coming to 6521 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of South Coast Deli, Dirty’s, On The Side, Tasters, The Spot, Espresso Roma, McBurley’s as well … Continue reading →

I.V. Pizza and Pub has opened at 6533 Trigo Road Ste. 108 in Isla Vista, the former home of Pizza My Heart which closed last August. This new eatery is a sister restaurant to nearby I.V. Bagel Cafe, founded by … Continue reading →

KOZY Craft Coffee is coming to 6560 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Campus Point Coffee, Coffee Collaborative, and Java Jones. Kozy will have a grand opening on May 19 and their menu will include traditional coffee,  … Continue reading →

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has welcomed Dierberg Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard for their monthly wine pairing dinner series, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Dierberg Family Estate. Hosting on Thursday, May 25th at 6 p.m., the evening will be in … Continue reading →

The Santa Barbara Zoo has announced the return of Zoo Brew, the annual fundraiser that caters to beer and animal lovers alike. Zoo Brew will take place on Saturday, June 3 from 4-7 p.m., with a VIP hour from 3-4 … Continue reading →

Reader Wendy D.R. says that Goodland Waffles and Melts has opened inside Mosaic Locale at 1131 State Street. “Our waffles are unlike any waffle you’ve had before,” says their website goodlandwaffles.com. “Light, airy, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. From classic Belgian … Continue reading →

For those of you who use Axxess for their restaurant discounts, you should know that the service has been sold and is now known as Twism. Here is an update from the founder: Dear Friends, I started Axxess in 1999, … Continue reading →

Reader Claudia W. tells me that Corner Tap on the Mesa appears to be temporarily closed. Their Instagram says: “Sorry we are closed starting April 24 for a little renovation. A new decor and new menu! We are so excited … Continue reading →

Reader Claudia W. noticed there is a sign in the window on Calle Real, Goleta, for a new cookie store named Crumbl. This is located right next door to the UPS Store. Crumbl Cookies is a franchise chain of bakeries … Continue reading →

Creamistry, a high-end dessert destination at 935 State Street has closed after being in our neck of the woods since July, 2018. Fortunately, there are still 9 other locations in California plus a few in Georgia, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas.

Readers Stephanie S. and Sara tell me that Pokéwaves restaurant, offering sushi and poké, is going fill the vacant unit at Turnpike next to Starbucks at 4791 Calle Real #102 in Noleta. The eatery is owned by Shu Foods Inc. … Continue reading →

A Mother’s Day Brunch will be available at Bacara’s Angel Oak and The Bluff restaurants. It will be available from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m and costs $125 per adult, and $55 per child.

Reader Nobiak says that there is a sign for “Happy Cat Eats,” a new restaurant coming to 23 East Cabrillo Boulevard, next to Oku. This space was originally going to be a restaurant named “Leadbetter” and is the former home … Continue reading →

Lama Dog Tap Room has announced the return of its Charity Tap program, which donates 10% of proceeds from the charity tap to a local nonprofit. During the months of May and June, Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara will be … Continue reading →

El Encanto’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room, will be offering special menus for brunch and dinner on Mother’s Day. Moms can enjoy a brunch buffet that includes a raw bar with caviar, made-to-order eggs, a carving station, and a selection … Continue reading →

Here is an observation for you from reader Lynn: I’m not sure if this is still true, but I went by The Habit a couple weeks ago and they no longer have ahi tuna sandwiches nor do they have tuna … Continue reading →

I just returned from a vacation and will start posting all the news I have collected during the last week or so. I missed you!

This just in from reader Vincent: Hi John, Having lunch at Sushi Bar 29 today & find out they will be offering a great deal menu for upcoming Cinco de Mayo during May!! Along with appetizers, wine & house cold … Continue reading →

I have heard from a reliable source that Ty Warner’s Biltmore deal with Four Seasons is officially over as of today though apparently the resort is still listed at fourseasons.com. Four Seasons has been managing the Channel Drive property (where … Continue reading →

In January I wrote that the Santa Barbara City Council is allowing restaurants to continue using parklets on the street but they will no longer be free. Prices were originally to range from $3 per square foot per month to … Continue reading →

Draughtsmen Aleworks has opened in Solvang as of April 24 and will celebrate the grand opening of its third taproom on Tuesday, May 2 from 4-7 pm. Draughtsmen is a local maker of beer, wine, cider and hopped teas based … Continue reading →

Santa Ynez Valley’s Alisal Ranch has announced the second iteration of its BBQ Bootcamp experience for 2023 to be held May 7-10. The tri-annual event brings chefs and grill masters to the ranch, where they will prepare barbecue feasts, demonstrate … Continue reading →