Here is a message to you from Philippe Rousseau, owner of Le Cafe Stella at 3302 McCaw Avenue: Last call ! After calling the Le Cafe Stella location home for the past 22 years, we will be shutting our doors … Continue reading →

Reader Sharon C. says that she recently stopped by Kyle’s Kitchen at 7000 Hollister Avenue in Goleta and noticed that the neighboring space, previously occupied by Sup & Jus and Kyle’s Protein Grill, is now the home of “Kyle’s Tap … Continue reading →

Rite Aid, home to the $1.99 per scoop Thrifty Ice Cream, has announced that their most popular flavor, Mint Chip, has returned after a two month absence. I am told that there was a supply issue with the chocolate chips … Continue reading →

Matt Kettmann at the Santa Barbara Independent reports that after nearly a quarter-century of brewing beers, serving burgers, and showcasing bands, the original owners of the Brewhouse are selling their popular restaurant and brewery at 229 West Montecito Street.

Reader JP forwarded me this message from Beans BBQ that says that the last day of their 1230 State Street restaurant, which opened last March, will be October 1, 2022. Their catering business will continue as usual. It is with … Continue reading →

Reader Mo tells me that Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant at 254 Orange Avenue in Goleta, which closed after a kitchen fire in December 2020, is planning to reopen in late October or early November. The family behind the business decided to … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Primetime: The Jeannine’s at the Shore beautifully decorated lilac bike has been stolen from the restaurant on Cabrillo Blvd. at State St. in Santa Barbara. Heartbroken owner Alison Hardy has offered a reward if you … Continue reading →

Reader Wendy noticed this message from Beans BBQ on Instagram. They opened last March at 1230 State Street in the space once occupied by Saigon: As many of you can imagine, rent on State Street is no small feat, and … Continue reading →

This just in from Chris Chiarappa, co-founder of Mesa Burger: Restaurant Guy, It is with an extremely heavy heart that we are announcing the permanent closure of our Montecito location. We will be forever grateful to all our wonderful guests … Continue reading →

A reader provides more information about the recently closure of Marty’s: TO: The Restaurant Guy. Thanks for you continued reporting of the local food scene. In your column in this week’s INDY the ‘assumed’ closing of Marty’s Pizza was mentioned. … Continue reading →

Campo del Sol, a new Mexican restaurant concept from the chef and partnership team behind Coast Range & Vaquero Bar, opened on September 9th in the former Succulent Café space in the heart of downtown Solvang at 1555 Mission Drive. … Continue reading →

Here is a list of area eateries that have closed in the last year: September 2022: Mesa Burger, 1209 Coast Village Rd., Montecito; Saigon, 3987 State St. (moving to 721 Chapala St.); Tap Thai Cuisine, 3130 State St. (changing to … Continue reading →

In October 2010 I was the very first customer for Tap Thai Cuisine when they arrived in Santa Barbara at 2611 De la Vina Street. In April 2014 they moved to 3130 State Street, the former home of Brummis, and … Continue reading →

Outback Steakhouse at 5690 Calle Real in Goleta closed their doors in November 2017 after decades in business. The property had remained an empty shell until recently when construction began on “The Landing” which will be a taproom/restaurant brought to … Continue reading →

Presented by animal advocacy organization Vegan Outreach, the 3rd Annual Santa Barbara Vegan Chef Challenge runs through October 1-31. As veganism becomes more mainstream, restaurants nationwide are adding options to accommodate their growing number of vegan patrons. Vegan Chef Challenge … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Roger: Five Points update: 1) The sign for La Salsa has now been REMOVED. Paper sign in the window says GRACIAS. It doesn’t look like La Salsa is reopening. 2) Nearby at Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant, … Continue reading →

Last February Matt Kettmann at the Santa Barbara Independent reported that local pioneering vintners Rick and Diana Longoria, who opened their winery in Lompoc in 1982, are selling their eponymous brand — complete with winemaking facilities, tasting room, equipment, offices, … Continue reading →

It appears that Marty’s Pizza at 2733 De la Vina Street, a local icon since 1984, has closed. In April I reported that its building is slated to be demolished as part of a De la Vina Street bridge replacement … Continue reading →

Lao Thai Restaurant, offering Laotian and Thailand cuisine, has opened in the Shepherd Center at 1017 Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria, the former home of Phoevermore which closed last January.  The ambiance is casual with just a few wall hangings … Continue reading →

Pizza My Heart at 6533 Trigo Road in Isla Vista has closed. The restaurant opened in October 2012. Rumor has it that a dispensary will replace it though reader Eric says the space is still listed as available for lease.

Reader Primetime let me know that IHOP at 4765 Calle Real in Goleta has closed. The IHOP at 1701 State Street (RIP Frimples) is open for business as usual. The former Goleta IHOP property now begins a transition to become … Continue reading →

Crush Bar at 1129A State Street has announced that Duane Johnson, aka Drag Queen Star Vivian Storm, will be joining the Crush Bar Team. “As our new General Manager, DJ will be focusing on Crush Bar our Bar Events, staffing … Continue reading →

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is hosting the “Chefs of Ritz-Carlton” dining series on Friday, September 16th. Chefs from other California Ritz-Carlton properties including The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton, Half-Moon Bay and The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage join the culinary team at … Continue reading →

After a nice prime rib dinner at Joe’s Café, I was wandering downtown and noticed that Japanese restaurant Mokutan has opened at 716 State Street, the former home of Choppa Poke which closed their Santa Barbara location last December. Kai … Continue reading →

Reader David sent me a photo of a Corazon sign being installed on the front of the building at M.Special, 634 State Street. I called the brewery and they said that Corazon, a popular local eatery, is taking over just … Continue reading →

Reader Matt says that a new restaurant named Kaz ToGo Japanese Food has opened at 3613 State Street, the former home of Vegan GreenGo.

This just in from reader Heidi: “Last week, the owner at Plaza Deli said his rent was in the neighborhood of $14k-15k/month, and he has found a buyer, but the La Cumbre Plaza landlord wants to increase the rent upon … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Brendan: “The ParadICE shave ice and Hustle & Grind coffee place in Paseo Nuevo appears to have closed. A note on the door says something about the difficulty of running the business while raising kids … Continue reading →

Reader Terry passed the word that the Funk Zone’s popular Brass Bear Brewing Company is opening a second location at 3302 McCaw Avenue, the current home of Café Stella.

This just in from reader Brendan: “Kyle’s Chicken House in Isla Vista has apparently closed. The space is cleared out and vacant with leasing signs all around.” KCH opened at 900 Embarcadero Del Mar in November 2021 replacing Kyle’s Kitchen, which itself … Continue reading →

Last June I announced that Fresco Cafe is leaving their longtime home in Five Points Shopping Center for a new place and now reader Primetime says that the eatery has landed next to the Lobero Theatre at 23 East Canon … Continue reading →

Word is that the new Happy Hour at Pascucci restaurant has been so well received, they have extended the hours. I am told that it is now Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and includes a house margarita, well cocktails, … Continue reading →

A rumor now circulating around town is that the next tenant at 224 Helena Avenue in the Funk Zone, the soon-to-be-former home of Seven Bar & Kitchen, will be a sushi restaurant. I wonder if it could be Silvers Omakase? Silvers … Continue reading →

HI John We’re excited for Fiesta, and our kitchen staff will be having some fun, we’re mixing it up a little! In addition to our regular menu, our kitchen manager, Timmy will be making his famous chicken enchiladas, and tortilla … Continue reading →

Reader Primetime spotted a beer & wine permit application on the wall at Mony’s Mexican restaurant at 217 Anacapa Street in the Funk Zone. Mony’s offer many Mexican dishes like enchiladas de mole, burritos, fajitas, nachos, chilaquiles, fajitas, and of … Continue reading →

Here is an announcement from Seven Bar & Kitchen at 224 Helena Avenue in the Funk Zone saying that they will be closing this month Seven Bar Family: Hello friends, Well, we’ve got some tough news for you… we will be … Continue reading →

In August 2021 I wrote that the Buellton Planning Commission is studying a proposal for the development of an In-N-Out Burger at 515 McMurray Road, the home of the closed Parks Plaza Theatre. The eatery would have 36 patio dining … Continue reading →