Last July I wrote that Santa Barbara staple Judge For Yourself Café, at 1218 Santa Barbara Street, had a for-sale sign in the window even though the restaurant was still open. I called the business at the time and was … Continue reading →

Pacific Pickle Works of Santa Barbara, which makes pickled vegetables, condiments and drink mixers, will launch two new pickle products at the upcoming Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas. This event is hosted by the Specialty Food Association. “We’re constantly … Continue reading →

While attending a pre-opening event recently at The Ellwood, coming soon to the former home of the Beachside Bar-Cafe at Goleta Beach, I was told that the opening day would be January 22. Reader Chompee McGillicutty says that the opening … Continue reading →

The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced a special week-long event: a seven-day celebration of dining and beverage artistry in conjunction with the restaurant owners of the Lompoc Valley. Lompoc Restaurant Week is scheduled for Monday, February 17, through … Continue reading →

The Breakwater Restaurant at 107 Harbor Way, which came under new ownership last year, is closing for a few months to implement planned changes. “Looks like we will be closing the Breakwater after this weekend for our renovations” says new … Continue reading →

Reader Tony W. tells me that Masala Spice has opened at 1919 Cliff Drive, the former home of Mesa Verde restaurant which closed last July after ten years in business. This will be a second location for Masala Spice which … Continue reading →

Reader Primetime tells me that Elubia’s Kitchen at 325 Rutherford Street in Goleta, is opening a second location at 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Pueblo Pollo, Checo’s Mexican restaurant, Mojo, 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean … Continue reading →

Mother Dough Bagels has opened at 604 Santa Barbara Street, the former home of Australian coffee house Recipes Bakery & Gifts which closed last year after a dozen years in business. “We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone … Continue reading →

Reader Steven V. tells me that Poke Waves at 4791 Calle Real in Noleta (near the old IHOP, which is becoming a Chick-fil-A) has a new offering:  sushi by the piece or pound. Poke Waves was founded by Shu Du … Continue reading →

The Ellwood restaurant and bar is scheduled to open January 22 at Goleta Beach, replacing the iconic Beachside Bar-Cafe. Here is a video walk-thru taken during a pre-opening event. https://youtu.be/4E4AO9HlbGE

On Tuesday, January 21, participating local McDonald’s restaurants will celebrate the creation of the iconic breakfast item, the Egg McMuffin, with a $2 offer all day with a maximum of 5. The Egg McMuffin was invented more than 50 years … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen, which opened at 791 Chapala Street in April 2017, has closed after nearly 8 years in business. “I wanted to let you know that we closed our Kyle’s Kitchen location on Chapala at the beginning of the year, … Continue reading →

Stella Mare’s next to the Bird Refuge closed at the end of the year after 29 years in business. “You have become part of our Stella family, celebrating holidays and special occasions with us,” says owners Kym and Philippe Rousseau. … Continue reading →

Reader Leslie D. forwarded me a messages from Jeannine’s Bakery on upper State Street  The oldest Jeannine’s location is getting a fresh new look. They are closed until Spring, transforming it into a full bakery. TO OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS. The … Continue reading →

Reader Primetime sent me a photo of a sign posted at Dawn Patrol, located at 324 State Street, that indicates they have closed. The eatery opened in June 2015. Dear Dawn Patrollers: We have decided not to renew our lease … Continue reading →

The Ellwood, coming to 905 Sandspit Road in Goleta, the former home of Beachside Bar-Café, will undoubtedly be the South Coast’s biggest restaurant opening in 2025. Late January is the current target date. Today The Restaurant Guy sat down with … Continue reading →

The Ellwood, coming to 905 Sandspit Road in Goleta, the former home of Beachside Bar-Café, will undoubtedly be the South Coast’s biggest restaurant opening in 2025. Late January is the current target date. Today The Restaurant Guy sat down with … Continue reading →

The Ellwood, coming to 905 Sandspit Road in Goleta, the former home of Beachside Bar-Café, will undoubtedly be the South Coast’s biggest restaurant opening in 2025. Late January is the current target date. Today The Restaurant Guy sat down with … Continue reading →

The Biltmore is supposed to reopen in 2025. Reader IMissRexOfSB recently sent me a link to a Facebook page that talks about Nobu coming to the Biltmore. It seems to have rumor status at this point. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1623486265098476&id=149659262481191

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: Apertivo, 413 State St. (formerly Taza) Big T’s Deli, 38 W. … Continue reading →

Leslie Dinaberg at the Santa Barbara Independent offers an update about The Post complex coming to Los Patos Way next to the bird refuge. Regarding food and drink options, Dinaberg writes that Ospi is coming to The Post in early … Continue reading →

Hello John, I wanted to let you readers know that Ca’ Dario restaurants will have a special menus for New Year’s Eve. Ca’ Dario Montecito, 4 course prix fixe $120/person Ca’ Dario Victoria St., 3 course prix fixe $90/person Ca’ … Continue reading →

Ready to say goodbye to 2024? Join us at the Anchor Rose for a spectacular New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party! Celebrate with your loved ones under the stars from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Enjoy electrifying beats by Scott Topper … Continue reading →

My foodie duties for the year wouldn’t be complete without summarizing activity at food & drink destinations on the South Coast: there were 48 openings of food and drink destinations while 30 locations closed. THE PEA SOUP ANDERSEN’S EXPLOSION: The … Continue reading →

If you are looking for a place to eat on Christmas Day, The Restaurant Guy discovered a rule of thumb a few years ago that might help you find an answer: think Chinese restaurants or eateries that are inside hotels … Continue reading →

Hi John, Happy Holidays! I am excited to share that my husband and I just opened up a tasting room, Loubud Wines, in downtown Santa Barbara. Loubud is centrally located off State Street and De La Viña, in the courtyard … Continue reading →

This just in from Sushi Bar 29 at 1134 Chapala Street: Hi John, This is Denise from Sushi Bar 29. Hope everything goes well with you and your family. There are few things about our restaurant I would like to … Continue reading →

RH Firehouse Grill opened at 1486 East Valley Road on December 14 and reader Peter T. shared some photos of the pre-opening party which reveals some familiar faces. https://bfa.com/events/48055

This just in from Brass Bear Uptown: Hey John! Wanted to let you know that due to the success of our Thanksgiving Buffet and persistent requests we are offering our first Christmas Eve buffet this year!  Seating times are 2-7pm, … Continue reading →

Hello John, I just wanted to inform your readers that Ca’ Dario Montecito (1187 Coast Village Rd) will be serving a special 4 course prix fixe dinner for $110 person. Ca’ Dario Ristorante (37 E Victoria St) will be serving … Continue reading →

Owner Christina Olufson replied to my inquiry and tells me that Bossie’s Kitchen has reopened on Milpas Street: Hi John, Thank you so much for reaching out. It’s certainly taken a bit longer than anticipated to re-open, but we’re excited … Continue reading →

Here is a message for you from Stella Mare’s which closes at the end of the year after 29 years in business: Dear Stella family and friends, It is time to say au revoir. For over 29 years, we have … Continue reading →

Wingstop has opened at 129 North Fairview Avenue, between Miner’s Ace Hardware and Panda Express. This is the popular chicken chain’s third South Coast location, with other outlets at 888 Embarcadero del Norte in Isla Vista and 3849 State Street, … Continue reading →

Here is a message about the Los Patos Way complex next to the Bird Refuge: Hi John, Do you have these? TWO of ‘em. Both coming to Los Patos Way by the Bird Refuge. Little King Coffee. 2nd location, first … Continue reading →

Sources tell me that Black Sheep restaurant at 18 East Cota Street has finally acquired a liquor license and that a full bar will be available in about 45 days.

Last July I broke the news that the Palace Grill at 8 East Cota Street planned to close in September after 39 years in business. In October I wrote that owners Michael and Sandy DeRousse had sold the iconic eatery … Continue reading →

Last week I mentioned that Big T’s Deli is coming the Santa Barbara Public Market. Public Market  co-owner Travis Twinning sent me an update: Hi John, I wanted to share some important updates regarding the restaurant. Wexler’s, despite having a … Continue reading →

Reader John S. let me know that J’s Hot Chicken is now open inside Dave’s Drip House at 199 South Turnpike Road Ste. 104. “Dave has launched a brand-new concept inside Dave’s Drip House – J’s Hot Chicken,” says the … Continue reading →

A pair of restaurants open this week in Montecito, one in the Upper Village and the other on Coast Village Road. Clark’s Oyster Bar, with locations in Austin, Aspin, and Houston, debuted on the South Coast at 1212 Coast Village … Continue reading →

Here is an update from reader Peter T. RH Firehouse Grill has posted that they are opening at 1486 E Valley Road on December 14. Clark’s Oyster Bar has posted that they are opening at 1212 Coast Village Road on … Continue reading →