This just in from reader Mo: Hi John, Hope you’re doing well. Coming up on the holidays always reminds me of your Santa Clause phone line. I always had fun with you on that. Here’s the new news — from … Continue reading →

This just in from reader MicainSB: Hey John, I spoke to a worker in the long-empty space next door to the Public Market (38 West Victoria Street) and he told me that a restaurant named Buddy’s is going in. (I … Continue reading →

Executive chef Manny Diaz, co-owner of Azul Cocina and Cantina, has introduced a new concept in Downtown Santa Barbara, showcasing Mexican cuisine with a modern contemporary twist. Azul Cocina (unrelated to La Playa Azul) has opened at 7 East Anapamu … Continue reading →

This just in from Pascucci at 509 State Street: Hi John, We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for helping us celebrate our 30th anniversary this year! Next month we will be celebrating Happy Month. We have … Continue reading →

Little Dom’s Seafood, an Italian sea-to-table dining destination at 686 Linden Avenue in Carpinteria, is hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner on Friday, December 22. Traditionally served on Christmas Eve, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a … Continue reading →

L’antica Pizzeria da Michele at 1031 State Street is the first local restaurant to let me know their Christmas plans. They are offering a “Feast of the Seven Fishes” which includes a 7-course pasta tasting menu ($90) and wine pairing … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Rob: “Hey RG, Don’t know if you’ve seen/heard this, but Juniper on Fourth in Solvang shut its doors last week.” I have not yet confirmed the news. Chef Nathan Peitso’s new Solvang restaurant and bar … Continue reading →

Reader Adam B. says that real estate agent Caitlin Hensel has announced that Wingstop will becoming to the Fairview Shopping Center in a space between Miner’s Ace Hardware and Panda Express.

Dang Burger has opened in the Sunburst winery at 5080 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria, across from Jack’s Bagels. “Born from burger nights with friends, Dang Burger began popping up in the 805 area in mid-2020,” says co-owners Gil Craddock and … Continue reading →

Here is an update from Santa Barbara’s very own Brass Bear located uptown and in the Funk Zone: Hey John, I wanted to drop you a line on a few seasonal updates at the Brass Bears: Brass Bear Uptown is … Continue reading →

Each November my inbox is swamped with the same question: Which restaurants serve a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day? For the 17th year in a row, I made a hundred phone calls to find the answers, which I serve … Continue reading →

A regular customer of Augie’s at 700 State Street, that suspended service last September, tells me that they were told by an employee that the business is reopening this Friday, November 17. Update: Reader Peewee says Augie’s had planned on … Continue reading →

Last August I broke the news that Nick the Greek restaurant, offering “authentic Greek street food” is coming to 508 State Street, the former home of Natural Cafe. Opening is scheduled for early next year. The eatery is mostly located … Continue reading →

Like many dining establishments, the Treehouse Restaurant at 3860 State Street closed their doors in April 2020 when new COVID-19 rules went into effect. Unlike most, they never returned. On Halloween I visited Santa Barbara’s permanent ghost town, also known … Continue reading →

Here is a message I received from Little Dom’s in Carpinteria: We’re excited to share that seafood forward Carpinteria restaurant, Little Dom’s Seafood, is bringing back its annual Deep Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Feast. Outlining additional information below in case you’re … Continue reading →

Here is a question for you from reader Linda B. in Montecito: Can anyone find out why the Plow & Angel at San Ysidro ranch is closed and when it will reopen?

On November 23rd from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Chef Nathan Lingle at Finch & Fork will offer a Harvest Buffet including a raw bar with freshly shucked oysters. Offerings include poached shrimp; signature Deviled Eggs, Chicken Liver paté, Roasted Fig, … Continue reading →

Rori’s ice Cream is now offering two ice cream pies for Thanksgiving Day dessert. Their Maple Pecan Pie features Maple Pecan ice cream, and is topped with a molasses orange whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. The Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Dara: “Hi John! Emailed 7-Eleven again about status of Ellwood store (Store #13888, 7443 Hollister Ave, Goleta) and received this reply. I politely declined because I am happily and completely retired!! ‘FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY!! We are … Continue reading →

Pueblo Pollo at 2984 State Street closed last August and owner Tayyaba Tahir Malik tells me they opened last Friday at 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Checo’s Mexican restaurant, Mojo, 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Mickey: “Talked with some construction workers working at 3413 State Street, a couple doors down from Farmer Boy, saying they are working on a new wine bar, owned by owners of Via Maestra 42. Exciting … Continue reading →

Here is a press release from Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro: Renaud Gonthier, President of Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro, is thrilled to announce an alluring evening experience open on Friday and Saturday Nights. Already a local favorite known for its delightful … Continue reading →

Throughout November Pascucci is offering another round of celebrating their 30-year anniversary with 30% off their top 30 selling items for 30 days, excluding holidays. “We hit our 30-year milestone this year and celebrated back in March, but Santa Barbara … Continue reading →

Here is a message to you from Enrique Arreola at Del Pueblo Café in the Magnolia Shopping Center: “After 26 years October 27 was our last day in business under my direction. Comunidad/Community, Thank you. I am filled with gratitude … Continue reading →

Mollie Ahlstrand, formerly from Trattoria Mollie in Montecito and Mollie’s on State in Santa Barbara opened a new deli at 1039 Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria last August. The concept for Mollie’s Italian Deli came from her friend in Rome, … Continue reading →

Reader Steve H. forwarded me a photo of a story from Montecito Journal reporter Kelly Mahan Herrick that says that “Jemma Montecito” is the name of the the new restaurant coming to 1801 East Cabrillo Boulevard, next to the Bird … Continue reading →

Reader Lawrence let me know that Dang Burger is opening soon in the Sunburst winery at 5080 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria, across from Jack’s Bagels. Gil Craddock and Emery Hickenbotham are co-owners. I am told that they have been doing … Continue reading →

Pueblo Pollo at 2984 State Street closed last August. Reader Malik tells me they plan to reopen this month at 6578 Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Checo’s Mexican restaurant, Mojo, 805 Kabob, Lovin Oven Mediterranean Bakery … Continue reading →

The former home of Patxi’s Pizza, which closed at 515 State Street last July, is the new home of Santa Barbara Pizza House. “Grand Opening!” says owner Erin Khodabandehlou. “Right in the heart of beautiful Santa Barbara. Making both deep … Continue reading →

Reliable sources tell me that a new Starbucks coffee shop will be coming to 120 State Street near the waterfront, next to McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and Melville Winery. I am told that a February opening is most likely.

Reader Steve C. tells me that “The Store” at the Santa Barbara Harbor will be replaced by a clam bar and that it will be run by Brophy Bros., the wildly popular restaurant immediately upstairs.

Here is a press release from new restaurant “Juniper on Fourth” at 478 4th Place in Solvang: Chef Nathan Peitso’s new Solvang restaurant and bar project, Juniper on Fourth  is now open, bringing with it the best of Santa Barbara … Continue reading →

Here is a press release from Fess Parker Winery: CHEF IN RESIDENCE: JEREMY TUMMEL OF LA PALOMA CAFE Thursday, November 16th at Fess Parker Winery Join us as we kick off our Chef in Residence dinner series with Jeremy Tummel … Continue reading →

All Jeannine’s Bakery locations will be closed on Tuesday, October 24, in remembrance of Eleanor Hardy who has passed away. She, with her husband Gordon, bought the eatery in the 1980s after her daughter, Alison Hardy, fell in love with … Continue reading →

Hi John, Are restaurants serving spiny lobster now that the season is open? Friends are coming from out of town later this month and are hoping to enjoy local lobster, but we don’t know where to take them. Any suggestions? … Continue reading →

Reader Annie tells me that the former home of Patxi’s Pizza, which closed at 515 State Street last July, has signs up that it will be the future home of Santa Barbara Pizza House. Photo by Annie

In April 2022 I broke the news that the Santa Barbara Fish Market is coming to Goleta. Nearly two years in the making, the popular market and restaurant opens Saturday, October 14th at 7127 Hollister Avenue Ste. 18 in Goleta … Continue reading →

Eureka Burger at 601 Paseo Nuevo now has two happy hours: Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. until close.

Reader Primetime tells me that the Blue Owl is opening a location in the multi-tenant project coming to 700 Linden Avenue in Carpinteria next summer, where Bettina is one of the planned restaurants. I am hearing that it will be … Continue reading →

Seven Bar & Kitchen had to close their doors last year on Helena Street when their landlord decided they wanted to go in a different direction with new tenants. Fortunately they are making a comeback and their future home will … Continue reading →