The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel, will debut this spring in Goleta at 5490 Hollister Avenue, formerly known as Pacifica Suites, and bring with it a new restaurant named “Terra.” Originally purchased in the late 1860s by pioneer horticulturist … Continue reading →

Clay Holdren, namesake owner of Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood at 512 State Street, sent me a  message this morning: The 20th anniversary menu at Holdren’s went so well, I have decided to extend it through the month of March starting … Continue reading →

Pascucci at 509 State Street is celebrating its 30-year anniversary and as a special thank you to their loyal customers they are having a “30×30” promotion, offering their top-30 selling items for 30% off of lunch and dinner, every day, … Continue reading →

The Daily Mail reports that Ellen DeGeneres was seen taking a tour of the future home of East Valley Kitchen (formerly Montecito Wine Bistro and Cafe del Sol), with new owner Graham Duncan, raising speculation that she might be a … Continue reading →

Jordano’s Foodservice has grown to become the premier distributor of food, beverages, and culinary equipment in Central and Southern California. Numerous Santa Barbara restaurants depend on Jordano’s and its sister business, Pacific Beverage. To keep up with the growth, Jordano’s … Continue reading →

It’s not Earth-shattering news but in case you’re interested… Starbucks at 539 State Street, where State Street crosses Cota Street, has switched to take-out-only and removed all chairs from the building. The other downtown Starbucks at 1235 State Street, where … Continue reading →

Everytable restaurant is coming to 1001 State Street, the former home of Saks Fifth Avenue, J.C. Penny, Wells Fargo Bank, and Crocker Bank. The eatery will be sharing space with Amazon which occupies most of the building. On August 19, … Continue reading →

In September 2021 reader Brendan let me know that Belching Dragon Tavern is coming to 800 State Street, the former home of Starbucks and Weston’s Camera, at the corner of State and De la Guerra. I stopped by the other … Continue reading →

Readers Steve H., Christine K., and Jonathan L. suggest that a region centered on the 1000 block of State Street is becoming Santa Barbara’s Little Italy. Earlier this month Steve H. let me know that an Italian restaurant is coming … Continue reading →

This just in from Sushi Bar 29 (formerly Yume Sushi) at 1134 Chapala Street: Hi Restaurant Guy, I would like to share a dinner happy hour deal at Sushi Bar 29 with you. Happy hour is from 5 pm to … Continue reading →

Juice Ranch, which has locations in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, and Solvang, has fully revamped their menu and are now serving more food items that go well beyond juice & smoothies. Having started with cold-press juices and elixirs, they now … Continue reading →

Cuyama Buckhorn, a roadside inn & restaurant at 4923 Primero Street in New Cuyama, is partnering with Santa Barbara’s La Paloma Cafe for a weekend celebrating the coast and the valley of Santa Barbara County.  The weekend, taking place Friday, … Continue reading →

A new Happy Hour has arrived downtown. The Black Sheep “SB Brasserie,” which opened last December at 18 East Cota Street, has introduced their Apero Prix Fixe Early Dinner, offered nightly from 5-6 p.m. The three-course meal is available for … Continue reading →

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, David Back and Monika Draggoo, owners of Santo Mezcal (119 State Street) have opened Maiz Picante Taqueria at 2714 De la Vina Street, the former longtime home of Daniel’s Mexican Bakery. The new restaurant … Continue reading →

Here is an announcement from Augie’s of Santa Barbara at 700 State Street: Come Spoil Your Sweetheart at Augie’s! Augie’s is hosting a mouthwatering three course dining experience this Valentines day to spread the love within this community we adore … Continue reading →

The Red Pepper Restaurant at 282 Orange Avenue in Goleta closed in April 2019 after decades in business. On July 28, 2020, the restaurant had a grand opening under new ownership. They added a second location at 966 Embarcadero Del … Continue reading →

This just in from Ellen H.: Got an Instagram that State and Fig [at 1114 State Street Ste. 18] (our favorite place which stopped serving dinners during the pandemic and was doing lunch and weekend brunch only) is starting up … Continue reading →

Hana Kitchen at 503 State Street (formerly Mac’s Fish & Chip Shop, Chilango’s Mexican Restaurant, and The Open Door) posted a sign on February 4th that they are closed for a remodel and they were still closed as of the … Continue reading →

Here is news sent to me from Little Dom’s Seafood at 686 Linden Avenue in Carpinteria: Little Dom’s Seafood is once again offering its annual Mardi Gras feast of iconic Cajun and creole-inspired dishes! Leading up to Fat Tuesday, New … Continue reading →

I am more than a little bit late with this story. After visiting my mom in Montecito recently, I stopped by Pierre Lafond (my go-to place for candy while attending nearby Montecito Union Elementary School back in the day) and … Continue reading →

Reader Jonathan L. sent me a message: “A new restaurant opened yesterday (Wednesday) called Gala across the street from La Paloma. The old crepe place but totally remodeled and very hip vibe.” Consequently I stopped by Gala at 705 Anacapa … Continue reading →

Reader Steve H. reminded me that IHOP is having Pancake Day again this year, on Tuesday February 28. “Get a short stack for free, and please make a donation to charity while you’re there,” he says. Visit IHOP locally at … Continue reading →

Any info on Super Bowl group meals? Trying to feed 20 people without breaking the bank. – Curtis

This just in from Clay Holdren, namesake owner of Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood at 512 State Street, the former home of the original Joe’s Cafe (Joe’s original wooden bar, pictured below, lives on at Holdren’s): “Hey John, Holdren’s is 20 … Continue reading →

The Red Pepper Restaurant at 282 Orange Avenue in Goleta closed in April 2019 after decades in business. On July 28, 2020, the restaurant had a grand opening under new ownership. They added a second location at 966 Embarcadero Del … Continue reading →

Reader Steve C. let me know the Dawn Cafe and Drift Bar have opened at 524 State Street as part of the new Drift hotel announced here in July 2021. “The California light warms our coffee shop, Dawn, in a … Continue reading →

The Ballard Inn’s new restaurant “Plume” has opened. The Ballard Inn is located at 2436 Baseline Avenue in Ballard. Call (805) 688-7770. Courtesy

This just in from reader David P.: Hi John, I see there’s a Three Pickles sign up at the former South Coast Deli location at Chapala and Micheltorena [1436 Chapala Street]. That was fast. As Hamlet says, “a little month!” … Continue reading →

Central Coast Chef Michael Cherney and his wife, Sarah Cherney, owners of the Solvang restaurant Peasants Feast is having a grand opening of a new arcade on Thursday, February 9. The family-friendly entertainment space adjoins the group’s downtown Solvang peasants … Continue reading →

Celebrate Valentine’s Day all week long at Santo Mezcal at 119 State Street from February 10-14. Enjoy their Valentine’s Day menu and cocktail specials with your loved one. No reservations necessary. Santo Mezcal Valentine’s Day cocktails include: Bitter Love (Tequila … Continue reading →

Flor De Maiz at 29 East Cabrillo Boulevard is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a 3-course Valentine’s menu being offered the whole week of February 10-14  featuring favorites like ceviches, Surf & Turf, and Rack of Lamb. Guests can also enjoy … Continue reading →

Lompoc Restaurant Week is returning this month for a week-long celebration of culinary creativity. The event, taking place February 20-26, allows dining patrons to enjoy a price-fixed meal for one, a two-for-one dining special, or a tasting for $20.23. Participating … Continue reading →

Local Valentine’s Day news sources would certainly be negligent by not including Valentino’s Take & Bake at 4421 Hollister Avenue in Noleta. They will be serving up their famous pink heart shaped pizzas available in small, medium, large, and mega. … Continue reading →

Reader SB & Tahoe let me know that Maiz Picante Taqueria is coming to 2714 De La Vina Street, the former longtime home of Daniel’s Mexican Bakery. The property is between Handlebar Coffee and Edomasa. David Back is the registered … Continue reading →

Referral needed for a local event in March with numerous guests: 1. Taco bar caterer 2. Bartender (Margaritas) 3. Rental company for tables and chairs, twinkle lights, possibly canopies 4. Trailer-style portable restrooms 5. Valet car parkers 6. Hotel for … Continue reading →

This just in from Pascucci restaurant at 509 State Street: Hi John just wanted to let you know we brought back our 3 course prix-fixe dinner specials, with a few change. Diners will get a choice of our famous Caesar … Continue reading →

The 10,500-acre Alisal Ranch at 1054 Alisal Road in Solvang has announced the return of its “BBQ Bootcamp” experience, which will now be hosted three times a year. The first iteration for this year, held March 5-8, 2023, will be … Continue reading →

[Updated] Bedda Mia Italian restaurant at 1218 State Street suspended operations “temporarily” last month and posted a sign on the window that they will reopen this week. Reader Steve H. offers an update: “Bedda Mia, the Sicilian restaurant next to … Continue reading →

The Gleason Family Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley portfolio of brands (Roblar Winery and Vineyards, Refugio Ranch Vineyards, Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard) has officially announced the launch of food service at the hospitality group’s Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard, a … Continue reading →

Hi John, Not a tip, but a request for help. I’m trying to find a recipe or even an ingredient list for a dish I used to enjoy at Hector’s Mexican Restaurant, which was located in Goleta on Calle Real … Continue reading →