Vegan Outreach, an international nonprofit, is coordinating an event in Santa Barbara called the Vegan Chef Challenge, taking place now through September30, offering special vegan menu options all over Santa Barbara. Diners have the opportunity to go visit restaurants, enjoy … Continue reading →

Here is a message from Padaro Beach Grill: Good morning John, I wanted to let you know that Padaro Beach Grill is participating in the SB Vegan Challenge during the month of September. We have added the following new entrees … Continue reading →

Reader Roger P. Let me know that, during the afternoons, Patio Cafe at 3007 De la Vina Street now becomes “Big Boss Burgers” from 4-10:30 p.m. daily. From Roger P. : I think it just opened a week ago. It … Continue reading →

Reader Harley H. tells me that Etty’s Jewish Deli & Bakery has opened inside the Jewish Federation building at 524 Chapala Street. “We can’t wait to welcome you to our kosher-style deli in downtown Santa Barbara!” says the eatery. “Due … Continue reading →

Writer George Yatchisin at the Santa Barbara Independent says that an immersive evening of entertainment is coming to Santa Barbara this September 12-14 as part of a touring show called the “Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy.” Yatchisin says that attendees of … Continue reading →

Last May, reader Primetime told me that one of the oldest restaurants in Santa Barbara, Arnoldi’s Café at 600 Olive Street, which was founded by Giuseppe and Ilda Arnold in 1937, has closed after the death of co-owner David Peri. … Continue reading →

Last December I broke the news that Santa Barbara’s wildly popular Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen at 35 State Street is coming to Goleta’s Camino Real Marketplace where Hollister Brewing Company used to be at 6980 Market Place Drive. Construction is … Continue reading →

In July I broke the very sad news that the Palace Grill at 8 East Cota Street would be closing on September 8, 2024. The family behind the iconic eatery now tells me that the restaurant will continue operating through … Continue reading →

Last May reader Primetime told me that one of the oldest restaurants in Santa Barbara, Arnoldi’s Café, which was founded by Giuseppe and Ilda Arnold in 1937, at 421 East Cota Street, has closed after the death of co-owner David … Continue reading →

I am hearing that a current restaurant in town is planning to relocate to 2984 State Street, the former home of Pueblo Pollo and El Pollo Loco. Pueblo Pollo moved to Isla Vista last year then, sadly, closed last month. … Continue reading →

6578 Trigo Road strikes again. This high-turnover address in Isla Vista has added another name to its history books. Pueblo Pollo at 2984 State Street closed in August 2023 and moved to this restaurant graveyard last November. I was in … Continue reading →

This just in from the Petrini family: While my father initially opened Petrini’s Family Restaurant in 1958, and he and his two brothers ran the restaurant for many years, our family no longer is involved in the restaurant in any … Continue reading →

Rockin’ Yogurt, a mainstay of the downtown dessert scene since they opened in August 2007 at 620 State Street, closed their doors in April 2022. While wandering downtown recently I noticed that the windows were papered over. Looking through a … Continue reading →

I also discovered that “El Chisme Crepe’s & More” opened in Paseo Nuevo last May, in the former home of Santa Barbara Sweets. The owners of  Santa Barbara Sweets also operate El Chisme, and used to run Elena’s Kitchen on … Continue reading →

Few confections are as comforting as donuts so when a new shop comes to town, especially just a block away from The Restaurant Guy family home, I like to celebrate. The San Luis Obispo Donut Company, referred to as “Slodoco,” … Continue reading →

In April 2022 I broke the news that Montecito Wine Bistro at 516 San Ysidro Road Montecito was in talks to be acquired and eventually a sign appeared indicating that the next tenant will be East Valley Kitchen. Not much … Continue reading →

In April I broke the news that Cagami Ramen, a popular restaurant in Camarillo that serves authentic Japanese Ramen Noodle, is planning to open a location in Goleta near Smart & Final. I put out follow-ups that the owner of … Continue reading →

Plant-based Oliver’s restaurant at 1198 Coast Village Road, which spent 5 years remodeling the former home of Peabody’s, before opening in October 2017, closed last April. While driving along Coast Village Road I saw that remodeling has begun for what … Continue reading →

Mexican eatery Santa Playa Mariscos, coming to 1230 State Street and brought to you by the same owner of Yona Redz, looks ready to go but has not yet opened.

This fall, the Academy Award-winning film, SIDEWAYS, will stream on Hulu in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Hitching Post Wines has partnered with Searchlight Pictures to showcase Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, the wine featured in the movie. The Highliner … Continue reading →

Vegan Outreach, an international nonprofit, is coordinating an event in Santa Barbara next month called the Vegan Chef Challenge. Join the VCC September 1-30 for an entire month of new vegan options all over Santa Barbara. During this time, restaurants … Continue reading →

This just in from local entrepreneur Dudley Michael: We have acquired the Breakwater Restaurant on the harbor and soon will be bringing Santa Barbara the waterfront dinning experience it deserves. We are beyond excited to add it to our portfolio … Continue reading →

Once upon a time there was a technology, popular nationwide, that everyone in Santa Barbara used to get their dining information. This proven information delivery system was called “the phone book.” In the summer of 1994 a new website named … Continue reading →

Here is a press release from Little Dom’s in Carpinteria: Little Dom’s Seafood is continuing its annual BBQ Series on Saturday, August 10th from 12pm – 4pm! Possible to share this news with your readers? See additional details on the … Continue reading →

Here is a tip from reader Elvis: Good news about Cody’s. In addition to really lovely, fresh cafe cuisine, they now are offering beer, a very pleasant Chardonnay, and tasty Mimosas, of which I had several today.

Here is a press-release from Los Agaves: We’re excited to introduce our newly designed bar at Los Agaves De La Vina, just in time for your Fiesta celebrations! We’ve transformed our space to bring you a modern aesthetic vibe – … Continue reading →

Aside from Bristol Farms, do you know anywhere else that does a Hatch Chili Roasting event in their Parking lot during the roasting season? With Bristol Farms, you have to buy a 25lb box for $50 and get them roasted … Continue reading →

Reader Don let me know that Pickles & Swiss at 7060 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, next to Smart & Final, has closed. Rumor has it that it was because of a rent increase. A month or so ago reader IMissRexOfSB … Continue reading →

The Restaurant Guy will join the Gary and Catherine in the Morning show on KLITE 101.7, offering a weekly food news segment every Thursday morning. The start date is tentatively set for August 15 around 8:15 a.m. The Gary and … Continue reading →

Nick The Greek opened last April at 508 State Street, the former long-time home of Natural Cafe. The website “Eat This” has published a story about how the fast-growing Greek chain has announcing a major expansion of their business. https://www.eatthis.com/nick-the-greek-new-store-openings/

Hello John! I have a question coming from nostalgia. Just wondering if you know what happened to the little fountain that used to be inside the old Montecito Cafe, near the entrance? My wife and I enjoyed many meals there … Continue reading →

This just in from reader JPS: “I order a lot through delivery apps as I don’t drive. I ordered tacos from SB Food Connection on Milpas and it was rejected, saying they were too busy to accept orders at this … Continue reading →

Reader Primetime tells me that there will be 10 food vendors at El Mercado in De la Guerra Plaza during Fiesta. I looked at a my video of El Mercado from just a few years ago and I counted at … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Primetime: “White Caps Beach Club has opened a second location at 120 E. Yanonali Street in the Funk Zone. The prior business there rented small motorized buggies for tourists. Elubia’s Kitchen is also expected to … Continue reading →

Opening downstairs in the space on first floor, immediately below Anchor Rose will soon become Dive Restaurant and Bar. This means that Santa Barbara will officially have a “Dive Bar!” The new eatery will be a memorial to past and … Continue reading →

In April I broke the news that Cagami Ramen, a popular restaurant in Camarillo that serves authentic Japanese Ramen Noodle, is planning to open a location in Goleta. In May I put out an update  that they opening near Smart … Continue reading →

Reader Annie sent me a photo of Judge For Yourself Cafe at 1218 Santa Barbara Street that has a “For Sale” sign in the window. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a for-sale sign in a restaurant window in Santa … Continue reading →

Reader Cris S. let me know that owners Michael and Sandy DeRousse have announced that their iconic Palace Grill in downtown Santa Barbara will be closing Sunday, September 8th, after 39 years in business. This is so sad. Like you, … Continue reading →

Reader Corinne says that Old Town Coffee inside Mosaic Locale at 1131 State Street has closed. Google says they are closed temporarily. The Goleta location appears to be open as usual. Reader Jessica says that Buena Onda closed there as … Continue reading →

Reader Suzzette S. says that the Pang Zi Noodle Shop appears to be open. It is located at the corner Nogal Street and Hollister Avenue in the former home of Munchiez which moved to De la Vina Street.