Q. Hi, Jordan!
Just wanted you to know that after I fix my coffee, I read your blog! I look forward to it everyday. It’s like eating dessert first!
My husband and I are going to Santa Barbara in a couple of weeks for a much needed get away. I have never been and he has only been there for business. Any suggestions on where to eat, what to see? We will be there for 4 nights.
So excited about your baby!
Thanks,
Jennifer (from Houston)
Thank you so much – I’m so glad you like the site!
I LOVE Santa Barbara – it’s very glamorous and beachy at the same time. I wish I could give you specific places, but it’s been about five years since I’ve been there, so my memory is failing me. Honestly, though, it’s not a huge place: just park at one end of the main street and make your way north or south – the restaurants are all incredible, and the shopping is to die for (but very, very expensive, so choose wisely). There’s also a cute little movie theater in the square that I used to go to after dinner. I wish I could give you more specific advice – but let me post your question to see if anyone has tips for you!
Anyone been to Santa Barbara and have recommendations for Jennifer?
Image via.
[UPDATE] After the jump, a ton of great recs from reader Jill (via email)…
EAT/DRINK
The Hungry Cat http://www.thehungrycat.com/ – Locally sourced, inventive seafood.
Café Luck http://cafelucksb.com/ -Traditional, seasonal French home-style food. Comfortable, warm atmosphere. Pretty casual, great wine selection. I’ve never had a bad meal here. (also own Joe’s, the bar on the corner next to it)
Ca’Dario http://www.cadario.net/dinner.htm – Local family owned Italian. Great homemade pastas, excellent appetizers. Small, comfortable atmosphere.
Lucky http://luckys-steakhouse.com/ – Locally owned steak house. Fabulous higher end steak house, great wine list, amazing customer service. Also a great brunch destination. (same owner as Café Luck and Joe’s)
Pascucci http://www.pascuccirestaurant.com/– Great Italian lunch spot. I’ve been eating here since they opened Tres Formaggio Penne and Toscano Risotto are my favorites. Amazing bread for the table.
Bitterman’s Deli http://www.bittermans.com/ -Seinfeld themed Deli. Small deli, great for lunch. Next to Nordstrom. Always fresh and delicious. My favorite sandwich ever is the Palminteri- named after a local news anchor.
Brophy Brother’s- http://www.brophybros.com/ – Harbor view seafood restaurant. Legendary local restaurant, no reservations but worth the wait for either lunch or dinner. Awesome clam chowder and you can watch the boats unload the day’s catch.
El Paseo – Great local Mexican restaurant. Great atmosphere, tableside guacamole is a must. Great margaritas.
Blue Agave http://blueagavesb.com/ – Elegant but rustic local cuisine. Always great, menu changes all the time but I’ve never had a bad meal. Best for small groups.
The Palace http://palacegrill.com/ – New Orleans cuisine with a California twist. Great pepper martini, fun atmosphere. Their fried crawfish are great and they have a great assortment of homemade mini biscuits for the table.
Joe’s Café http://www.joescafesb.com/ – Historic Santa Barbara restaurant and bar. The food is fabulous and the bar scene is my favorite in SB. A mix of locals young and old! The drinks are the strongest in town!
The Nugget http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-nugget-summerland – Crunch Burger and a Bloody Cesar are all you need to know!
SEE
Lotusland http://www.lotusland.org/ – Truly one of the coolest places you will ever go, breathtakingly beautiful with a great backstory!
Old Mission Santa Barbara http://santabarbaramission.org/ – Beautiful gardens, year round and very representative of the gorgeous California missions.
Natural History Museum http://www.sbnature.org/ – Great museum!
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden http://www.sbbg.org/ – Beautiful year round.
SHOP
For shopping, you cannot go wrong with just wandering up and down State St. Lots of chains have started to move in, but there are still many great locally owned boutiques that sell the best in apparel, jewelry and home goods! Here are few favorites!
Wendy Foster http://www.wendyfoster.com/
A Tropical Affair http://www.atropicalaffair.com/
