LOCALS’ LENS

JOSH ELLIS

Josh Ellis is an awardwinning brewer and co-owner of M. Special Brewing Co. He moved to the area to attend UCSB in 1994 and has been living and working in the Santa Barbara area ever since.

What do you love most about living and working in Goleta?

The people, the community and the surf.

What says “quintessential Goleta” to you? Great people who work hard and play hard.

How would you spend a perfect Goleta day?

I would stop at the M. Special taproom, fill a growler of M. Special lager and head to Goleta Beach to enjoy the weather.

What are your go-to eateries?

For rainy days, Noodle City in Old Town is my spot. For authentic, casual dining, I go to Jerry’s Pollofino. For authentic ramen, I go to Nikka Ramen on Calle Real.

What’s your favorite nature walking spot? Coronado Butterfly Preserve.

What cultural event(s) or festival do you most look forward to every year?

Old Town Night Market and the Lemon Festival—M. Special makes a special custom beer for the festival every year.

Name your go-to local beverage:

Beyond beer, I do enjoy an Old Fashioned from time to time at The Imperial.

How/where do you recharge locally? In the ocean.