DINING OUT

The house burger at Holdren’s Steakhouse in Old Town features melted bleu cheese and spicy onion straws atop an eight ounce beef patty. Served with fries or salad. If you want to get really serious, add some bacon and avocado…vodka martini on the side.

Carpinteria

Garden Market. Garden Market is a gem tucked into Santa Claus Lane. Offering very tasty sandwiches, salads, smoothies and casual fare the Garden Market is a very enjoyable place to have a lunch break. Open Monday–Sunday 8am-5pm. [BrL] $ (BW) 3811 Santa Claus Lane (805) 745-5505

Sly’s. James Sly, formerly of Lucky’s in Montecito, is back to cooking the finest steaks anywhere. Sly’s is open daily for dinner from 5 pm, features a full bar and extended wine list. (LD) $$ (FB). Reservations are suggested. 686 Linden Ave. 805-684-6666.

Montecito

CAVA. Experience the bold flavors of Spain, Mexico and Latin America in a romantic garden setting. [BLD] $$, (FB) 1212 Coast Village Road, 969-8500.

Lucky’s. Montecito’s only premium steakhouse. Great wine list and martini selections. Great weekend brunch served 9am3pm. [BrD] $$$, (FB) 1279 Coast Village Road, 565-7540. Stella Mare’s. Overlooking the Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara…a glass greenhouse, sofas by the fire, casual French décor and traditional French Country Cuisine. Full bar and extensive American & French wine list, great private rooms for your event needs and Live Jazz on Wednesdays. Closed on Mondays $$ [LDBr] (FB) 50 Los Patos Way. 969-6705. (Cafe Stella is located at 3302 McCaw Ave, on upper State Street in Santa Barbara. www.stellamares.com)

Santa Barbara

Barbareno. 205 W. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, 805963-9591, barbareno.com; open Wed.-Sun. for dinner. This California-style bistro celebrates the surrounding terrain through its decor, menu, and name.

Boathouse. The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach is the newest venture of the owners of the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, which began on Stearn’s Wharf in 1980, and the Santa Barbara Fishouse. Enjoy stunning views and great seafood from a family run business that knows their fish! [BLD] $ (FB). 2981 Cliff Drive 805-898-2628, www.sbfishhouse.com/ boathouse

Bouchon. Restaurateur Mitchell Sjerven hosts the city’s first Wine Country Cuisine restaurant with more than 50 Santa Barbara and Central Coast wines offered by the glass to compliment bouchon’s “ingredient driven” and seasonal fresh menu. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list features exclusively Californian selections, paired with cuisine that is “creative without being over the top...”” (Wine Spectator, July 1999). Fresh Channel Island seafood, Santa Ynez and Ojai Valley game, and local farmer’s market produce predominate. Outdoor dining is available year-round on the heated, covered garden patio. Ask about private dining in the intimate Cork Room where up to 20 guests can be seated at the Grand Table. Open for dinner nightly from 5:30pm, reservations recommended.

[D] $$$, (B&W) 9 W. Victoria, 730-1160. Breakwater Restaurant. Enjoy the comfortable large patio overlooking the historic, scenic Santa Barbara Harbor. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 7 AM. Award winning clam chowder, nightly specials, fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches, salads and a kid’s menu for your little mariners. At the scenic Santa Barbara Harbor, 107 Harbor Way. 805-965-1557. sbbreakwater.com.

Chase Bar & Grill. Serving classic New York Italian cuisine in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara since 1979. State Street seating available. Full bar. Happy hour 3-6pm Mon-Fri. 1012 State Street. 805-965-4351 www.chasebarandgrill.com

Chuck’s of Hawaii. For over half a century Chuck’s has been voted Best Steak in Santa Barbara and is the recipient of the Award of Excellence from The Wine Spectator annually since 1989. Featuring a nightly selection of fresh fish, from old favorites like Alaskan halibut and grilled salmon to ahi tuna (grilled medium rare). Dinner is served weekdays from 5:30 to 11pm, and until 11:30pm weekends. Full cocktail bar, featuring Firestone-Walker Double Barrel Ale on draft. Reservations welcome. [D] $$, (FB) 3888 State, 687-4417.

Chuck’s Waterfront Grill. Chucks Waterfront Grill & The Endless Summer bar-cafe began serving friends and family in the Santa Barbara Harbor in 1999. Enjoy steaks, fresh seafood and cocktails on the radiant heated deck with fire pits; or head inside for intimate, cozy booths and the full bar. Upstairs, The Endless Summer bar-cafe offers casual dining, surrounded by vintage surfboards and memorabilia. Sip on local wines, craft beers and cocktails, play a game of pool or Cornhole under covered lanais while watching sports and surf movies. Live music, happy hour and free valet parking are also offered. [LD] $$, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, 564-1200

Crocodile Restaurant at Lemon Tree Inn. One of the best neighborhood destination eateries in SB featuring great steaks, salads and cocktails, full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. 2819 State St, Santa Barbara, (805) 687-6444. BLD $$

Dargan’s Irish Pub. SB’s only authentic Irish bar and restaurant with a tradition that has spanned three generation. Featuring the best in Irish fare, full bar and numerous beers on tap. In the heart of old town, this cozy atmosphere features full lunch and dinner with room for private parties, billiards and darts. Open Daily from 11:30. 18 E. Ortega, 805-568-0702. www. darganssb.com

El Encanto. 800 Alvarado Pl., Santa Barbara, 805-8455800, elencanto.com, open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sun. for brunch. The hotel’s lounge, wine room, bar, and terrace all boast romantic settings California-coastal cuisine and stunning views.

Endless Summer Bar-Cafe. Chucks Waterfront Grill & The Endless Summer bar-cafe began serving friends and family in the Santa Barbara Harbor in 1999. Enjoy steaks, fresh seafood and cocktails on the radiant heated deck with fire pits; or head inside for intimate, cozy booths and the full bar. Upstairs, The Endless Summer bar-cafe offers casual dining, surrounded by vintage surfboards and memorabilia. Sip on local wines, craft beers and cocktails, play a game of pool or Cornhole under covered lanais while watching sports and surf movies. Live music, happy hour and free valet parking are also offered. [LD]. $, (FB) 113 Harbor Way, Second Floor, 564-1200.

Enterprise Fish Co. 225 State St., Santa Barbara, 805962-3313, enterprisefishco.com; open daily for lunch and dinner. This lively, family-friendly restaurant—a local and tourist favorite since 1977—is known for its fresh seafood and unbeatable happy hour deals.

Finch & Fork. 31 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, 805879-9100, finchandforkrestaurant.com, open Mon.-Fri. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Sat.-Sun. for brunch and dinner.

Fishouse. On the water on Cabrillo at the gate to the Funk Zone downtown. Sensational seafood, daily full cocktail and bar food happy hour, and patio seating. 101 East Cabrillo Blvd. 805-966-2112. www.fishouse. com $$ (LD)

The Harbor Restaurant. The Harbor is one of Santa Barbara’s finest restaurants, where fresh fish and steaks are specially prepared and served in an elegant maritime interior with stunning views of the harbor. [BrLD]. $$, (FB) 210 Stearns Wharf, 963-3311.

Harry’s. Santa Barbara’s traditional locals restaurant. Steak, seafood, sandwiches and salads served in a family atmosphere. Excellent wine list and full bar. Banquet facilites available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. [LD] $, (FB) 3313-B State Street, 687-2800.

Dining Out

Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood. Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood is elegant and timeless, featuring U.S.D.A. prime Midwestern corn fed beef, charbroiled over their mesquite grill. Try the “Cowboy Cut”–Holdren’s signature steak—a 20 oz. Prime bone-in rib chop served over spicy onion rings. Their fresh seafood selections include Bacon Wrapped BBQ Tiger Prawns, seared Hawaiian Ahi, and a shrimp Scampi like no other. Holdren’s offers an extensive wine and martini list and outdoor seating.. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m., and for dinner from 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday for dinner from 4:00 p.m. Now offering Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm. [BrLD] $$ (FB). 512 State Street, 805-965-3363. In Goleta 6920 Marketplace Dr. 805-685-8900

Jane Restaurant. Located 2 doors down from the Arlington Theatre, Jane offers American Bistro food in a beautiful old Spanish building with 2 story fireplace. Fresh Fish, Burgers, Great Salads and entrees including Lamb Chops, Steaks, Veal Scllopini & Chicken Picatta. Fresh hamburger buns and desserts are all homemade on the premises daily. Closed Sunday 1311 State Street 805-962-1311 and 6920 Marketplace Dr, Goleta 805-770-5388.

Joe’s Cafe. Joe’s is classic Santa Barbara at its best. Offering the best New England-style clam chowder, beef dips, prime rib, steaks, chops and fresh seafood. For over 80 years the restaurant’s history is as rich as is its’ food and very stiff drinks. It is an experience not to be missed! Now serving breakfast, too. Mon-Sun 7:30am-11pm. [BLD] $ (FB). 536 State St, (805) 966-4638.

Longboard’s Grill. Upstairs from the Harbor Restaurant is an active, noisy bar & grill with a big TV, a surfer’s attitude and 360-degree views of the city & water. [LD] $$, (FB) 210 Stearns Wharf, 963-3311.

Louie’s. Celebrate the taste of a Santa Barbara tradition in the historic Upham Hotel. Delicious California bistro fare in a wonderful downtown setting. [LD] $$, (B&W) 1404 De La Vina at Sola. 963-7003.

Milk & Honey. 30 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 805-2754232, milknhoneytapas.com; open Mon.-Sat. for dinner, Sun. for brunch. Dine on flavorful modern tapas and fresh cocktails at this chic restaurant.

The Natural Café. The Natural Cafe is known for their homemade soups, hearty salads, delicious sandwiches, vegetarian entrees, pasta, chicken and seafood dishes, as well as a complete juice bar, microbrewed beers and local wines. [LD] $ (B&W), www.thenaturalcafe.com [LD] $, (B&W). Three locations in Santa Barbara: 508 State; 361 Hitchcock; 6990 Market Place Drive, Goleta. For out of town see their website for details.

The Nugget. Down-home Americana fare with the appropriate dose of Western kitsch and memorabilia is the draw at these family-friendly joints. Open daily for lunch and dinner. For location nearest you go to www.nuggetbarandgrill.com.

Olio e Limone Ristorante, Olio Crudo Bar, & Olio Pizzeria® (“Oil and Lemon” in Italian).Husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello preside over this pan-Italian charmer, where you’ll experience “excellent cooking and hospitable service” (Zagat Survey). “Simply sophisticated,” says the Los Angeles Times. Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Private dining for up to 40. Casual pizza bar-wine bar-full bar around the corner at Olio Pizzeria®, with Olio Crudo Bar, Olio’s raw bar and lounge, next door. New locations at The Shoppes Westlake Village. www.oliocucina.com. 11 W. Victoria Street, 805-899-2699

Opal. A local’s favorite, Opal fuses creative influences from around the world with American Regional touches: from Chile-crusted Filet Mignon, to Fresh Pan-Seared Fish & Seafood, Homemade Pastas, Gourmet Pizzas from their wood burning pizza oven, fresh baked Breads, deliciously

Dining Out

imaginative Salads, & Homemade Desserts. Sophisticated yet comfortable, Opal radiates a warm, friendly atmosphere. Full bar, award winning wine list, private room for parties up to 60. 1325 State St., 966-9676. [LD] $$ (FB) Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner.

The Outpost. 5650 Calle Real, Goleta, 805-964-1288, outpostsb.com; open daily for dinner.

The Palace Grill. The Palace is a contemporary American grill, with a lively, high-energy atmosphere, and fun, spontaneous events. Featuring fine grilled steaks and fresh seafood, delicious pastas, and select American Regional specialties, like Blackened Crawfish-stuffed Filet Mignon, and Louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé. Cajun Martinis, unique beers, and a well selected wine list. Their unique “team Service” voted the Best in Town the last 16 years in a row. Rave reviews in Gourmet Magazine, Gault-Millau Travel Guide, Zagat, and Sunset Magazine. “Best on the West Coast” according to Los Angeles Magazine. Open 7 days: lunch 11:30am to 3pm; evenings from 5:30. [LD] $$, B&W. 8 E Cota 963-5000. Paradise Cafe. Santa Barbara’s favorite dining patio. Fresh fish, steaks, chops, chicken and their famous oak-grilled burger. Start with a drink at the street level bar, and work your way up. Open seven days a week. [BLD] $ FB. 702 Anacapa Street, 962-4416.

Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro. Specializing in a wide selection of authentic French pastries. [BL] $ (B&W), 3315 State St Santa Barbara, 805-569-2400, and in Arlington Plaza. www. renaudsbakery.com.

Roy. Voted best late night dining spot in town. Bistro-style American cuisine featuring steaks, seafood, chicken, salads, full bar and a great wine list. Dinner from 6pm till midnight daily. [D] $$, (FB) 7 W. Carrillo, 966-5636.

Sambo’s. The original on the beach! Serving up the classic dining experience. [BLD] $, (B&W) 216 W. Cabrillo Blvd. 965-3269

Santa Barbara Fishouse. Great locally caught fresh fish prepared in a casual fun atmosphere. Terrific happy hour. Right across from East Beach. [LD], $$, FB. 101 East Cabrillo Blvd. 9662112.

SB Shellfish Co. The freshest seafood, lobster, crab and shellfish found anywhere. Enjoy a local wine or beer with the view of the Pacific at the end of Stearns Warf. 805-966-6676 www. shellfishco.com $$(LD).

Scarlett Begonia. “Scarlett Begonia will always strive to have interesting, thoughtful food. Menus change weekly with an innovative fresh look at breakfast and lunch and weekend brunch. Open 7 days a week from 9am-2pm. It is their goal to provide Santa Barbara with a restaurant that showcases progressive modern food, using sustainable, organic, high-quality ingredients coupled with innovative cooking to be one of the most foodcentric restaurants around.” 11 W. Victoria St. #10 $$, 805-770-2143.

Shoreline Beach Cafe. 801 Shoreline Dr., Santa Barbara, 805568-0064, shorelinebeachcafe.com; open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kids can play in the sand under the sun while parents take a mini-vacation with the fresh cocktails and beach-worthy fare.

The Tee-Off One of the town’s premier steak houses featuring succulent prime rib, fresh seafood, generous cocktails and, of course, quality steaks. [LD] $$, (FB) 3627 State, 687-1616.

Via Maestra 42. Traditional Italian flavors fill this deli/shop/café. Serving panini, insalate, antipasti, formaggi, salumi, dolci, caffè and gelatos. [BLD] $$, 3343 State Street, 569-6522.

Wine Cask. Located in the historic El Paseo in heart of downtown makes for a beautiful fine dining experience. Wine tasting with wide array of local wines, full bar and private dining available. www.winecask.com 805-966-9463. 814 Anacapa St. $$ (LD).

VENUES & PRIVATE DINING

CHUCK’S WATERFRONT GRILL & THE ENDLESS SUMMER BAR~CAFE

You could be the hero for having your party in a world-class setting, right by the boats while sipping a cool Mai-Tai and nibbling on calamari. Chuck’s Waterfront Grill and The Endless Summer bar-café are located on the Santa Barbara Harbor overlooking the boats. Just off the 101 freeway and close to all the major hotels, with 2 covered patios upstairs at The Endless Summer each with a capacity up to 50 guests. The entire Endless Summer can be rented for a capacity up to 185. Chuck’s Waterfront Grill is available for smaller groups up to 24 people. Reservations must be made in advance. Call (805) 564-1200. 113 Harbor Way, www.chuckswaterfrontgrill.com.

CORK ROOM AT BOUCHON

The Cork room is a private dining room for groups of up to 20 guests. Corporate and private parties are welcome. You will find an excellent array of wine country cuisine paired with local Santa Barbara wines for truly wonderful and unique dining experience. 9 West Victoria, 805-703-1160, bouchonsantabarbara.com

CUCINA ROOM AT OLIO E LIMONE

The Cucina Room is the ideal venue for your group of up to 40 people. Perfect for business dinners and life events when you desire the exclusivity and privacy of your very own Olio e Limone dining experience. Enter and you will find an attentive service staff, beautifully set table and complimentary printed menus. We have created five dinner menus named after some of our favorite Italian wine regions to help in the decision-making process. A luncheon menu is also available for lunchtime events. Private dining is also available at the Terrazza Room at Olio Pizzeria for up to 22 guests. 11 & 17 West Victoria Street, 805-899-2699, www.olioelimone.com

DARGAN’S IRISH PUB

Dargan’s provides an authentic Irish ambiance combined with friendly service and outstanding food. We offer both buffet style or sit-down service for a variety of special occasions, including receptions, rehearsal dinners, business gatherings, birthdays, and graduations. The poolroom area can be sectioned off from the main bar and rented for private affairs and provides a relaxed atmosphere accommodating up to 170 people (100 seated). It includes a private cozy bar, four large pool tables and a jukebox. The room also offers an excellent speaker system and five HD TVs perfect for wedding videos or company sales presentations. To discuss space availability, rates, and food options, call (805) 568-0702 or email info@darganssb.com

EVENTS BY STELLA MARE’S

Events by Stella Mare’s, a full service private restaurant, is centrally located in uptown Santa Barbara near historic State Street, with beautiful views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The décor is French Provencial meets Santa Barbara style, typi- fying the term “casual elegance”. Events by Stella Mare’s is the perfect setting for rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, as well as corporate seminars, holiday celebrations, luncheon and dinner events from 40-300 guests. With three versatile rooms, a full service bar, an outdoor terrace, and majestic views, Events by Stella Mare’s can be used for intimate social gatherings or meetings or large-scale events. 3302 McCaw Avenue, (805) 969-3415, www.stellamares.com

JANE AT THE MARKETPLACE

Jane ate the Marketplace in Goleta offers a private dining room for an event accommodating 20-40 guests. Delicious craft cocktails and custom menus make this space a perfect special occasion gathering place for birthdays, rehearsal dinners, baby showers and corporate. 6940 Marketplace Drive, Goleta. 805-770-5388. www.janesb.com

JANE DOWNTOWN

Jane in downtown Santa Barbara offers intimate private dining for your special lunch, brunch or dinner. The private room comfortably seats up to 40 guests. Custom menus, friendly professional service and a warm atmosphere make special occasion dining at Jane Downtown a memorable experience. 1311 State Street. 805-962-1311. www. janesb.com

LOUIE’S AT THE UPHAM HOTEL

Louie’s features two elegant rooms, one for large groups of up to 50 people and the other for smaller parties of six to 15. Custom menus are available with the emphasis being on California cuisine using the freshest available produce and local wines. The setting is inside the historic Upham Hotel which offers state of the art audio visual equipment for all levels of social and corporate presentations. For more information call 805-963-7003 or visit www.louiessb.com.

Opal Restaurant And Bar

Opal Restaurant and Bar can accommodate inhouse parties from 10-120, and we have extensive experience in serving corporate functions, birthdays, wedding rehearsal dinners or wedding celebrations, weekly luncheons, and private parties of all sorts. Whether it is an on-site banquet or off-site catering, our highly effective system of service enables us to handle all events from the most casual birthday bash to the most exacting and formal affair, with a smooth and flawless style that anticipates every situation and creates a great experience for you and your guests. 1325 State St., Santa Barbara, (805) 966-9676, opalrestaurantandbar.com

Catering

PURE JOY CATERING, INC.

Pure Joy offers full service catering for the Santa Barbara Tri-County Areas. Flawless event planning, friendly service and unbelievably delicious handmade fare—Pure Joy will bring your vision to life. 111 East Haley Street, Santa Barbara, (805) 9635766, purejoycatering.com