THE BOATHOUSE

from Passport Santa Barbara Magazine Spring 2020

NATURAL CAFÉ

Perched atop the sand on secluded and beautiful Arroyo Burro Beach, better known as Hendry’s to locals, sits one of Santa Barbara’s most exciting restaurants. The Boathouse at Hendry’s, brought to us by the same family who started the Santa Barbara Shellfish Co and Santa Barbara FisHouse is truly a feast for all the senses. In the mornings, you can dine on the expansive patio and watch the sun rise over the coastal range to the east. In the evenings, gorgeous shades of red, orange and purple from the sunset to the west flood the entire restaurant. The Boathouse at Hendry’s also offers an excellent escape without ever leaving town. One is struck with the sense they have been transported to a remote and tropical place, while just minutes from downtown. It is difficult to see any signs of development from any part of the Boathouse, with the ocean on one side, the Douglass Preserve on the other and Hope Ranch to the north. Dolphins in the surf just out front seem to be a daily occurrence, and, in season migrating whales are also common.

The best part of the visit however is the food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily and the menus feature some of the best executed familiar favorites I’ve seen, as well as many very tasty unique dishes. The signature breakfast is incredible; real Dungeness crab cakes over breakfast potatoes topped with poached eggs and chipotle hollandaise; amazing! Corn beef hash was never tops on my list, but tasting it at the Boathouse nearly qualified as a life changing experience. The serving bordered on gigantic, but in no time it was gone; the best I have ever tasted. Of course all the usual favorites are there, pancakes, French toast, eggs benedict, thick applewood smoked bacon and eggs etc. I recommend weekdays, or get there early on the weekend.

Lunch is a very fun experience at the Boathouse, it’s busy, beautiful and again, delicious. Try the Grilled Mahi Mahi Salad with pickled ginger and crispy wontons, or the Boathouse Louie, or the Lobster Tacos. The cioppino is excellent, and the Lobster & Truffle Mac & Cheese is fantastic, although huge. Fresh fish specials abound and generally two to three oyster varieties can be had.

The food at dinner is quite special. Appetizers such as Crispy Pork Belly & Sea Scallops, Steamed Black Mussels and Pan Roasted Crab Cakes are the start of a delicious meal, or make a meal in themselves. The mesquite grills beautifully cook many fish delicacies, such as Ahi Tuna, Pacific Sea Bass, Mahi Mahi, White Sea Bass, as well as New York Steaks and the truly sinful Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon with red wine-shallot butter and scallion mashed potatoes. End it with Banana’s Foster or McConnell’s ice cream mudd pie and you are in heaven. Call (805) 898-2628 for reservations. Boathouse RestauRant Santa Barbara’s Finest On The Beach

Award-Winning Wine list Full Bar * Martini Menu Private Banquet Room with Custom Menus Catering * Take-out