a couple of years back we stayed at the Ojai Valley Inn (http://www.ojairesort.com/). It was nice and not $400.00 a night
Expensive, but a special place.
San Ysidro Ranch.
A bump: my girlfriend and I are staying in SB for a couple nights in the lost week between Christmas and New Year’s. Any updates on hotels and restaurants? We splurge once a year, and both of us like the sound of waves, so I’m leaning toward a stay at Bacara or the Four Seasons, though there’s no rational way to defend the price. Booked dinner at Bouchon. Totally open to all suggestions.
Haven’t read through the entire thread here so excuse me if I’m repeating what someone else has posted. I would highly suggest Los Agaves for lunch (pescado veracruzano is my absolute favorite!). I go there every time I’m in SB without fail. Dinner seems to be taken care of from the few posts I’ve seen.
Hey Glen -
There is a new house on State and Yanonali St - sister restaurant to Les Marchands - Loquita http://www.loquitasb.com. Looks killer on the inside but haven’t dined there as of yet. The Funk Zone has The Lark, Lucky Penny, Fish House and a ton of beverage options. Los Agaves is opening another on lower State - down below train tracks.
In SB - Barbareno is running strong. http://barbareno.com If the water is a must, again Brophy’s at the Harbor is forever a great place.
Staying at the Bacara is a treat and dining there now has another option with the ‘new’ Angel Oak restaurant.
Shoot a PM if you’d like more
Cheers -
For a casual meal, the Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar inside the Santa Barbara Public Market is great! We ate there 3 days in row as there were so many things that looked good and I wanted to try. There is also a wine shop/bar to hang out in while you’re waiting for a table and ice cream or coffee for after if you’re so inclined. For coffee and pastries in the AM head for Handlebar Coffee Roasters.
timely thread as we just returned yesterday from a 3+ day stay. I can highly recommend Bacara. Yes, it’s pricey but if you want proximity to the beach and the sound of pounding surf it’s probably the place to be. Travel into downtown SB is 15 minutes or so by car and/or a $25 uber fare.
Big thank you for to Michael Hoose for pimping Sanguis in this thread many moons ago. Spent a couple of hours there Tuesday with their exceptional host Peter and also got a bit of time with Mattias, the winemaker/owner. Those guys are a little more spendy relative to some of their peers but they are clearly doing things right and making some delicious wines.
I can second the recommendation for Loquita, had a great meal there Monday night. Wife came down with the flu Tuesday night so I was solo on Wednesday. Grabbed a light lunch at The Nook and washed it down with some suds at Lama Dog Taproom. Dinner Wednesday night was at The Lark, phenomenal duck dish, creative cocktails and solid local wine list.