Reader Kay A. sent me a link to a reddit forum that begins with a message from the Ellwood restaurant at Goleta Beach. The message reads: A LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY To Our Goleta & Santa Barbara Community This next … Continue reading →

Earlier this readers G. and Sarah B. first shared with our community that Drover’s Doughnuts, which opened just last January at 5745 Calle Real in Goleta, taking over the former Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf space, had closed. Reader John … Continue reading →

Reader Eric M. let me know that Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery at 7060 Hollister Avenue in Goleta has filed for a permit to make a door from their eatery into the neighboring space currently occupied by Tap Thai which is … Continue reading →

Santa Barbara City College’s JSB Cafe is preparing to reopen this fall after being closed for more than six years. The campus restaurant shut down in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to reopen within the next few … Continue reading →

In October 2021 Tap Thai restaurant opened at 7060 Hollister Avenue Ste. D-6 in Goleta (next to Smart & Final), replacing Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill which closed a year earlier. Reader A.S. let me know that the business is closing … Continue reading →

This just in from Kyle’s Kitchen: Hi John, I just want to let you know that Kyle’s Kitchen at the Target Center is scheduled to open this coming Thursday, September 24. We are located a few doors down from Cajun … Continue reading →

Here is a message from Laura Knight, owner of Pascucci restaurant at 1230-A State Street which will be closing soon and holding a furniture auction: Hello beloved community of Santa Barbara! After 33 amazing years, sadly Saturday September 19 will … Continue reading →

Writer Josef Woodard at the Santa Barbara Independent reports that Roy restaurant at 7 West Carrillo Street is planning to close by the end of the year. Owner Roy Gandy opened the longtime Santa Barbara restaurant in 1991 and tells … Continue reading →

Throughout this year there were many signs that Yona Redz and Santa Playa Mariscos at 1230 State Street are closed. Never being open for business was one of them, but nothing official was ever announced. Read Mark W. sent me … Continue reading →

Bruxie, a “culinary casual” concept known for its menu offerings, including hand-crafted waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders and custard shakes, opened in Paseo Nuevo in January 2024 in a space formerly occupied by Pizza Rev, Tiramisu, Kahuna Grill, Mona Lisa Cafe, … Continue reading →

Isla Vista’s cookie shop at 6529 Trigo Road #B has closed. Formerly known as Cookie Plug when they were located in downtown Santa Barbara, the I.V. location was officially opened and rebranded as Sweet Hustle in November 2025.

In March 2025 reader Eric first shared with our community that Cajé Coffee Roasters is coming to 5340 Hollister Avenue in Goleta, which is part of the Patterson Center, home to South Coast Deli, Domino’s Pizza, and Choi’s Oriental Market. … Continue reading →

Point Market at 370 Storke Road in Goleta debuted its new drive-through window, offering specialty coffee along with made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwiches. I stopped by the market and spoke with Jeremy Jewell, vice president of operations for Price Management, … Continue reading →

Here is a message from reader Jonathan D. about Islands Restaurant that opened in La Cumbre Plaza in February 2018: Hi John, I just got some info that Islands burger restaurant will be closing on September 27th, 2026. It’s info … Continue reading →

Wella’s Soul Food and Barbeque at 318 N. Milpas Street has announced that it will reopen Thursday, September 10 at 11 a.m., along with the welcome news that owner Wella is doing well. The restaurant shared the following message with … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen will be opening a new location at 6831 Hollister Avenue in the Goleta Shopping Center (the home to Target), immediately to the right of Indo China Market. Here is an update from reader Trevor H.: Hey Restaurant Guy, … Continue reading →

Bibi Ji, a wine bar, bottle shop and all-day Indian restaurant opened in February 2016 at 734 State Street (the former home of Relais de Paris and Ruby’s Cafe & Spirits Lounge) then moved to 1213 State Street (formerly McDonald’s) … Continue reading →

Drover’s Doughnuts, based in Buellton with an additional location in Solvang, opened a third store last January at 5745 Calle Real in Goleta, taking over the former Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf space. Today, reader G. sent me a photo … Continue reading →

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant, 1106 State Street, a Santa Barbara institution that began in 1976 and has remained a family business for half a century. I recently sat down with Birte Andersen … Continue reading →

During my recent interview with Birte Andersen and her daughter Charlotte for the 50th anniversary of Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant, 1106 State Street, our conversation turned to the remarkable life of Birte’s late husband and Charlotte’s father, Alfred Andersen. … Continue reading →

During my recent interview with Birte and Charlotte Andersen for the 50th anniversary of Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant, 1106 State Street, Charlotte told me about a trip the two made to Denmark that gave her a new appreciation for … Continue reading →

During my recent interview with Birte and Charlotte Andersen for the 50th anniversary of Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant, 1106 State Street, it became clear that they credit much of the restaurant’s longevity not only to the food, but to … Continue reading →

Reader Ken S. sent me a nice message about Larry Balducci, owner of the beloved Plaza Deli which use to occupy a space for decades in La Cumbre Plaza. Ken also had some questions you might be able to help … Continue reading →

Last month, while attending the Santa Barbara Independent’s 40th anniversary celebration, I ran into City of Santa Barbara Environmental Specialist Hillary Allen, who told me about a new city law that is changing the types of disposable foodware restaurants and … Continue reading →

Earlier this year I reported that State of Mind Cafe was planning to open at 918 State Street, inside the SBIFF Film Center building. Last week, while attending the Santa Barbara Independent’s 40th anniversary celebration, I ran into State of … Continue reading →

My friend Sarah K. recently told me about a talented private chef she has been using named Rana Awad. After learning more about her background, I discovered that Awad took an unusual path to the professional kitchen. Although her passion … Continue reading →

My family and I dined last week at Milio’s Pizza, the new New York-style pizzeria at 801 State Street, and afterward I sat down with co-owner Kamil Jumale to learn more about the story behind the restaurant. Jumale and business … Continue reading →

Reader Cyndie Y. sent me these photos indicating that Wella’s Soul Food and Barbeque, which had a grand opening on August 16, 2026, at 318 Milpas Street (the former home of Los Altos), is closed until further notice for facility … Continue reading →

Loquita at 202 State Street has a position open for General Manager: Position Summary: “As the General Manager of the restaurant, you are responsible for all Culinary and Front of House operations. The position of General Manager is truly about … Continue reading →

A new charcuterie concept is headed to Santa Barbara. Graze Craze, a rapidly growing chain specializing in artfully arranged charcuterie boards, boxes and catering, is coming to 126 East Haley Street, Suite A-1, in the Platform complex downtown. If the … Continue reading →

Reader Steve C. let me know that a fire broke out early Tuesday morning, August 18, at Deja Vu Cafe at 966 Embarcadero del Mar in Isla Vista, a longtime restaurant that has served the UCSB community for nearly 40 … Continue reading →

Here is a message to you from Drew Cuddy at Satellite at 1117 State Street: “We will close the doors at 1117 State Street on Sunday, September 13th. After 10 years, the decision didn’t come easily, and it didn’t come … Continue reading →

Last April Dave’s Dogs opened a location at Ventura’s Pacific View Mall.  Reader Annie forwarded me a Reddit post that suggests it has closed after 5 months in business. “Drove by today and both doors have “closed” written on them … Continue reading →

This just in from reader Shane S.: Jonesy’s Fried Chicken in Goleta announced that it is closing on August 30. Too bad—it has damn good fried chicken. It was previously reported that Jonesy’s was opening a second location at the … Continue reading →

‘Que by Whiskey ‘N Rye, which opened at Santa Barbara Public Market at 38 W. Victoria Street last December, posted a message on Indeed that they are in need of a General Manager: We are seeking a Fast-Casual GM to lead … Continue reading →

Here is an update from Crushcakes, 5392 Hollister Avenue, Goleta: Hi John, After much outcry from the community we have decided to bring back our breakfast and lunch to Crushcakes Goleta! Come on back, most of your favorites should be … Continue reading →

Last June I reported, using forensic evidence, that construction had stalled at Makenna Koffee Company which is coming to 6521 Pardall Road in Isla Vista, the former home of Dirty’s, Espresso Roma, Isla Vista Spot, McBurley’s, On The Side, Social … Continue reading →

The Set restaurant and Roundhouse at Hilton Santa Barbara (formerly Fess Parker Red Lion Inn, for those of you who have lived here awhile) are looking for a Chef de Cuisine and offering six-figures to the right person. Here is … Continue reading →

Reader Phil L. let me know that Carl’s Jr. at 5820 Calle Real in Goleta has closed. The location at 7 South Milpas Street is open for business as usual. In August 2025 Reader Cris S. first shared with our … Continue reading →