Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [325]
Stock up on fresh produce, nuts and honey at the farmers market (Map; 805-962-5354; www.sbfarmersmarket.org) held late afternoon Tuesday on the 500 and 600 blocks of State St between E Haley and E Ortega Sts, and Saturday morning at the corner of Santa Barbara and Cota Sts. For the best in healthy groceries, head to Lazy Acres (Map; 805-564-4410; 302 Meigs Rd; 7am-10pm), which is reached most easily by car. The best place for homemade ice cream is McConnell’s Ice Cream (Map; 805-569-2323; 201 W Mission St; 10:30am-11:30pm).
Midrange
Arigato (Map; 805-965-6074; 1225 State St; maki $5-12, mains $14-18; dinner) Out-of-towners drive an hour and a half for the swoon-inducing sushi at this bustling but breezy State St hotspot. Settle in on the sidewalk patio or grab a seat inside at the L-shaped sushi bar where friendly sushi chefs will steer you right. One can’t-miss is the jalapeno yellowtail nigiri. Hot dishes are also available. No reservations, so expect a wait.
Tupelo Junction (Map; 805-899-3100; 1218 State St; mains breakfast $5-16, lunch $13-17, dinner $13-19; 8am-2pm daily, 5:30pm-8:30pm Sun-Thu, to 9pm Fri & Sat) Marinated in upscale Southern charm, Tupelo Junction stirs up a gourmet menu that can only be described as a masterpiece: every dish sounds delectable. From the smoked bacon, spinach and Gouda cheese scramble at breakfast to the Southern shrimp and scallops with cheddar-jalapeno grits at dinner – it’s enough to make a foodie lose her mind. Cyclists heading out for a long ride can fuel up on a heaping bowl of homemade granola with fresh berries and yogurt.
Pascucci (Map; 805-963-8123; 729 State St; mains lunch $7-10, mains dinner $8-13) Don’t let the sight of tourists deter you from palazzo-style Pascucci. Despite occasionally spotty service, locals love the filling pastas, pizzas and paninis here, not to mention the bargain prices. For a taste of Italian heaven, try the Bellagio: smoked chicken, mushroom, red onions and sun-dried tomatoes in a roasted garlic-parmesan cream sauce over bowtie pasta. Sit at the bar for the quickest service.
Intermezzo (Map; 805-966-9463, 800-436-9463; 813 Anacapa St; mains $10-18; 3pm-10pm Mon-Fri, 11am-11pm Sat & Sun) Foodies take note: the swank and stylin’ little sister of the Wine Cask serves a less formal menu – cheese plates, lamb kibbes, club sandwiches – that’s every bit as gratifying. Same chef, same kitchen, way lower prices. Great for cocktails too.
Paradise Café (Map; 805-962-4416; 702 Anacapa St; lunch $6-16, dinner $10-30; 11am-11pm Mon-Sat, 9am-11pm Sun) Everything you’d hope for in a hometown corner café – fantastic oak-grilled burgers (the best in Santa Barbara), great salads, and a respectable brunch. Sit outside on the big patio (no smoking). Great wine list that’s reasonably priced.
Roy (Map; 805-966-5636; 7 W Carrillo St; 3-course dinner $20-30; 6pm-midnight) Roy serves later than anyplace else in town, and 30 bucks or less buys you a damn good three-course meal with soup, salad and choice of main, from handmade pasta with prawns to grilled lamb chops. It’s dark, hip, happening and popular with scenesters on weeknights; on weekends it gets packed with 20- and 30-something bacchanalian revelers. Call ahead or wait. Major bar scene.
There are two spots for seafood by the harbor (as opposed to the wharf); both are exclusively tourist restaurants and serve pretty good, but pricey meals. Brophy Brothers (Map; 805-966-4418; 119 Harbor Way; mains $10-20; 10am-10pm Sun-Thu, to 11pm Sat & Sun) is a longtime favorite for its fresh-off-the-dock fish and seafood, its party atmosphere and its salty harborside setting. People love the clam chowder and cioppino (seafood stew), which is chock-full of fish, mussels and shrimp, and served with chewy sourdough. Tables on the upstairs deck are worth the long wait – they’re quieter and have the best views. Try Chuck’s Waterfront Grill & Endless Summer Bar Café (Map; 805-564-1200; 113 Harbor Way) Endless Summer (mains $7-17; 11:30am-9pm); Waterfront (mains $12-30; dinner) for someplace dressier than Brophy Brothers,