The French Press: We frequent their State St. location (they have two) nearly every time we drive through Santa Barbara. Consistently good coffee and service - and a great spot to hang out or get some work done! )(@thefrenchpress)
Bobby’s pick: Whatever the barista recommends
Alli’s pick: Cold brew
Handlebar Coffee Roasters: Two former professional cyclists fell in love, got married, “switched gears” (get it?) and started a coffee roastery. Cute story right? Well, it’s an even cuter shop - and their coffee is delicious! (@handlebarcoffee)
Bobby’s pick: Cappuccino
Alli’s pick: Oatmilk latte
Breakfast
Jeannine’s Bakery: This family owned bakery and cafe has been around for over 30 years, and it’s not going anywhere. Whether you’re just stopping in for baked goods or sitting down for brunch, you’re sure to love it. (@jeanninesbakery)
Bobby’s pick: Breakfast Burrito
Alli’s pick: Buttermilk Pancake Breakfast
Backyard Bowls: Acai bowls, hot porridges, smoothies, and more. If you’re craving something fruity and light - “BB” is the spot to b(e)! ;) It’s quick and delicious, and a perfect warm weather treat! (@backyardbowls)
Bobby’s pick: Power Bowl
Alli’s pick: Green Bowl
Lunch/Dinner
Los Agaves: Santa Barbara is home to some of the best mexican restaurants we’ve ever been to, and Los Agaves is one of our favorites. It’s authentic and innovative, and everything is made fresh to order. Be sure to make a reservation as it does fill up! (@losagavesrestaurant)
Bobby’s pick: Carne Asada
Alli’s pick: Garden Burrito
Lucky Penny: Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s “funk zone”, Lucky Penny serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas in the area. Grab a seat in their quaint picnic patio, order a pizza and a glass of wine, and you’ll be thanking us in no time! (@luckypennysb)
Bobby’s pick: The O.G.
Alli’s pick: Lucky Penny Margherita
The Lark: Served family style with artisanal and seasonal ingredients, the Lark is one of those places where everything on the menu is amazing. It’s a little on the pricier side, but well worth the splurge! (@thelarksb)
Our picks: Crispy Brussels Sprouts, House Made Tagliatelle Pasta, Wagyu Beef Meatballs, Roasted Sunburst Squash & Farro. (But really, everything is amazing.)
The Good Lion: A classy craft cocktail bar that’s contemporary and intimate. You might have to wait a little bit to find a seat - but the innovative drinks are worth the wait! (@thegoodlionbar)
Bobby’s pick: House Old Fashioned
Alil’s pick: Manhattan Date Night
The Bobcat Room: This is another quiet, cozy cocktail bar with a captivating vintage vibe. Great bartenders, seasonal drinks, and a farm-to-bar approach on the ingredients. If you’re looking for a rowdier night, head to the Wildcat Lounge next-door and you’ll find everything you need. (@bobcatroomsb)
The Goodland: The cutest, most Instagrammable boutique surf hotel we’ve ever seen. And it’s a Kimpton, so it comes with all of their special extra touches like live music events, daily fitness classes, and evening social hour! (Oh, and it’s dog friendly!) (@thegoodlandsb)
Belmond El Encanto: This luxurious hotel has been around since 1918, and spans over seven acres of secluded gardens. It’s the ultimate “getaway location” and the views from their iconic pool are unparalleled. (@belmondelencanto)
Spanish Garden Inn: This Spanish-style inn is located in a prime spot, just three blocks from downtown. Three things that bring us back to the Spanish Garden are (1) the fireplaces in every room, (2) the daily complimentary breakfast with delicious quiche and espresso drinks, and (3) the local wines they pour each evening at the wine bar. There’s a beautiful garden as well! (@spanishgardeninn)
Canary Hotel: If you’ve been following us for awhile, you know we are big fans of Kimpton hotels (they do things really well and they’re incredibly dog friendly). The Kimpton Canary falls right inline with the others, boasting a rooftop pool and bar with stunning views, luxurious four-post beds, and a hosted wine hour. Next time we’ll bring Sally! (@canaryhotel)
The Santa Barbara Zoo: Located across the street from the ocean, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful zoos in the country! It’s intimate, affordable ($18), and really well designed. The animals have plenty of room to roam, and the zookeepers are extremely knowledgeable. We love going just for the morning or afternoon! (@santabarbarazoo)
Wine Tasting: Downtown Santa Barbara has a buzzing wine scene, with dozens of tasting rooms and working wineries all over the city. Area 5.1 Winery, Deep Sea Tasting Room, Oreana Winery, and Fox Wine Co are a few of our favorites!
State Street: Our favorite thing to do in Santa Barbara is walking up, down, and around State Street. There are so many good restaurants and bars (see above), and it is such a relaxing atmosphere!
VERY! Most Santa Barbara restaurants have patios, and there’s plenty of pretty parks, trails, and beaches for you to explore with your pup! Chase Palm Park and Shoreline Park are two spots you should definitely check out, and Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company has a seperate doggie menu - including steak bites and frozen marrow bone!
