My hometown is beautiful. And I say that with a bias. It is (ask anyone's who's been there or even just heard of it). As a result we get a lot of tourism and thus there are some inevitable tourist traps. This post is my attempt at suggesting just a couple of great food places from the eyes of a local. Please keep in mind this is just my humble opinion and plenty of locals have their own haunts but needless to say there are a TON of great (discreet) options in Santa Barbara - so try to avoid anything shy of extraordinary. Additionally nothing I'm suggesting is in the vain of fine dining, these tend to be more in the line of lunch.
- La Supa Rica. This is the most obvious suggestion I'm going to make, it will be listed in most guide books and ten to have pretty long lines on the weekends but it is totally worth it. I suggest trying to go during the week if you out can though (keep in mind they are closed on Wednesdays and now temporarily on Tuesdays as well). They have a lot of authentic and fresh Mexican food (you can watch them make the tortillas right in front of you) and not a ton of space but believe me when I say that despite not totally knowing what you're ordering (no burritos here!) there are no bad choices - everything is incredible. Portions are somewhat small so order two and don't forget your cash, no plastic accepted.
- Blenders in the Grass. Our local rendition of Java Juice, though even comparing the two at all is an insult to 'Blenders'. Words can't do justice to how yummy these smoothies are- and filling. My favorite is the tropical mango with their 'Total' supplement added. There are a couple of locations throughout Santa Barbara and Goleta.
- Luna cafe. Consistently, quality and delicious food located in the heart of cute, quaint Sumerland the trip to Sumerland might be the best part about this little cafe but the food definitely lives up. Also be sure to check out the urban vertical gardens next door as well as the rest of the tiny adorable beach town.
- Hollister Brewing Company. HBC to locals in the know. This is an awesome place to hit up if your a beer fanatic who finds him or herself in Goleta. What this place lacks in view it makes up for in beer. In fact one could easily argue that the view of the in house brewery from the dining room rivals those of the beach (ok that's a bit of a stretch, but it's not everyday you can sit, drink, eat and watch beer brew. This is also a great place to catch any sports games you may be interested in watching.
- Finally, what would this list be without an ocean front suggestion. For this I bring you yet another Goleta staple: The Beachside Bar-Cafe. A beautiful view of the ocean from both the fish bar or the tables in the restaurant, it is not unusual to see dolphins swimming in the distance. They also have food and drinks to match. I always love their clam chowder and waffle fries (fries only served with lunch). But beyond those basics their dishes are superb - including their ahi appetizer. Also if you just want to go for drinks they have a great bar with a view and a popcorn machine cranking out complimentary treats.
Hope these are useful on your next trip into town, I know they're the spots I always try to hit up when I go home.
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