Santa Barbara’s culinary landscape showcases an enticing array of happy hour deals, from elegant coastal spots to vibrant downtown joints. Whether you’re new to our seaside city or a seasoned Santa Barbara traveler, exploring these establishments offers an authentic and distinctive taste of Santa Barbara’s dynamic food and drink scene during the happiest hours. From the tranquility of Montecito and the historic charm of Goleta, to the eclectic Funk Zone and scenic Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara’s happy hour culture embodies a signature mix of relaxed elegance and innovative flair.
Read on as we journey through the city’s best kept happy hour deals, uncovering stellar drinks, mouthwatering bites and unique atmospheres that truly capture the spirit(s) of Santa Barbara—and be sure to check out these other places to grab a cocktail in Santa Barbara, too.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Santo Mezcal, near the eclectic Funk Zone on State Street. From Monday through Friday (at the bar only), 2-5 p.m., patrons can sample $8 bites, including refreshing ceviche and an exceptional shrimp chimichanga. Margarita lovers will rejoice at the famous, craft margaritas ar $9 each, complemented by $5 beer and wine — truly showcasing Santo Mezcal’s dynamic appeal.
Embrace the lively spirit of Santa Barbara at The Cruisery on State Street. Happy hour beckons Sunday to Friday from 3-7 p.m. Imbibe in drink specials like the Whiskey Smash, Riviera Sunset or Lavender Lemonade. The Cruisery also offers $2 off draft beer, $6 glasses of wine and $3 off well drinks. Complete the experience with delectable tapas like kung pao sprouts, mini chimichangas and baked burrata.
Delve into the serene ambiance of Local Montecito, situated on Coast Village Road. Its happy hour runs from 3-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, offering $10-$14 cocktails, $5-$6 beer and $12 house wines. Snacks, starting at $8, range from duck fat fries and maple-glazed wings to ceviche tostadas. The outdoor setting with fire pits and comfy couches adds to the venue’s elevated charm.
Experience panoramic views at Roof Top Bistro & Bar, the open-air hotspot atop Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta. The daily 4-6 p.m. happy hour presents can’t-miss offers: $5 draft beer, $6 wines and appetizers starting at $5. The menu features an assortment of flatbreads, garlic herb fries and savory sliders. Overlooking Goleta, this (literally) elevated venue provides an inviting atmosphere, stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and, if you time it right, a sundown spectacle.
Uncover the storied, local charm of La Paloma Cafe in downtown Santa Barbara. Its happy hour, Monday through Friday from 5-6:30 p.m., features $8 well cocktails and an array of $10 margaritas offered inside the bar section of the restaurant. Pair your drink with popular tapas like the single-serving nacho plate, generously topped with the restaurant’s savory slow-cooked pinquito beans. La Paloma encapsulates the essence of Santa Barbara’s unique culinary landscape and rich history.
Enjoy beachside dining at Flor de Maíz on the picturesque Cabrillo Boulevard. Only availlable at the bar, its Monday through Friday happy hour is from 2-5 p.m., and its Sunday happy hour is from 2-5 p.m. The kitchen serves up $8 bites including mole nachos and pork empanadas. Margaritas, a house specialty, range from $8-$10, adding zest to an extensive $10 craft cocktail list, accompanied by $4 beers and $5 wine glasses. With its stunning views, Flor de Maíz offers a truly quintessential beachside Santa Barbara dining (and drinking!) experience.
Elevate your happy hour experience at Finch & Fork at Kimpton Canary Hotel. Its daily 4-5 p.m. happy hour includes $10 martinis, seasonal cocktails, margaritas and wine. Finch & Fork’s happy hour also offers bites $1 oysters and $50% off burgers. These enticing discounts paired with the elegance of Finch & Fork make for a richly satisfying happy hour experience in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.
Immerse yourself in an innovative culinary adventure at Secret Bao, located near the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Its Wednesday through Sunday happy hour, from 5-6 p.m., offers deals on the restaurant’s famed pork belly bao and KFC bao, in addition to flavorful garlic noodles and dumpling specials that rotate seasonally. Pair your meal with discounted beverages like the K-Town Mule, a twist on the classic cocktail featuring soju — a Korean liquor made from either rice or sweet potato. It’s no secret: Secret Bao offers an exciting fusion of traditions and flavors that can’t be found anywhere else in Santa Barbara.
Uncover Santa Barbara’s oceanic bounty at Santa Barbara FisHouse, where weekday and Sunday happy hours begin at 4 p.m. and run till close, with an earlier start on Saturday at 2 p.m. Delight in cocktails starting at $6.50 and wines from $6 a glass. The seafood-focused menu features half a dozen oysters on the half shell for $8, fish and chips for $12, local rockfish ceviche and calamari each for $9 — a true seaside feast.
At Dusk inside Drift Santa Barbara, the golden hours of 3-5 p.m. are graced with an enticing happy hour (Sunday through Thursday), beckoning visitors and locals alike. Savor $10 signature cocktails like the refreshing paloma, classic martini and zesty margarita, or opt for the a curated selection of $6 beer and $12 wine. And for the true epicurean, the fresh oysters on the half shell — garnished with mignonette and micro cilantro — are a steal at buy-one-get-one free.
Savor vibrant Mexican dishes and margaritas galore at La Playa Azul Café, located near El Presidio de Sánta Barbara State Historical Park. Its happy hour, Tuesday through Sunday from 3-6 p.m., offers bites ranging from mini soft tacos to chilaquiles. The discounted margarita list features refreshing flavors like guava, roasted pineapple and habañero mango, along with classic cocktails such as a piña colada and mojito. With an outdoor patio adorned with stunning bougainvillea and basked in sunshine, La Playa Azul Café provides a delightful ambiance coupled with an unbeatable happy hour experience.
Relax into the enticing ambiance of Milk & Honey, where daily happy hour extends from 5-6:30 p.m., and a late-night happy hour Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 to close. For just $9, you have a choice between crafty drinks and delectable tapas, including two-per-plate tacos or the intriguing ‘Date with a Pig.’ For those seeking variety, its sister restaurant, Alcazar Tapas Bar, presents a similar menu, reinforcing their shared commitment to creating culinary experiences to write home about.
Bountiful taquerias, farm-to-table fare and authentic Asian cuisine — oh my! Milpas Street is packed with a variety of eats for the ultimate off-the-beaten path Santa Barbara foodie experience.
