Like A Local

The Funk Zone

Located near lower State Street and Santa Barbara’s famed waterfront, The Funk Zone is one of Santa Barbara’s most vibrant and evolving neighborhoods. Once a manufacturing hub and industrial area where artists, surfboard shapers and pioneering urban winemakers originally set up shop, the walkable 13-block area is now home to some of the city’s best restaurants, wine tasting rooms, breweries, boutiques, creative collectives, galleries, hotels and more. It’s also a hot spot for delectable tacos created by our welcoming “Like a Local” Funk Zone insider, Monica Diaz, owner of Mony’s Mexican Food.

To help you get in on all the Funk Zone eats and action, we’ve compiled a complete guide on what to do, taste and shop in this dynamic destination:

THINGS TO DO

It all starts with art. Check out the colorful murals adorning walls throughout the neighborhood. See “Like a Local” insider Erika Carter’s artwork at Green House Studios, a space she shares with fellow artists. Erika has lived and worked in the Funk Zone for 20 years and can also be spotted at Dart Coffee Co., of which she’s a co-owner.

The interactive MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation is The Funk Zone’s star family-friendly attraction. While we eagerly await it’s reopening to members in early November, the museum currently offers a wide variety of at-home activities and DYI kits to keep you and your kiddos entertained.

You could spend days tasting your way through The Funk Zone’s 16 wineries—pick up an Urban Wine Trail map to plot your course. Beer lovers, wet your whistle at Figueroa Mountain Brewery Co., Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro, Lama Dog Taproom and Topa Topa Brewing Co. If you prefer something stronger, try the hand-crafted gin, vodka and bourbon at Cutler’s Artisan Spirits—Santa Barbara’s first post-Prohibition distillery.

Delectable eats and drinks at Brass Bear Brewing. Photo Credit: Blake Bronstad

Places to Eat

Street tacos and burritos are on the menu at Mony’s Mexican Food, where our “Like a Local” insider Monica Diaz and her team will treat you like one of the family. A Santa Barbara institution for 40 years, family-run Shalhoob’s Meat Company opened The Funk Zone Patio restaurant featuring a well-rounded menu of snacks, sliders, salads, sandwiches and BBQ.

Every establishment in the ACME Hospitality culinary empire gets our stamp of approval. Helena Avenue Bakery, located adjacent to Santa Barbara Wine Collective, is a counter service breakfast and lunch spot. Cute and casual Lucky Penny serves wood-fired pizzas early afternoon until evening. The Lark and Loquita are prime dinner destinations, serving seasonal Californian cuisine and Spanish tapas, respectively.

SPOTS TO SHOP:

Score vintage denim, custom graphic tees and original Americana art at Loveworn. Hunt for vintage treasures and pristine Mid-Century Modern pieces at the tri-level Blue Door antique collective. Peruse the clothing, accessories, footwear and home goods at The Shopkeepers boutique.

Shopping in The Funk Zone isn’t just for clothes. Grab your next favorite pair of sneakers at SeaVees, a quintessential California brand.

Discover local artisans and makers at Seaside Makers Collective. Find more local Santa Barbara brands and thoughtful souvenirs at the State Street Visitors Center. Stop by the flagship Channel Islands Surfboards shop to pick up exclusive Santa Barbara-branded apparel.

INSIDER INSPIRATION:

Visit on the first and third Saturdays of each month to shop the Funk Zone Farms farm stand pop-up. The urban farm surrounds our “Like a Local” insider Erika Carter’s Green House Studios.

IF YOU LIKE The Funk Zone, WE’D ALSO RECOMMEND:

 

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