Best American Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Savor Santa Barbara’s American cuisine—juicy burgers, crispy fries, grilled steaks, and classic comfort dishes in vibrant local settings.

Classic Burgers

Juicy patties, fresh buns, and all the traditional toppings.

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📍 Historic Firehouse Fare & Seasonal Plates

Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar occupies Denver’s oldest fire station, Hose House No. 1, reimagined as a bright, airy neighborhood eatery steps from Union Station and Coors Field. Chef Franco Ruiz crafts a diverse, sustainably driven menu—from wood-grilled steaks and housemade pastas to fresh seafood and elevated sandwiches—paired with inventive cocktails, local craft beers, and a curated wine list.

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Steakhouse Selections

Grilled to perfection with savory sides and robust sauces.

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Comfort Food Favorites

Hearty dishes like mac and cheese, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes.

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🍽️ Browse by Price Range

milk & honey

milk & honey

$

$$

🥘 Spanish

Santa Barbara

4.6
ah juice organic cafe (100 % organic cafe & pressed juice)

ah juice organic cafe (100 % organic cafe & pressed juice)

$

$$

🥗 Health

Santa Barbara

4.3
Zocalo

Zocalo

$

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

4.8
Zaytoon

Zaytoon

$

$$

🥙 Mediterranean

Santa Barbara

4.6
Zapp Thai food truck

Zapp Thai food truck

$

$$

🍜 Thai

Goleta

4.9
ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

$

$$

🍣 Sushi

Goleta

None
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Mesa Burger - Santa Barbara, Mesa

Mesa Burger - Santa Barbara, Mesa

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Casual, trendy burger joint featuring juicy smash burgers, crispy fries and onion rings with beer and wine in a cozy Mesa Village setting.
Farmer Boy

Farmer Boy

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Classic American diner with hearty breakfast, soda fountain treats, and a cozy, classic vibe in Santa Barbara.
Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Beachfront American with hearty comfort food, creative cocktails, heated patio, and stunning Santa Barbara views.
The Nugget of Summerland

The Nugget of Summerland

$$

🍔 American

Summerland

Summerland

4.6
Casual steakhouse with a cozy, historic vibe offers hearty comfort food, local drinks, and fast service in Summerland.
Sam's To Go

Sam's To Go

$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Old school sandwich shop with fresh bread and meats, family-owned over 25 years. Casual vibe, great prices, famous for turkey and avocado subs.
Fresco at the Market

Fresco at the Market

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

5
Fresco offers fresh, homemade eats including veggie burgers, salads, and grilled cheese in a casual, friendly Santa Barbara market spot.
The Meltdown

The Meltdown

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

5
Casual sandwich shop known for melt sandwiches with perfectly melted meat and quality fries, offering takeout and no-contact delivery.
Eureka!

Eureka!

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Hip spot for elevated burgers, craft beer, and whiskey in a chic industrial setting with a lively vibe.
Honor Bar

Honor Bar

$$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
New American dishes, cocktails, and wine served in a trendy spot with a lively vibe and dog-friendly outdoor seating in Santa Barbara.
Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.6
Casual sandwich shop in Goleta serving large, flavorful subs with a unique pickle bar and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Root Burger

Root Burger

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Fast, casual burger venue with standout mushroom Swiss burger and crispy onion rings, serving quick bites and comfort food in Santa Barbara.
Joe's Cafe

Joe's Cafe

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Lively spot serving classic American favorites with modern twists including steak & seafood since 1928 in Santa Barbara.
Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant

Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Retro 1950s diner vibes with hearty American breakfast and lunch classics, exceptional coffee, and a friendly, nostalgic atmosphere.
Country Catering Company

Country Catering Company

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.7
Butcher shop deli with standout tri-tip sandwiches, quality meats, and catering service, open mid-day Tue-Sat in Goleta.
Mission City Sandwich Shop

Mission City Sandwich Shop

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.8
Casual sandwich shop serving bold, generous sandwiches with fresh ingredients and an 80s vibe in Santa Barbara's Alta Mesa.
DRIPPIN CHICKEN

DRIPPIN CHICKEN

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.2
Flavorful, spicy fried chicken with crispy tenders and addictive sides, served in a vibrant Santa Barbara courtyard with friendly service.
Sam's To Go

Sam's To Go

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Classic sandwich shop known for hearty burgers and local favorites in a casual setting with friendly service.
The Stonehouse Restaurant

The Stonehouse Restaurant

$$$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Historic stone house with wood-burning fireplace and a regional menu offering a refined dining experience surrounded by scenic terrace vistas.
The Set

The Set

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.5
Casual, trendy spot offering comfort food, cocktails, and live music with ocean vibes and attentive service in Santa Barbara's East Beach.
Blackbird

Blackbird

$$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Stylish bar and restaurant in Santa Barbara with seasonal New American fare, creative cocktails, and an upscale vibe.
The Nook Santa Barbara

The Nook Santa Barbara

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Buzzy American spot serving fresh, flavorful dishes inside a trendy shipping container with a laid-back vibe and pet-friendly patio.
The Lark Santa Barbara

The Lark Santa Barbara

$$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Urbane New American eatery with wood-lined interiors, patio seating, and dishes like brown butter cornbread and fried chicken share plates in Santa Barbara.
Cody's Cafe

Cody's Cafe

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Long-standing local gem serving American classics for breakfast, lunch & dinner with a cozy, casual vibe in Santa Barbara.
I.V. Deli Mart

I.V. Deli Mart

$$

🍔 American

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4
No-frills deli delivering big sandwiches, burgers, and sides with fresh ingredients and a lively, convenient atmosphere.
Kyle's Kitchen

Kyle's Kitchen

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.4
Casual American spot known for fresh burgers, healthy salads, a lively patio, and strong community focus in Goleta, CA.
Yellow Belly Tap

Yellow Belly Tap

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Updated American classics and craft beer mingle in a cozy rustic space with inviting patio vibes in Santa Barbara.
Sama San Roque

Sama San Roque

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.6
Casual spot with creative burgers, great beer selection, and fast service perfect for solo dining or group meals in Santa Barbara.
Norton's Pastrami & Deli

Norton's Pastrami & Deli

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Cozy deli specializing in hearty deli sandwiches, hot dogs, and salads, known for generous portions and friendly casual atmosphere.
Deja Vu cafe

Deja Vu cafe

$$

🍔 American

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

3.9
Casual, trendy American cafe known for fast service and tasty, affordable late-night eats in Isla Vista.
Tinker Burger

Tinker Burger

$$

🍔 American

Summerland

Summerland

4.4
Casual burger joint with classic, fresh flavors and legendary sauces. Known for crave-worthy curly fries and a relaxed, beachy vibe in Summerland, CA.
Jersey Mike's Subs

Jersey Mike's Subs

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.9
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
Kyle's Kitchen

Kyle's Kitchen

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.5
Relaxed eatery offering classic burgers, fries, and craft beer, supporting special-needs causes with a welcoming community vibe.
Sam's To Go

Sam's To Go

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.1
Casual sandwich shop in Goleta serving fresh subs with quick service, beer on tap, and cozy indoor and outdoor seating.
Roof Top Bistro & Bar

Roof Top Bistro & Bar

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Rooftop dining with scenic views, lively live music, and a great selection of cocktails, beer, and wine for lunch or dinner in Goleta.
Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

2.8
Casual Mexican dining with tapas and bar offerings inside Santa Barbara Airport. Fast service and a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.
MVG Take Out

MVG Take Out

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

None
Casual spot serving comfort food with takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating available. Popular for lunch in Santa Barbara with wheelchair access and pet-friendly patio.
Dave’s Drip House x J's Hot Chicken

Dave’s Drip House x J's Hot Chicken

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.9
Casual spot serving tasty ice cream and boldly seasoned hot chicken with a trendy vibe and friendly service in Santa Barbara.
Dave's Dogs Grill

Dave's Dogs Grill

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual, trendy hot dog spot known for Santa Barbara-style dogs, creative toppings, quick service, and a lively vibe with beer on tap.
Sam's To Go

Sam's To Go

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.5
Casual sandwich shop serving fresh, made-to-order subs and burgers, known for generous portions and quick service in Goleta.
Little Bird Kitchen

Little Bird Kitchen

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.9
Casual spot with quick service offering tasty chicken sandwiches, fries, salads, and comfort food in a lively market setting with family-friendly vibes.
Chubbies Hamburgers

Chubbies Hamburgers

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Chubbies Hamburgers serves fresh, juicy burgers with crispy fries in a casual Santa Barbara spot famed for its friendly vibe and quick service.
Finney's Crafthouse - Santa Barbara

Finney's Crafthouse - Santa Barbara

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Brick-lined gastropub with a copper bar serving unique eats, local beers on tap, and craft cocktails in a lively Santa Barbara setting.
Momma's Soul Food Fusion

Momma's Soul Food Fusion

$$

🍔 American

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.3
Soulful comfort food with fast service, live music, and a cozy vibe featuring diverse organic and vegetarian options.
On The Side Restaurant

On The Side Restaurant

$$

🍔 American

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

5
Casual and cozy comfort food spot with fast service, ideal for solo dining or meals any time of day in Isla Vista.
The Creekside Restaurant & Bar

The Creekside Restaurant & Bar

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Clever American fare with craft beer, weekly line dancing, pool table, and patio offering a casual, lively vibe.

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