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

The Pickle Room

The Pickle Room

$

$$

Santa Barbara

4.7
The Palace Grill

The Palace Grill

$

$$$

🌽 Latin American

Santa Barbara

4.7
The Nugget of Summerland

The Nugget of Summerland

$

$$

🍔 American

Summerland

4.6
The Nugget of Goleta

The Nugget of Goleta

$

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

4.4
The Nook Santa Barbara

The Nook Santa Barbara

$

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

4.4
The Milo

The Milo

$

$$

Santa Barbara

3.9
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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.
Cajun Kitchen

Cajun Kitchen

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
New Orleans-style casual spot serving cornbread and spicy Cajun classics in a lively, no-frills Santa Barbara setting.
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.
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.
Harry's Plaza Cafe

Harry's Plaza Cafe

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Classic Santa Barbara bar serving generous American comfort food, strong drinks, and old-school vibes in a casual, cozy setting.
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.
Crocodile Restaurant & Bar

Crocodile Restaurant & Bar

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Posh spot serving modern American & Italian dishes, local wines, and offering cozy outdoor seating in Santa Barbara.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Casual sandwich shop known for large portions, house-baked bread, and a rich pickle bar, offering fast service and an inviting vibe in Santa Barbara.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Nugget of Goleta

The Nugget of Goleta

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.4
Longtime American bar & grill with cabin-style charm, kitschy decor, notable prime rib, and a welcoming vibe in Goleta.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Benchmark Eatery

Benchmark Eatery

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Urban neighborhood spot serving casual American dishes, local brews on tap, and a popular covered patio in Santa Barbara Downtown.
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.
South Coast Deli - San Roque

South Coast Deli - San Roque

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Popular Santa Barbara deli known for generous sandwiches, fresh salads, and friendly service offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger

$

🍔 American

Goleta

Goleta

4.6
Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes with a casual, friendly vibe in Goleta.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Cruisery

The Cruisery

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Casual, dog-friendly spot with craft cocktails, comfort food, and lively vibes on State Street in Santa Barbara.
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.

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