KFC

Open

Closed

$

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🍗 BBQ

Santa Barbara

counter-service

3.3
Classic fast-food chicken joint offering buckets, sandwiches, and sides in a casual Santa Barbara setting.

$

$$

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counter-service

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KFC

Santa Barbara

$

Enjoy iconic fried chicken, sandwiches, and sides with dine-in or delivery at KFC Santa Barbara. Family-friendly and quick service guaranteed.

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About
3.3
(
240
)

KFC serves its iconic fried chicken classics and quick bites in a casual atmosphere with seating for families and solo diners alike. Guests can expect a traditional fast-food experience with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, emphasizing comfort food staples and affordable combos.

What to Expect:

    🍗 Famous Original Recipe fried chicken buckets
    🍔 Classic and spicy chicken sandwiches
    🍟 Sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, biscuits
    🚗 Multiple delivery platforms and contactless options

Important Information:

    Accepts credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments
    Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking
    Free parking lot and street parking, though spots can be limited
    No reservations; primarily counter service

Expect peak crowds around lunch and early evening weekdays, with weekend traffic steady but manageable.

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
🔊
🔊
🔊

📍 Local Insights

🍽️ Manager Personal Service: The manager often personally delivers food to tables, adding a unique welcoming touch uncommon in fast food.

🕒 Peak Times: Expect the busiest periods from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays, especially Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

🚗 Parking Tips: Parking can be tight; coming off Milpas St. one-way is recommended for easier access and try to arrive early to snag spots.

📱 Digital Ordering: Use KFC’s official app or delivery services for quicker order processing and access to exclusive deals.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Tuesday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Wednesday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM

👉 Best For

Family dinners, quick bites, comfort food lovers

KFC

515 N Milpas St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93103

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
KFC Santa Barbara attracts mixed reviews—many praise the classic fried chicken flavor, family-friendly portions, and affordable meal deals, especially appreciating the friendly personal touches from management. However, frequent complaints include slow service during peak hours, inconsistent food quality like undercooked or dry chicken, and understaffing causing longer waits. Cleanliness and atmosphere receive criticism, with some describing the venue as run-down and the customer service as occasionally rude or unprofessional.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

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The Selection

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Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Original Recipe Fried Chicken, Extra Crispy Chicken, Chicken Sandwiches (Classic and Spicy), Chicken Nuggets with sauces, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Mac and Cheese, Biscuits, Corn, Family Meal Combos, Soft Drinks

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit mid-morning or before 11 AM to avoid lunch rush; weekday evenings 8 PM onward are less busy. Weekends have steady flow; plan ahead for parking.
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