Reunion Kitchen + Drink offers a vibrant American dining experience right on Santa Barbara’s waterfront, featuring generous portions like chicken and biscuits, burgers, and a standout poke bowl.
The casual, trendy spot excels with fantastic cocktails, attentive service, and a heated outdoor patio overlooking the beach, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reservations are recommended, especially for brunch.
What to Expect:
🌊 Beautiful beachfront setting with patio seating
🍗 Hearty comfort dishes and vegetarian options
🍹 Robust cocktail and beer selection including happy hour
🔥 Cozy heated outdoor areas for cooler evenings
Important Information:
Reservations recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner
Paid parking available nearby with plenty of spaces
Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, parking, and restrooms
Dogs allowed in outdoor seating areas
Plan ahead to enjoy sunset views and vibrant atmosphere in Santa Barbara’s Waterfront neighborhood.
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
🌅 Sunset Views on the Patio: Reserve an outdoor seat for breathtaking beach sunsets enhanced by cozy heat lamps.
🍹 Happy Hour Highlights: Weekdays 2:30–6 PM feature standout cocktails and value small plates worth timing your visit around.
🍽️ Generous Portions: Many guests recommend sharing dishes or taking leftovers home due to hearty serving sizes.
🚌 Paid Parking & Easy Access: Plenty of nearby paid parking spots make arrival hassle-free; accessible ramp links directly to the beach.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Reunion Kitchen + Drink is celebrated for its scenic beachfront views, hearty comfort food, and lively cocktail program. Guests appreciate warm outdoor seating and friendly service, though some note occasional service lapses and wait times. The vibrant atmosphere and generous portions consistently earn praise, while a few critics find the food uneven and service inattentive during busy periods.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
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The Selection
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Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Chicken and Biscuits, Burgers, Poke Bowl, French Onion Soup, Asian Ribs, Butter Cake, Mai Tai, Happy Hour Food, Vegetarian Options
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating ensure comfort for all guests. The location features a modern ramp connecting the sidewalk to beach level, with accessible restrooms on the same floor.
