Romaine's offers a customizable salad experience with a wide selection of fresh ingredients and protein options, including imitation crab and vegan-friendly dressings. Located in Santa Barbara's University Center, the spot is popular for lunch with fair pricing and quick service despite limited daily hours.
What to Expect:
🍞 Complimentary daily bread
🥣 Optional soups with sampling available
🌿 Extensive vegetarian and vegan-friendly options
Important Information:
Temporarily closed; limited open hours historically Mon-Fri for 2 hours
Takeout and dine-in service
Pricing is reasonable, comparable to Sweetgreen
Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch while on campus.
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
🥗 Custom Salad Staples: Ordering by weight lets you tailor portion size precisely to your appetite and budget.
🍞 Free Daily Bread: Don’t miss the complimentary bread, a welcomed side that adds value to your meal.
🌱 Vegan Friendly: Almost every salad option is vegan, with oil and vinegar dressings safe bets for strict diets.
⏰ Limited Hours: Open only briefly on weekdays, planning your visit around the short window is crucial.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Romaine's is praised for its fresh, customizable salads and fair pricing, with customers appreciating the variety of proteins and vegan options. The short daily hours are a noted downside, and some reviews mention it can get busy at lunch due to its campus location. A few highlight the price as a bit high compared to quality but overall the experience is positive.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
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The Selection
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Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Custom Salads, Soups, Daily Bread, Imitation Crab Protein, Chicken Protein, Vegan Dressings, Vegetarian Options
