The Nook Santa Barbara

Open

Closed

$

$$

๐Ÿ” American

โ€ข

Santa Barbara

โ€ข

counter-service

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

$

$$

โ€ข

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โ€ข

counter-service

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๐Ÿ“

The Nook Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

$

Enjoy fresh burgers, truffle fries, and craft beers in a cool, pet-friendly shipping container spot at Santa Barbaraโ€™s East Beach.

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About
4.4
(
240
)

The Nook Santa Barbara offers a casually trendy dining experience centered on contemporary American comfort food served in a repurposed shipping container. Guests enjoy fast counter service, a great beer selection from the adjacent bar, and an inviting atmosphere perfect for lunch, dinner, or solo dining.

Outdoor seating and easy ordering complement the relaxed yet lively environment, while pet-friendly policies and accessible facilities welcome all guests.

What to Expect:

    ๐Ÿ” Fresh burgers including Nook and Lama burgers
    ๐ŸŸ Signature truffle and garlic parmesan fries
    ๐Ÿบ Diverse craft beer and wine options
    ๐Ÿพ Pet-friendly patio seating
    ๐ŸŽฒ Fun board games and relaxed vibe

Important Information:

    Counter service with no reservations accepted
    Free parking lot and street parking; parking can be challenging
    Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms

Expect high quality, flavorful dishes at moderate prices amidst a buzzy and friendly atmosphere in Santa Barbaraโ€™s East Beach neighborhood.

Haley's Pick ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ

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

Itโ€™s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isnโ€™t just a meal, itโ€™s a moment worth lining up for.

โ€“ Haley @milehighandhungry
๐Ÿ”Š
๐Ÿ”Š
๐Ÿ”Š

๐Ÿ“ Local Insights

๐Ÿ” Burger Highlights: The Nook and Lama burgers are crowd favorites paired best with truffle or garlic parmesan fries.

๐Ÿพ Bring Your Dog: Dogs are welcome both inside and outside, making the patio a perfect spot for pet owners.

๐Ÿบ Adjacent Tap Room: Drinks come from the connected Lama Dog bar offering a strong craft beer selection.

๐Ÿ•’ Off-Peak Visits: Weekday afternoons or early lunch hours see lighter crowds; weekends and evenings get busy, especially around 1โ€“2 PM and 5โ€“7 PM.

โฐ Hours

Monday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 4:15 PM to 8:30 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 4:15 PM to 8:30 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 4:15 PM to 8:30 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 4:15 PM to 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 4:15 PM to 9:30 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 4:15 PM to 8:00 PM

๐Ÿ‘‰ Best For

Casual dining, pet owners, burger lovers, solo diners, craft beer fans

The Nook Santa Barbara

116 Santa Barbara St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
The Nook Santa Barbara earns praise for fresh, tasty burgers, generous portions, and a fun, pet-friendly atmosphere with great beer selection. Fast, friendly counter service and accessible seating make it a popular casual spot. Some guests mention inconsistencies with burger flavor and fries' texture; a few note difficulty finding parking and occasional missteps in service.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Go For

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Anglerโ€™s Offerings

What You'll Find

Nook Burger, Lama Burger, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Truffle Fries, Garlic Parmesan Fries, Halibut Tostada, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Angus Burgers, Fries, Sandwiches, Salads

๐Ÿ“† Best Times to Visit

Visit weekdays just after opening or mid-afternoon for lighter crowds; weekends fill quickly between noon and 7 PM. Early reservations not accepted; plan for wait times during peak.
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