Festive Mexican eatery & bar has happy hours, parties & a partially outdoor space with fire pits.
We dined at The Sandbar and had an incredible experience. We started out on the outdoor street patio, enjoying the most beautiful weather. We shared the Tostado El Rancho Salad and the Baja Burrito with carne asada—both dishes were perfectly cooked, bursting with flavor, and generously portioned. Even the chips and salsa were top-notch. Highly recommend dining here, especially if you can grab a table outside.
This place was a great find on our one day trip in Santa Barbara. We're from Ohio and so we were traveling the coast of California looking for all different unique places to visit and experience. This place definitely made the top of the list. Their food was fabulous, great happy hour deals. The atmosphere was so special and just fun! I recommend it to anyone who's looking for something to eat with friends or family, or even by yourself. They had plenty of TVs if you're there to watch sports but they didn't stand out because the rest of the atmosphere is decorated so well. Lots of seating options, the restrooms were clean, and our server was great!
The Sandbar was a last minute decision while walking on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. It was a really busy night during Fiesta weekend so the hostess was a bit frazzled getting the tables turned over fast enough. There was about a 30 min wait for a table, but everyone was really friendly. The wait staff was efficient and attentive. The food was classic Ca mexican with flavorful sauces and combinations. Hard to choose what to order with a robust menu. The bean dip that came with the chips was really yummy. And the margaritas were AMAZING! There was live music and lots of activity, so I am sure this is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Went in for the happy hour, they did not honor the double margarita even though it was advertised IN PRINT. Very inexperienced bartender who didn't understand what's advertised & what she would make. Please train your bartenders. No napkin with a rocks cocktail. No glass with a beer. We would have stayed. We asked for a manager, another college age girl, who said I was 'unkind" for having these expectations for a new bartender. Sarcasm & eye rolls were plentiful. Mediocrity at its finest! Good luck!
Highly recommend and a must stop while in SB. Drinks are very good. And food was delicious