Cocktail bars, wine bars, dive bars and gastropubs: drinking in Santa Barbara for grown-ups.

Where to drink

The James Joyce ★ 3.5

Cocktail barIrish pub$$Downtown Santa BarbaraMon-Sun 11:00-02:00

Santa Barbara's original Irish pub since 1996. Live music six nights a week, pints until 02:00. 30,000-song jukebox, pool, darts, sidewalk patio.

Signature drink: Guinness on draught

Food: Bar snacks, wings

513 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

SOhO Restaurant and Music Club ★ 3.8

Cocktail barLive music bar$$Downtown Santa BarbaraMon-Thu 18:00-01:00; Fri-Sat 18:00-02:00; Sun 18:00-01:00

Live music venue and restaurant on the second floor of Victoria Court. Nightly blues, funk, rock, reggae. California fare and wines. Open to 02:00.

Signature drink: California wines by the glass

Food: California fare, fresh seafood, gourmet pizza

1221 State Street, Suite 205, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

The Press Room ★ 3.2

Cocktail barEnglish pub$Downtown Santa BarbaraMon-Sun 12:00-02:00

English-style pub on Ortega Street open until 02:00. The go-to for Premier League football in Santa Barbara. Dog-friendly, no-frills, genuine local crowd.

Signature drink: UK and domestic ales

Food: Limited bar snacks

15 E Ortega Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila ★ 3.1

Cocktail barTequila and mezcal bar$$Downtown Santa BarbaraMon-Fri 11:00-02:00; Sat-Sun 09:00-02:00

Mexican restaurant and late-night tequila bar on lower State Street. Elevated tacos, seafood enchiladas. Reopened June 2026 after full renovation.

Signature drink: Handcrafted margaritas and mezcal cocktails

Food: Elevated street tacos, seafood enchiladas

514 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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