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 pubDowntown Santa Barbara

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.

DrinkGuinness on draught

FoodBar snacks, wings

SOhO Restaurant and Music Club ★ 3.8

$$ Cocktail barLive music barDowntown Santa Barbara

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.

DrinkCalifornia wines by the glass

FoodCalifornia fare, fresh seafood, gourmet pizza

The Press Room ★ 3.2

$ Cocktail barEnglish pubDowntown Santa Barbara

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.

DrinkUK and domestic ales

FoodLimited bar snacks

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila ★ 3.1

$$ Cocktail barTequila and mezcal barDowntown Santa Barbara

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

DrinkHandcrafted margaritas and mezcal cocktails

FoodElevated street tacos, seafood enchiladas

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