Ditto!
Unrelated, but the winery in Summerland is closing :( Any idea what might be going in next? I live in Summerland and am hoping it's another wine and/or beer spot - extra points the food is good and it's open past 5 pm. Would love to have another evening hangout on the main drag!!
A friend of mine lived right across the street in the last house on Chapala. She said at 6:45 every morning the loudspeaker at the train station would blare, "Arriving now, the Pacific Surfliner to Los Angeles!" And this went on all day with every train, then the freight trains blowing their horns in the middle of the night. That might cause people to move on to a more quiet abode.
So stoked on this piece! These benches always make me smile, and the story of how they’ve come to be is so wonderful. What a gift to Santa Barbara!
Monty's <3
I thought the Cutler's menu was reasonably priced until noticing the $11 draft beer. If maintaining a supply of the draft beer is an issue, they could also offer bottles/cans. Am I the only one who prefers a bottle/can so I can pour it periodically to get a fresh aromatic head instead of sipping on what quickly becomes a stale glass of draught beer?
The West Beach condo has sold three times since 2019, and it's on the market again—so, yes, for whatever reason, no one seems to want to hold onto it for very long. And that makes it a hot potato.
For a seller not exactly doing a “flip,” but just trying to get out quickly with his or her pants still on, perhaps the more appropriate term is a “flap.” After all, according to the dictionary, a flap is movement of a wing or an arm from side to side. “By George, that guy just bought in a couple of months ago, now it’s listed again, and he did nothing to improve the place! He’s doing a flap!”
Excellent and entertaining review. I have had similar experiences at all four places. The mini portions at Bar Lou don’t hold up well to sharing with more than one friend, especially four !The food at RH I’ve had so far is dull, forgettable. Service was stellar. The acoustics at Lion Tale make it difficult to have a conversation but maybe the great ambiance makes up for that ? Clarkes was tasty. We also felt rushed, but maybe they will relax soon and let their customers also relax. ? Having a seafood centric restaurant in town is a nice option.
Lucky’s has no rivals, so far.
NoTown tavern in magnolia shopping center
There were two at Butterfly but then one went missing . I think they are charming and much needed .
I would love to see many more along the beach there.
Thank you for making and installing .
We love Athletic as well and sell them in our shop in Old Town Goleta. If you ever want to give him a gift full of unique local goodies and a six pack of N/A Athletic, check us out! www.santabarbaragiftbaskets.com
Tried Elwood for dinner last week. Food excellent but entire menu pricey! Also limited entree options. Setting is priceless but decor not as beachy as beloved Beachside. Much more tailored - kind of a Hamptons vibe. Was packed for dinner so it will probably do well despite prices. Adding lunch makes sense for all local industry and UCSB.
This is outside No Town Tavern! Which used to be Monty’s Sports Bar!
Nice that the SB Airport has a phone for the occasional traveller without their own. Now if only they had a water dispenser with half decent and cold water!
Is this the Crocodile Bar at Lemon Tree Inn?
Hi there,
Love the column. Very informative. Wondering about the “West Beach hot potato”? It used to be that a hot potato was something nobody wanted to touch. Maybe the expression has changed over the years?
They will not be able to keep these advertised prices for long or go out of business if they don’t charge more.
Easy Rich take a chill pill breath. Romantizer was a sub par restaurant like going to Taco Bell. If you want good Mexican food go to la super rica or los arroyos.
Peace 
Flhope?
Love that!
In re: "...describe a flip that’s more about getting out (ideally whole) than trying to make a quick dime."
May I suggest a "floops" ?
You can tell that Ellens messages is so true from this news, it's all about love and treating each other with kindness.
What I find interesting about the re-striping is that “sales tax from businesses like restaurants, hotels, food, drugs, building, and construction were up 3-7 percent in Old Town”
It’s literally just the auto dealerships and shops struggling.
I'm still trying to figure out if "Wedgie Salad" is a typo or not.
