Siteline | The Most-Read Posts of 2024

Here are the most-read posts in 2024, along with some comments and updates.

1. One and Done in Sedona
Someone must have tipped off Sedonans that the post wasn’t all that enthusiastic about the place. Here’s hoping Phoenix fares better.

2. 24 Hour Fitness Will Close Next Year
The gym in El Paseo didn’t actually make it that long.

3. A Santa Barbara Landmark Is Headed to Auction
The former St. Anthony’s Seminary property at 2300 Garden Street sold for $16.7 million; it’s rumored to become a Sufi retreat of some kind.

4. Lama Sama Opens Tomorrow in San Roque
Try the miso kale Caesar salad with brown butter panko crumbs and toasted sesame seeds.

5. White Caps Beach Club Is Coming to Summerland
Look for it to return this spring.

6. Via Vai’s Lease Will Not Be Renewed
Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen is taking over the space.

7. A Riviera House Is Falling Down the Hillside
The city is going to get it removed.

8. The 48 Restaurants Expected to Open in Coming Months
This was last January’s edition of the semi-annual feature; there will be another update soon.

9. The Current State of the Four Seasons Biltmore
After which the general manager sent out an email announcing that the opening was postponed till sometime in 2025.

10. Montecito’s Most Exciting New Restaurant Is Taking Shape
Little Mountain, in the former Montecito Wine Bistro space, will hopefully be ready this spring.

11. The New Tenant of the Oliver’s Building
Bar Lou opened in November and continues to be very buzzy.

12. A Timeline of Ellen DeGeneres’s and Portia De Rossi’s Local Real Estate Transactions
Since 2006, the couple has spent at least $350 million on Montecito/Padaro Lane real estate.

13. The 44 Restaurants Expected to Open in Coming Months
This was July’s edition of the semi-annual feature; there will be another update soon.

14. First Look Inside Clark’s Oyster Bar
This post also likely did well because it included details about Bogavante, the Mexican seafood restaurant taking over the Stella Mare’s space on Los Patos Way

15. Opening Dates and Menus for Wexler’s Deli and Lilac Montecito
Wexler’s got replaced by Big T’s Deli in November.

16. A Whole Lot of L.A. Is Coming Our Way
That would at The Post, the shopping center in the space formerly known as Las Aves. A handful of shops have opened, with more on the way soon.

17. What Happened to the Gas Flame on Highway 101?
It was a flare-off for two offshore oil platforms whose operator went out of business.

18. Lion’s Tale Opens Tonight on Coast Village Road
The steak frites was very good, and I need to go back soon.

19. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art Canceled an Exhibit Because It Wasn’t Diverse Enough
Some of the artists were understandably upset.

20. The Public Market’s Next New Vendor
That would be Little Bird Kitchen, which sells salads, sandwiches, and burgers; also coming to the market is Lily’s Donuts & Pops. (This post may have done well in part because it included info about the revamp of Tyde’s at the Coral Casino.)

21. Montecito Is Getting Another Coffee Bar
Buellton’s Little King should open in the next couple of months at The Post; in the meantime, it’s operating a coffee cart there on weekends.

22. Refugio State Beach Is Closed Indefinitely
It reopened in August.

23. Changes Are Coming to the Breakwater Restaurant
Look for a report soon.

24. A New Shop Is Opening in the Big Yellow House
Arrediamo primarily sells carpets.

25. RH Firehouse Grill Has Opened in the Upper Village
And initial reviews have been all over the place….

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