Santa Barbara, a charming coastal town in California, is renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque architecture, and lively nightlife scene. When it comes to bars, State Street is the epicenter of the city’s entertainment, offering a diverse range of establishments that cater to various tastes and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Santa Barbara’s bars on State Street, highlighting the best spots to grab a drink, enjoy live music, and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
A Brief History of State Street
Before we dive into the bars, let’s take a brief look at the history of State Street. This iconic thoroughfare has been the heart of Santa Barbara’s downtown area since the late 19th century. Originally designed as a commercial hub, State Street has evolved over the years to become a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Today, the street is lined with a mix of historic buildings, trendy boutiques, and lively bars, making it the perfect spot to experience the city’s unique blend of old and new.
The Best Bars on State Street
State Street is home to a wide range of bars, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are some of the best bars to visit:
Craft Beer Bars
Santa Barbara is famous for its craft beer scene, and State Street is no exception. Here are a few bars that showcase the city’s best brews:
- The Brewhouse: Located at 229 E. Main St, The Brewhouse is a popular spot for beer enthusiasts. With a rotating selection of local and regional brews, this bar is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample the best of Santa Barbara’s craft beer scene.
- Fig Mountain Brewery: This brewery and taproom, located at 137 Anacapa St, offers a wide range of beer styles, from IPAs to stouts. With a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating area, Fig Mountain Brewery is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a pint.
Cocktail Bars
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more sophisticated, State Street has plenty of cocktail bars to choose from:
- The Good Lion: Located at 1212 State St, The Good Lion is a stylish cocktail bar that serves up creative drinks made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With a speakeasy-style vibe and expertly crafted cocktails, this bar is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique nightlife experience.
- Blue Door: This intimate cocktail bar, located at 1211 State St, is known for its extensive selection of whiskey and craft cocktails. With a cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable bartenders, Blue Door is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and unwind.
Live Music Venues
State Street is also home to a number of live music venues, ranging from small bars to larger concert halls. Here are a few spots to check out:
- SOhO Restaurant and Music Club: Located at 1221 State St, SOhO is a popular spot for live music and good food. With a wide range of acts, from rock to jazz, this venue is a great place to catch a show and enjoy a meal.
- Velvet Jones: This intimate music venue, located at 423 State St, hosts a variety of acts, from local bands to touring musicians. With a cozy atmosphere and expert sound system, Velvet Jones is a great spot to experience live music in Santa Barbara.
Insider Tips and Tricks
To make the most of your nightlife experience on State Street, here are a few insider tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Arrive early: Many of the bars on State Street can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arrive early to grab a good spot and avoid long lines.
- Take advantage of happy hour: Many bars on State Street offer happy hour specials, which can be a great way to save money and try new drinks.
- Explore the side streets: While State Street is the main hub of nightlife in Santa Barbara, there are plenty of other bars and venues to explore on the side streets. Be sure to check out some of the smaller bars and clubs to discover new favorites.
Getting Around
State Street is easily accessible by car, bike, or on foot. Here are a few options for getting around:
- Parking: There are several parking lots and garages located throughout downtown Santa Barbara, including the City Lot on Anacapa Street and the Granada Garage on Granada Street.
- Bike rentals: Santa Barbara has a number of bike rental shops, including Wheel Fun Rentals and Santa Barbara Bike Rentals. Renting a bike is a great way to get around the city and enjoy the scenic views.
- Public transportation: The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) offers a number of bus routes that run throughout the city, including the downtown area. You can plan your trip and track buses in real-time using the MTD website or mobile app.
Conclusion
State Street in Santa Barbara is a vibrant and exciting destination for nightlife enthusiasts. With a wide range of bars, live music venues, and restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone on this iconic thoroughfare. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out some of the best bars on State Street and experience the city’s unique blend of old and new.
What is State Street in Santa Barbara, and why is it known for its nightlife?
State Street is a popular downtown area in Santa Barbara, California, known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The street is lined with a variety of bars, clubs, and lounges that cater to different tastes and preferences. From upscale cocktail bars to lively dance clubs, State Street has something for everyone. The area is also home to many restaurants, theaters, and shops, making it a great destination for a night out on the town.
State Street’s nightlife scene is also fueled by the presence of the University of California, Santa Barbara, which is located just a few miles away. Many students and young professionals flock to the area on weekends to enjoy the bars, clubs, and live music venues. As a result, State Street has become a hub for nightlife in Santa Barbara, with a lively and energetic atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
What types of bars can I expect to find on State Street?
State Street is home to a diverse range of bars, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. You’ll find everything from upscale cocktail bars serving craft drinks to lively sports bars with big screens and live music venues featuring local bands. There are also several wine bars and tasting rooms, where you can sample some of the region’s famous wines. Additionally, many of the bars on State Street have outdoor seating areas, where you can enjoy a drink and take in the sights and sounds of the street.
Some of the bars on State Street also offer themed nights and events, such as trivia nights, karaoke, and live music performances. Others have a more laid-back, casual vibe, where you can grab a beer and watch a game or hang out with friends. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated cocktail bar or a lively party spot, you’ll find it on State Street.
Are there any bars on State Street that serve food?
Yes, many of the bars on State Street serve food, ranging from small plates and snacks to full meals. Some of the bars have a limited menu, while others have a more extensive selection of dishes. You’ll find everything from classic pub fare like burgers and fries to more upscale cuisine like seafood and steak. Many of the bars also offer happy hour specials, where you can get discounts on food and drinks during certain hours of the day.
Some popular bars on State Street that serve food include those with outdoor seating areas, where you can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the sights and sounds of the street. Others have a more intimate, cozy atmosphere, where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Be sure to check out the menus and hours of operation for each bar to plan your night out.
Can I find any bars on State Street that are open late?
Yes, many of the bars on State Street are open late, with some staying open until 1 or 2 am on weekends. These bars are perfect for those who want to keep the party going after hours or who are looking for a late-night spot to grab a drink. Some of the bars also offer extended hours during special events or holidays, so be sure to check their websites or social media for updates.
Keep in mind that some bars on State Street may have earlier closing hours on weekdays, so it’s always a good idea to check their hours of operation before heading out. Additionally, some bars may have a cover charge or require a minimum drink purchase after a certain hour, so be sure to plan ahead and budget accordingly.
Are there any bars on State Street that are suitable for a romantic evening?
Yes, there are several bars on State Street that are perfect for a romantic evening. Some of the upscale cocktail bars and wine bars have a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for a date night. These bars often have a extensive selection of wines and craft cocktails, as well as small plates and snacks to accompany your drinks.
Some popular romantic bars on State Street include those with outdoor seating areas, where you can enjoy a drink and take in the sights and sounds of the street. Others have a cozy, intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and comfortable seating. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as these bars can get busy on weekends.
Can I find any bars on State Street that show live sports?
Yes, there are several bars on State Street that show live sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and more. These bars often have big screens and multiple TVs, so you can catch all the action from different angles. Some of the sports bars also offer special deals and discounts during games, such as happy hour prices or food specials.
Some popular sports bars on State Street include those with a lively, energetic atmosphere, where you can cheer on your favorite team with other fans. Others have a more laid-back, casual vibe, where you can grab a beer and watch a game with friends. Be sure to check the bar’s website or social media to see what games they’re showing and what specials they’re offering.
Are there any bars on State Street that offer live music?
Yes, there are several bars on State Street that offer live music, ranging from local bands to solo performers. These bars often have a lively, energetic atmosphere, where you can enjoy live music while sipping on a drink or dancing the night away. Some of the bars also offer themed music nights, such as jazz or rock nights, so be sure to check their schedules in advance.
Some popular bars on State Street that offer live music include those with a large stage and dance floor, where you can see and hear the performers up close. Others have a more intimate, cozy atmosphere, where you can enjoy live music in a smaller setting. Be sure to check the bar’s website or social media to see what music they’re offering and when.