Joe's Cafe is an acclaimed American steakhouse and upbeat bar that's been the centerpiece of Santa Barbara's dining, drinking, and socializing since 1928. Our commitment to offering great meals, stiff cocktails, and a friendly ambiance has made Joe's Cafe a downtown destination for generations of locals and visitors alike.
Renowned for serving up a great evening out, Joe's Cafe transforms seamlessly from a neighborhood restaurant to a lively bar as the evening progresses. Many visitors start and end their night at Joe's Cafe. Our menu is hand crafted, modern American favorites in generous portions.
Renowned for serving up a great evening out, Joe's Cafe transforms seamlessly from a neighborhood restaurant to a lively bar as the evening progresses. Many visitors start and end their night at Joe's Cafe. Our menu is hand crafted, modern American favorites in generous portions.
Services
Joe's Cafe, a venerable Santa Barbara dining and drinking institution, is the oldest restaurant in the city. Over the years, it has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike, who mingle over cocktails or chat during dinner in a buzzing, traditional atmosphere. The exceptional ambiance underscores its rich heritage and long history.
Gene Montesano's entrepreneurial spirit has played a central role in many companies, such as Lucky Brand Jeans, Lucky's Steakhouse, Tre Lune Restaurant, D'Angelo's Bakery, the Jeans Shop, Civilianaire and more. Lucky's is widely known for its exclusive selection of USDA Prime steaks, live Maine lobsters, no-nonsense cocktails and world class wine cellar.
Reviews (21)
Crystal L.
Jan 30, 2022
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Food is not good. Hash browns were burnt breakfast burrito was bad and cold. The tri tip in the burrito was gross. The coffee tasted bitter like it had been sitting in the pot burning. I don't recommend this place. The eggs Benedict were ok but still wouldn't try again. Service is good and fast but doesn't make up for the quality of the food.
Milan F.
Jan 30, 2022
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Chris D.
Jan 28, 2022
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Talk about a great spot to dine in
A great nostalgic vibe to it..
I love the lighting in this place ( I went at night)
This is my first time trying joes
I only came for dessert and a cup of hot chocolate
I ordered apple pie and ice cream
Well, I got the apple pie and ice cream
Ended up eating my friend's cheesecake too.
You may be thinking ( that's a lot of sweets?)
Well, I ate a lot of salty stuff before opening joes doors
The pie and ice cream were standard
The hot chocolate was great with whipped cream
Tasted like childhood on a winter New York day
I did discover a blob of unmixed
A great nostalgic vibe to it..
I love the lighting in this place ( I went at night)
This is my first time trying joes
I only came for dessert and a cup of hot chocolate
I ordered apple pie and ice cream
Well, I got the apple pie and ice cream
Ended up eating my friend's cheesecake too.
You may be thinking ( that's a lot of sweets?)
Well, I ate a lot of salty stuff before opening joes doors
The pie and ice cream were standard
The hot chocolate was great with whipped cream
Tasted like childhood on a winter New York day
I did discover a blob of unmixed
Sona B.
Jan 17, 2022
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Brian
Jan 16, 2022
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Kamil S.
Jan 09, 2022
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Really bad service.
Waited forever to get any attention after being told to seat myself at any table.
Had to remind the staff that I exist and would like to make an order.
I ordered Omaha open faces tritip sandwich. I asked for medium had well done. It says it comes with salad - however there was no salad on my plate. My friend got a herbed chicken. They forgot sauces and chicken was way over cooked.
Also, had to go and ask for silverware after food was served.
Won't come back.
Waited forever to get any attention after being told to seat myself at any table.
Had to remind the staff that I exist and would like to make an order.
I ordered Omaha open faces tritip sandwich. I asked for medium had well done. It says it comes with salad - however there was no salad on my plate. My friend got a herbed chicken. They forgot sauces and chicken was way over cooked.
Also, had to go and ask for silverware after food was served.
Won't come back.
Jessica A.
Jan 05, 2022
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Logan Nielsen
Jan 04, 2022
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After coming off a long drive this is the place to be. It has some amazing history it’s been here since 1928 they have lots of pictures and pieces of history. Would highly recommend the French dip and the fried chicken sandwich. The service was amazing and the food came quick. If you get a salad get it with the blue cheese. And the pies are amazing also. And this is coming from a 15 year old first place I have felt that I need to leave a good review.
Josh W.
Jan 02, 2022
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Man I was really looking forward to coming to this place, and that was my first mistake. It's a cute place and the ambiance seems ok, but the food. First, my wife ordered a margarita and it was a heavy pour. So, if you like your margaritas tasting like pure tequila, this is your spot. It was strong for even me. It was not a tasty drink.
The food: We ordered crab cakes and potato skins. Both were burnt. Badly. I sent the cakes back but tried to muster the skins with ranch and sour cream (it didn't help). I asked if there was a new cook, but nope. My wife ordered the meatloaf, which wasn
The food: We ordered crab cakes and potato skins. Both were burnt. Badly. I sent the cakes back but tried to muster the skins with ranch and sour cream (it didn't help). I asked if there was a new cook, but nope. My wife ordered the meatloaf, which wasn
Jema H.
Jan 02, 2022
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We had a great lunch at Joe's! I haven't been in so long and when the kids asked to go there for New Year's lunch it took me a second. It's a place I always went when people visit town or to get a stiff drink. If it been so long but I figured why not. I was immediately drawn to the Cuban sandwich. And totally happy with that choice. It was delicious! The kids cheeseburger was huge yet she didn't have a problem making that go away. And the cheese ravioli totally satisfied my vegetarian child. And our server, Jana, was so nice and helpful!! The outdoor seating with heaters
Ron C.
Nov 27, 2021
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Thanksgiving morning and my troops are hungry! There are very few places open on this day and Joe's Café happens to be one of them.
Boy, were we lucky!
Parking wasn't a problem even though Joe's doesn't have one. There's a lot located not far from the café that had plenty of room.
The staff here are livewires in the best sense of the word. Cathy, who served my hungry crew, was a hoot! She and the team who served us were attentive, gregarious, and hard working. Coffee empty? Not a problem here! Food cold? Not a problem here!
We began with libations (We were on vacation
Boy, were we lucky!
Parking wasn't a problem even though Joe's doesn't have one. There's a lot located not far from the café that had plenty of room.
The staff here are livewires in the best sense of the word. Cathy, who served my hungry crew, was a hoot! She and the team who served us were attentive, gregarious, and hard working. Coffee empty? Not a problem here! Food cold? Not a problem here!
We began with libations (We were on vacation
Patrick
Nov 24, 2021
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Ob Penguin
Nov 18, 2021
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Joe's was great! But everybody knows that already! The place was packed. Nonetheless we were seated right away. I asked the server to help me with my selection of 3 entrees and winner winner meatloaf dinner! It was delicious. My partner had the Philly steak sandwich which he enjoyed very much. We took a piece of pecan pie home. Unfortunately it was just okay. I was hoping I t would have been as good as the entrees. It was on the dry side. Overall Joe's was a really good dining experience.
Tommy M.
Nov 12, 2021
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This review for Joe's Cafe has no photo's , this is a new cell the old cell was not save and lost....My Bad!
I was in Santa Barbara really early on business one morning, so trying to find a restaurant or cafe around 7am only Joe's Cafe and Starbucks are open.
They had outdoors as well as indoors dining, I was seated right away from a friendly waitress i look over the menu and was ready to order, the three waitress took their lengthy time in conversation with the regular customer over looking me, "of course i was on my cell" I finally flag someone down who apologize.
I
I was in Santa Barbara really early on business one morning, so trying to find a restaurant or cafe around 7am only Joe's Cafe and Starbucks are open.
They had outdoors as well as indoors dining, I was seated right away from a friendly waitress i look over the menu and was ready to order, the three waitress took their lengthy time in conversation with the regular customer over looking me, "of course i was on my cell" I finally flag someone down who apologize.
I
John Haberkern
Nov 11, 2021
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Joe’s cafe has great breakfast, lunch and dinner, almost always, they also have a bar that serves stiff drinks.
We ordered the French dip, comes with fries and salad. Another ordered the Phillip’s Crab salad sandwich, it’s grilled on sourdough bread and comes with fries. It was awful and tasted bad. She took one bite and left the rest. I shared my French dip with her. French dip was pretty good.
We ordered the French dip, comes with fries and salad. Another ordered the Phillip’s Crab salad sandwich, it’s grilled on sourdough bread and comes with fries. It was awful and tasted bad. She took one bite and left the rest. I shared my French dip with her. French dip was pretty good.
Joshua Santos
Sep 21, 2021
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Took my family out for a nice lunch at Joe’s Cafe. We were seated within 20 minutes of arrival without any reservations on their outside dining to accomodate my dog. I love how they are really dog-friendly and they even have a dedicated food/water bowl for their four-legged guests. Also, you can order a side of chicken or a side of burger for your dog/cat in case you want them to join you for a meal.
The inside of the cafe looks great! The environment and the ambience feels very homey. I surely wish that we could experience eating inside on our next visit. Also, the outside table was too small
The inside of the cafe looks great! The environment and the ambience feels very homey. I surely wish that we could experience eating inside on our next visit. Also, the outside table was too small
Brian S.
Jul 26, 2021
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A popular place to eat on State Street. We caught the tail end of breakfast. Service was friendly and efficient.
Food, especially the potatoes, was largely unseasoned. I had the smoked salmon plate. Poached eggs were poached hard. Buttery but hard. It's rare that the first thing I say after a plate hits the table is, "Please pass the salt." But that's what I said.
All-in-all... cafe food and not as good as it could have been.
Both indoor and outdoor eating areas were filling up fast for lunch.
Food, especially the potatoes, was largely unseasoned. I had the smoked salmon plate. Poached eggs were poached hard. Buttery but hard. It's rare that the first thing I say after a plate hits the table is, "Please pass the salt." But that's what I said.
All-in-all... cafe food and not as good as it could have been.
Both indoor and outdoor eating areas were filling up fast for lunch.
Yo Cuantico
Jun 19, 2021
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The taste of coffee is exquisite. I would have stayed at that table drinking more..,
The Cuban sandwich and its garnish that you can choose between salad and French fries. I chose the French fries because I was touring and I was expecting a walk to enjoy this beautiful city trapped between a mountain valley and the splendid and wonderful Pacific Ocean.
The Cuban sandwich and its garnish that you can choose between salad and French fries. I chose the French fries because I was touring and I was expecting a walk to enjoy this beautiful city trapped between a mountain valley and the splendid and wonderful Pacific Ocean.
Justin L.
Jun 08, 2021
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Super old-fashioned place. Red/white checkered tablecloths, dark wooden furniture, crown molding, all the bells and whistles. But they're authentically old-fashioned; this is the oldest cafe in Santa Barbara after all.
Joe's doesn't really specialize in one menu item or have a standout dish; I could name a bunch of other restaurants that have better fish & chips, steaks, sandwiches, or pastas. But it's a safe choice for groups, especially if you have friends who are very particular about their food.
I went ahead and ordered the Pacific Salmon, wild-caught. The piece
Joe's doesn't really specialize in one menu item or have a standout dish; I could name a bunch of other restaurants that have better fish & chips, steaks, sandwiches, or pastas. But it's a safe choice for groups, especially if you have friends who are very particular about their food.
I went ahead and ordered the Pacific Salmon, wild-caught. The piece
Debbie K.
May 10, 2021
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A perfect spot in Santa Barbara for delicious food and great service. The owner was so kind to stop by and say hello. We made a stop here after our camping trip. They were able to accommodate a larger party with a separate adult and kids table.
The Bloody Mary is a must! Perfectly spiced and strong.
Smash burger was juicy and flavorful.
Spaghetti was perfect for the kids.
Outdoor seating was safely distanced. Staff had masks and gloves. It is a must stop anytime we're in the area.
The Bloody Mary is a must! Perfectly spiced and strong.
Smash burger was juicy and flavorful.
Spaghetti was perfect for the kids.
Outdoor seating was safely distanced. Staff had masks and gloves. It is a must stop anytime we're in the area.
Priscilla Cortes
Apr 10, 2021
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