Santa Barbara, California
Looking for a quick weekend getaway in California? Santa Barbara is perfect for that! My husband was sent there to open a new Islands Restaurant in La Cumbre Plaza, so we planned a short visit before Valentine’s Day.
Cam and I consider the perfect vacation to be a lot of eating and drinking coffee, so that’s exactly what we did. Here are some great eats and coffee spots when hanging out in SB:
1. Renaud’s Patisserie and Bistro
So my favorite thing about this place is the jam. Yes, the jam! If you’re looking for a light breakfast, stop by and grab a coffee and a croissant (and take the jam when they offer it to you.) You can also get a larger breakfast if you show up before 11 a.m.
I’ll take one of everything, please.
Cam and I were leaving the parking structure at Paseo Nuevo (great place to shop BTW) and we noticed this rad looking coffee joint across the street, so naturally we had to check it out. Breakfast Culture Club has a laid back, surf atmosphere and really awesome, large pieces of toast.
You know they’ve got that organic jam.
I’m a sandwich, soup and salad kind-of-girl, so this place is a slice of heaven for me. You can grab anything from a Grilled Cheese Dip with Tomato Bisque to a Mama’s Meatball Marinara. They offer fresh produce and bread everyday, nothing frozen, never deep fried, gluten-free, no artificial flavors or trans fat.
I was really craving ramen, so my darling Cam made sure that we hit up a great ramen spot. Santa Barbara Craft Ramen has a bomb, spicy Tonkotsu soup that you can get with meat or tofu. Also, I added the Black Garlic Oil. So freakin' delicious.
Come to Mama.
Wanna to grab a drink? The Neighborhood was voted Best Bar in Santa Barbara eight years in a row, offers Happy Hour till 9pm and has two giant outdoor patios. You can play beer pong, bean bag toss or watch a game on TV.
6. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
I HAD to try this ice cream during our trip and let me tell you... it did not disappoint. Their ice cream is made from scratch with no added crap (their words not mine haha.) I highly recommend the Eureka Lemon and Marionberries, as well as the Earl Grey Tea & Shortbread Cookies.
Do you have some SB recommendations? Comment them!
