Visiting Santa Barbara - Recommendations Needed

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by TheGent, Aug 30, 2016.

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  1. TheGent

    TheGent Grand Pooh-Bah (4,235) Jun 29, 2010 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    First time posting in this forum. I will be traveling to Santa Barbara for work on 9/20 - 9/23 and am looking for recommendations on bars, breweries and bottle shops. I saw some threads that touched on Santa Barbara (learned about Hollister and Telegraph), but did not see anything specifically dedicated to this area.

    I am flying into LAX on the 20th and driving up to Santa Barbara, so anything along the way would be appreciated. The 20th should be mostly downtime so I'm willing to travel the distance that day if necessary.

    Thanks so much for your recommendations.
     
    #1 TheGent, Aug 30, 2016
  2. pinballplayer

    pinballplayer Maven (1,487) Jul 2, 2014 California
    Trader

    Oxnard and to a lesser extent Santa Barbara Whole Foods for bottles; Figueroa Mountain in SB is a cool spot and their DIPA Lizard's Mouth is tropical deliciousness; Eureka! may have the best draft selection in SB but is pricey.

    All is trumped by the holy grail that is Barrelworks which lies 45 mins north of SB and is worth the drive especially if you won't be back soon.

    Enjoy!
     
    #2 pinballplayer, Aug 30, 2016
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  3. Dka67

    Dka67 Savant (1,032) Nov 27, 2014 California
    Trader

    What time do you land. That way can let you know what will be open or not on your drive north.
     
    #3 Dka67, Aug 30, 2016
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  4. ComradePalmer

    ComradePalmer Pundit (855) Jul 27, 2015 California

    From LAX onward you got breweries like El Segundo Brewing, Three Weavers, Fireworks Venice (but the drive outside of SB to Buellton for Barrelworks is worth it), MacLeod's in Van Nuys, Ladyface in Agoura, Institution in Camarillo, Casa Agria in Oxnard, Topa Topa in Ventura.

    In addition to Telegraph you can hit up Third Window Brewing which is about two blocks away. There's also brewLAB in nearby Carpinteria, plus next door is a place that makes meads and ciders.

    There are also plenty of smaller places in between but these are the major ones off the top of my head.
     
    #4 ComradePalmer, Aug 30, 2016
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  5. TheGent

    TheGent Grand Pooh-Bah (4,235) Jun 29, 2010 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    In the morning. Still TBD but before noon. Thanks.
     
    #5 TheGent, Aug 30, 2016
  6. TheGent

    TheGent Grand Pooh-Bah (4,235) Jun 29, 2010 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks guys
     
    #6 TheGent, Aug 30, 2016
  7. Black_Rider

    Black_Rider Pooh-Bah (2,019) Mar 26, 2013 California
    Pooh-Bah

    Fireworks Venice is dope
     
    #7 Black_Rider, Aug 30, 2016
  8. ComradePalmer

    ComradePalmer Pundit (855) Jul 27, 2015 California

    Oh, got dang it!
     
    #8 ComradePalmer, Aug 30, 2016
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  9. Mshea805

    Mshea805 Initiate (0) Apr 12, 2014 California

    Barrelworks by far is the best option, after that Casa Agria and Institution are my favorites in SB and Ventura County. Bottle and Pint in Newbury Park will be on your way, 20 taps and good bottle selection usually.
     
    #9 Mshea805, Aug 30, 2016
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  10. danscott

    danscott Initiate (0) Jul 15, 2006 California

    Make sure you check traffic and explore the numerous opportunities to get where you're going. Heading from LAX North along the coast (Highway 1 aka Pacific Coast Highway aka PCH) can be a nightmare any time and there's a lot of possible ways to get from you to Ventura.

    And, sad to say, check the fire map. We're in the worst fire season in history here. You never know if something is going to be delayed or even closed due to that.
     
    #10 danscott, Aug 30, 2016
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  11. marcodiaz

    marcodiaz Initiate (0) Aug 30, 2016 California

    Bars- Elsie's is a good local spot in Santa Barbara.
    Bottle shops- we have a couple. Lama dog is the new hip spot and has a pretty good selection. Kind of overpriced and can get really packed.
    Breweries (order from south to north)- institution, casa agria, brewlab, third window, telegraph, m special, barrelworks. Definitely recommend institution for ipas. Casa agria has unbeatable Sours. And brewlab is the most interesting brewery I've visited. The menu changes weekly
     
    #11 marcodiaz, Aug 31, 2016
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  12. TheGent

    TheGent Grand Pooh-Bah (4,235) Jun 29, 2010 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks to all for the pointers and recommendations.
     
    #12 TheGent, Aug 31, 2016
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