8 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Santa Barbara
With its gorgeous oceanic views and lively community, few places have the same charm as Santa Barbara, California. If you’re traveling around the U.S., then this must-see spot is the place to be! There are also plenty of places for you to enjoy alongside your pup, so you can bring your four-legged friend along for the journey.
Join me as I count down the top 8 dog-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara!
1. Breakwater Restaurant
107 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109
805-965-1557
The first entry on our list of dog-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara is a long-standing part of the community. Breakwater Restaurant is a delicious seafood-oriented restaurant with a generous outdoor patio for pups. Seriously, it’s big enough that you can bring your mini horse– I mean, Irish wolfhounds! Breakwater’s scrumptious oceanic fare is perfect for lunch and dinner.
Breakwater is located on the shore and across from a fairly generous parking lot.
2. Santa Barbara FisHouse
101 East Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966 2112
The oceans around Santa Barbara provide plenty of abundances and nowhere showcases that abundance better than the Santa Barbara FisHouse. This amazing spot features a spacious outdoor patio for pups and people, and many have reported that their pups received plenty of special attention.
Like many downtown locations, this spot has limited parking. If you plan on visiting, you’ll want to take public transportation, walk, or arrive early.
3. Finney’s Crafthouse
35 State Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 845-3100
Billing itself as one of California’s many trendy gastropubs, Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen proudly offers a wide range of grilled, baked, and fresh dishes, and dogs are welcome to enjoy a water bowl on the outdoor patio. Some reviewers have also mentioned that the restaurant sometimes offers treats for its canine guests.
Visitors should be aware that Finney’s is located at the corner of West Mason Street and State Street. There is no on-street parking. One of the best ways to visit will be via public transport or walking.
4. Crushcakes & Cafe
1315 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-9353 or (805) 963-3752
Crushcakes & Café offers a huge range of baked goods and scrumptious snacks, and reviewers mention that they offer a variety of gluten-free choices. Outdoor seating is limited, but if you’re happy to take your food to go, dogs are allowed indoors while you order.
Crushcakes & Café is located on a busy corner, and streetside parking is extremely limited. This is further compounded by its location within a neighborhood. Visitors should arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit.
5. The Brewhouse
229 W. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 884-4664
In addition to its limited-run craft ales, beers, and lagers, The Brewhouse has plenty of meaty dishes and salads. Unsurprisingly, this spot also has plenty of delicious seafood to choose from, and diners can enjoy their dishes outdoors with their pups. The Brewhouse even has a special dog-friendly menu.
The Brewhouse is located in a strip mall. Its stucco facade is lovely, but it offers very few streetside parking spots.
6. On The Alley
117 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
805-962-6315
Specializing in simple food with amazing flair, On the Alley is a great spot to enjoy an outdoor meal with your pooch. It’s one of the most unique dog-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This waterfront spot has plenty of parking, and its outdoor space is fantastic.
7. Mesa Cafe
Mesa Cafe & Bar 1927 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109
(805) 966-5303
Mesa Café and Bar is a fantastic spot for a quick bite or a full meal. In addition to its locally beloved sandwiches, pasta, and salads, this spot offers a lovely outdoor patio for dogs. This is the perfect place to go for some “down home” style cooking. It’s delicious, filling, and perfect for any meal.
This spot is part of a lovely strip mall, which means that there’s plenty of parking!
8. Chad’s Cafe
216 W Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
(805) 965-3269
Open for both breakfast and lunch, Chad’s Café is the perfect place to enjoy a filling meal or a swift bite. Dogs are welcome to dine on the outdoor patio, which occupies extra space along its front sidewalk. This beachfront spot has a small parking lot, but you’ll likely have to park and walk if you visit during peak hours.
If you’re looking for even more dog-friendly restaurants, then don’t forget to check out my list of paw-some dog-friendly restaurants in Chicago!