The Palace Grill

When craving New Orleans flavors among the many outstanding restaurants on the Central Coast, add The Palace Grill to your itinerary.

This vibrant establishment opened in 1985 and has roots steeped in Creole heritage. From crawfish étouffée to jambalaya, every dish reflects the heart and soul of New Orleans.

Over the years, The Palace Grill has been mentioned in national and local publications. Additionally, it has hosted several U.S. Presidents and celebrity chefs including Julia Childs and Wolfgang Puck.

Keeping with the spirit of New Orleans, The Palace Grill features live jazz and Zydeco performances. Plus, with the music and Louisiana-style cuisine, you'll think you're dining in the French Quarter!

Whether indulging in a leisurely weekend brunch or enjoying a dinner after a day at East Beach, The Palace Grill will transport you to the heart of New Orleans.

Vibe

While the exterior's Spanish-tiled roof, arches, and white walls resemble a typical Central Coast eatery, rest assured the kitchen creates spot-on Cajun fare. 

The contemporary California design outside leads to an interior with light-colored walls, archways, sconces, and wood trim. Tasteful art highlights the walls, adding the right amount of color throughout the room. In addition, the secluded courtyard makes dining al fresco a delight, especially in stellar Santa Barbara weather.

The restaurant's brick walls, painted murals, and a trellis roof exemplify many quaint nooks throughout the French Quarter. Moreover, the overall vibe is energetic yet relaxed, making it suitable for a casual lunch or a special dinner date.

Whether dining on Cajun and Creole delights or sipping a creative cocktail, visiting The Palace Grill is a celebration of life, laughter, and great food.

The Palace Grill: Menu & Drinks 

The Palace Grill menu combines New Orleans, Southern, and California fare, ensuring something for every palate.

As their menu states, "Wake Up Yo Taste Buds." A starter that will do just that is the Cajun Popcorn. Now, this isn't your typical popcorn; in fact, it doesn't even use popcorn! The dish consists of crawfish tails that are lightly seasoned and dipped in cornmeal buttermilk batter. Finally, the crawfish tails are flash-fried to a light crispness and served with a creamy sherry wine dipping sauce. You'll never think of popcorn in the same way again!

After working up an appetite on a Condor Express Whale Watching excursion, try the Best of the Bayou! This hearty feast showcases the best of New Orleans with Caribbean coconut shrimp, blackened salmon Pontchartrain, zesty crawfish etouffée, soft shell crabs, roasted red potatoes, and seasoned vegetables. Toss in the Louisiana bread pudding soufflé for dessert, and you'll be dining like the King of Mardi Gras!

One must-try dish is the crawfish étouffée, which has earned rave reviews for its rich, hearty sauce and diverse textures. The classic Louisiana dish showcases tender crawfish tails smothered in a traditional seafood stock of dark roux, diced bell peppers, and onions. It is served over a bed of creole white rice and garnished with green onions. 

Even if you're not a fan of Creole food, there are plenty of options available. The menu also includes pasta, blackened filet mignon, lamb chops, and salads. 

Mardi Gras worthy!

Nothing says you're in the Big Easy like a cocktail! For an authentic New Orleans drink, order the Sazerac crafted with an absinthe rinse, Templeton rye, bitters, and sweetened with simple syrup. The Cajun Martini puts a bit of spice in a glass with chilled vodka marinated with fresh jalapeño pepper and a touch of vermouth. The concoction is served over ice in a Mason jar with a martini glass and cherry peppers.

Visiting The Palace Grill during your Santa Barbara getaway is an immersion into the vibrant culture and exquisite flavors of New Orleans. Whether you're looking for a quick bite after a day on the water at Santa Barbara Landing or a fun-filled meal with friends, The Palace Grill will elevate your Santa Barbara adventure.