Joe's Cafe

When compiling your Santa Barbara itinerary, adding Joe's Cafe to the list is a no-brainer! The iconic eatery is the oldest restaurant in the area and has an intriguing story. 

In 1928, Joe Ferrario purchased what was then the Channel Bar and began the lucrative journey of Joe's Cafe. Like the Little Engine That Could, Joe's Cafe chugged through the Great Depression, Prohibition, and WWII. Ownership passed like an Olympic torch over the years until it reached the current owner, Gene Montesano, in 2003.

Joe's Cafe opens early for breakfast and serves lunch and dinner. The menu sports American comfort food, seafood, and top-end steaks. Although the saying is often overused, there is something for everyone at Joe's Cafe!

After dinner, the eatery shifts gears to entertain the night crowd who frequent the bar. Known throughout the Central Coast region for serving the stiffest drinks, it attracts locals and vacationers to the lively bar.

Centrally located in Santa Barbara, Joe's Cafe is your go-to for a hearty breakfast before hiking the Tequepis Traihead or to recuperate and celebrate a day exploring the Central Coast.

The welcoming atmosphere at Joe's Cafe is enhanced by the friendly staff, many of whom have worked there for years. These attributes make Joe's Café a must-visit spot during your stay.

Vibe

Joe's Cafe has been well-maintained over the years and has a contemporary sign with a retro look. The facade blends with the city's architectural style, making it hard to tell it's been around since 1928! 

Similarly, the interior has been kept up while keeping the vintage decor. Booths line the wall opposite the bar, while tables dot the floor in between, all covered with red-and-white checkerboard tablecloths.

The ceiling sports a vintage tin ceiling and framed pictures of the restaurant's history are on the walls. Simple chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and string lights add magic to the mood. 

The vibe at Joe's Cafe is undeniably friendly and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to relax after a on the greens at Sandpiper Golf Club. Whether you soak up the sun on the outdoor patio or enjoy the lively ambiance inside, you'll feel right at home. 

Joe's Cafe: Menu & Drinks

At Joe's Cafe, the menus celebrate California comfort food. With so many offerings, we can't list them all, but we will highlight the top favorites from each. 

As mentioned, each menu is jam-packed with delicious meals, which may make choosing challenging! This is true of breakfast with omelets, burritos, pancakes, and staples like eggs and bacon. A creative pick is the smoked salmon with two poached eggs and tomato or the Pancake Sandwich with two eggs and a choice of meat. 

If you thought the breakfast menu was loaded with picks, wait until you see the lunch and dinner menu! A healthy standout is Erika's Spinach Salad, filled with bacon, hard-boiled eggs, diced tomatoes, and mushrooms. The warm balsamic vinaigrette brings it all together.

You can't go wrong with the open-face turkey sandwich for a taste of Thanksgiving. Roasted turkey is piled high on bread and covered with mashed potatoes and gravy. Cranberry sauce and vegetables on the side add a festive touch.

Steak lovers will be impressed with the 7-oz filet mignon with bearnaise sauce, while Norm's Meatloaf is down-home comfort food at its finest. Additionally, there are seafood and pasta dishes that will appeal to a wide range of palates.

As mentioned, Joe's Cafe is the place for stiff drinks! The full bar can craft any cocktail of your liking, while the beer and wine offerings are equally impressive. Visit to cap off your explorations at 1000 Steps Beach!

When your Santa Barbara vacation needs nostalgia, comfort food, and top-notch drinks, make your way to Joe's Cafe.