Santa Barbara is one of my favorite CA destinations. My husband and I went there for our Babymoon and had the best time.
Whether you want to taste wine from the Santa Ynez Valley, browse local art, or indulge in world-class food, Santa Barbara has it all.
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A few blocks from the Pacific Ocean is the Funk Zone, a former industrial area that’s become one of Santa Barbara’s trendiest neighborhoods.
The Funk Zone is a haven for creatives, with art galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, music venues, and more.
It’s an excellent place to spend an afternoon shopping for clothes, accessories, home goods, and local artisan goods.
Once you’re ready to grab a bite to eat or kick back with a drink, it’s time to hit the best Funk Zone Santa Barbara restaurants and bars.
14 Can’t-Miss Funk Zone Santa Barbara Restaurants and Bars
1. Melville Winery Tasting Lounge
Begin your journey on Santa Barbara’s famous Urban Wine Trail at Melville Winery Tasting Lounge.
While this Funk Zone tasting room doesn’t serve food, it’s a must to sample some of the region’s best wine.
You can try Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Syrah at the Melville Tasting Lounge. Each is made from grapes grown at the estate in nearby Santa Rita Hills.
The vibe at Melville is understated and effortlessly cool, with midcentury modern pieces and natural elements.
If you’re on a girls’ or bachelorette party trip, Melville Winery Tasting Lounge is the best place to kick off your evening and snap pics for Instagram.
2. The Lark
My husband and I always eat at The Lark when we’re in Santa Barbara. We first visited several years ago, and it’s become our favorite spot!
The Lark has a chic yet easygoing atmosphere with gorgeous outdoor spaces where you can enjoy the Southern California weather.
This New American restaurant specializes in simple yet flavorful dishes incorporating fresh local ingredients.
You must try the crispy Brussels sprouts—we always order this as an app and they’re just killer.
We also love the handmade pappardelle pasta, a hearty dinner with sweet peas and garlic, so bring your appetite.
3. Mony’s Mexican Food
Craving street tacos? Visit Mony’s Mexican Food for some of the tastiest tacos and burritos in the Funk Zone.
Mony’s is a no-frills eatery serving traditional Mexican classics. I’ve heard great things about the entire menu, but the tacos are a must-try.
The tacos are street-style, which means they’re pretty small, so you can order several varieties to sample Mony’s best offerings.
Mony’s is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, so plan to go for lunch.
If you’re heading out for a day of shopping at The Blue Door or touring MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, grab a breakfast burrito to-go.
4. Loquita
Another delicious option in the Funk Zone is Loquita, The Lark’s sister restaurant.
This tasty spot specializes in authentic Spanish cuisine and tapas meals—it’s a bit of a splurge, so I recommend dining here for a special occasion.
Whether you want to try seafood or go meat-free, Loquita accommodates all diets and preferences.
If you’re unsure what to order, go for the paella. It’s a comforting dish of seasoned rice served with vegetables, shellfish, or a combination of chorizo and chicken.
Loquita’s grilled octopus is also supposed to be incredible. Save room for dessert to indulge in the churros or flan!
5. The Nook
You’ll find mouthwatering elevated bar food at The Nook, which has multiple Funk Zone locations.
Topa Topa Brewing Co. and Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop serve The Nook’s tasty creations.
Enjoy familiar favorites like fish tacos, a fried chicken sandwich, or a soft pretzel with beer cheese.
Order a beer and a burger, and you’ll be in heaven. Pairing a refreshing local ale with a freshly made Black Angus patty is to die for!
Locals and tourists flock to The Nook’s Funk Zone eateries, making them great places to socialize.
6. Rare Society
I’m obsessed with Rare Society, a romantic, intimate date night spot in the Funk Zone.
Rare Society is a stunning restaurant for an upscale dinner with that special someone.
Start your meal with the grilled artichoke—it’ll make you enjoy eating your vegetables!
Steaks and seafood are the stars of Rare Society’s menu, and everything is seasoned to perfection.
If you want to splurge, order a seafood tower and protein board with chef-selected cuts of meat.
7. Blackbird Restaurant
Located in the sophisticated Hotel Californian, Blackbird Restaurant is a classic Santa Barbara spot.
In addition to the delicious food menu, Blackbird offers unique craft cocktails with gin, vodka, and more, depending on your preference.
You can order anything from a shareable plate of oysters to a rich braised short rib entree.
Blackbird’s chic decor makes it the perfect place to grab dinner and drinks with friends.
8. Helena Avenue Bakery
Helena Avenue Bakery is my go-to for light bites, coffee, and pastries made from scratch. It’s the ultimate secret to starting your day right.
Popular treats at Helena include the brown butter cinnamon roll and blueberry lemon scone.
You can order some baked goods and a coffee to go, but Helena Bakery also offers an unbelievable breakfast and lunch menu.
Try the buttermilk biscuit with jam or the honey ricotta on sourdough for something sweet.
My favorite savory items are the farmer’s market toast and fried chicken sandwich. Yum!
9. Santa Barbara Wine Collective
Santa Barbara Wine Collective is a fabulous wine bar where you can sip on a few glasses and make new friends.
This Funk Zone hangout has an impressive selection of wines made at family-owned vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County.
The Wine Collective is one of the most popular wine-tasting rooms in the area, and it’s easy to see why.
Aside from the delicious red and white varieties, Santa Barbara Wine Collective also has a welcoming, social atmosphere.
10. Lucky Penny
Lucky Penny serves some of the highest quality pizza in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.
Stop here for a delicious slice of wood-fired pizza made with local ingredients.
Nothing pairs better with a glass of wine than a piece of Lucky Penny’s signature Margherita!
The fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata are bursting with flavor—it’s simple but unbelievably tasty.
11. Brass Bear Brewing
Locals and tourists flock to Brass Bear Brewing for yummy food, creative brews, and a lively outdoor space.
The brewery’s Funk Zone location has been open for less than ten years but is already a neighborhood staple.
Brass Bear combines a relaxed, family-style vibe with trendy accents and modern furniture.
There are always seasonal events at Brass Bear, offering fun for the entire family.
Expect a casual menu of delicious bar food like sandwiches, burgers, and grilled skewers.
12. Cutler’s Artisan Spirits
Established in the early 1900s, Cutler’s Artisan Spirits holds the title of Santa Barbara’s first legal distillery.
Cutler’s specializes in locally inspired spirits, like its Cold Brew Coffee and Grandma Tommie’s AppliePie Liqueurs.
The distillery’s Funk Zone cocktail patio serves an exclusive menu of vintage, Prohibition-era drink recipes with hints of innovation.
While Cutler’s doesn’t serve food, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a pre or post-dinner drink with friends.
13. Dart Coffee Co.
Dart Coffee Co. is one of my favorite cafes in Santa Barbara because it’s equally adorable and tasty.
I highly recommend starting your day in the Funk Zone at this bright, airy coffee shop.
Dart epitomizes everything I love about California—it’s light and colorful and instantly puts me in the best mood.
Try the Buena Onda Empanada and at least one of Dart’s iconic breakfast burritos. There’s even a vegan burrito option!
14. Figueroa Mountain Brewery
Figueroa Mountain Brewery is a casual hangout spot in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara.
This is the perfect place for a classic brewery experience where you can sample delicious craft beer.
Like most Funk Zone restaurants, Figueroa has ample indoor and outdoor seating—the entire family is welcome since it’s kid and dog-friendly.
The Santa Barbara Figueroa Brewery location serves signature and rotating beer flavors on tap.
I hope you have the most delicious vacation with this guide to the best Funk Zone Santa Barbara restaurants and bars!
Check out my other Santa Barbara content for more travel ideas.
The Best Santa Barbara Airbnbs
FAQs
The Funk Zone is an area of Santa Barbara that used to consist of warehouses but has been converted into an artistic neighborhood.
Yes, the Funk Zone is fun to shop, eat, and drink.
My favorites are Loquita and Rare Society.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
