4.6
(
49
)
Bar Lou offers a cozy yet vibrant French dining experience featuring expertly crafted small plates, fresh local ingredients, and a curated cocktail and wine program.
Guests enjoy attentive service in a warm atmosphere with indoor and spacious outdoor seating, ideal for intimate dinners or group outings. Reservations recommended, especially for dinner.
What to Expect:
🍸 Great cocktail selection including bourbon and pastis
🍽️ Creative French small plates and mains like Beef Bourguignon and Crab Cakes
🍷 Extensive wine list focusing on local and imported options
🌿 Cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere with indoor and patio seating
Important Information:
Reservations suggested, especially for dinner
Dogs welcome on the patio
Attentive and knowledgeable staff
Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, parking, and seating
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🍸 Cocktail Craftsmanship: The bourbon cocktails and unique pastis selections are must-tries, often praised as some of the best in Montecito.
🌿 Outdoor Patio Perks: The lovely large outdoor patio is dog-friendly and ideal for enjoying California weather, especially during brunch or weekend lunches.
🐟 Fresh Local Sourcing: Many dishes use ingredients from local farms and fishermen, assuring seasonal freshness and vibrant flavors.
🕔 Reservation Smart: Dinner reservations are highly recommended; Friday lunches with cocktail specials create a fun, relaxed vibe with less crowd.
⏰ Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
👉 Best For
Date nights, small groups, cocktail lovers, French cuisine enthusiasts
Bar Lou
1198 Coast Village Rd
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93108
Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Bar Lou receives high praise for its authentic French cuisine, outstanding small plates, and expertly mixed cocktails. Guests highlight the cozy setting and attentive service, making it a popular spot for date nights and groups. A few mention occasional service inconsistencies, but overall the quality and ambiance win favor.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Go For
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Beef Bourguignon, Crab Cakes, Ratatouille, Fish Provençal, Chicken Gyros, Zucchini Flowers, Apple Fritters, Escargot, Lardo Salad, Small Plates, Vegetarian and Vegan Options, Craft Cocktails, Pastis, Wine List
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit Tuesday to Thursday evenings or weekend brunch for quieter service. Fridays offer a lively lunch with cocktail specials. Reservations recommended for weekend dinners.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, parking, and seating available to ensure comfort for all guests.
Reservation Policy
Dinner reservations recommended; accepts reservations
Join the Crew
The best of the Catskills, delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Trusted by over 40,000 locals, weekenders, and wanderers.
Join for Free
Similar
Harbor View Inn
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$$
–
•
Heading
4.3
Contemporary rooms and suites with stunning ocean views, plus a heated pool, spa, fitness center, and prime beachside location.
Shalhoob's Magnolia
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🍗 BBQ
–
•
Heading
3.6
Casual spot with open-air seating known for tri-tip sandwiches, street corn, and solid beer selection in Santa Barbara.
Captain Fatty's Brewery
4.8
Craft brewery with diverse beers on tap, a friendly vibe, arcade games, and spacious indoor and outdoor seating in Goleta, CA.
Olio Bottega
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🍝 Italian
–
•
Heading
4.8
Casual Italian bakery and deli in Santa Barbara Downtown, serving authentic sandwiches, coffee, and a cozy vibe.
Nikka Ramen
$
Goleta
•
$$
🍜 Ramen
–
•
Heading
4.6
Casual noodle house in Goleta serving authentic Japanese ramen with fast service and outdoor seating.
Lemon Tree Inn
$
Santa Barbara
•
$
–
•
Heading
4
Midcentury-modern inn with heated outdoor pool, hip bar, polished restaurant, and tranquil tropical gardens for a stylish Santa Barbara stay.
Fonda Smash-Burgers & Pancake House
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🌮 Mexican
–
•
Heading
4.1
Cozy, casual Mexican spot known for all-day breakfast, smash-style burgers, and live mariachi music with a courtyard view.
Stearns Wharf
None
Historic pier building offering iconic waterfront views in Santa Barbara. A gateway spot for coastal strolls and marine sights.
J. Wilkes
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🍷 Wine Bar
–
•
Heading
4.6
Sophisticated Santa Barbara winery with complex wines, warm hospitality, chocolate pairings, and relaxed indoor-outdoor seating by the pier.
Apna Indian Kitchen
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🍛 Indian
–
•
Heading
4.7
Cozy brick-lined eatery serving classic Indian curries and butter chicken with beer, wine, and friendly vibes.
Spudnuts Donuts
$
Goleta
•
$
🥐 Café & Bakery
–
•
Heading
4.3
Potato flour donuts, fresh coffee, and casual vibes at this Goleta spot known for flaky croissants and baked goods.
The Society: State & Mason
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
–
•
Heading
4.9
Santa Barbara wine bar with well-curated local flights, cozy patio, and attentive service for a relaxed afternoon or evening wine tasting.
Back to Restaurants
