Lion's Tale offers an intimate and elegant cocktail experience set in a cozy yet trendy space inside the Montecito Inn. Guests can enjoy superb cocktails, wine, and a small but excellent food menu with fast, attentive service and a warm atmosphere that welcomes locals and visitors alike.
Expect quiet to moderate noise levels ideal for conversation, comfortable seating including cozy booths, and a lineup of standout bartenders, particularly attentive on busy nights. Cover is typically not enforced, and the dress code is casually elegant. They offer free street and valet parking, making it an accessible yet upscale venue distinctly inviting in Santa Barbara County.
What's Included:
🍸 Craft and classic cocktails
🍷 Thoughtful wine selection and hard liquor
🦪 Daily fresh oysters and notable small plates
🎶 Chill music enhancing a cozy vibe
🪑 Comfortable, intimate seating and booths
Important Information:
Age Policy: 21+ after 4 PM
Speaking of food: menu is small but excellent and expanding
Parking: Free street parking and valet available
Reservations recommended during peak times via Google Maps reservation link
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
🍸 Signature Sips: Ask for bartenders' off-menu favorites for unique cocktail twists beyond the menu.
🕓 Early Opening: Doors open at 4 PM daily—arrive early to enjoy happy hour vibes and quieter seating.
🦪 Oyster Freshness: The oysters rotate every day or two, so ask the staff about the freshest catch.
🚗 Parking Tips: Free street parking is available but can be limited; valet is the hassle-free alternative especially on weekends.
Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Lion's Tale is praised for its elegant yet cozy atmosphere, excellent cocktails, knowledgeable and attentive bartenders, and great food options. Guests love the sophisticated vibe and consistent quality, although a few note cocktail pours can be modest. Overall, the spot is considered a top choice in Montecito with friendly service and a great wine list.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
