4.5
(
340
)
Live Oak Cafe is a cozy, women-owned café adjacent to the Best Western Plus in Santa Barbara, offering healthy comfort food with outstanding coffee, tea, and an engaging outdoor aviary.
Guests appreciate fast, friendly service, a great beer and wine list, and a welcoming atmosphere suitable for all meals and solo dining. Reservations are accepted and outdoor seating makes it pet-friendly.
What to Expect:
☕ Excellent coffee and tea selections
🥚 Popular eggs Benedict and bacon fried rice
🍳 Healthy comfort food & vegan options
🐦 Charming aviary and pet-friendly outdoor seating
Important Information:
Outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and takeout available; no delivery
Accepts reservations and credit/debit cards including NFC mobile payments
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating
Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a casual, cozy atmosphere.
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
🍳 Brunch Favorites: Try the Live Oak eggs Benedict or bacon fried rice for a standout brunch experience.
🐦 Aviary Appeal: The charming bird aviary outside is a favorite spot for relaxation and adds to the inviting ambiance.
☕ Coffee Quality: Their expertly crafted coffee and tea beverages, including matcha and salted caramel lattes, are highly recommended.
🛎️ Friendly Service: Regulars highlight staff kindness, especially mentioning waitress Isabel, making repeat visits a pleasure.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
👉 Best For
Breakfast, brunch, solo diners, families, pet owners
Live Oak Cafe
2220 Bath St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93105
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Live Oak Cafe consistently receives praise for its delicious, healthy food, excellent coffee, and friendly, attentive service. Guests enjoy the cozy atmosphere and unique aviary feature. Some note occasional slow service and varied portion sizes, with a rare complaint regarding extra charges for bread.
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
Eggs Benedict, Bacon Fried Rice, Avocado Toast, Pancakes, Pacific Rim Bacon Fried Rice, Chicken Piccata, Santa Barbara Breakfast Wrap, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Matcha Latte, Cappuccino, Oatmeal, Grain Bowls, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Options, Healthy Comfort Food, Small Plates, Coffee, Beer, Cocktails, Wine
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit weekday mornings 7–9 AM or late afternoons during happy hour for a relaxed atmosphere; weekends get busy 10–11 AM, arrive early to avoid wait.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restrooms, and seating; family-friendly with high chairs and a kids’ menu available.
Reservation Policy
Reservations accepted; recommended for dinner and busy brunch times
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