Mel's Bar & Grill

Open

Closed

$

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Santa Barbara

β€’

counter-service

4.3
Dive bar with lively karaoke, live music, and great cocktails. Enjoy a casual vibe with sports, games, and friendly bartenders in Santa Barbara.

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counter-service

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πŸ“

Mel's Bar & Grill

Santa Barbara

$

Enjoy karaoke nights, live music, pool, and strong cocktails at Mel's Bar & Grill in Santa Barbara. A local dive bar with a friendly vibe and great sports viewing.

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About
4.3
(
143
)

Mel's Bar & Grill offers a vibrant, casual dive bar atmosphere with karaoke nights and live music energizing the crowd. Guests enjoy strong cocktails, a solid beer selection, and numerous TVs for sports viewing alongside bar games and pool tables.

Expect friendly service, outdoor seating, and a relaxed dress code. The venue is welcoming to groups, hosts an open mic night, and encourages fun with karaoke and live performances, making it a local nightlife staple.

What's Included:

    🍹 Great cocktail program
    🍺 Wide beer selection with local taps
    🎀 Karaoke nights, especially Tuesdays
    🎢 Live music and performances
    🎱 Pool tables and bar games

Important Information:

    Parking: Free street parking available with nearby lots
    Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restroom
    Dogs allowed on premise
    Cash and most cards accepted, including NFC mobile payments

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
πŸ”Š
πŸ”Š
πŸ”Š

πŸ“ Local Insights

🎀 Karaoke Tuesdays: Tuesday nights draw regulars for spirited karaoke, a highlight of the week.

πŸ€ Sports Hub: Multiple TVs make it popular for watching big games with friends.

🎱 Free Pool Tables: Three pool tables provide fun competition without extra cost.

🌳 Outdoor Seating: Enjoy drinks on the patio when the weather is nice for a relaxed vibe.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM

Tuesday: 10:00 AM–1:00 AM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM–1:00 AM

Thursday: 12:00 PM–1:00 AM

Friday: 10:00 AM–1:30 AM

Saturday: 10:00 AM–1:30 AM

Sunday: 10:00 AM–12:30 AM

πŸ‘‰ Best For

Karaoke nights, groups, sports fans, casual drinks

Mel's Bar & Grill

209 W Carrillo St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Patrons appreciate Mel's Bar & Grill for its friendly bartenders, lively karaoke nights, and strong drinks. The casual vibe and pool tables invite groups and sports fans alike. Some reviews note occasional noise and parking challenges but overall commend the welcoming atmosphere and entertainment.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

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What You'll Find

Cocktails; Craft Beer Selection; Happy Hour Drinks; Happy Hour Food; KaraOKe; Live Music; Sports TV; Bar Games; Pool; Outdoor Seating; Dine-in; Casual Atmosphere; Group Friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Dogs Allowed

πŸ“† Best Times to Visit

Arrive by 7 PM for trivia or karaoke night; weekends peak 10 PM–midnight with lively music and full bar. Weekday evenings are quieter.
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