On The Side Restaurant

Open

Closed

$

$$

🍔 American

Isla Vista

casual-dining

5
Casual and cozy comfort food spot with fast service, ideal for solo dining or meals any time of day in Isla Vista.

$

$$

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casual-dining

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On The Side Restaurant

Isla Vista

$

Casual comfort food with fast service in Isla Vista. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or solo dining with full wheelchair accessibility.

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About
5
(
1
)

On The Side Restaurant offers a casual and cozy atmosphere with a focus on comforting dishes and speedy service.

Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with dine-in, takeout, and delivery options—all in a wheelchair-accessible setting.

What to Expect:

    🍔 Comfort food favorites
    ⚡ Fast and friendly service
    🍽️ Lunch, dinner, dessert offerings
    ♿ Fully wheelchair accessible

Important Information:

    Free street parking available
    Credit cards accepted
    Delivery and takeout offered

Perfect for solo diners or casual meals throughout the week.

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

⚡ Speedy Service: This spot is known for quick turnaround, making it perfect for lunch breaks or solo diners in a hurry.

♿ Fully Accessible: Wheelchair users find easy access with dedicated entrances, seating, and parking.

🍽️ Versatile Dining: Options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery suit varying dining preferences throughout the day.

🅿️ Street Parking Win: Free street parking in an often busy area is a convenient plus for visitors.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Tuesday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Wednesday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Sunday: 11 AM to 9 PM

👉 Best For

Casual meals, solo dining, comfort food lovers

On The Side Restaurant

966 Embarcadero del Mar
,
Isla Vista
,
CA
93117

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
With a perfect 5-star rating from guests, On The Side Restaurant is praised for its fast service and cozy casual vibe. The single review humorously calls it 'My ball pit,' indicating a fun, welcoming environment without any noted negatives.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

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What You'll Find

Comfort Food, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Fast Service

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit weekday late mornings or early afternoons for quieter dining; Fridays and Saturdays from 6–8 PM are busier. No reservations needed.
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