4.5
(
3978
)
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company delivers a laid-back dining experience on Stearns Wharf, featuring fresh, seasonal seafood paired with stunning ocean vistas. Guests can enjoy the vibrant outdoor patio with a cozy fire pit, complemented by a strong beer and wine selection and quick service.
Offering a range of dining options including takeout, delivery, and dine-in, this venue refuses reservations but encourages guests to enjoy solo dining or groups in a lively yet comfortable atmosphere.
What to Expect:
๐ Fresh Santa Barbara seafood specialties
๐ฅ Cozy outdoor patio with fire pit
๐ป Great beer selection and cocktails
๐ Stunning waterfront views
Important Information:
Reservations: Not accepted; expect a wait
Parking: Free parking for first 90 minutes on pier
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Service options: Delivery, takeout, dine-in, outdoor seating
Best visited midweek to avoid peak wait times and enjoy fresh shellfish with a view.
Haley's Pick ๐ฝ๏ธ
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place sheโs obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, itโs 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 Barellaโs 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.
Itโs barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isnโt just a meal, itโs a moment worth lining up for.
โ Haley @milehighandhungry
๐ Local Insights
๐
Outdoor Seating Is Prime: Choose the outdoor patio with fire pit for the best ocean views and refreshing pier breeze.
๐ฆ Lobster Pasta & Roll Standouts: Lobster pasta and lobster roll are frequently recommended by staff and patrons alike.
โณ Expect Waits, No Reservations: Arrive midweek or off-peak to avoid long waits; they do not accept reservations.
๐ Parking Tips: First 90 minutes of parking on the pier is free, driving onto the pier is possible but can feel unusual.
โฐ Hours
Monday: 11 AMโ9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AMโ9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AMโ9 PM
Thursday: 11 AMโ9 PM
Friday: 11 AMโ9 PM
Saturday: 11 AMโ9 PM
Sunday: 11 AMโ9 PM
๐ Best For
Seafood lovers, tourists, casual dining, outdoor seating, small groups
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
230 Stearns Wharf
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93109
Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
The Santa Barbara Shellfish Company is praised for its fresh seafood, beautiful oceanfront setting, and friendly service. Lobster roll, uni, and clam chowder receive consistent acclaim. However, some reviews mention inconsistency in food quality and occasional slow or rude service, with complaints about oversalty dishes and pricing. The venue is highly regarded for its atmosphere and view, although guests should expect waits and no reservations.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Go For
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Anglerโs Offerings
What You'll Find
Lobster Roll, Sea Urchin (Uni), Lobster Tacos, Cioppino, Bread Bowl, Lobster Pasta, Calamari Sandwich, Rock Crab, Kumamoto Oysters, Clam Chowder, Crab Cakes, Coconut Shrimp, Scallop Uni Bites
๐ Best Times to Visit
Visit on weekdays mid-afternoon for minimal wait and prime outdoor seating. Evenings and weekends are busiest, especially summer months.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating. The venue ensures ease of access throughout the property for guests with mobility needs.
โReservation Policy
None
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
RH Firehouse Grill at RH Montecito
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$$
๐ American
โ
โข
Heading
4.3
Upscale casual American dining with standout dishes like Lobster Roll and Branzino, set against a scenic Montecito backdrop.
Hana Kitchen - Santa Barbara Downtown
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$
๐ Asian Fusion
โ
โข
Heading
4
Build-your-own bowls & tacos with Asian-inspired ingredients in a vibrant, casual space. Fresh, healthy options perfect for all-day dining.
South Coast Deli - San Roque
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$
๐ American
โ
โข
Heading
4.5
Popular Santa Barbara deli known for generous sandwiches, fresh salads, and friendly service offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
Backyard Bowls
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$
๐ฅ Health
โ
โข
Heading
4.5
Eco-friendly eatery serving fresh acai bowls, smoothies, and healthy all-organic dishes with quick, friendly service in a casual, trendy ambiance.
milk & honey
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$
๐ฅ Spanish
โ
โข
Heading
4.6
Snug tapas bar with creative cocktails and small plates served in a loungey, cozy atmosphere downtown.
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$
๐ฎ Mexican
โ
โข
Heading
4.3
Authentic Mexican eats with fast service, classic tacos, burritos, and a vibrant salsa bar in Santa Barbara's Eastside neighborhood.
Suโs Bowl ่ๅคง็ข
$
Isla Vista
โข
$$
๐ฅก Chinese
โ
โข
Heading
3.9
Casual Chinese dining serving authentic, hearty bowls and small plates with a focus on bold, spicy and comfort flavors in Isla Vista.
Mar Monte Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$$$
โ
โข
Heading
3.8
Casual rooms and suites with ocean views, outdoor pool, Spanish restaurant, beach access, and a warm, 1930s Spanish Colonial vibe.
Potek Winery
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$
โ
โข
Heading
4.3
Wine tastings highlight distinctive varietals in a lively Santa Barbara setting with indoor and courtyard seating for relaxed enjoyment.
Corazรณn Comedor
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$
๐ฎ Mexican
โ
โข
Heading
4.6
Fresh, flavorful Mexican dishes with a lively salsa bar and casual, trendy vibe. Taco and cocktail lovers find a vibrant spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Jane At The Marketplace
$
Goleta
โข
$$
๐ด Contemporary
โ
โข
Heading
4.2
Upmarket bistro fare and cocktails in a sophisticated, relaxed setting with inviting outdoor dining.
Montecito Inn
$
Santa Barbara
โข
$$$
โ
โข
Heading
4
Chic Spanish-style inn built by Charlie Chaplin features modern rooms with mountain views, pool, upscale dining, and free Wi-Fi.
Back to Restaurants
โ
Cancellation Policy
None
