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The Harbor Restaurant delivers classic American seafood dishes such as clam chowder and lobster sandwiches, complemented by stunning ocean views.
Guests can enjoy a casual yet trendy atmosphere with great cocktails, wine, and rooftop seating, while reservations are recommended for brunch and dinner.
What to Expect:
🦞 Signature seafood like lobster sandwiches and New England clam chowder
🍸 Extensive great cocktails and wine list
🌊 Waterfront and rooftop seating with ocean vistas
🎷 Live music Wednesdays during happy hour
Important Information:
Reservations accepted and recommended especially for brunch and dinner
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating
On-site and paid parking available, including valet service
Family friendly with kids’ menu and high chairs
Enjoy elevated dining with panoramic ocean views in Santa Barbara’s iconic Stearns Wharf location.
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
🌅 Window Table Strategy: Arrive early and enjoy a drink while requesting a window seat for the best harbor views.
🎷 Midweek Jazz: Wednesdays feature live jazz during happy hour, enhancing the dining vibe.
🦞 Lobster Specials: The Locals' Live Maine Lobster is a popular weekly special well worth trying.
🍰 Notable Desserts: The Basque Cheesecake and Fudge Brownie receive high praise among dessert options.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
👉 Best For
Seafood lovers, families, romantic dinners, brunch spot
The Harbor Restaurant
210 Stearns Wharf
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
The Harbor Restaurant is celebrated for its unmatched ocean views, welcoming atmosphere, and standout dishes like lobster and clam chowder. Guests frequently praise the attentive, friendly staff and the vibrant bar scene. Some reviewers cite inconsistency in food quality and occasional slow or inattentive service, also noting higher prices and some issues like pigeons or break-in ambiance with noise, but many recommend it for ambiance and special occasions.
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
New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Sandwiches, Lobster Risotto, Seafood Platter, Oyster Rockefeller, Short Ribs, Seared Scallops, Halibut, Swordfish, Cheeseburger, Grilled Cheese, Crispy Rice Appetizer, Shrimp Cocktail, Duck Appetizer, Mussels, Coffee, Desserts like Cheesecake and Fudge Brownie
📆 Best Times to Visit
For window seats and quieter dining, arrive early or make reservations for brunch and weekday dinners. Avoid weekend peak times in late afternoon and evening.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restrooms, and seating available. Note that the pier surface can be uneven making wheelchair access to the location itself bumpy.
Reservation Policy
Reservations recommended for brunch and dinner
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✅ Cancellation Policy
None
