3.5
(
18
)
Located inside the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, The Set showcases comfort food and craft cocktails in a casual yet trendy setting with a vibrant atmosphere.
The restaurant offers outdoor seating, live music, a cozy fireplace, and a sports-friendly environment backed by attentive, friendly staff who accommodate vegan and vegetarian needs.
What to Expect:
🍹 Great cocktails including reputed Pina Coladas
🔥 Cozy fireplace and live music
🍽️ Comfort food with vegan and vegetarian options
🍴 Casual and trendy vibes with outdoor seating
Important Information:
Reservations recommended for dinner
Accessible with wheelchair-friendly entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating
Offers takeout and dine-in options; no delivery
Pets allowed, including dogs outside
Despite being popular for lunch and dinner, patrons report fluctuating service quality, especially during understaffed periods.
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
🍹 Sip the Best Pina Coladas: Locals recommend The Set for Santa Barbara's top Pina Coladas, a must-try cocktail.
🔥 Fire Pit Experience: Book in advance for the unique fireplace seating offering cozy vibes and s’mores desserts.
🌮 Seek Out Mahi Mahi Tacos: A highlighted dish by frequent guests, perfect for those craving seaside comfort food.
🕒 Time Your Visit: Arrive early on brunch days for prompt service, as understaffing affects peak dining times noticeably.
⏰ Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
👉 Best For
Casual dining, families, groups, solo dining, cocktail lovers
The Set
633 E Cabrillo Blvd
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93103
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Mixed reviews highlight excellent food and cocktails with friendly staff when fully operational, especially praising brunch and vegan options. However, many report severe service delays, understaffing, and inconsistent quality leading to dissatisfaction during busy or understaffed times.
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
Mahi Mahi Tacos, Upscale Mac n Cheese, Braised Beef, Salmon Pilaf, Truffle Fries, S’mores Dessert, Pina Coladas, Small Plates, Vegan and Vegetarian Options, Comfort Food, Cocktails, Wine, Beer
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit early for brunch or weekday dinners to avoid understaffing issues; reservations recommended on weekends and holidays due to limited seating.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating ensure comfort for guests with mobility needs.
Reservation Policy
Dinner reservations recommended; accepts reservations
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✅ Cancellation Policy
None
