Bars And Clubs Near Downtown in Santa Barbara

From quiet, dimly-lit pubs to boisterous watering holes, Santa Barbara is home to an array of bars and clubs downtown. Lower State Street is the place to be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, when everyone from college coeds to 30-something locals make their way downtown to grab a drink. SOhO Restaurant & Music Club promises a full bar and live music seven nights per week, with dance-friendly bands headlining on weekend nights. James Joyce and Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant offer traditional Irish tunes, while Velvet Jones hosts local bands and acts passing through town, and Baja Sharkeez blasts pop-rock and an occasional 1980s hit to get party goers moving. For cozy, quiet spots to sip a cocktail and chat with friends, stop into Paradise Cafe, Elsie's Tavern, and Cafe Buenos Aires. A saltier experience can be found at Island Brewing Co. and Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar, where locals congregate.

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