Lively Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Sometimes you simply want a meal, sometimes you just want to have a good time, and sometimes you want all of the above wrapped up in a tasty, fun-filled package. Herewith, you'll find Santa Barbara restaurants where games are encouraged, wine flows freely on tap, and family-style meals are the norm. Arnoldi's Cafe serves up hearty Italian fare and has bocce ball courts out back for after-dinner tourneys. Palazzio is known for Italian dishes that can feed a whole family, and the wine-on-tap is on the honor system, so keep track! Cold Spring Tavern is a wagon wheel stop turned fine dining restaurant located in the hills. On Sundays, live bands entertain while locals inhale tri-tip barbecue sandwiches and frosty brews. Two-step encouraged! Live music and stiff drinks flow at SOhO, while fresh farmers market cocktails are the draw at the Hungry Cat, and both are hangouts for the 20- and 30-something crowd. Spice things up with cool mojitos and Tango night at the Argentinian inspired Cafe Buenos Aires. For a casual meal, wait in line at the famos La Super-Rica Taqueria (a favorite of onetime Sana Barbaran Julia Child), and stick your feet in the sand while sipping a cocktail at Shoreline Beach Cafe.

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