Guide to Drinking (& Eating) in Santa Barbara, CA Vol. 1 : DrinkWire

Drink:

First thing’s first… The Lark | Stellar craft cocktail program that is not to be missed. If you can, you should definitely enjoy a full meal here but if a full sit-down dinner isn’t the cards, grab a drink and some of their orange zest & rosemary popcorn at the bar!
For a near perfect pre-prohibition/speakeasy-style cocktail experience… The Good Lion | Decor, atmosphere, location, authenticity, aaaaand amazing drinks?! This State St. establishment is a always a good idea.
Intimate setting for a glass of wine… Les Marchands | A quaint and charming wine bar in the Funk Zone. Buy a bottle to take home or enjoy amidst their adorable bistro-style setting. P.S. They also sell local craft spirits!

Eat:

For the Perfect Date Night… The Lark | If you’re familiar with the Central Coast, chances are you’ve heard of this place and I’m here to tell you: Yes, it is worth the hype. Dishes rotate but I’m always a fan of their scallops and pork belly.
Casual but blow-your-mind pizza… Olio Pizzeria | The Umbra, with robiola cheese, criminis and black truffles is a favorite.
Coffee Break… Lucky Penny | The Lark isn’t open for lunch so if you’re wandering the Funk Zone during the day, stop here for a cappuccino (or a slice of wood-fired pizza!). They also have scrumptious baked egg dishes in the morning to go with that almond milk latte.
Picnic Provisions… C’est Cheese | A sweet husband and wife team run this cheese shop, bakery and cafe. Pick up a basket of goodies on your way out to Santa Ynez. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a bottle of wine! My favorite picnic spots in the valley (i.e. picnic tables, live music, gorgeous vineyard views, etc.) are the Dierberg, Foxen, or Melville tasting rooms.

Sleep:

Boutique… The Canary Hotel | This adorable Kimpton property has complimentary bikes (check out the urban wine trail on lower state street upon arrival), a charging station for electric vehicles and (most importantly) a wine & cheese happy hour!
Charming… The Upham Hotel & Country House | A darling historic hotel and B&B. I like to stay across the street at the “Country House,” where the innkeeper makes the fluffiest scrambled eggs and fresh bakes pastries and breads each morning. A perk worth mentioning is being woken up from your inevitable wine-induced slumber by the smell of coffee and baking spice!
Luxe… The Belmond El Encanto | This property is such a treat. Cruise up the hill to an upscale residential neighborhood and boom! – a luxury resort and spa surprises you, nestled right into the trees. A huge outdoor patio boasts incredible ocean views and the lobby bar will make you never want to leave property. Plus a stunning pool deck, killer restaurant and award-winning spa. This is that splurge weekend you’ve been dreaming of, trust me.

{ Pool at El Encanto }

Play:

Check out some local craft distillers! Cutler’s Artisan and Ascendant Spirits both have local tasting rooms.
Taste your way through the Santa Ynez valley… a few of my favorites: Dierberg, Melville, Au Bon Climat (actual tasting room located on lower State St, downtown Santa Barbara), Palmina (by appointment only), Foley, Foxen, Babcock, and Cargasacchi.
Stroll down State Street and get your retail therapy on.

{ Tasting Room @ Cutler’s Artisan }

{ Custom Vendome situation @ Ascendant Spirits }

{ The Lark Restaurant + Bar }

What are your favorite Santa Barbara + Central Coast spots? I’d love to know!

Guide to Drinking (& Eating) in Santa Barbara, CA Vol. 1