Café Del Sol—Santa Barnara, CA

The decision to eat here came sort of on a whim. Nathan and I wanted to take my parents out to dinner and this place sort of just came up as the top contender for a place that was relatively new but safe enough that nearly all of us had tried it. So we were in that weird, “well—we sort of remember it and the memories aren’t terrible so let’s give it a shot!” Usually this is the beginning of a terrible foodie-experience. However, I think we were all pleasantly surprised with the exception of my father who ordered the shrimp-scampi. The plate just seemed to be lacking, but in the end I think it all worked out for the best because he ended up sampling food from all of us!

I love lamb. I love lamb shish kebabs—so I took a leap of faith by ordering the lamb shanks. This was some of the most tender and delicious lamb I’ve ever had. Unfortunately I didn’t know what the heck to pair it with so I went with the French fries and grilled veggies. My mother, who is normally not a big fan of beef, had the filet mignon with shrimp and extra veggies, and Nathan got some enchiladas. This restaurant is on the price side, but my parents ended up paying so I was a happy camper! But regarding the price? I think it’s definitely worth it.

Things started out a little rough, but once everything was settled the atmosphere and the food were amazing. We had to wait around a bit before anyone noticed we were standing around waiting to be seated. Then, when we were noticed the service was phenomenal. We got to sit outside in the patio, and with it being late summer, it was the perfect temperature. The air was a little warm and there was a swirling cool breeze blowing over us from the beach that was maybe a mile or two away.

We all had drinks but what I thought really set this place apart was the fact that our waiter overheard my father talking very fondly about a drink he had once—a long time ago—which he couldn’t find again. It was something very silly called a “Loco Coco” and after finding a recipe online our waiter promptly took my phone and carried it off to the bartender. The resulting drink was not a true “Loco Coco” but we weren’t really holding our breaths. The drink requires some pretty unique ingredients. Best part? We weren’t charged for it. The waiter urged us to find the right recipe, bring in the ingredients, and if it worked they would add the drink to their menu. It seems like a little thing, but the reality is that having that extra drink gave us all an extra hour to sit around the table and enjoy each other’s company.

Food is obviously the most important aspect of any restaurant but I think atmosphere definitely counts for something. And here in Santa Barbara, sometimes it feels like you have to pick between the two—either a place with great food but with a lot of noise or that’s overcrowded or a lovely place with subpar food options. Café Del Sol most definitely delivers on all fronts.

-Gabi

Tupelo Junction Cafe – Santa Barbara

Tupelo Junction Cafe in Santa Barbara is great.  I came here for weekend breakfast for years when I lived up the road, and it never disappoints.  The only downside is that the secret is definitely out, and the place can get busy some days on the weekend; but if the waiting list is too long, there’s no shortage of other options within walking distance.

The pumpkin waffles here are unique, and a must-try even if you don’t usually like waffles (which I don’t).  My favorite, though, is the bacon-spinach-gouda scramble — I really like how they make this, somehow with the perfect blend and texture.   It comes with these herbed potato things, and a choice of breads (banana bread, biscuit), any of which are delicious.  I can also vouch for the drinks here — I usually get the OJ (top notch, fresh squeezed) and/or the mocha (above average for breakfast places, not too sweet).

I recall this place as being on the pricey side, but it’s maybe a bit cheaper than I remembered.  We spent about $65 + tip for three, and that included going a bit overboard with drinks and appetizers on top of everything else.

Santa Barbara’s State Street and vicinity is loaded with awesome breakfast places (no surprise there, everyone nursing a hangover needs somewhere to eat), but Tupelo Junction Cafe is easily one of the best, if not the best.

-Nathan