The Imperial — Restaurant in Goleta

PATRONS BEWARE I checked out The Imperial last night for the 1st time and was shocked by how awful the bartender treats people. As I walked up to the nearly empty bar to order, the bartender (a bearded guy with tattoos all over his arms) was not friendly and immediately gave attitude as if our presence was an inconvenience to him. Never being there before, I shared that my date and I were there for the 1st time and were curious if any of the drinks on the menu were more popular. The bartender dismissively told that he doesn't know what I like and to just look at the menu myself, then proceeded to completely change his demeanor and hit on my date!

Shortly later, being that there's no cell service in the bar, I kindly asked the bartender if there was wifi. He responded saying that they have wifi, but when I asked for the credentials he rudely told me he doesn't know the password?! He made no effort to find it and just dismissed my request again. 0 for 2.

My date and I were so uncomfortable by his negative energy we went outside away from him. When were were outside, were were served by another bartender name Claire who was great.

Being a former bartender at a top ten world class resort in Montecito, I know the value a good bartended brings to a business dynamic. You'd think paying $16 - $18 a cocktail the ownerships would hire a bartender that doesn't treats their patrons terribly.

Other than the horrible bartender, the ambiance and drinks were good. However, due to the bartender, my friends and I will not...

Santa Barbara's best bar? Best one I've been to anyway.

Nestled and hidden behind a bike shop, this bar used to be known as the "Bak Dor Lounge" and was reportedly a genuine turdhole teeming with violently drunk regulars. No, not the kind of dive bar with ironically-bearded hipsters drinking Old Milwaukee, but truly a scummy spot serving cheap off-brand vodka to chronic AA relapsers.

Now with a more enlightened ownership, the interior of the entire bar has since been made-over, though they've kept the old exterior markings, even as they've changed the name to "The Imperial."

The Imperial is a mixology-driven establishment with a barely-lit Manhattan speakeasy vibe and a background vinyl soundtrack. The transformed bar offers an expansive modern cocktail program. During my visits, I've gone off-script mostly, as I've felt comfortable in the competent hands of Kyle, a fantastic bartender who has mixed me penicillins, negronis, bourbon godfathers, and everything in-between. The Imperial offers a "house" boulevardier that is stored in a barrel and has picked up a slightly "woody" flavor -- not to be missed. Regardless of what cocktail you order at The Imperial, you can be assured it will be made by the hands of a bartender who has mastered his or her craft, and you will struggle to find that same cocktail made better anywhere else.

Very few pure drinking establishments will ever earn five stars from me, but The Imperial is a...

The Imperial Lounge is everything you expect in a quintessential speakeasy. It’s hidden away in a nondescript strip mall behind a bike shop - definitely a destination! You won’t see “Imperial” signs guiding you there. Instead, there’s a small neon “Ba’k Dor” sign, homage to the 92-year old former owner of that bar who sold to the Imperial. The ambiance and décor are awesome; the place is dimly lit and intimate, with comfortable seating and an outdoor patio.

Things were crowded the night we were there, but we were lucky enough to get seats at the bar. The bartenders are all friendly, welcoming and most importantly, amazing mixologists! We found it best to give some guidance on what we like and let them do their magic. Such exceptionally well-crafted cocktails!

This little gem is the perfect place for date night or for a gathering of friends. The only downside is that there’s no food, other than bar nuts. So plan to eat before you go and then sit back and leisurely enjoy some...