The Victor Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Goleta

One of the more bizarre places I've been to. Went about a month ago, but I still think about it. Cocktails were not good. I think one was called a passion fruit margarita but there was no PF flavor, just orange. The olive bread was the same way, microscopic amounts of olive, but the worst part was that it was charred beyond recognition and completely inedible, oh and it cost like 10 bucks for 5 tiny pieces.

Service was really strange too. Granted it was busy, but we just wanted to sit out front and have some drinks. They said they don't serve that area and we'd have to order at the bar. Fine. Except bar seating was full and the left side of the bar was 3 people deep, so we were just standing there like idiots blocking the door to outside, like completely in the way of servers. Finally one of the servers takes our order and we sit in front. They bring the drinks, the food, check on us, everything. Except when it came time for the check they were nowhere to be found. Like they were doing us a favor, but now we had to go in to the bar to pay, just so strange.

The lady and I certainly didn't come here with the intention of talking about how bad the drinks, food, and procedures are at this establishment, but that's all we talked about the whole time we were there. I hate confrontation, so instead we'll just never be back, and more than likely will think twice about eating out anywhere. I think The Victor thinks they're in Napa, but...

My husband and I tried The Victor the first time this weekend for his birthday dinner. We were immediately impressed by the space. I had requested to be outside, but it was too cold out for us unfortunately, because the patio is beautiful. The main dining room was very cute. The art choices felt thoughtful and intentional. So ambiance got a 5/5. We tried near everything on the menu. For our appetizers the shrimp cocktail had perfectly poached shrimp, the bbq oysters were my happy place, the raw oysters were bright and sweet, the farmers salad was full of delicious components, and the tuna crudo was buttery and generously portioned. Then to our mains we ordered the lobster and the tomahawk. Both were fantastic. The lobster took me a bit of guard because it has a bit of a smokey taste (intentionally) from the grill, so good, just different. The tomahawk was amazing. Every single bite was tender and perfectly cooked. Our only request would be that the tomahawk come sliced. It was a bit of an endeavor at the table. Everything was fantastic and we would order it all again. I had a glass of champagne that was dry and lovely. My husband tried a couple cocktails, all of which he loved. The service was attentive, helpful, and enjoyable. We are so excited to have another great option...

After a fun night at Chumash Casino, we finally decided to try Victor Bar & Grill in Solvang — and wow, I’m so glad we did! I’d been hearing great things about this place, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. My wife ordered the filet mignon, and it was perfection — tender, flavorful, and cooked exactly how she likes it. I went for the Victor Burger fully loaded, and let me tell you… this thing is next-level. Juicy, piled high with toppings, and honestly one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time. The drinks deserve their own shoutout — not only delicious, but also strong. It only took me two to catch a good buzz (and I’m not a lightweight). The cocktails were crafted so well, you can tell they put care into every pour. The ambience is super cute and quaint — perfect for date night, but also laid-back enough to just enjoy and relax. And the staff? Absolutely amazing. Friendly, attentive, and really made the whole experience...