Boathouse at Hendry's Beach — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Ahoy there! If you’ve ever wished to dine in a place that feels like a social experiment gone hilariously wrong, look no further than the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach. This gem nestled on the sands of Santa Barbara offers a culinary experience as mixed as the crowd that gathers here—think of it as a melting pot of the 1%, women of the night, famished beach goers, retirees reminiscing about "the good old days," bewildered tourists, and the occasional Santa Barbara local trying to figure out what happened to the last place they loved.

Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a host who manages to simultaneously look like they’ve just emerged from a yacht party and a cashier at a gas station. The ambiance is beachy-chic, if your definition of chic includes memories of dubious margaritas spilled on sunburnt tourists.

The menu reads like a love letter to the sea, or a ransom note from the ocean. You can enjoy an exquisite plate of sea bass with a delicate glaze — probably poured on by the tears of fishermen who’ve just realized they’ve been priced out of their own livelihood. The truffle fries are delightful, made from the kind of potatoes that have deeper backstories than most of the diners here. Note: you may want to bring a hedge fund manager or two, because at those prices, you’ll need to siphon off some trust fund money.

Service fluctuates depending on the trajectory of the sun. If you’re lucky enough to snag a waiter who doesn’t seem like they’re auditioning for a part in a hospital drama, count your blessings. Our server was a delightful mix of aloof and overwhelmed, like a lifeguard who’s accepted their fate at a sinking ship.

The clientele is perhaps the most entertaining aspect of the Boathouse. You’ll find the 1% squandering their daily allowance on saffron-infused fare, while women of the night casually correct their wine selections and offer unsolicited dating advice to the dashing retirees at the next table. Hungry beach goers squint suspiciously at their half-eaten avocado toast, wondering if it's too late to grab a hot dog from the nearby shack instead. Tourists struggle to navigate the complex rules of tipping in California, handing over cash like it’s an offering to a beach deity. And the locals? They’re the ones rolling their eyes so hard it’s a miracle they don’t spin right out of their seats.

As the sun sets and the crowd starts to resemble a fashion show for those who forgot to dress for the beach, it becomes clear that the Boathouse is less about the food and more about the spectacle. Just don’t ask who’s in charge of the music—or the seasoning of the food, for that matter.

In short, if you’re in the mood for a meal that’s as confused as the guests (and possibly just as overpriced), the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is the place for you. Just remember to bring a sense of humor and perhaps a loan officer....

Ouch! For one of the most popular dining establishments in Santa Barbara, I am deeply disappointed in what the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach has become. Yes, the views are one to none. Yes, the location can't compare. Yes, they still offer Happy Hour post-Covid. That's about all the positives...

As of recently, they have made various changes that many of us locals have noted: Literally on one of the few dog-friendly beaches, they no longer allow pets. Apparently there have been too many dog brawls and dog bites to patrons. While I am not one to bring my dog to dine, this seems a bit rash. In this 'valley' between the Mesa and Hope Ranch hills, it is a void for wireless signal. They used to have complimentary wifi, yet said 'au revoir' to that. I came here not once but twice with out of town visitors for a meal. Both times the calamari was overcooked and rubbery. Our meals were not worth the cost with fishy seafood (crab cakes, fish n chips, and lobster roll) and mediocre sides. You're simply paying for the location. I learned during my most recent visit that you cannot sit on the patio without a food purchase. Their bar is too small with roughly 8-10 stools. If management were smart, they'd make more money off drinks from the bar, leading to food being ordered. Now for the cherry on top that led me to write this review. I was here with my in-laws for just a Happy Hour cocktail. My father-in-law who uses his arms ostentatiously while he tells stories knocked over his mai tai. We were all on our first beverage and he had drank only about 1/4th of it. The bartender respectfully cleaned up our mess with glass, ice and fluid, however, did not replace the cocktail. Yet, I still got charged for the spilled drink. At what restaurant do they charge you for accidents?!

Interestingly enough, I have had two Elite Yelpers recently write me privately via a DM saying that instead of the Boathouse where they have had bad experiences lately, where they should go with visitors. Thankfully there are multiple options in town...don't forget that. For me, this was strike number three, they're out. I may come here for a stroll on the beach or a view from the shell staircase, but I choose to no longer support...

The location is gorgeous, almost unreal. Before arriving I suggest you look at the times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and decide what you want to try before arriving. Took a shot in the dark and arrived right as breakfast was ending and decided I could wait for lunch to open up. Put a reservation in person and the wait was about an hour and thirty minutes. Didn’t know what to do because I didn’t bring beach clothes. Learned about the hike up to the Douglas family preserve and I’m so happy that it was an option while I waited for the reservation to kick in. The hike was easy and it’s beautiful at the reserve as well. Amazing views up there. Made it back just in time to get seated.

Three things were ordered and two of the three are now best versions of a dish I’ve ever had in my life. The three dishes were the Lobster Mac n Cheese, the Clam Chowder Fries, and fried Calamari.

Best Lobster Mac I’ve ever had. The Chunks of Lobster in this Mac n cheese are generous and are savory. The macaroni was perfect and the cheese was delicious. Could not get enough of it. Im not a big fan of lobster because I think it has been hyped up way too much that by the time I tried it, it was okay. But in this dish, it’s all true.

Best Fried Calamari I’ve ever had in my life. Not too oily and every piece was very tasty. The dish also came with some fried jalapeños and onion strings. It came with a dipping sauce that I wish I could remember what it was but it goes very well with the food.

The third dish I had was the clam chowder fries. Im not a big fan of clam chowder but I am a giant fan of French fries. The fries were deliciously crispy and the flavor the clam chowder gave the fries was something somewhat new and unexpected. Very good though.

Overall you want to have a delicious dining experience with phenomenal views, do not miss this place on your travels....