Dargan's — Restaurant in Santa Barbara

The restaurant was relatively empty when we arrived, but by the time we ordered and received our food, the place was packed. Eyes glued to the TVs scattered throughout, by more than likely locals, hooped and hollered, raising their beverages in good cheer in support of their sports team.

We were seated close to theentrance, near a window at a half booth, half bar stool table, which wasn't really big enough for the four of us, but we made it work. Transplant waitress was peppy and talkative. Openly told us that she came to SB for college, fell in love with the city, and became a permanent resident.

Tasty beverages and food were ordered at the same time. Hanging in the (805) how could I not order an 805 by Firestone. Two fish and chips and two Corn Beef & Cabbage with mashies were ordered and delivered piping hot within a few minutes. The food is ok. The fries were not soggy, but just were crispy enough for my liking. At least the gents enjoyed their Corn Beef. Very very bad when gents tummies are grumpy.

Although both the food and service were good, highly unlikely I'd be back. There are just too many other establishments in SB to become a regular at any of them, especially when it takes a train ride or a long car ride...

We hadn’t eaten in Dargens since we were there for a quick bite and a congenial evening lecture. I thought then, I wanted to stop back sometime. It wasn’t fancy nor was it trying to be cute or nostalgic. It is just an honest very homey place to gather, but the surprise is not only can you get a nice selection of beers and ales, they have truly delicious food from the best corned beef Ruben sandwich I have ever eaten to the most savory traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. It is traditional with an individual chef’s touch in the gravy and wonderful spices. Of course the key to the success of these dishes is the fabulous cut and prepared corned beef.Now there is corned beef and then there is meat that is really Corned Beef and this is definitely the best. I say this not only as a reviewer who loves this dish but as a top notch butcher’s niece who was a major distributor of quality meats in the New York metropolitan area. I should also add that they have an additional diverse menu of salads and sandwiches. The ones we tried were very good. This is a no frills place with food that could match some of the best restaurants in town.. Somehow being low key adds to its...

July 18th 2018: Dargan's Pub downtown Santa Barbara: these folks are thugs! Today I went there about 5 pm to drink one beer and play billiards. There was a female bartender who took my order for one beer ($6). I paid her cash and told her I would play between 1/2 hour to 1 hour billiards and I would pay her cash, in advance if necessary. She asked me instead for my credit card and immediately passed it through the card reader and kept it while I went to play billiards. I brought my own queue. I finished playing after 40 minutes and approached the bartender and paid her cash ($ 10) and asked her not to charge my credit card, which she had already run through. I asked her for a receipt of my cash payment to ensure that I could challenge any card charges. Can you believe? All this for $ 10 of billiards playing! By the way, the beer was terrible and I only drank one fifth of the glass. I warn anyone to Dargan's downtown Santa Barbara to watch your wallet and credit card. Do business with more...