Shoreline Beach Cafe
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Last Summer while embarking on a road trip through the picturesque Santa Barbara area, my friends and I decided to make a pit stop along the beach for lunch, and Shoreline Cafe proved to be an excellent choice. Parking was conveniently located in a beachside lot adjacent to the restaurant, albeit requiring a modest fee, as is common at most beaches. The walk to the restaurant took merely a minute, making it incredibly accessible. Eager for a unique dining experience, we requested a table right on the sand. Though there was a short wait, the presence of Adirondack chairs in the sandy waiting area allowed us to enjoy the beach atmosphere while anticipating our meal. Within a brief 10 minutes, we were ushered to our table nestled in the sand. Our chosen spot offered an unparalleled view of the ocean, along with the perfect vantage point for people-watching and observing seagulls attempting to snatch unsuspecting diners' meals. The menu boasted several gluten-free options, and the server was attentive and knowledgeable in addressing our inquiries about food allergies and restrictions, instilling confidence in our dining choices. Opting for a safe and delicious option, I enjoyed a lettuce-wrapped burger patty with white rice and fresh fruit. Meanwhile, my friends indulged in the delectable fish and chips, attesting to its tastiness. The service was characterized by enthusiasm, patience, and a deep understanding of the menu. The staff even made efforts to deter seagulls, although, regrettably, a neighboring table fell victim to a seagull pilfering a sandwich. Nevertheless, the antics of the seagulls added a touch of amusement and lively conversation to our dining experience. Eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to share a meal with my friends, toes buried in the warm sand, at Shoreline Cafe.
Amy KimesAmy Kimes
00
It was my friend's birthday and she chose the Shoreline Beach Cafe. It was the perfect Fall night, so clear and crisp. We sat on the covered patio, right on the beach. Our waitress and kitchen staff went way beyond ordinary customer service. I have some food allergies. She asked about how things were cooked, and she asked the kitchen staff if they had any suggestions on substitutes. The kitchen staff made me some special flour tortillas "chips" in a pan so I could have chips and Guacamole. Normally, this appetizer is made with corn chips in corn oil. They made mine with olive oil. I have dearly been missing regular tacos and nachos because of my corn allergy. This Cafe, kitchen staff, and our waitress made my night, and it wasn't my birthday. These people went out of their way to make our experience an excellent one. I am grateful! If you haven't tried them out, please do. Parking is mostly free if you can park in the Cafe's lot next to the restaurant. The Shoreline Beach Cafe is located on Shoreline Drive just after the Harbor turn-off, across the lower parking lots at Santa Barbara City College, or down the hill from Shoreline Park. It's a beautiful area of town, close to the Harbor, close to the beach, SB City College, and The Mesa. It's reasonably priced. Happy Hour is from 4-6 pm, with a full bar, as well as beer and wine.
Sabrina M.Sabrina M.
00
INSTANT GRATIFICATION 😍😍 literally parked right in front of the restaurant then right onto the 2nd patio which is on the BEACH. If you’re from a big city like I am you know how valuable it is to go from parking to sitting in a matter of minutes - just that alone is a 5-star experience. Once you’re seated the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves gently dance on your face like a dervish. This Santa Barbara on-beach eatery has an incredible FISH CATCH OF THE DAY delivered onto your dinner table straight from the ocean and configured into your daily ceviche and Baja tacos. Mine today was SNAPPER and my God it was it so fresh and so tasty…so delicious. Good luck peeling me from my fortress of calm gastro-Cabo vibes. Please leave me on the beach Smitten with Splendor…man i am truly at a loss for words - my God… Thank you for SHORELINE CAFE!! 🏝
Miles ShockleyMiles Shockley
00
Had a nice lunch at an outdoor table, one of 3 or maybe 4 of them that had an overhead covering. There are several more that are on sand with just the sky above. The fish & chips was a generous serving of 4 fillets, & I substituted sweet potato fries for$1.50 more- they were delicious, as was the fish. The tables (including many more inside an enclosure) were for customers serviced by wait staff, not take-out customers. The parking lot there has limited 90 min slots, and paid parking. We had lots of time for long conversations using 2 hours with of parking at a cost of $4 total. Their fish tacos looked really good, as did the chai latte. If had their tuna melt in the past (good) & almost went for the burger or clam chowder. It gets busy for lunch, but arriving at 11:30 there were lots of tables still available then.
Patty BPatty B
00
I absolutely loved eating here! It’s got a great casual atmosphere and you can order drinks, soda or snacks at the window while you wait for your table. There is parking in the paid parking lot and also in front of the restaurant for 90 minutes without fees. We got a table on the sand with a few rocks, separating us from the rest of the beach and got to eat with our toes in the sand truly a great experience. They have small but good menu and the food we ordered was delicious. We had fried calamari starter and then shared the regular fish tacos. They will tell you at the front the dogs are not allowed, but if you insist you can take your dog to the back area as long as they stay on a leash and in the sand by the rocks
Taufiq HabibTaufiq Habib
00
One of the best, most relaxing and delicious places I’ve been to. Visiting in Santa Barbara and went to Leadbetter beach to unwind. Got a little hungry and shoreline cafe was perfectly right next to us on the beach. We got the nachos to share with carne asada added. At first it seemed a bit pricey but my oh my was the portion size and taste worth it. Meat was cooked perfectly, chips were delicious, and to top it all it was a mountain of nachos. Next time I visit I will make sure to come again to subside my nacho cravings! Service was great, two people catered to our needs with quick service and the beach views from the patio were spectacular. I highly recommend it!
Matt RossiMatt Rossi
00
Nearby Attractions Of Shoreline Beach Cafe
Leadbetter Beach
Santa Barbara Harbor
The Eagle Inn
Beachside Inn
Santa Barbara Sailing Center
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Inn by the Harbor
Mason Beach Inn
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

Leadbetter Beach
4.6
(873)Click for details

Santa Barbara Harbor
4.7
(863)Click for details

The Eagle Inn
4.9
(527)Click for details

Beachside Inn
4.1
(478)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Shoreline Beach Cafe
Brophy Bros.
Chad’s Cafe
Toma Restaurant & Bar
Rudy's Mexican Restaurant
On The Alley
Breakwater Restaurant
Santa Barbara Fish Market
Sushi Go Go
The Anchor Rose
Santa Barbara Yacht Club

Brophy Bros.
4.5
(1.7K)Click for details

Chad’s Cafe
4.4
(1.2K)Click for details

Toma Restaurant & Bar
4.6
(561)$$
Click for details

Rudy's Mexican Restaurant
4.3
(446)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
801 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Map
Phone
(805) 568-0064
Call
Website
shorelinebeachcafe.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(873 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Eco-minded eatery serving Mexican & seafood dishes, with beachfront tables right in the sand.
attractions: Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor, The Eagle Inn, Beachside Inn, Santa Barbara Sailing Center, Avania Inn of Santa Barbara, Inn by the Harbor, Mason Beach Inn, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel, restaurants: Brophy Bros., Chad’s Cafe, Toma Restaurant & Bar, Rudy's Mexican Restaurant, On The Alley, Breakwater Restaurant, Santa Barbara Fish Market, Sushi Go Go, The Anchor Rose, Santa Barbara Yacht Club
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