Best locals vibe restaurant on the Mesa with outstanding food, drinks, and service. Al the owner sometimes even waits on tables. Tacos, toast, salmon appetizer are some of our favorites. Herb your Enthusiasm and Desert Sun are two great drinks. You can't go wrong here. Support your local restaurant Mesa! read more

Get ready to flag down a wait staff for a drink - they don't ask if you need anything. Had dirty dishes stacked for 10 min and ended up taking the dishes back ourselves to get the check Dog pissed on the floor Not a great experience- been going there for 15 years read more

Amazing food, service, and atmosphere! The inside is beautiful too. This is one of my favorite places in SB area. read more

See all

Having lived here for many years, I cannot believe we haven't experienced Alcazar...a hidden gem. The food was fantastic.The service was awesome.The ambiance was above board and the music was fabulous. We will go back again and again. Alley and her partner were absolutely welcoming and lovely. Thank you for the beautiful birthday dessert for Toby and we will return many times to share the deliciousness with new friends! read more

If you enjoy Milk & Honey, you're going to love Alcazar as well! It's tucked into a non-assuming strip mall so don't pass it up. The interior is fantastic with dark dramatic details and funky art and the menu items all have whimsical names like "Date with a Pig". The signature pig sculpture in the center of the dining room serves as the unofficial greeter. We came for happy hour and they offer several specials on cocktails and menu items. I Highly recommended the Holy Crop cocktail with Elderflower- I ordered something different and had to order a second drink because I had to have my own Holy Crop. Service is 5/5 with a warm welcoming greeting and attentive service. Food is 5/5 for Spanish-fusion tapas. Don't expect Madrid-style tapas but Alcazar puts a flavorful spin on all their dishes. I recommend the Date with the Pig, the Lamburgini Sliders and the Gritz and Glamb. I was a little disappointed in the Papas Bravos. I'd like to see the potatoes a little more crispy and the spice level on the sauce raised a bit. I'm giving the overall experience a 5/5 because I appreciate the creativity in all the elements and the unique flavor profiles will keep me coming back. read more

See all

It's the hidden gems in the 805, such as Alcazar Tapas Bar that provide a dark, yet intimate and cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available in a parklet with limited seating. They also have a few tables with fireplaces in the middle to set the mood. On my visit I decided to park myself at the bar, because I was a party of one and didn't want to take up a table. I prefer sitting at the bar anyways, so I can ask the bartender for recommendations on cocktails and make good conversation in between. I decided to order the classic margarita since it was still happy hour; which is daily from 4 - 5:30pm. Hannah hooked me up with a nice tall marg and I also decided to try the summer slush. It's made with blanco tequila, chareau aloe liqueur, blood orange, pomegranate, and passionfruit. This mix was created by Hannah and I loved it! I could tell it had a hint of mint, and asked if that was one of the ingredients. She introduced me to a new plant based spirit crafted locally (chareau), which was included in the summer slush. This is why I love sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartender! There's always a new discovery in the mixologist world. For food, I had a date with a pig and pollo con crema tacos. Both on the HH menu for $10 each. Not a bad deal for the amount of food you get! I really enjoyed the dates wrapped in bacon and drizzled with wildflower honey. They melt in your mouth, but you still get that crunch from the bacon. If you love salty, sweet then try these out! The pollo con crema tacos were just as good! I was actually surprised how flavorful the chicken was. Sometimes chicken tacos can lack flavor, but not these ones. The chicken is oven roasted and stewed in a white truffle and habanero cream sauce. The truffle was very light in taste, but definitely elevated this taco. Overall, if you're looking for a nice intimate dining place away from the main touristy areas, then come here. Parking is easy as they have curb street parking in front, or you can drive around to the back parking lot. read more

See all

Was in town for a high school lacrosse game. I've been here before na always come back when I'm in Santa Barbara. The food is so good. Nice quiet place, happy hour specials. Must try read more

Came in for dinner and had the best time. Ray was amazing, so nice, so knowledgeable of the menu. Was the best help in making our experience as perfect as possible. If you come ask for Ray he will get you right. Food was great, drinks superb definitely coming back again! read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

I'm obsessed with the mezcal margarita! It has a Tajin rim. The truffle ahi is amazing. I absolutely LOVE the presentation! Marisol and the hostess working Friday were so sweet! My BF and I were really taken by there amazing service. Curious to see if they're menu changes for the winter. Make sure to ask for Marisol if you dine here. :) read more

See all

On a stormy night, what a pleasure it was to spend our anniversary in Alcazar's warmth. Food and hospitality were off the charts. Lamb sliders hit every time. What a gem. read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Basque cheesecake. Obsessed. - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

A nice array of tapas to share. My wife and I like to go here after work on hard days, or weeks, for a date night. We always enjoy this place. Good wine selection, too. Great little local date night spot. Romantic ambiance. read more

Super yummy! Great vibes, food was delicious, Ray was awesome! Service from Ray was a 10/10. will come again!!!

A bit pricey for tapas but some of the portions are significantly larger than traditional tapas so I guess it all evens out. This is a cute spot on the Mesa which gives a dark, very intimate atmosphere. My friends and I splurged and got lots of different plates to share - our favorites were the Brussels sprouts, Lamburghini sliders, and Gambas Alcazar. We also got the patatas bravas, sweet potato fries, pollo con crema tacos, and some Brie sauce. Definitely a nice date spot, and I'm interested in trying their cocktails next time. Service was a little slow as we came in near the end of the night, but our waitress was kind to split our check 4-ways, so I made sure to tip her accordingly. read more

Feels like Spain. Smaller, intimate, and friendly service. Tapas was exceptionally tasty (see photos) my favorite being the garlic butter prawns served over saffron and chorizo flavored rice. Three of us. Amazing cocktails (clever names). Douro Valley Port (don't mock me, Portugal is just next door). Our waitress was knowledgeable about the entire menu. Never felt rushed. Great experience. read more

See all

One of our favorite neighborhood date night spots! Yummy food and yummy drinks with a funky indoor atmosphere!

Stopped in on a Friday evening and this place was packed. Easy parking is available in the back lot of you can't find it in front. We were able to sit inside and there is a little bar and outside area with heaters. All of our tapas were fantastic. My favorite was the papas bravas and the date with a pig (bacon wrapped dates). Yet, I will be coming back for the passion mango cheesecake with a scoop of ice-cream! The service was great, full of smiles and quick to refill drinks and take orders. Plus, their tech made it easy to split bills and quickly pay! read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Brie - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Phenomenal in every way! We tried a pretty decent portion of the menu over a couple hours at the bar, enjoying amazing drinks and fun conversation with Tori the bartender, who was down to earth, chill, and knew her stuff. My favorite remains the pollo con crema tacos, all the ingredients work together perfectly, but, really, it was all amazing. The lighting and decor add a ton to the ambiance, it's an ideal spot for a date or just drinks and tapas with friends. Highly recommend, a rare gem in Santa Barbara. read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Pollo con crema tacos - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

Alcazar is the most intimately unique date spot on the Mesa in Santa Barbara. Alcazar is under the same ownership as the iconic Milk and Honey tapas bar on Anapamu in downtown Santa Barbara. Alcazar brings the same cocktail list, a few of the same tapas and similar sultry sensual Spanish vibes. Alcazar features very tasty cocktails, sangria and beers with small bites done tapas style and a cozy dimly lit atmosphere perfect for a first date. This place IS expensive- but don't let that deter you from enjoying the ambiance and supporting a small local business that really does add culture and value to the mainly homogeneous, boring upper Mesa neighborhood. Plus-+ they are open late! They have a reverse happy hour from 5-8pm and plenty of entertainment with live music on the weekends and a running projector featuring old cartoons like Betty boop and Popeye rolling. I definitely recommend. read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - The heat of passion - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The food is wonderful here. The same chef has been here forever. I like their updated look with the pig in the middle of the seating area. This place is usually packed so it would be good to get a reservation but they will seat you without one. read more

See all

A Mesa gem Always with a smile, Vedta greets us at the door and Johanna welcomes us to the bar. We're regulars with our usual spots, food and drinks. There's good reason for that. The smaller, neighborhood sister of Milk and Honey, Alcazar has a great location with easy parking, although usually not out front, and offers a fun and delicious dining experience when you don't want to leave the safe bubble of the Mesa. The tapas portions are what you would expect and even the larger dishes, like Paella $19, could be devoured by one hungry human. Don't let that stop you from ordering. But let's start with drinks. Sangria! I've been drinking the ever evolving wine and fruit concoction here for over a decade. It's still my go to but I don't stop there. Joanna will whip up a fancy cocktail and you'll be hypnotized by her rhythmic martini shaking. Bubbles and fun wine list is m also available and I recommend the Gerard Bertrand Corbieres (French GSM) to open up the flavor of the Cassoulet $11. You'll never be single here with an order of Date with a Pig $9. A well enjoyed classic and fun plate to share. These come out hot so give a sec before diving in. Add the Brussels Sprouts with bacon $10 (and why not), Pulled Pork Tacos $8, and Shrimp & Grits $16 and you're in your way. Recently enjoyed the Enchuladas $12 for the first time and will certainly return to this deceptively filling and creamy dish. Many of the menu items are Gluten Free and the kitchen is well versed in Dairy Free options too. Good times had by all! Alcazar will get packed and loud at the dinner rush but is relatively quiet, or even almost empty of you get there early or come late. That's when you'll usually find me at the bar, visiting with the team and glancing up at the projected movie on the wall to see if it's some Japanese anime, classic French film, a childhood cartoon,or something with animals. If it's too much to take inside, enjoy dining al fresco at one of two tables on the sidewalk. Tip: these are dog friendly. Come and enjoy sharing a night at Alcazar. It's worth crossing town for. And if you make on a Monday, Happy Hour all night long. Cheers read more

See all

Cocktails are still delightful with lots of fresh ingredients. Food was mediocre, but service is warm and friendly.

The service and drinks are great here! Our server was super friendly, especially for a busy Saturday eve. The tapas choices are really diverse so there were a lot of great options if you go in a big group. Also, a very good place to go if you have any allergies as the server was transparent about any items that can be dangerous. The drinks were good and strong! The bartender really puts their craft into the drinks! Everything we ordered was very unique and tasty! Definitely give them a try if you are in the area. read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

We shared an excellent array of small plates. Two servings of the bacon wrapped dates were a must; and the burrata and mushroom tapenade were each great. A kale salad, lamburginis and we were stuffed! read more

Alcazar is one of our favorite locals spots. The food is always amazing, and the staff goes above and beyond! We always have a really good time when we go, everything on the menu is incredible and the drinks are hand crafted to perfection by the bartender. Can't rate it high enough! read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Kale Salad - pickled carrots, crisp kale, lemon olive oil sauce topped with parmesan and seasonal flowers. - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Just as delicious as their sister restaurant downtown, Milk & Honey! Great outdoor dinning space with heaters and privacy from the street. The food and drinks are delicious and the staff are super friendly. Great for sharing! read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - manchego y membrillo - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Visiting Santa Barbara for a few days and stumbled upon Alcaraz on a windy Wednesday night. All Yelp had to say was "tapas" and we were sold. We were seated immediately by the charming waitress who made us feel so at home. Drinks came out first and set the tone for a great meal... hot toddy was warm and the blueberry mint lemon drop was just the right amount of sweet. Our tapas came out one by one, timed out and choreographed for a perfect meal. Patatas Bravas were crispy and delicious, with the sauce on the side. The We Burrata It! was a dream. Honestly, the best bite I've eaten probably all year. The burrata came with toasted bread, garlic, kale, and some tomatoes. The shrimp Gambas Alcazar were juicy and the coconut rice was amazing. Beef sliders were good and tasted even better with the left over burrata spread on it. The whole meal was spectacular. I will be thinking about the burrata for weeks. read more

See all

You pay a lot and get very little. 20 minutes to get our drinks. 45 minutes for food. Discount? Nope! With the high prices if service isn't good, its not worth the dining out experience. You pay to be frustrated. read more

As a local I have loved Al's Alcazar and Milk & Honey since the beginning of time. Lamborghini Sliders are a must, Pork and Shrimp Tacos always. Menu has changed slightly over the years however, "Date with a Pig", salty sweetness is yum yum deliciousness always and forever. Shrimp and Grits and The Heat of Passion are all must have go too's. Sit in Nicole's section, she is heaven sent and her lighthearted sweet personality will make your week right! read more

Well other than they don't have a sign with their name on it out in front. All I can say is please keep it local! no really this place is awesome! The chefs always serve the food perfectly cooked, seasoned, perfect temperature and well presented. The servers are always friendly and have great recommendations. This is one of our regular spots where former co Worker's meet to have a drink, laugh and great food. This place is special to us for many reasons within our group but the food, drinks and last but not least the staff! read more

Food was great. Small portions but its a tapas place. 1 star knock cause of the price $$$.

Our first night in Santa Barbara & we found this great tapas bar! Not easy to find in a strip center between Rose cafe & a sushi bar but this place was awesome! We ordered the yummy buratta to start, served with crispy kale! Moved on to Lamburghinis (lamb sliders) w/mint & basil pesto!- wow! Full of flavor! Added the skillet of brussel sprouts w/bacon, cooked perfectly. We couldn't leave w/o trying the Creme Brûlée which was my fave w/crispy hint or orange. Staff were all super friendly & prices were reasonable for an outstanding dining experience! Thanks Alcazar, we will be back! read more

Their drinks are the best! I love everything about this place. The food all of it is delicious. My favorite are Manchego Y Membrillo, Patatas Bravas (drool), Truffle Shuffle, and Gambas Alcazar. Favorite drink is the secret garden and coconut mojito. read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Amazing food and great atmosphere! Love it here .. went for new years eve and we had a blast !

Emma is I believe a manager and bartender but also we were lucky enough to have her serve our table she was extremely knowledgeable about the food and drinks our food came out succinctly and we're never left without a drink she is kind and attentive and we are so happy we had the pleasure of her taking care of our experience would recommend restaurant but also would recommend requesting Emma read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Blueberry mint lemon drop by Emma - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Meh. Service was OK and food was just just passable. Not bad, just perfunctory. Kale salad was smothered in shredded cheese but not fully dressed, as in the dressing was poured on and pooled in the bottom of the dish with a lot of leaves untouched. Chicken tacos weren't bad, but relied on some kind of uninteresting mayo base. Etc. Emblematic was the section of the drinks menu headed "Ports and Sherrys" - there were only two wines listed, both ports. read more

TORI MAKES THE BEST DRINKS IN SB!! Tori is the best bartender I've ever experienced in my 6 years of living here. She's exceptionally talented, kind, communicative, and all around fun to be around. I am so grateful for her making this experience an 11/10. Go to alcazar for the best time of your life. Food is great too! read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Sour - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

We have been fans of Al's Alcazar and Milk and Honey since they opened many moons ago. Nicole is the best! Lamborghinis and Heat of Passion are my thing. But date with a pig and all the menu delights. You can't go wrong with the small tapas. read more

Awesome service, nice ambiance and good service! Will come back in next trip to Santa Barbara. Recommended local place hidden treasure! read more

Alcazar Tapas Bar - Welcome - Tapas Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

If I didn't have 50% discount with a groupon, I would have felt ripped off. The food was not impressive and the portion was too big for tapas, but too small given the price tag. sweet potato fries with sriracha mayo ($7)-no complaints except the hefty price tag for a simply prepared item. carne con crema ($15.50)-an awful and pricey dish. This was at least 50% peppers and the little morsels of steak were cooked well done with no caramelization at all. It was as if they just boiled the steak in the cream sauce. garlic shrimp ($13 for 4 shrimps)-this was very bland compare to a similar dish we had at Industrial Eats during lunch. It needed salt, herbs, maybe a pinch of calabrian chiles or spanish chorizo for some pizazz. bacon wrapped date ($9)-I make this at home and the version here tasted fine. I would pay the happy hour price, but not $9 given the simple preparation. lamb slider ($12.50 for two sliders)-the combination of raisin, mint, and pesto was flavorful. It was again on the pricey side, but at least this was tasty enough to order again. The atmosphere however was lovely, especially if you sit at the pillow filled banquette by the window. The cocktails we ordered were also well made. This is a good place to come for a drink, but I absolutely will not come here for the food. read more

See all

This is not your traditional tapas bar for sure its unique. Service is good and ambiance was good.