We had a fantastic dining experience at Augie's! One of the dishes we ordered was the Pollo San Miguel, and it was absolutely delicious. I also had the steak and enchilada combination, which I believe was called La Norteña, and it was excellent. A special thank you to Hector, who greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. He took the time to explain the menu, answer our questions, and provide recommendations. We ended up ordering exactly what he suggested, and every recommendation was spot-on. To top it all off, Hector surprised us with a complimentary dessert--a churro filled with chocolate, served with vanilla ice cream. It was absolutely incredible and the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. The food was outstanding, the service was exceptional, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Hector's hospitality truly made our visit memorable. We will definitely be back and highly recommend Augie's to anyone looking for great food, excellent service, and a memorable dining experience! read more

My girlfriend and I came to Santa Barbara for the beginning of the Spanish days festival with hopes of enjoying the culture and the food established here. After walking the streets for an hour we became hungry and stopped at "the best Mexican food in the city" Despite the high volume of customers we were sat almost immediately in the patio at an immediately open table. We were attended quickly and as we knew immediately what we wanted to order our order was taken by Juan, our waiter. His service was excellent considering a full house and slow bar making the drinks. He respectfully asked for ID for the alcoholic beverage and took our order in the same moment. Our appetizer came out almost immediately and although we had been served lukewarm water when our order was taken. with the heat my partner and I both had finished our waters. We noticed another table of 2, 3 feet away from us with drinks from outside the restaurant. We assumed since the Spanish festival was being held, and no posted signage regarding outside beverages, it was tolerable. I got an horchata from the vendors selling immediately outside the establishment and proceeded to eat my appetizer with this horchata as our drinks still hadn't come out. Hector came to our table to inform us that we could not have the horchata on the table. Hector then proceeds to walk 3 feet. Take the order from previously referred to table who walked in with their drinks and take their order without mentioning to them that they couldn't have their drinks on the table. Afterwords when we asked Hector for additional lemons and we were provided with the slivers from the tops of the lemons that came from the bar. Subpar service from Hector. read more

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There are 4 important things in the restaurant industry... Good food Good service Food and drinks at a good price Cool vibe read more

Well presented Mexican food in a buzzy restaurant on State Street. The food is delicious and service at the bar was friendly and attentive. Even the owner came by to greet us. The bar is fully stocked, and probably has the biggest collection of tequilas and mezcals I've ever seen in one place! In addition to the usual Mexican mixed drinks, all typical cocktails are available too. The ambiance is busy but in a good way. read more

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The food was good here. We came on a small road trip to Santa Barbara and found this place. The vibes are okay they have a bar so people can be loud there but the ambience is friendly and nice. The decor is a nice vibe I love the lights and plates used. We had the nachos and they were delicious , the shrimp in Parmesan were good too. My niece had the shrimp cocktail but didn't really like it. She said it had a ketchup taste so it threw her off. My mom said they were alright. The chille relleno was really good and the beef in green sauce too. I would come back for the nachos and try other foods to get a more expanded experience. Overall I liked the restaurant and the server was awesome too. read more

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Amazing service, food & drinks! Worth a stop if you're feeling just drinks or food, depending on your mood. We came for drinks before dinner the day prior and Victor was a great bartender! Got some fun shots he crafted for us. Then came back the next day for happy hour and victor was great again. Indoor & outdoor seating, music playing, chill vibes. read more

Augie's - Mojito & La Niña - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Everything about this place was fantastic! We came in early to spend time in the ambiance. The building is designed by Jeff Shelton, a local famous architect. Wonderful details everywhere. It is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Food was great. Service was great. Ambiance was great. Could not have been better. Definitely a must stop in SB. read more

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Very close to Paseo Nuevo and right on the main street intersection. Great for people watching if you sit outdoors like us. The drinks were presented beautifully - I got the La Niña which looked so pretty and was delicious! Also recommend getting the esquites and the barbacoa - both were packed with flavor and served generously. Food and drinks were top tier but the manager was kind of weird - not rude but his attitude was very rushed. After we paid our check, I was sitting at the table waiting for my husband to return back from the restroom and this manager/staff comes over and starts setting up the table for the next customer when in fact there were plenty of empty tables all around. read more

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Food was flavorful and yummy, drinks were good, service was excellent ambience was lovely. Owner is very nice, bar is impressive! read more

Augie's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Stop by this place for a couple drinks end up staying for about an hour and a half at the bar. The bartender was extremely friendly and nice and super informative about all the different tequilas. They had behind the counter which I can say looked like a library this place was really really fun great ambience we came in perfect time because about 30 minutes after we arrived. It got packed so definitely a place to stop by if you wanna grab a quick quick few good cocktails when you're in Santa Barbara. read more

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8/14/26 our first time eating at Augie's! We were lucky to sit at a table on the front patio by Hector. Hector and our waiter were fantastic and the environment was very pleasant. The food was fantastic. I had the chicken taquitos, my son had the steak fajitas and my husband had the chili Riano. The presentation of the food was wonderful. I really enjoyed the delicious and moist steak in my son's fajitas. I wish I could have just had a whole plate of that steak!!! I highly recommend you giving this establishment a try! Liz Barnes Glendale, CA read more

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Can't speak for the food but we popped spur of the moment for happy hour and it we are so glad we did. Staff were super friendly and bantering with customers and each other. Good vibes. And the space itself is clean, spanish style both inside and the patio. We tried 4 different cocktails, la neta, besos de verano, noche moras, and the jalisco old fashion. All were delicious. So refreshing and well balanced. Hard to even pick a favorite. We look forward to coming back to try the food! read more

Augie's - Noche moras blackberry mezcal cocktail. Delicious! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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What has the world come too? Santa Barbara vibe is dead, and so is the appeal of this place. We stood out front for a while.. Waiting, and waiting.. oh and then we waited some more , to be seated by a server who made feel as we were more of bother than a customer. It seemed as an inconvenience to order and there is ZERO eye contact or service. But we stayed and ordered a drink and that was probably the best part. Seems as they do well with the drinks, but the food.. Mehhhhhh Chilequiles with undercooked egg, and chicken that was just some random grilled breast cubed and put on the side. A different server brought it as if he again had better things to do, so here ya go..But when the check is about to come and ya know it's tip time. Were suddenly compadres? Nahhhhh it's ok , come for a drink, as I'm assuming it's their forte, the food keep walking. Not worth the value in my opinion. read more

We decided to come here on a whim and it did not disappoint! Ambiance was lively and great for a group of 4. We got a small booth in the back that felt intimate and nice. The servers were very friendly and had great suggestions. We tried the enchiladas, the taquitos, and the star of the night, the poblano creme soup. If you come he you must order that! One of the most unique and delicious dishes I have ever had and I would come back just for that alone. Def recommend just to go try it. read more

Loved the vibe and staff was attentive. Had the fajitas and ceviche and they were delicious and fresh. Margs were great too! Will def be back! read more

Wonderful brunch menu with plenty of options. Had the chilaquiles with carnitas and the pineapple mimosa and both were tasty. Great outdoor area to sit at - breezy and shady. Our waiter was kind and attentive. Would come back again! read more

If I could give 6 stars I would! I brought my family here and not only was the food amazing but the customer service and vibes were top notch. Their salmon and ceviche were so fresh and delicious! Tons of unique family recipes and omg the churros were to die for! I will definitely be going back. read more

Augie's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Came here around brunch time but didn't participate. Was looking for a good drink and I found it. The bartender is definitely classically trained in the art of the cocktail. Very nice presentation and flavors were smooth and inviting. Tried the LA Fresca and it was refreshing. The place is small but has a beautiful bar with plenty of drink options. I did notice that the food looked great and next time I'm in Santa Barbara I'd like to give it a try. read more

Augie's - La Fresca - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Delicious food and drinks! We have an enjoyable experience every time. Recommend the nachos and the Beso de verano margarita

Disappointing experience at Augie's during Fiesta I was visiting Santa Barbara for Fiesta on Saturday night, and after a busy day, we wanted to sit down, relax, have a drink, and share an appetizer. Unfortunately, our experience at Augie's was extremely disappointing. When we arrived, the host/manager at the front was very rude. There were four of us women, and he told us that two of us could share two chairs at the bar while the other two would have to stand--even though there were empty tables at the bar. When I asked if we could sit at a table, he said yes, but only if we ordered food, and then added that the kitchen would probably be closing soon. The attitude from the start made us feel unwelcome. Unfortunately, the waiter wasn't much better. He didn't introduce himself or even say hello. He immediately walked up and said, "Are you guys ready to order?" I actually stopped and said, "Hi, how are you?" hoping he would realize how abrupt he was being, but he still didn't seem to get the hint. We ordered, and even my beer order became an issue. I ordered a Negra Modelo, and when the wrong beer came out, he initially looked at me as if I was asking for something for free or trying to get a free drink. He eventually realized that he had made the mistake. The nachos were extremely disappointing--basically 100% beans--and were definitely overpriced. The drinks were overpriced as well, especially considering the poor service and overall experience. Honestly, the nicest person we encountered was the busboy, who was polite and helpful. I usually give businesses the benefit of the doubt, but after reading through many other Yelp reviews, it seems like the attitude and customer service issues are not an isolated experience. Augie's really needs to work on how customers are treated. Good food and drinks can only go so far when the people working there make guests feel like they are an inconvenience. We came in wanting to relax and enjoy ourselves after Fiesta, and unfortunately, we left feeling like we weren't welcome. The attitude needs to change. read more

I came to Augie's yesterday with a friend, and we ABSOLUTELY loved it. Amazing ambiance, great food, and very much worth the price. AMAZING drinks as well. Hector helped us out the whole time, and also another woman (Did not catch her name), was very sweet and helpful as well. Next time we're in Santa Barbara, we will definitely stop by and try the famous Churros that Hector mentioned to us about, but we were too full to eat it!! read more

Augie's - Tacos Matador - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Thank me later. Happy hour 2-5, check the days. They have the best margaritas (el niño) that I've ever had in life (outside of Mexico), and the barbacoa tacos are chef's kiss. read more

Food was okay, but unfortunately, the service fell short. My family and I visited on a day when the restaurant wasn't very busy, and several employees saw us waiting at the host station but didn't acknowledge us. I completely understand that staff can be busy, but even a simple "We'll be right with you" would have made a difference instead of leaving us standing there feeling ignored. Once we were seated, our main waiter seemed to notice that we already felt a little unwelcome and made an effort to be extra kind. However, the interaction didn't feel as genuine compared to the way other tables were being treated. I don't want to assume the reason behind it or accuse anyone of being discriminatory, but there was definitely a noticeable difference in how we were treated. It left us wondering whether we were being judged based on how we looked or were perceived. Overall, the experience made my family and me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome, which was disappointing. read more

Walked in right in time for their Happy Hour 3-5pm on a Saturday, but only at the bar. They have a pretty big bar area and I love how comfy the seats are because they have actual cushions and not just wood. They are also nice and wide and look expensive. We ordered some food from their HH menu. But it took about 15 minutes before anyone came by to take our order. The food took about the right amount of time to come through. I thought my Margarita tasted well and at $8, that's a bargain. My steak tacos came out and it dry and did not have any taste to it. There were no salsas provided and just a piece of lime wedge. Salsa would had great, but I don't think it would have helped much. I then tried their fish ceviche and I thought it was ok, but definitely needed a little more lime and some salt. The fish had a little bit of fishiness to it though. I street corn was the best item there. Though the serving was a little small. If we had more time, I would have gotten a 2nd drink, but we were a little tight on time. read more

July 31, 2026 As a Santa Barbara local, I was extremely disappointed by the lack of hospitality at Augie's. I arrived on time for my 6:15 PM reservation, which was specifically for patio seating. Although there was an available table on the patio, I was denied access to it and told I would need to wait for a different table. Rather than continue waiting despite having a reservation and seeing an open table, I canceled my reservation and chose to spend my money elsewhere. A reservation should mean something, and guests should be treated with basic attentiveness and courtesy. Unfortunately, this experience fell far short of what I would expect from a Santa Barbara restaurant. read more

I am not sure how it is possible this place has 4.2 stars when it should be 1. If you like terrible service with taste less food that has no seasoning and drenched in oil then this is the place for you! I did not enjoy also having the waiter touch my glass of water with his dirty gloves from the top of the glass (who does that?). Also the bathrooms are probably worse than when you stop at a gas station to be honest. I will never step foot in here again. read more

This was super yum!!! I got the reasonably priced octopus tacos which were SO delicious. I also got a yummy hibiscus marg. Please BEWARE of the dangers of getting the guacamole and eating the entire thing before your food gets there because it makes it difficult to finish everything else. Only docking a star because it was soooo dark inside and it took a second for our server to help us out even though we were essentially the only people there (on the Fourth of July, during the fireworks lol). Would come back if I lived nearby for a great drink read more

Augie's - Tacos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I have been there several times, and make it a point to go there whenever we are in SB. Food is soooo good. Hector is awesome, and all of the staff are great. read more

While visiting gorgeous Santa Barbara, we were in the mood for some Mexican cuisine and came across Augie's, a stylish spot with a fun vibe. We made a reservation just in case, but it turned out to be unnecessary -- the place wasn't too busy, and we were seated right away. What We Ordered: We tried the enchiladas with mole, shrimp entrées, and a side of guacamole with chips. The guac? A whopping $15 -- and honestly, not worth that price tag. The enchiladas were just okay, and the shrimp didn't leave a lasting impression. Flavors were mild, and the portions felt underwhelming for what we paid. Drinks Looked Great, Tasted... Watered Down We also ordered a few cocktails. While my wife enjoyed hers, I felt they were overly diluted and packed with ice. For the price, I expected more flavor and less filler. Presentation? A+. Taste? B-. Customer Service: Nothing Special Service was just so-so. Not bad, but definitely lacked that warm, attentive touch that enhances the dining experience. Price vs. Value? Not Quite Balanced Between the pricey guac, small portions, and average food, we left feeling like the bill didn't match the quality or quantity. Real talk for foodies: If you're in SB and craving authentic Mexican flavor with value -- you might want to explore other local gems. read more

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Really great spot with good food! The staff is kind and the atmosphere is great. The food was delicious and they have a good happy hour! read more

Augie's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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The food is amazing!!! From appetizers to entrees, so good. The service is great, welcoming, and attentive. Plus the owner introduces himself, making sure you're having a great time. read more

This was my first time at Augie's Restaurant, and after hearing so many great things, I was genuinely excited to try it. Unfortunately, it was a very disappointing experience. We arrived around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, right when happy hour started. We were seated fairly quickly, although no one was at the host stand. Our waiter, Juan, seated our party of five (including one child). From the beginning, he seemed distracted and uninterested, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Once seated, we were given both the regular menu and the happy hour menu. After waiting a while for service, we tried to order from the happy hour menu and were told it was only available at the bar. The problem was that the bar was completely full, and we had a child with us, so sitting there wasn't even an option. I asked why we were given the happy hour menu if we couldn't order from it, and Juan replied, "It's just so you can see the drink options." That explanation didn't make sense since the menu also included happy hour food specials. It felt misleading. We ordered from the regular menu instead, but Juan's attitude never improved. He seemed bothered every time he came to our table, and no one checked on us throughout the meal. Ironically, the busser was much more friendly, attentive, and welcoming than our server. Before leaving, I spoke with Hector, who listened to my concerns about both the confusing happy hour policy and Juan's service. I appreciated that he took the time to listen and offered us a gift card as a gesture of goodwill. However, I still feel it's important to share my experience. Great customer service can make all the difference, and unfortunately, this visit missed the mark. Between the misleading happy hour menus, the lack of attentive service, and the overall poor attitude we experienced, it simply wasn't worth the high prices. I had high expectations based on the restaurant's reputation, but sadly, my first visit left me disappointed. I'm not sure I'll be back. read more

Amazing service and the drinks are fantastic!! Get the churros! Highly recommend!fish tacos were also great!

Poor service, average food. They advertise closing at 10pm but it's really 9pm. Disinterested, rushed service, average flavors. Not worth the alleged hype whatsoever. Decor and ambiance is best at slightly above average. Highly pretentious. read more

Food was fairly dry and under seasoned. Service was very slow. Out of multiple items on the menu. Would not return.

Tasty food, outstanding service, great location. Came on a Friday night and had an amazing time. Staff is lovely and helpful

Massive selection of tequilas and a very knowledgeable bar staff!! Stopped by for a drink and stayed for over an hour as the bar tenders told us about their extensive collection of mezcals, reposado, and unique tequilas. They have everything. So if you've ever wanted to try some unique tequila, this bar is your spot. They even let use sample some before ordering. Loved it. read more

Augie's - Massive selection of tequilas including reposado and mezcal - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This was our first time dining here. The host was lovely -- we came in with a party of 6 and no reservation, and she was kind enough to squeeze us in. Our server, Nick, was awesome. He made us feel welcome, answered all of our questions about the menu, and gave great suggestions. The floor manager walked around chatting with most of the tables, but barely stopped by ours. He only asked if everything was okay as we were already paid and getting ready to leave, which felt a bit off. We also accidentally spilled something on the table and had to clean it up ourselves with napkins. I asked for help cleaning it and for new napkins, but it took a while -- our food arrived and we still didn't have fresh napkins. Overall, the drinks were good and the food was just okay, but the service and hospitality didn't quite hit the mark for us. read more

Augie's - Noches de morras - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Augie's of Santa Barbara is such an amazing establishment on old town State Street! We were quickly greeted by the host -- and was giving options to sit outdoor patio or indoor. With such great weather, most patrons wanted outdoor. However, we like to eat in peace and rather not people watch. The whole service team is cheerful and work well together to give us a great experience. The menu is simple but solid from fish tacos to chile relleno and dozen other specialty dishes. We started with the in-house fresh made chips and salsa. We got a trio-flight of salsas. The dishes all look so vibrant. We ordered the following: 1- Carnitas Tacos (4/5) -- the dish is good but two tacos were too little. 2- Chicken Enchiladas (5/5) -- the dish is very good. The roja sauce and cream is a great topping to meal. 3 - Chile Relleno (5/5)!- the chile is huge and nicely stuffed with cheese. The rice is so good (glad it wasn't the standard red Spanish rice). You get a chance between refried beans or whole beans, including black beans. read more

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Fresh food with flavorful sauces. Great margaritas, too. Our service was fair, and they weren't terribly busy. But, the food made up for it. Nice atmosphere. They needed to clean the restrooms. read more