Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bar Lou Photos

    BAR LOU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Bar Lou

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Chicken Gyro
    Ingrid V.

    I will be going back! My husband and I went tonight for a little date. We shared the crab cake, the chicken gyro, the steak frites and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The service was amazing, so attentive and friendly. The space is gorgeous, romantic, and cozy. The food was all so delicious. I want to go back and sit at the bar with a girlfriend or go back with a group of friends and order the whole menu to try it all. We are big fans!

    Adrienne O.

    So we tried the Crab Cakes (excellent), the chickpea toast, and for our mains we bad the Cast Iron Seared Fish Provincial w/ Ratatouille and the Beef Bourgeois w/ Pappardelle pasta. Everything was cooked to perfection. My husband is the best French and Italian chef I've ever had (and he's Taiwanese). He has ruined restaurant after restaurant for us for 15 years, leaving us very few options for date night, until tonight. This place is truly the real deal. Will be back for everything else on the menu. The service was perfection as well. Thank you for giving date night back to us!

    Nice bistro setting
    Sylvia K.

    Carrots and mushroom skewers were soooo good. Baguette a little pricey but texture and salted butter was delicious. Chairs a bit uncomfortable and stiff

    Bar Steak

    Lovely spot. Inside is very classic. They have an area by the outdoor fire place and a patio over looking the street which is where we decided to sit. Service was wonderful. Got the -chicken liver: bread was incredibly warm. I generally like my liver a little bit sweeter, but it was still quite fantastic. -crab cake: very very good. Wish it was a bit larger, but flavors all hit the right notes -beef Bourgnon: mash potato's were perfect, meat was incredible tender. If you're looking for a hearty dish, this definitely hits the spot bar steak: cooked perfectly, the garlic was a nice touch. French fries were a 9/10. Think elegant high quality micky Dee's (no higher compliment exists)

    We were passing through and saw this place on google search. It was a quiet night. We received great service. The food was quite tasty. A great find for our travel.

    Such a cozy delightful and delicious spot Best branzino ever&fabulous service!!!

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Bar Lou

    You might also consider

    The Honor Bar - French dip

    The Honor Bar

    4.3(839 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    •$$

    Despite our long wait, I'm still giving this place a 5-star... because they deserve it…read more Came here at the recommendation of a local friend and loved it! To me this place gives you that "Santa Barbara" experience - - beautiful building, relax and elegant vibe, and of course, great food! Though we had to wait a long time, the surrounding area is quite nice, with shops and other eateries so you can take a walk up and down the street. They also have a coffee shop right next door so you can get some snacks and drinks while you wait. The area is also great for people watching... as well as dog watching. We saw so many cute dogs while we were outside. They definitely contributed to the high rating! Friends who dined with me liked their lamp sandwich (was a special that night), the French dip, and the salads. I personally thought their smoked salmon appetizer was the best -- it's like a meal all by itself.

    Where to start? Food…read more-- Five Stars Service -- Five Stars Ambiance -- Five Stars People Watching -- Five Stars This was my first visit to The Honor Bar and it definitely will not be my last! When we walked in, the Hostess, Maya, greeted us with a smile, answered all of our questions and helped us find the perfect table for enjoying the perfect 80 degree with a cool breeze Montecito weather. Once seated, our waiter, Sean took over, explained the menu (food/cocktail) and struck the perfect balance between being attentive and allowing us the privacy to really enjoy both our email and the perfect day in the perfect setting! The General Manager, Ali, touched base briefly to make sure we were happy with our Hugo Spritz's and one of the Managers, Kevin, stopped by at the end of our meal to make sure we were completely happy. What makes the staff of The Honor Bar special is you can tell they really care... If attention to detail is important to you, you will love the fact the presentation of every dish was as good as the taste! I can strongly recommend both the Macho and Kale salads with roasted/rotisserie chicken! The Honor Bar is a must stop for lunch whenever you are in the area!

    Photos
    The Honor Bar - Bar area. Vibe. Energy. Love it!!

    Bar area. Vibe. Energy. Love it!!

    The Honor Bar - Cubano sandwich

    Cubano sandwich

    The Honor Bar - Trout dip

    See all

    Trout dip

    Local - Reserve wine list

    Local

    4.2(185 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    Outdoor seating
    Pet friendly

    The food was great. Fish and chips were solid. Be sure, if you're gluten-free, to say so. The menu…read morecalls the fish and chips GF but it uses wheat beer unless you specify. The brussels were great. One note: all of our food (the fish, the brussels, and the street corn) came at the same time, which meant our small table was both very crowded and things got cold. Wish they had staggered it a bit. Still a great experience and would recommend.

    Go somewhere else…read more Most atrocious service I've ever had. Restaurant was empty, hostess has never smiled in her life, maybe outside of work. Server walking back and forth till we pulled him to our table to take our order, mind you the place was empty (now I know why!). Plopped himself next to us, no introduction, no questions, just stone faced. We ordered, he didn't write a thing down, very confident. Placed a simple order. Food came, wrong order. He takes it from in front of me and leaves without a word. I wait and wait, eventually ask if my food is still coming, did he place the wrong order? "Yeah, your food is coming, yes wrong order". There was no "sorry if this isn't your order, there was a mixup" or something, ANYTHING. Food eventually comes, suddenly we have a different server, again no explanation. Food is mid at best. Dessert as an apology or something is out of the question, they've never heard of such a thing. Safe to say I regret wasting my money here, and it makes total sense why it's empty all the time. Don't bother, take your money somewhere else, there are so many great restaurants in Lower Village Montecito, this one is definitely a Must Miss!

    Photos
    Local - All day menu

    All day menu

    Local
    Local - Happy hour 4-6 every day

    See all

    Happy hour 4-6 every day

    Clark's Oyster Bar - Oysters and Champagne

    Clark's Oyster Bar

    4.2(104 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    •$$$

    Come for the delicious Massachusetts Eastham oysters and stay for the best side of French fries…read morethis side of the San Gabriel mountains. Thin, crispy, garlicky, and super fresh, I very much wanted to order an extra heaping after splitting one and a lobster roll for lunch with my husband. The lobster roll admittedly was not the best I've ever had -- a bit mayo-heavy for my taste - but still very good with a perfectly toasty top split bun. And those fries.... The oyster menu, the spritzes, and the beautiful outdoor shaded patio all more than made up for it, too.

    What a great little gem! We were craving seafood and oysters and Clark's was exactly what we were…read morelooking for, right in the heart of Montecito. The whole place honestly reminded me of a little piece of Greece. So cute, coastal and just a great vibe. We tried the Oysters Rockefeller, lobster roll, fresh oysters and of course a burger. Everything was SO good and the seafood was incredibly fresh. I had the Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc from France which was amazing, and their rosé did not disappoint either. The boys ordered the blueberry lemonade, fresh squeezed lemonade with blueberry on top, and loved it. Also...the sourdough! Really, really good. It comes room temperature, so we asked them to toast it for us and that made it even better. Creamy butter, radish and Celtic salt on the side. So simple but so good. The decor is super posh without feeling stuffy and I loved the whole vibe. Great food, great service, beautiful setting and somewhere we could all enjoy together. Definitely coming back. Clark's did not disappoint. Until next time!

    Photos
    Clark's Oyster Bar
    Clark's Oyster Bar
    Clark's Oyster Bar - Exterior view

    See all

    Exterior view

    Caruso's

    Caruso's

    4.4(260 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    •$$$$

    We went back to Caruso's for a gratuitously nice end-of-summer date night, this time getting a 6:30…read moretable with a prime view. For some reason, the only option for that time slot was the chef's tasting menu, though I wonder if we could have plead down to the four-course if we'd called ahead. The restaurant wasn't especially busy, and I'm sure there was some flexibility in the bookings. The chef's tasting was pretty decadent for a Wednesday. It was also a wonderful experience, a long dinner looking out at the beach, through sunset on a summer evening. Service was immaculate. Our waiter was fantastic, as was our sommelier Tre, a young guy with a clear passion for wine, who gave us handwritten recommendations for our upcoming trip to Paso Robles. We got the regional California wine pairing, and it was fun and educational, featuring several great wines that went well with our food. Dinner started with the house antipasti, a spread of small, delicate dishes. My favorite was probably the spot prawn open face sandwich with kimchi and finger lime, though I also loved the compressed melon topped with uni and Tsar Nicoulai caviar. There was a Baja kanpachi cigar, garnished with caviar, a super-thin toast with prosciutto and fig, and a shot's worth of sour plum juice flavored with cinnamon. Real Michelin star stuff here, both in the ceremony and the execution. Honestly, everything we ate was superb. The first larger course was the refreshing Cavaillon melon gazpacho with melon salad, feta snow, and an intricate melon rind tuille. Then we had a colorful Baja kanpachi crudo, silky raw fish arranged with shaved rhubarb, cucumber, avocado, pickled radish, pickled strawberry, and finger lime, with a strawberry aguachile sauce touched with serrano pepper. Next, we had Iron Chef tomato: tomato salad and tomato with panzanella; a sidecar of buffalo mozzarella and a "martini" of cool tomato water. Summery and light, with intensely concentrated tomato flavor. After that, bread service, house sourdough with ramp butter and Buellton olive oil. Two pastas, both very Caruso's, Italian cooking extruded through Montecito. There was casoncelli alla Nerano, crescent-schaped pasta with crispy fried zucchini, provolone del Monaco, and pine nuts. Then spaghettini with Stephanie's uni (thank you very much), burrata, and a lush tomato sauce fortified with shrimp consommé. We had the option of switching out our entrée courses for salmon and beef, for an extra charge. I don't know why one would do this with Channel Island white bass and Liberty duck as the default choices. Both were excellent, perfectly cooked. The bass came with Brentwood corn, chanterelles, and corn beurre a la nage, the duck--breast and sausage--with plum, in various forms, and sour prune sugo di cottura. There was a vibrant green palate cleanser of basil sorbet with candied pistachios and pickled and fresh blackberries, exactly my kind of dessert. Then a more decadent brown butter cake with marinated Santa Barbara peaches, pine nuts, and fig gelato, finished with vinegar infused with peach and fig. Finally, an array of mignardises: a chocolate hazelnut bonbon, a fig tartlet with goat cheese, a strawberry pate de fruit with Thai chili, a chocolate truffle with raspberry powder, and a Tahitian vanilla cigar with coffee. This was a special dinner, one I'd love to repeat in another few years. Next time, maybe we'll save Caruso's for a special occasion, but I'm glad we made the most of this lovely date night.

    We had a memorable evening at Caruso's tonight. Their location is stunning. The restaurant is…read morelocated right on the beach. You cannot find a better oceanfront dining experience in Santa Barbara/Montecito. The hostess team was super friendly and chatty. Great first impression. One hostess took a photo of our group when asked. The wait staff team were very professional, knowledgeable, and fun. Vincent, Arturo, Ali, and Olive were just a few of the standouts making our evening unforgettable. We had at least another 5 or 6 other service team members that assisted throughout our culinary journey tonight. With the chef's tasting menu, we had a 4 hour dining experience. My only critique is that 80% of the time we had to pour our own wine. This is very unusual for a restaurant the caliber of Caruso's. While I don't believe the responsibility should rest entirely on our sommelier, Trey. However, he should be the one leading the charge on rectifying this service oversight. The lack of attentiveness on pouring our wine and cleaning the crumbs off the table were the two reasons I couldn't give Caruso's 5 stars. The unique, creative, and amazing food preparations that our group enjoyed all evening certainly wasn't the issue. Okay, so let's talk about the food. In a word...Amazing!!! Chef Massimo and his kitchen brigade are flexing their world class culinary gymnastics with local produce, seafood and proteins that scream Michelin experience. Each tasting course was beautifully presented on unique 'plates' or serving vessels that enhanced the artistry of Chef Massimo's tasting experience. We ate seasonal and local preparations that represented Santa Barbara farm and coastal cuisine incredibly well. Caruso's is a dining experience worth the every penny we spent. If you appreciate great food and service, treat yourself, your best friends, and your family to a chef's tasting dinner at Caruso's. It will be an amazing experience that will leave a lasting memory.

    Photos
    Caruso's
    Caruso's
    Caruso's

    See all

    Lion's Tale - Lamb Burger medium well

    Lion's Tale

    4.3(41 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Lion's Tale is a great place to check out if you want a cozy atmosphere with great cocktails…read more Whether you come solo or with a group it's always a great time! The drinks here are perfectly made. I've had the margaritas, Paloma and espresso martini. They also offer light bites and food. I've only tried the frites so far, and they are addictive! So perfectly seasoned and served with a garlic aioli dip. Hard to share lol. I'm definitely trying the steak frites next time. This location is perfect for people watching and enjoying the nightlife in Montecito. Prices are very reasonable for the quality served. Customer service is always friendly and attentive. Overall, a great spot if you want to check out something different and get away from downtown Santa Barbara.

    So thoughtfully done without overdoing it, from the menu to lighting and the seating. Their drinks…read morewill compete with any of the top bars in LA, and are in a league of their own in Santa Barbara. Classic drinks are enhanced with a twist, and their signature drinks have ingredient lists that tempt you to try them. Their fries are crispy and seasoned for bar service. Their lamb burger, although a thinner-than-usual patty, has enough fat to make it not a problem. The only suggestion is for them to try using arugula instead of the lettuce they currently use. The mustard, arugula, and Gruyère will elevate it to something beyond truly exceptional. One would hope that a 5/5 experience can happen with any of their bartenders, but Mikey will do what it takes to make sure it happens. Regardless of how busy they may be, his attention to detail is something to admire.

    Photos
    Lion's Tale
    Lion's Tale - Potato Pave

    Potato Pave

    Lion's Tale - Cocktail from Lion's Tale

    See all

    Cocktail from Lion's Tale

    Luckys Steakhouse - Gianni's Escargots in Garlic Butter, One-half Dozen

    Luckys Steakhouse

    4.0(570 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    •$$$$

    I really enjoyed my dinner at Lucky's. I wouldn't say the steak was the absolute best I've ever…read morehad, but it was definitely up there. I ordered the filet mignon, while my date had the ribeye. My filet was flavorful, tender, and nicely seasoned without being overly salty. It paired beautifully with the red wine I ordered, which I also really enjoyed. My date is a strict carnivore and considers himself something of a steak expert, and he said his ribeye was good. LOL. I loved the classic white-tablecloth setting. Our view was mostly of the street, which was fine because I was really there for the food and service. And the service did not disappoint. The waitress and staff were attentive, professional, and genuinely welcoming. Their experience with customer service really showed. Yay! What I especially appreciated was the relaxed atmosphere. It was a peaceful evening; everyone seemed respectful, and there was no drama--just good food, good service, and a pleasant night out. I'd definitely come back, especially with a group of friends. I noticed a group sitting around a large round table, chatting and enjoying themselves, and it looked like a perfect setup for a group dinner. I may have to do exactly that the next time I'm back. Thank you, Lucky's, for an enjoyable dinner. I'm looking forward to returning!

    We come here a few times a year, food is always delicious, drinks on point and service is warm and…read moreunpretentious. The ambience is comfortable, casual and unpretentious as well. I always get the filet, he always gets the New York, we order the escargot (always yummy), delicious sides, and any yummy looking specials. My husband is an amazing chef and is the only place or person to come close to replicating Peter Lugers Porterhouse, but when he wants a night off from spoiling us at home, there are a few places that satisfies his palate for SB steaks. We come to Lucky's or Tee Off (yes I said Tee Off, deal with it). Only real criticism is that their steaks are way overpriced and you get less bang for your buck than places like Maestros or Boa, and dare I say, that I love Ruth's Chris too ( yes, I said it). But it's Montecito so the prices are to be expected, and we always have lovely time so just have fun and treat yourselves! See you all soon!

    Photos
    Luckys Steakhouse
    Luckys Steakhouse - Delicia sides

    Delicia sides

    Luckys Steakhouse - New York Pepper Steak, 14 oz. with Cognac

    See all

    New York Pepper Steak, 14 oz. with Cognac

    The Stonehouse Restaurant - Duck plate

    The Stonehouse Restaurant

    4.4(530 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    •$$$$

    This service, view and outdoor ambiance was so amazing to experience with a group of girls for a…read morebachelorette. We shared some complimentary bread (including GF options) with some oil and spices for dipping. The iced tea, coffee and cocktails were all top-tier, and so was the food. Also came out very quickly for a bigger party. Loved our experience!

    Stonehouse continues to be one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the Santa Barbara area. Every…read morevisit reminds me why it's such a special destination. From the stunning grounds to the impeccable service and beautifully executed food, the entire experience feels luxurious without being pretentious. If you're celebrating a special occasion, it's hard to imagine a better setting. I chose Stonehouse for my birthday this year, and they made the evening feel incredibly memorable. Our server, I believe her was Amy, was absolutely fantastic. she was warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely made me feel celebrated throughout the meal. It's the kind of hospitality that elevates an already wonderful dinner into something unforgettable. I ordered the lychee mocktail which was refreshing with a perfect balance of sweetness, and my server smoked it table side for me. It was such a thoughtful gesture for my birthday. We started with the assortment of fresh breads served alongside really high quality olive oil, which were delicious on their own. Shortly after, we were treated to an amuse bouche which was a delicate whipped lobster nestled inside a slice of cucumber. It was light, elegant, and a wonderful way to begin the meal. The Grilled Yellow Peach and Burrata Salad was another standout. The sweetness of the peaches paired beautifully with the creamy burrata, creating a refreshing and well balanced appetizer that felt perfect for the season. For our entree, we shared the Beef Wellington for Two, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The pastry was beautifully golden and flaky, while the beef was cooked perfectly and remained incredibly tender. The sauce also made it very pleasant. Every component of the dish felt thoughtfully prepared. It also came with the Signature Mashed Potatoes. It was unbelievably rich and indulgent. At first it seemed a little watery, but after letting it sit for a few minutes, it thickens slightly and became perfectly smooth and velvety. By the end of dinner, I was completely satisfied, but they had one final surprise for me. The team presented me with a beautiful birthday dessert, a thoughtful gesture that perfectly capped off an already exceptional celebration. Beyond the food, the property itself is breathtaking. The beautifully landscaped grounds and elegant dining spaces create an atmosphere that's both romantic and timeless. Every detail feels intentional, making the experience feel truly special from the moment you arrive. Stonehouse consistently delivers one of the finest dining experiences in the Santa Barbara area. Between the impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, gorgeous setting, and thoughtful hospitality, it's a place I find myself returning to time and time again.

    Photos
    The Stonehouse Restaurant - Upstairs Stonehouse dining room

    Upstairs Stonehouse dining room

    The Stonehouse Restaurant - Syrs Famous chicken Tortilla Soup

    Syrs Famous chicken Tortilla Soup

    The Stonehouse Restaurant - One of two outside Stonehouse dining patios

    See all

    One of two outside Stonehouse dining patios

    Bar Lou - wine_bars - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...