This is my favorite Santa Barbara original Hamburger Habit!!! I've been coming here since I've been a little kid!! Over the years I saw other Habits around town pop up, however this is the one that brings back beautiful memories. The burgers are very tasty, prepared to order. The service is very simple, you just come up to the window and order. I hope you'll enjoy this Habit as much as I do. read more

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I had the chance to stop by the original Habit Burger Grill in Goleta, California, located at 5735 Hollister Ave. This location has been around since 1969, when The Habit started as a small burger spot before eventually growing into the well-known chain it is today. There's definitely something cool about eating at the place where it all started. The restaurant was clean, the customer service was great, and I really enjoyed the nostalgic atmosphere. You can feel some of the history of the original location, which made the visit a little more special than stopping at your typical Habit. I ordered the Double Char with onion rings and a Diet Coke. The burger was delicious, the onion rings were crispy, and everything hit the spot. If you're ever in the Goleta/Santa Barbara area and you're a fan of The Habit, it's definitely worth stopping by the original location just for the experience and a little piece of Habit history. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Double Char/ Onion Rings - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

Was in town for work. Had to swing into the original Habit Burger. I'm in from Nor Cal. I tried the Santa Barbara burger. Love the sourdough. Friendly staff. The place had a constant flow of customers. That's a good thing. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Santa Barbara Burger with O Rings - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

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What's not to love about the original Habit Burger & Grill in Goleta? I've been eating here since my days attending UCSB--I won't date myself, but let's just say it's been a minute! It is a true local institution and an absolute must-stop if you are in the area. The ambiance is classic--it has the exact look and feel a timeless hamburger stand should have, and I love that they haven't changed its original look in decades. While parking can get limited and tight depending on when you arrive, the service is quick and there is some limited outdoor seating available. The staff was okay; it took them a minute to come over and take my order, but the food came out fresh and hot in about 5 to 10 minutes. The food was great with amazing flavor, as always, though I'll admit the franchise locations I've tried down in LA are actually slightly tastier. Next time, I'll probably swap the regular Charburger with cheese for my go Teriyaki Charburger. I also had a very tasty Blue Shake (coconut and pienapple). Still, you can't beat the nostalgia and quality of the OG! Thanks for the memories and great food. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Charburger with Cheese - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

Food is good but site has become petty- 65 cents for a tablespoon of the teriyaki sauce as an add-on after spending over $20 for a burger, fries and a lemonade? Do better. If this is critical to staying in business then you won't last long, and if it isn't then it is just blatant contempt for your customers. read more

Review #660 None Elite Squad Classic! very Classic Look, it has what a Classic Hamburger Stand should look like .its...its ... Classic! The food was great! fresh, with Amazing Taste! the Salads hit the mark! I have no complaints with the food. Customer Service was a 10..from the cashier to the one who handed me my order. Parking was in the back..the look isn't the best, its a typical backyard parking..maybe its the surrounding ..maybe it needs new lighting ..but its ok. Regardless its 5 or more stars. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

Used to be good. Has gone downhill fast. The Caesar used to be in a bowl w two dressings. Not a half filled square box with burnt chicken. I keep wanting and hoping for it to be how it used to be but it keeps letting me down. Burgers are ok but quality has gone down too. Such a shame for such an amazing place! read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Chicken Caesar. Burnt chicken and half full. Used to be a big bowl and a chicken breast cut into strips on top. Sad now. - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

The Bbq wrap as well as the chicken Caesar wrap were soooo good! The chicken avocado ranch was not though. They didn't put avo in it so it was dry. Habit, keep the first two on the menu. Service was friendly, and the restaurant was clean. read more

Every time I frequent the Habit I get the Teriyaki Char Burger and the fries. This time was especially delicious, it'd been a while since I'd treated myself to one. Burger was juicy, savory and filling. Fries were cooked to perfection with the right amount of salt. My peppercinis had just the right amount of kick to them, and my ranch was a great side. I hadn't enjoyed a meal like this on my own in so long. No conversation, no chit chat, just my burger and I. It was devoured, fries and all. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Teriyaki burger and fries - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

Please bring back the no bean chili!!! It was the only reason why we would drive out to Santa Barbara. Was so sad when we found out it was no longer served. read more

Limp fries dogwater burger to what it was 20 years ago. Service is wonderful if you like walking up to an empty counter place your order and then have 20 people pull in and out a phone. Now you find out you are 19th in line. While it the looks haven't changed the food and experience has. And its not great read more

Ordered Santa Barbara char. It's supposed to be a double patty burger. It was two tiny kids patties, one on each half of the sourdough. It was not stacked. Managers excuse was it was still two patties. They also charge for ranch and bbq sauce. Idk if this is shrinkflation or whatever. Been coming since I was a kid but I've had it will never be back here again. Nice patio tho read more

The staff was kind. The food took quite awhile to come out and the chicken avocado ranch wrap was not the best. The pricing was great, though. read more

My wife and I decided to stop by here while on our way home from Cambria. We had talked about checking it for years but just never got the chance. We're definitely glad we stopped by here and checked it out in person. Pretty awesome a place with great history in person. The food was amazing, as always, and the customer service was actually better here than other locations I've been to. The parking can be limited and tight depending what time you arrive. I appreciate how it's kept the original look to it. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

Finally, I've been to the original location of The Habit. Yes, an institution. And...it feels old, at least, older and unique than any other of the 20 or so locations I've been to. All outside dining tables with the feel of a taco bell. The product is just as good, and that's what counts along with outstandingly nice service. Actually, I've experienced consistency across the chain (good job corporate trainers!). Whether you choose burgers, fries, salads, chicken sandwiches, or all four -- it's fresh, good quality, well-priced, and quick. My favorite burger is the Teriyaki Char Burger with Cheese -- love that charbroiled flavor and sweet tangy sauce. It's nearly impossible to avoid their super fries & a drink (a few bucks extra) -- heck yeah! It used to be much cheaper, but still, it's fast food prices, and yet, no sacrifice on quality whatsoever. I also highly recommend their salads. They have several kinds to choose from. More than half of my visits I would order the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, and I have them add bbq sauce atop. It is supreme! The chicken is served warm, and again, love that char flavor. Randy likes. For this price range, it's an excellent choice. =========================== Location specific: Goleta, CA ============================ * Location: on Hollister a couple of blocks off the freeways of the 101 and 217. * Seating: about 20 tables, all outside under patio cover or umbrellas. * Busy: Yes, but they are so fast. That's burger in mouth quicker! Lunch hours are particular packed, but again, all moves quickly! * Staff: Quick and efficient. * Parking: small sized shared lot. read more

This is the OG Habit burger, where it all started! Definitely a MUST STOP if you're in the area! Limited outdoor seating available, but service is quick and excellent. We had the burger on sourdough, chicken club, double char with cheese, french fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings! Most delicious rendition of Habit burger by far! We loved everything, but the onion rings and double char with cheese were exceptional! Highly recommend! read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Double Char with Cheese, Chicken Club, French fries, Sweet potato fries, Onion rings - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

Excellent place for hamburgers, salads, etc. Mostly outdoor seating. Lots of toppings available, read more

Tastes fine.. service decent... got sick all three times I've eaten there in the last few weeks (despite doing fine with burgers from other places). Something's not right. read more

We usually think of habits as a bad thing, something to stop, or break. Well, after nearly 40 years of eating Habit burgers, this is one habit I'm going to continue as long as I can! Better than In & Out? Although they make a great burger, YES! the Habit burger is better. Fresher veggies, perfect amount of condiments, better crisper pickles, warmer buns, and well cooked meat patty -yes, better in all categories! I recently ate at the original in Goleta. Coolest little burger shack around. Funky, small and cramped on a busy day (but clean). Worth every nostalgic minute and every delicious bite at this iconic, little-changed location. Who else serves free pepperocinis or still offers ketchup in little paper pleated tubs? They do! A FEW things don't change. PLEASE, don't ever change this humble home to America's best burger! read more

Habit Burger & Grill - The OG Habit. Humble hamburger heaven! - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

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I dont know what just happened but product quality took a dive. The fries are weird the burger had a very strange taste, was dry and flavorless. Service was just ok and PepsiCo has got to go. Love the outdoor seating. Wish they kept this location with the original menu. I don't know if we will be back. So many corporations are struggling and you can definitely see it. read more

I stumbled into the original "The Habit" after landing back in The Golden State after a stint in the Midwest. Pros - I love how service was friendly and fast. Food was delicious & fresh as always. I asked for modifications (lettuce wrapped and no mayo) and this is what I got. Note, this location is a walk up window with outdoor patio seating. Wow this review is making me hungry, I feel like heading back to grab another burger right now.... read more

Habit Burger & Grill - lettuce wrapped charburger and fries - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

What's up with you guys and the ranch sauce? You don't only charge for it but YOU CHARGE $0.60c!! What's next? Charge for napkins? This is ridiculous!! read more

Habit Burger & Grill - I pay $0.60c for half ranch! They shake it so you don't notice that! - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

The char burgers are delicious. The chicken sandwiches (bbq or teriyaki) are awesome. The milkshakes are so good. They are relatively fast considering the crowds. Off times are highly preferred for fast service. The atmosphere does leave something to be desired. The alley is as clean as it can be but still not clean. Free parking down the alley. Drive slowly down Hollister as the alley containing parking sneaks up on you. read more

Update: after reading my review the management contacted me to apologize and make things right. I love habit and the staff has always been great. It's my top choice of all the burger places for fast food. It keeps me coming back for more. I've been coming to habit for years and I enjoy being able to get it in many cities now. Nothing is quite like the original though. They have a great set up for handling orders during Covid 19. However, even though they have someone confirming your order when you place it and a again upon pick up, they still left items out of my order. I should know better and check for myself when I get to my car, but when you have hungry kids to feed your mind isn't always on double checking others work. Driving back just isn't an option, so check your orders. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

I was raised on the Habit. So sad to see they have gone downhill. I ordered a grilled chicken salad and it was rotten, literally. The lettuce, tomatoes, soft, wilted, croutons as well. They put about a teaspoon of grilled chicken, cheese on it. I guess they forgot the onion, and the fries and onion rings were not cooked completely. I will not be going back. Is there any place in SB anymore with good burgers and salads?? read more

I went here because my friend looked it up and found out it is the original The Habit. All 3 of us have eaten at a The Habit on other occasions so we knew what to expect with the food. But we wanted to see the original location. When we arrived we saw the big sign with the word "Original" under it so we knew we were at the right place. To park, you need to go to the back. There was plenty of parking on a Wednesday during lunch time. Once we parked, we walked towards the front and saw the end of the line. There are red x taped on the floor for social distancing. When you get closer to the front, there's stickers on the floor with, "Thank you for practicing social distancing." I had an email yesterday that said if I downloaded the app I would get a free charburger with the purchase of a drink. So we downloaded the app. But it didn't work on the phone for that location. When I got to the register I asked if I could use that promotion and the lady said no because they're not the corporate office. I ended up ordering the Santa Barbara Char. When we went to go sit down, they asked us to walk around the line and not through the seating area to find a table. Some tables were marked as "Table Closed. To help maintain CDC recommendations for social distancing, this table is closed to allow at least 6 feet between guests. Thank you." After we ordered the food we went around the line (the route to the tables directly from the ordering area was blocked off) and to the back where the parking lot is to enter the outdoor seating area. There was an employee cleaning/sanitizing the tables. He came back to sweep and then let us sit. They called out the name on our order and when my friend went up to get it they didn't confirm who she was/which order to pickup and she walked back with the bag from someone else's order. She looked inside and said did anyone order fries? My friend said she ordered onion rings but not fries. So my friend who went and got the order went back to find our actual order. Because of covid, I hope they re-made that person's order since my friend touched the bag. When we took out our food, we saw only 1 napkin so my friend went back to get more napkins and they gave her a huge stack of napkins. The burger was okay. My friend who ordered onion rings for a side of ranch so I used some on the burger and that made it taste better. When we left, the man who was cleaning the table said bye to us. read more

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Came here awhile ago, and had a great experience at the ORIGINAL habit! It's definitely worth a visit. I had a Santa Barbara charburger, which was great. Really loved the ranch that I got with the fries. Excellent meal overall. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Front: Albacore Tuna Sandwich Back: Santa Barbara Charburger - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

My visit to this Santa Barbara location was very positive! The grilled chicken caesar salad which is one of my preferred orders was made to perfection- fresh/ well tossed and plenty of finely chopped grilled chicken . Croutons were crunchy and the light dressing I requested was just right. Compliments to the cook who did this. I've ordered at many locations before but was disappointed in the way the salad was made - which looked like they weren't paying attention to my request. I recommend visiting this location i'd yiu'rs in the area- i know I will. read more

Products evaluated: Santa Barbara Char, fries Price: $8.59 +3.19 + tax [Mark: 89, Grade: B+ ] Environment and Hygiene: Outdoor patio seating with non-existent decor, only a part of the area was heated. The proximity to the road could be a disturbance. But a nice retro vibe was there. 10.5/15 Presentation: N/A Portion: Excellent! The sourdough snadwich was really packed. 14.5/15 Taste: Excellent combination of ingredients! The burger was juicy and the beef had a nice hint of grilles flavor. The beef was 70% cooked which added much in retaining some of its moisture. The gherkin was strong. The sauce enhanced the flavorful of ingredients rather than stealing their flavors away. The fries were also surprisingly good - crunchy and moist, flavorful and served piping hot. 46/50 Service: Quick and efficient. 9/10 Price : The burger was slightly on the expensive side for fast food but this was compensated by its excellent quality. 8.75/10 read more

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Basic burger and grilled sandwiches. My favorite are the fries and milk shakes to be honest. But every now and then I'll get the chicken sandwich or a char burger. It's a good burger, don't get me wrong.... The other sandwiches I really like too, but I do mainly go here for fries and milkshakes. Service is always quick no matter what location, typically busy and mildly crowded. read more

I'm an big fan of The Habit. I decided to go out of my area and go to this original Habit. In case you didn't know, this is the original location which is located on Hollister Ave in the Goleta section of Santa Barbara, California. Unlike any other Habit locations that I've ever been to, this one is all outdoor seating. For lunch today, my fun time in Santa Barbara is never completed without the Santa Barbara Char which is known for. It's quite popular in SB. That's what I ordered, and always be my kind of burger. Oh, I got some fries too, just for the heck of it. It's so good, and for an good price, and way better than Five Guys... and those other Five Guys (Burger King, McDonald's, Carl's Jr, Jack in the Box, and Wendy's). Can't beat The Habit! For parking, there's parking in the back, but it's kinda iffy though. And there's also street side parking. Service here was great. Overall.... When I ever come to SB again, I'll make sure to eat here again for lunch. 5 stars!!! You guys ROCK!!!! Those other guys at Five Guys, and the other Five Guys suck!!! read more

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I believe this is the very first Habit location and actually the one I visit most because they have never failed to make my order right. My go to remains to be a char burger with cheese and avocado. Cheese, avocado, and bacon are extras but a good note to have is that subbing to get sourdough isnt! This means you can create a smaller version of their Santa Barbara char burger :) also enjoy their fries and I always ask for a side of their housemate thousand island to dip. I see the habit as a burger option to go with when I want something less on the heavy late night grease that in n out can be (even though I love in n out too). Hoping to try some of their more unique offerings like tempura green beans and salads in the future. read more

Very disappointed with this order. Lettuce is the same they use for the burgers. The container was half filled. Avocado pre-made packaged. I've ordered this in the past and at other locations. This is the worst. Save your money. Go somewhere else. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Santa Barbara Cobb @ The Habit in Old Town Goleta - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

The greatness of this place may be lost on you unless you are really into food from all aspects. If you are someone with a sophisticated palate and your bucket list does not go beyond Michelin 2 and 3 star establishments, you will likely disavow The Habit as a legitimate contender for a solid meal. It is a small, nondescript greasy hovel which most people would drive by if they didn't know any better. But if you are like me and look beyond fine dining for the real story behind great food, there is a lot to like here. This particular location in Goleta is the original Habit burger stand established in 1969. It is a less well known but just as important institution in the So Cal burger genre along the lines of In-N-Out. And while In-N-Out is still my favorite burger, The Habit has better add ons so I can be happy eating at either and maybe even both in the same day! The story here is a tasty charbroiled burger at a decent price. The chargrill taste does add another dimension to the burger which is a nice touch. Their fries are solid and crispy but the newly found show stopper for me on this visit were the Tempura Green Beans. Who knew? I also love that they have a condiment caddy at the window stacked with 3 free kinds of peppers: sliced jalapeños, whole pepperoncinis, and tiny whole mexihots that are full of heat and make you sweat. Those little addictive add-ons are awesome! The menu is a bit more expanded than a typical burger chain too since they have a Santa Barbara Burger (Sourdough plus avocado...really fantastic!) and also things like chicken sandwiches, Ahi tuna sandwich, Tri-tip sandwich, and a veggie burger(!) which almost seems blasphemous at a burger joint. No one around me ordered those things so I can't really vouch for any of them. And seriously, if you come to The Habit and order a veggie burger you probably deserve to be choked out and put in the back dumpster while waiting for your order. Don't miss this little gem of a burger stand if you are in the area. There is a small parking lot in the rear which is a pro tip recommendation as parking is tough to find on the street. And don't miss those hot peppers. Nothing completes the foodie look more than to have rivulets of sweat and burger juice running down your face while seated under the awning of a 1969 original. read more

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This place is like a hole in the wall restaurant. Outdoor seating which is really tight. Food was average burger place. Service was good. No restrooms for customers. Literally hole in the wall. Not like the other Habit indoor restrooms. read more

This is the OG Habit burger location! In a slightly shady looking neighborhood, this location is kinda vintage looking and has covered outdoor seats but lots of street parking and a private lot in the back. I'm a habit burger fan, so I had to get their original charburger, which, to my amazement or disappointment, tastes exactly like how a charburger should. Fresh and well-made as always. I don't really know what I was expecting. The sweet potato fries had added sugar to it but otherwise good and crispy. The milk shake machine was broken when we went, so that was a slight downer. They have all the fixings (ie. peppers, hot sauce) and drink offerings as other habit places. All in all, they've done well with the standardization and everything you get here tastes and looks the same as what you would get at other habit locations. read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Vintage looking location - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

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As many of us know, Habit Burger is truly a Central California institution. It has put little Goleta on the map and continues to pump out delicious burgers out of its original location off Hollister Avenue. It takes me back to small towns across America where our generation would congregate at the local burger or ice cream joint. Whether it was Dairy Queen, Tasty Freeze, soda fountain, or Habit Burger, this occurrence is not to be forgotten. When I get the craving for a burger, it's gotta be Habit. Sorry native Californians, In-n-Out ain't got nothing on The Habit! The burgers come with multiple options of bun type (sourdough, lettuce or regular), toppings (avocado, onions-grilled or raw, tomato, lettuce, cheese, and the list goes on...). The meat patty is just the right thickness and full of flavor. It is one of the few places I don't feel obligated to get two patties to taste the meat. It was love at first bite! The onion rings, WOAH! Perfectly breaded, crispy circles of Heaven. Pair that with my other favorite, fried green beans, and you have a win-win. When I thought it doesn't get any better, it does. Dip those suckers into homemade Ranch dressing for a mouth-watering experience. After all, Santa Barbara is proudly the home of Hidden Valley Ranch... Lastly, their shakes shake my world! The strawberry shake has legit real strawberries blended inside. Then they add on the thick and dreamy whipped cream as the cherry on top! I sure love me some Habit Burger! read more

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The Habit is my favorite burger chain in the world! They use fresh ingredients and the food is amazing. Some of my favorites are the turkey burger, onion rings and strawberry milkshakes. The burgers are flavorful and the food is inexpensive and delicious. There is a lot of seating here and the employees are friendly. If you want good burgers, this is the place to come! read more

Habit Burger & Grill - Turkey burger and onion rings. Delicious! - Burgers Near Me - Goleta, California

Was visiting SB and found myself in old town. Stopped by for a small bite, just ordered the teriyaki char with cheese. No sides. The burger came out very fast although the place wasn't busy. Tasted great!! Patty and nice medium cook and delicious. Habit hittt! I put pickled peppers all on the burger. read more

We kove this place. Showed up at 8:32pm and the girl said we closed at 8:30pm with no further explanation. Sad face