They don't respect the alcohol limits. Today I had a terrible experience. I went to pick up my boyfriend, who was already drunk, and the bartender, knowing that the alcohol level was already high and that he shouldn't have sold him any more drinks, did so anyway. A man even bought drinks for my boyfriend, and I told him not to! The man got furious and started yelling at me. I recorded him, the bartender, and the bar staff too! I had to leave the place. I would like to file a report!Four months ago, the same thing happened! My boyfriend ordered some tequila shots, and I put my hand over the glasses to stop him from getting them. I told him he couldn't see the alcohol level, and the bartender got angry. I told him it was illegal to serve them like that! He didn't get them, but I had to intervene; otherwise, he would have gotten more drinks! read more

Old Kings Road - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Yeah, it was all right. I popped in 'cos you know me, every time I'm in a new place, I've got to hit up the British or Irish pub. Did like the attempt at English decor, namely the phonebox hanging on the side of the bar and the usage of the Underground signage. Appreciated the (at least two) beers on tap that were imports -- couldn't quite see what they were, but they had my Guinness, so that was enough for me. (They do have a good selection of taps, including 805, another blonde, etc. Again - since I really only drink Guinness, I can't say I paid much attention.) The one thing I will say is that the atmosphere can give off a... I dunno, vibe. It's quite dark inside, even when it's moderately light out. (I called in around 7pm). Nevertheless, you can get a Guinness, so that's good enough for me. 2025: 23/100 read more

I wish I could give this place more stars, their bartender Jenna was OUTSTANDING!! I got engaged about an hour before we went here & Jenna spoiled us! She made sure we were never without a drink or a chat and she let me try Fernet-Branca, wow! I thought it was going to be horrible, it wasn't! And this place looks like a pub I frequent in London, I loved it. Again, thank you Jenna for making my special day even more specialer!! LOL I will absolutely, 100% go back! read more

Fantastic dive bar in the middle of Santa Barbara! Love this place, don't serve food so come here to get your drink on!!! read more

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Tara was the best!! A group of friends and I went in at opening and she lifted the atmosphere!! Come to find out her birthday was the night before, same night as my friends! Loved this place and will be back again!! read more

Old Kings Road - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I visited Old Kings Road this week for the first time with a group of friends to order a drink and use the restroom, but we immediately encountered extremely unprofessional and unsettling service. As we approached the restroom, a female employee stepped in front of the entrance and blocked us from going in together by using her leg to block doorway. She stood there watching us extremely uncomfortably, and only allowed us to enter and exit one at a time, raising and lowering her leg to control access, without offering any explanation. The entire interaction felt strange and uncomfortable. After reading other reviews describing similar experiences, including one of a male employee entering the women's restroom to inform two ladies actively using the restroom that "only one person is allowed in at a time", I can definitely say I will not be returning. . read more

My friend was turned away because her national ID wasn't in English. I've never seen an establishment in CA do this. Like, her date of birth and stuff and picture is right there. She's obviously old enough. Anyways story time So I'm sitting inside already with some friends. Just ordered a crisp Guinness when I hear someone saying "Sarah can't come in" (let's call my friend Sarah) and I was like huh that's so weird because she's over 21. I leave my phone and stuff on the counter with my friends and walks over to the door. Turns out the security is unrelentingly adamant on either her showing an American ID or that it needs to be in English. She has her nationally issued Chinese ID. I was like damn, that's never happened before to me, so that kind of sucks. Plus Google translate is right there, her DOB is right there. Like, that's lowkey some crazy nationalist rhetoric. Plus it's unlawful to not serve someone because they have a foreign ID in California. But like what can ya do. It's their property, they can make the rules. I pull her to the side on the patio and is talking to her - like "don't worry, that's not normal, shouldn't happen, the guy's racist or something we can go somewhere else I'll get everyone" and security comes and steps really close to us and starts interjecting our conversation. He's like, being defensive and stuff and I'm like "can you shut the f up because I'm having a private conversation". He did NOT like that. He's like, "you guys need to LEAVE RIGHT NOW" (funny cause we were literally outside) and then he lays his hand on me and then to be honest yall at this point my self restraint went in the shitter. I'm dead sober, my eight dollar Guinness is sitting inside, this old white man is being super aggressive to two college girls, like what the heck. I go ballistic mode and is like "f u f u racist c*nt " (which doesn't reflect on my sensible character because I hate when people make a scene at bars omg) and that gets me ejected from the place. My friend brings my stuff back out because the man basically shoved me out of the place lol. Then they asked nicely and sweetly if sarah can go in if her ID was translated while I was somberly smoking a cig outside. Dude says no. Honestly like what the freak. If I had that much composure rejecting hot women I would be probably in a way better place in life. But also just like, it doesn't make sense. No matter how you rearranged the numbers on her ID she would be over 21, and they already google translated it, lol. Lawd I ain't never felt so triggered and it wasn't even my own damn problem. I was actually rage baited guys. read more

I've been to this bar several times without issue, but tonight was deeply upsetting. I walked into the women's restroom with a friend, and just as we closed the door, a man forced it open and stepped inside. While I was in the middle of undressing. I was shocked and embarrassed. He told us only one woman was allowed in at a time, pointing to a sign that said so, and then added, "I'm the owner. I've been here for years." Oddly, there was no such rule posted on the men's restroom. When I told him I felt extremely uncomfortable, he dismissed me with a cold "Yeah." As my friends and I used the restroom one by one, the owner and others stood nearby, watching us and whispering, which only added to our discomfort. We left immediately after. No customer should ever be made to feel unsafe or disrespected. I'm sharing this in the hope that it leads to accountability and change. read more

Old Kings Road - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Old Kings Road is the greatest bar to ever occupy State Street. The service is amazing. The bartenders are so attentive and friendly. The drinks are delicious and always made quickly, to perfection. I've been going here for 3years, 3months, and 29days. I can't believe these negative comments. In all the time I've spent at this established I have met the most amazing people who I consider to be more like family than friends. The ambiance is perfect for a British style bar. OKR is my home away from home and I have never felt such a sense of belonging and community inside ANY BAR EVER! I will be an OKR supporter for life! I am eternally grateful for all they do for us. If you are a regular or just a passerby, they will always treat you with equal levels of kindness and respect. Big shout out to Don who always makes sure people are happy, satisfied, and taken care of! -Dakota F. (Aka Ginger Jesus) read more

Old Kings Road - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I enjoy this bar, but the bartender Tara's treatment of staff was noticeably rude and pretty off-putting. As a bar manager, I can say that kind of dynamic isn't sustainable for a team environment. Just sharing honest feedback. read more

0 STARS!! Last week I visited Old Kings Road while on vacation. I was enjoying a nice pint when all of a sudden I saw a male employee walk in on a female patron using the restroom. The employee accused the woman of using the men's restroom but the door did not have any clear indication that it was the men's room. I was shocked that he did not wait until after she was done using the restroom to tell her she had entered the wrong one. They ended up kicking her out after she tried to explain the situation. Extremely unprofessional staff. Would only recommend if you enjoy staff walking in on you taking care of business. read more

this place taught me COMMUNITY, COURAGE, and PASSION all on a Thursday night Drinks? they were drunk Service? was SERVED‍ ‍ Ambiance? you have to see it to believe it read more

Rude and misogynistic. High prices. Absolutely horrible experience and I never leave reviews. Ew also super dirty and disgusting. Walked into the bathroom and as I was trying to lock the door to pee the owner walked in and harassed me. read more

If you like Outkast like I do this is the place to be. The bouncer Alex is super nice and so are the bartenders. There is a bunch of English prints and flag art inside. Along with a print of Queen Elizabeth. I feel so royal here lol. I definitely think the art in here is better than other bars in Santa Barbara. read more

Old Kings Road - The bar - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I believe her name was Jen. I went for my birthday first time being at a pub. She was amazing, she surprised me with a drink and was very outgoing, and just all around awesome. :) read more

NEVER, EVER GO HERE. They verbally and physically abuse their customers. The man (pictured in review) grabbed our arms, took away the chairs from under us, and turned off all the heaters. It was literally so creepy and so very strange. He was on a POWER trip he literally was laughing in our faces while we were freezing in the cold. Honestly a pathetic establishment. Don't give them a DIME. There are way better dive bars on state st. read more

Old Kings Road - Evil employee - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I've been a fan of this legendary bar for over 6 years now and I love it more today than ever. For those just passing through, the drinks and service are on point, the vibe is comfortable and homey, and the price is right! For the locals, all of the above apply, but I will go into further detail... The cast and crew of this British pub are all delightful. Don, the owner, has put together a winning team who feel like family, sans the judgment and arguing! Melissa manages, as well as bartends on some afternoons. She's sweet, and funny, but not to be messed with;) I don't know all of the bartenders(which is probably a good thing), but those I do know, are wonderful. Patrick is the loveable, loud, Irish teddy bear that every pub needs. Kayla is a darling who will brighten your day while slinging drinks and mixing up a storm. Amanda is great too! Fun and friendly service with a smile. Another great perk for locals is their Wednesday Trivia Night. It starts at 7:15ish, is 4 rounds of 10 questions and it ends at 9ish. You can have 1-6 people on your team and for every round your team wins, each player gets a free drink token. Of course there is a cash jackpot for the team who wins the overall score and pulls the white poker chip out of the bag. I could go on and on about the great times I've had here, but the point is, it's a special place. Cheers, and remember, No Wankers! read more

I'm a "regular". How have I missed reviewing Old Kings Road? Lets just say I was busy with a pint in one hand and my putter in the other. Old Kings Road is one of a couple British pubs in Santa Barbara that goes beyond the beer. Like The Press Room, Brits live and drink in these halls. Pool and smoking in the back/patio and football on the multiple screens. The beer is cold in recently redone lines with my favorite, Smithwicks on pull but most importantly, it's a regulars bar. Come in 3 times and you will see the same people shuffling the jukebox, racking the solids and strips, swinging over the Golden Tee links or enjoying trivia night. Come here to make new friends, see old ones and drink a mighty fine pint of ale. Oh, there's a full bar too so shots are on. See you for a round of golf and a pint full of suds! read more

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One of the few places on State St. where you can get a unique drink. The bartender was really helpful in helping choose which drink to order. There are several booths (which you don't see at bars) and high tables. I got the Washington Apple and it's definitely apple with a kick. read more

Old Kings Road - Old Kings Road & Washington Apple. - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Honestly so surprised to see all of these positive reviews. Not surprised when reading the negative ones because it was a similar experience when my friends and I went to go get some water at this bar. We were greeted horribly and so rude. Was then asked how to show an ID (For a water) which I did and it got thrown back at me and was told to leave. Horrible energy, only respectful person was the manager who had to tell his employees to calm down. I will never recommend/ revisit such a rude establishment in Santa Barbara read more

We came for Old Spanish Days and tried Bloody Mary's and Moscow Mules. They have the best Bloody Mary's. The lady next to us complimented the bartender on her Margarita she didn't expect it at a pub but the bartenders here know their stuff. If you happen to come downtown SB definitely check this place out. The bartenders are fast and friendly, always checked on us. read more

Old Kings Road - Great Bloody Mary's . - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I loved okr. Been there a number of times and loved it. Never had a problem. Tonight I went there wanting to play golden tee, which is a huge bonus to the bar, and I'll never be going back. I put in a 20 dollar bill to play golden tee. We played a few holes and then my fiends were ready to leave. I tried to get my change from the machine but was unable. No big deal. My buddy that I was playing with went up to the bartender and said "my buddy put too much money into the machine. Is there a way to get the money back" looking at the machine I still had 12 dollars in credits. She looked to my friend and said "that's the dumbest question I've heard all night" and walked away. The unbelievable disrespect from the employee. She could have said "no" and I would have had no issues. But I will not tolerate me or my friends, paying customers be talked to that way. I will not be going back to that bar ever. I have no problem spending 20 dollars to play a game I want to play but the disrespect was unacceptable. read more

We stopped at State St for some drinks and stopped here because the sign read "No wankers allowed and smoking patio (for the hubby). Our kind of place. No BS, or boogie-ness. Just awesome people people great drinks. The bar staff was Fn awesome, and beyond friendly. Will definitely make this a stop everytime we are back in SBA. Thanks for the hospitality, don't change a thing, You guys are awesome. read more

Fun,respectful, enjoyable servers.serversare very attentive, quality service and drinks

Great, laidback spot to sit and imbibe! I don't come here often, but when I do, I know I'm in for a treat. OKR is a nice change from the craze of the downtown nightlife. It's a dimly-lit true dive of a bar with great music, billiards, and a great selection of beer on tap. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the decor is quite festive. There is a lingering cigarette aroma which I find a bit odd due to the fact that SB hasn't allowed indoor smoking in nearly two decades, but it really just adds to the endearing divey vibe of the venue. I know there's a good trivia night once per week - haven't checked it out, but I'd like to soon. read more

I haven't been to this bar in forever. The gentleman at the bar was really friendly, we were eating at Yona Redz next door and wanted some adult beverages, he was totally fine with us bringing our food to his patio and having drinks from their bar. Awesome for these two businesses to allow sharing of space that is beneficial to both. read more

For some reason, I always choose to come here rather than Sandbar which is just down the road on college nights. I was lured in here once by a very friendly lady who I believe was in charge of Marketing/Managing.. I really don't remember. Either way, she treated my friend and I with drinks that night and everyone there was so friendly. The bartenders were really nice and I'd love to come again on a night that isn't Thursday, haha. Anyways, I took my friend here last Thursday and the bartender there was Irish!! How cool is that, I really got the feel of a pub from the UK and it brought back so many memories. I got to try two beers on tap that night: Guinness and Opal (?) beer. It was perfect for my friend and I, because I love porters and stouts so Guinness is always a good choice for me and he loves lighter beers that have a sour taste to it and that suited him perfectly as well! I like coming here for more of a relaxed vibe, as it is a smaller bar but everyone is so friendly and the environment makes it very easy to talk to anyone. read more

Place was fun! Staff was amazing. Loved the music and the drinks. Thank you for a great time.

I stopped by Old Kings Road on a Tuesday night, and while I avoided drink so I could drive back to L.A., I liked the place. It was completely empty, but despite this lack of people, the place had atmosphere. It felt like a great cozy pub, welcoming with a healthy dose of Anglophile kitsch displayed in an otherwise subdued space. There were lots of televisions on, so I would imagine it's a good place to grab a beer and watch a game. I met a few of my boyfriend's friends for the first time at Old Kings Road and it was a pleasant, chill night, even though I was sober. From what I understand, the place is not always empty, and gets packed on trivia night. I'd like to check that out some time, but I'd also come back to Old Kings Road just to get a drink if I find myself thirsty in Santa Barbara. read more

Went last night, Bar tender was really polite and new how to pour a proper Boddingtons Ale. They had the Dodgers game on the outside TV with great seating. You can't visit Santa Barbara without stopping by. read more

Got to have a couple of beers at Old kings Road. Only place without a long line to get in, great live music and great customer service by beautiful Nicole. Lovely evening. OKR never gets old read more

Came in with a group of friends for a wedding and the bartender was very rude. Guy was a real prick did not get a drink due to the fact he was rude told us to fuck off. Highly not recommended read more

They were super nice and Nicole the bartender was extra sweet., we came for my friends 21 birthday and she was great to give him his free shot .. read more

Choices of the night: Baja Sharkeez, the Irish pub (O'-something... O'Malley's ?), or this place... Kind of a no brainer. Why? Well, Sharkeez was dead (plus bad experiences in Orange County) and the Irish pub was blasting N'Sync. Not that I have anything against N'Sync, but I just wasn't in the mood, nor was I with a huge group of girls who just wanted to relive their childhood fanaticism. This place had a nice, chill atmosphere with a comfy divey feel. The bartender Nicole (I think) was extremely friendly and attentive. She really seemed like a genuine person, not just some scantily-clad bartender at those busier places who couldn't care less. I liked her. I ordered a whiskey sour, which was damn strong if I do say so myself. Nothing at all wrong with that. Pretty decent selection of beer's on tap too. I'd definitely make myself a regular here if I lived in the area. I mean, granted I did come on a Sunday night.. but still. read more

Old Kings Road - One strong ass whiskey sour - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great bar, Great staff! Since I've been in Santa Barbara it has been my favorite spot! Hope they reopen soon!

Great bar! Even better is the service and yes there's a pool table! Our first time my lady and I experienced state street in Santa Barbara and it's definitely our bar to go BACK to every time we're in town! #respectful #topFLIGHTservice #barSWAG read more

Old Kings Road - Amazing memory's with locally amazing hospitable folks where kings take there queens to taste the brews and see the views! No smoking!! - Pubs Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The bartenders are super nice and on top of it! I will say that if you are coming here to play pool, there will be creepy and sexist old men lingering around. Kept calling us "females" and trying to mansplain us playing. We were just trying to have fun but their weird vibes were overwhelming! Don't know if I'd feel comfortable going back. read more

If I wasn't from here, I might rate this place differently. However, I am from here and some of the bartenders I've known for nearly 20 years. They make this place feel like home. It's a dive bar. It's a pub. They have killer trivia on Wednesday nights. They let you bring food in, and dogs (if they know you and the dog is cool around people). Patrick is the greatest. Certain regulars keep me away from this place if I walk by and see them in there. But if you're from out of town, they will be a nonissue. Cold beer. Decent cocktails. Pretty good wine for a bar like this, which is the clincher for the 4th star. Not pretentious at all. It's a Santa Barbara staple. read more

An acceptable British-themed sports bar that was doing just middling business the Sunday afternoon my friend and I were there. After a long trek up and down State St we needed a place to grab a pint and rest our dogs and this place seemed like it should fit the bill. Plenty of seating to be had, sure, and a pretty good list of brews to choose from, although not as many as I might have figured. I was intrigued by the "Hebrew Jewbiliation" beer with 13% (!) alcohol so we both decided to try it. Whoo wee, it was black as this sinner's heart and surprisingly syrupy. I dug it but my friend wasn't all that into it so I had to finish his--oh darn! So after two of those I was feeling quite mellowed out and didn't even mind the dude whose dog was asleep by the bar. Very laid-back vibe, which was great, but can't say there was anything particularly special about it. read more

Having lived in London for 5 years, and Dublin for 3, I have experienced my share of authentic pubs, and this one is more an American's Disneyland fantasy of what a "British pub" is than the real deal. First of all, there are no signs saying "No Wankers" in England or Ireland, because the pub is the wankers' natrual habitat. Having said this, for a Disneyland-type "English pub", it's not bad. And it's not a "gastropub", thank Christ. read more