Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Padaro Beach Grill

    4.4 (1.3k reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Seafood
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Padaro Beach Grill Photos

    PADARO BEACH GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Padaro Beach Grill

    Recommended Reviews - Padaro Beach Grill

    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

    Seating area view from adults-only section.
    Elizabeth B.

    Got here about 2:45pm on a Saturday and ordered the appetizer nachos with steak and no beans, mini corn dogs with a salad with ranch, and a California burger. It was busier than I anticipated for a late afternoon meal, but not bad. To order, you walk up to the counter inside and speaker with a cashier. Our cashier seemed uninterested and a bit unhelpful. I had made a joke about not seeing the mango drink on the menu, yet it was right in front of me, and I apologized while giving a small chuckle at myself. She did not find any of it comical and just stared at me. Maybe she was having a bad day, so I did apologize again and tried to order the rest as quickly/efficiently as possible. Once you order, you receive one of those buzzers - it's a round disk that vibrates, has tiny flashing lights, and makes a small sound when your order is ready at the counter, where you go to pick it up. We sat up in the adults-only area, which I prefer to children running around and crashing into us when we sit near the sand pit, and the view from up there is wonderful!!! You can see the ocean/waves, train tracks, and gorgeous miles of coastline. The train does speed by very close, and can be a little loud, so just keep that in mind when you go! Folks loved watching it. Once the buzzer vibrated and my partner came back with our meal, I noticed that the salad had no dressing, with the corn dogs sitting on top of the bed of lettuce, and the steak on the nachos was very very very red/raw for my liking. The nachos are also absolutely MASSIVE, so make sure to share with someone or have a massive appetite to match. Besides the very red steak, the nachos were yummy, and the corn dogs were actually even better. My partner loved the flavors of their burger but said it was so large that it was hard to bite without everything falling out/apart. You do have to bus your own trays, so keep that keep that in mind if/when you try this spot. Overall, the food was yummy, the view was amazing, the prices were surprisingly cheap, and I really enjoyed the separation of an adults-only area with such a kid-friendly space.

    Outside
    Amber M.

    Pretty disappointed with everything about this place. The parking is terrible, you have to wait for others to leave kind of situation. The service wasn't the greatest. It was about $26 for a shake, fries, and a bbq burger, and $14 for my grilled chicken sandwich. I asked for no lettuce, they put lettuce, and the chicken was the flattest tiniest chicken breast I've ever seen. The sandwich was about 40% bread. My food came out cold which I thought was odd cus as soon as the buzzer went off we grabbed it and ate it in the outside patio immediately. The fries were cold and unseasoned, actually all the food was bland and unseasoned. It wasn't bad, just wasn't good. Def wouldn't come back.

    Outside seating area is perfection.
    Eric W.

    This is my favorite road trip spot on the way up or down the 101. It has all the good stuff - fish sandwiches, fish tacos, burgers, great beer on tap, and other beach hut delights. But it's done well. And the ambiance feels like the beach back on the late 70s where it's just picnic tables and views and sun. I always have a great time at Padaro

    View from our picnic table
    Sandy C.

    Second time here, probably the last time as well. We ordered chili and two fish tacos and sweet potato fries. 1.) the chili was $10.25 and warm, not hot and seemed expensive for what you got. Was supposed to have cheese on top and no kidding, had a few strands of very fine shredded cheese, that's it. 2.) fish tacos looked good but completely fell apart in the soft corn tortilla they were in, they fell onto the table and the entire thing fell apart into small pieces. Tortilla didn't hold up to any of it. 3.) sweet potato fries were good but $6.00 was a bit much for the small portion of fries. Just overall not impressed this time. Last time we had burgers and I think that may be the way to go here, I recommend those but what we had today wasn't worth coming back to in my opinion.

    Ashley P.

    Great spot for a good bite and plenty of play space for the kiddos. Right alongside the beach. The food was delicious California fare with friendly staff. It was perfect to bring the kiddo when in town.

    Did
    Sushant Z.

    Absolutely love this place. Every time we come to SB for the weekend, we stop by here for fish tacos, burgers and margaritas. Right off the freeway near the beach, it's away and always good. Always a line but it goes by fast and food comes out quickly enough (you get a buzzer and pick up your food). We get the Padaro burger and Baja fish tacos with shakes too! Great stop and away from the city when we want to escape a bit.

    California Burger, so many toppings and STILL bland
    Keri C.

    Ambiance - 5/5 Great outdoor space, little but if grass, sand for the kids to play in, shady palms and the beach just beyond (although you can't really see the ocean despite what some of the pictures lead you to believe) Food - 2/5 I am confused how my burger (Cali burger) had SO MUCH on it and yet was so bland! I could taste the roasted red pepper but even my avocado and onions were somehow bland? My husband said the same about his burger. Sweet potato fries tasted good but were a little soggy. Service - 4/5 Line moved fast, didn't really have any interactions with staff aside from ordering. All in all, I was disappointed here. Bland food and you can't enjoy the ocean view from 90% of seats. The adult only area had a couple tables that I believe were higher up that could maybe see the ocean.

    Leah A.

    Excellent little hidden gem in Carpenteria! The food is solid here and the service is fast and friendly. You have to see this location as the outside seating areas have fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. The flora and fauna is second to none. Perfect place for friends and family to gather in a lush, beautiful setting beachside. Prices are very reasonable, too. Baja fish tacos, clam chowder and tater tot nachos are generous and delicious! Highly recommend!

    Tacos
    Julie M.

    Stopped in our drive up the PCH on a whim and so glad we did. The food and atmosphere were amazing. From tacos to burgers and fries, you can't go wrong. We went with Baja fish tacos and grilled fish and shrimp tacos. We got 3 orders and could've gotten 2 and shared. Portion sizes are great. It was great to sit outside and hear the waves crashing. Also the passenger train passed by which was fun to see.

    Picnic at the beach!
    Tim Y.

    A favorite stop for us along the 101 when passing through Carpinteria. Great outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy the sun and ocean air. You can view the ocean at the back and popular for families with kids as there's plenty of outdoor space (they do have a section reserved for adults only). If you're lucky the Amtrak will zoom by and toot the horn! On this beautiful sunny day we ordered the Nacho Tots, a chicken sandwich and a couple of drinks. The Nacho Tots were massive, cooked perfectly, crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside, black beans, cheese, and topped with a nice scoop of guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. The chicken sandwich was very good too, but the tots were the highlight and we had plenty left to take home. No dishes so everything served on paper with plastic utensils, but we still love it as it feels like a picnic at the beach!

    Fried Baja Fish Tacos
    Joyce Y.

    Be prepared to wait for parking and your food, because it gets busy! I think they might have mobile ordering available, but I am not 100% sure. I love the Hawaii feel of this place, and my Baja fish tacos were incredible (I was also surprised at how good the side of salsa was- I figured it would be so mild, but it did have a kick to it). The ambiance is island-y and chill, especially with the sand and the walk to the beach. If I'm ever back in the area, you bet I will be back!

    far back seating area
    Robert D.

    If you're going to So Cal do yourself a favor and stop here because this place is a hidden gem. I've passed the Santa Clause Lane exit many times but never made it a stop. As soon as we got out of the car we could smell the hamburgers cooking so of course I had to order one. I was glad I did because it was definitely one of the best. Don't forget the trio tray of fries, sweet potato fries and onion rings because they are delicious. We walked all the way to the back and the ocean view is awesome! It's got a nice play area for the kids and a massive fire pit. Plus a train goes flying by every so often. To top it off, my friend didn't like his beer after a few sips and the server gave him a different one. It's that kind of experience that makes you want to stop the next time you're on a road trip.

    Menu
    Liliana M.

    Very relaxing vibe and ample seating outside. It looks like sections can be reserved for group gatherings. The train passes behind the restaurant and it was cute seeing the kids get excited over it. The service was good and the food was fine. They have 2-3 bathrooms available.

    See all

    Photo of Erin B.
    0
    27
    19

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Glenda R.
    324
    96
    267

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sara S.
    11
    212
    81

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Judy L.
    513
    489
    4274

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Absolutely best burgers I found in the Santa Barbara area. Not to mention great sunset views how could you ask for more?

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erica G.
    330
    1038
    13559

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ross W.
    1
    35
    19

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of heather b.
    0
    105
    149

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Don K.
    6
    70
    4

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Loved our experience!! Yummy food and fun environment. The shrimp tacos were amazing. We'll come back for sure!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 33

    Padaro Beach Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Padaro Beach Grill

    What's the best time to go for lunch or dinner?

    Hi Isabel, Thank you for contacting us! You really can't go wrong with timing. For lunch, sitting outside on our backyard and enjoying the sun and ocean breeze is wonderful. I… 

    Do they ever have live music?

    Hi Lydia, We do not have a live music license, so wed do not have live music on the premises.… 

    I can't find your hours on your website what times are you open weekdays specifically next Monday?

    https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=padaro%20beach%20grill They are open 11am-8pm each day

    Has the sand pit reopened yet?

    Yes. It's been quiet there. But is clean and groomed.

    Are there vegan options and if so, what are they?

    Hi Joe, Sorry for the delay I've been out of town. Yes, we have a full vegan menu, which is… 

    Can you bring small dogs?

    Hi Kevin, Sorry for the delay, I have been backpacking off the grid for several days.… 

    Do you take reservations?

    It seems that the reservation icon is no longer available. Hoping to make a reservation for 9/20

    Are dogs allowed?

    Dogs are no longer allowed. Apparently, a small dog bit a kid and, rather than banning children, dogs got banned. I'm sure that the dog was the actual victim, the way parents let their kids run wild around here, yet it's all the dog's fault. We… 

    Do you offer pitchers of beer?

    they do - go bulk!

    Is your outdoor space dog friendly?

    Yes, part of the outdoor area is open to dogs

    Are there gluten free options for bread and hamburger buns for example?

    Hi, we offer lettuce wrap hamburgers as s gluten free option which are very tasty. We also have other gluten free options as well. Thanks so much for contacting us. Happy Nee Year!

    View All 12 Questions

    You might also consider

    Teddy's By The Sea

    Teddy's By The Sea

    4.3
    (932 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    We visited Carpinteria for the first time as a little summer escape from the heat in Simi Valley,…read moreand after arriving hungry, we came across this place. What a great find! The restaurant was busy, with tables pretty much full both inside and outside, but luckily we were able to get seated without a wait. I ordered the fish tacos, my son had the linguini pomodoro, and my wife ordered the cioppino. Everything was delicious. The seafood tasted incredibly fresh, and the fish in the cioppino was so tender it practically melted in your mouth. The broth was rich and savory--maybe a little on the salty side, but we still really enjoyed it. The service was another highlight. Everyone was kind, friendly, and welcoming, and you could tell the staff was working hard to make sure everyone had a good experience. I also really liked how diverse the menu is. There are plenty of choices for different tastes, whether you're in the mood for seafood, pasta, tacos, or something else. Overall, this was an awesome first experience and a great discovery during our trip to Carpinteria. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town, and we're looking forward to trying more dishes from the menu!

    Service was good, coming back in timely manner to check on our needs. Always felt well attended to…read more The oysters were good but one was too cooked so they made a new one. Oysters were a little small for my liking and only 6 wasn't a lot - def get more! Th e halibut special was good but it was a little dry if I'm being honest. It's the salmon that was the standout. Really well cooked and super delicious. Cute atmosphere especially if you can get a booth imo!

    Photos
    Teddy's By The Sea
    Fish Tacos
    Fish Tacos
    Crab Cake Sliders

    See all

    Crab Cake Sliders
    Zookers Restaurant

    Zookers Restaurant

    4.4
    (421 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Stopped in Zookers Meat & Seafood Shoppe which is located behind the Zookers restaurant and my wife…read moreand I agreed that it was the best cold cut turkey sandwich we ever had! Well worth the $17 price as the roll was amazing filled with turkey piled high and fresh lettuce tomatoes crunchy dill pickles... we split the sandwich and were both highly impressed and satisfied. The turkey was sous vide and roasted per the super friendly butcher and tasted oh so good! This is a hidden gem of a small butcher shop and deli (that is part of the Zookers Restaurant family) known for its farm-to-table, locally sourced, and organic meats and seafood.

    Tuna tartare - overall delicious, fresh and well seasoned but you gotta be cray if you think 2…read morewonton wraps is enough to eat it with, need 4. Calamari and shishito peppers- bomb.com tender and well seasoned. Heirloom Tomato Salad- $18 for 3 thin slices of tomato, absolutely not, the menu should be written to say loads of greens with 1/8th of a tomato. Would never support anyone ordering this for this price. Iberian pork chop- shut the front door this was a good chop, a few more veg would be nice, overall the mustard sauce and the cook on this was delightful. Alaska Halibut special- that's some juicy fish you gotta there!! The dill sauce absolutely sublime! Banana and walnut Bread pudding- so we ordered dessert ONLY because dinner was so good and whomp whomp it was awful- overall dry and sweet. My guy had said based on the dessert menu which is everything restaurants without a pastry chef have on ten menu ie bread pudding, crisp, ice cream and something chocolate we shouldn't have done it, eat savory here and go somewhere else for dessert. Service was great, and we were there early before the Saturday night crowd, it was airy and calm, overall enjoyable.

    Photos
    Warm and inviting atmosphere
    Warm and inviting atmosphere
    3 item combo $22.95
    3 item combo $22.95
    Deli

    See all

    Deli
    Local

    Local

    4.2
    (184 reviews)
    5.6 mi
    Outdoor seating
    Pet friendly

    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!

    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.

    Photos
    Restaurante is downstairs
    Restaurante is downstairs
    Table seating
    Table seating
    Outdoor patio

    See all

    Outdoor patio

    Padaro Beach Grill - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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