My friends and I were in Santa Barbara for vacation, and after hitting a few of the local breweries, we were craving some real-deal pizza. Santa Barbara is famous for its "fancy" artisan pies, but we were honestly dying for that classic, old-school pizza parlor experience. We hit the nail on the head with Rusty's. ​The Atmosphere ​The second we walked in, I knew we found the right spot. It's a total family-friendly environment with a vibe that reminded me of the Shakey's back home. They have tons of arcade games for the kids (and kids at heart) and plenty of seating, so you don't feel cramped. ​The Spread ​The Pizza: We ordered a large, and it was fantastic. Exactly that traditional parlor style we were looking for. ​The Wings: We went with the Buffalo wings--they were cooked perfectly and hit the spot. ​The Salad Bar: I was impressed! It had a huge selection, and everything was fresh and crisp. ​The Drinks: We grabbed a few local beers to round out the meal, and they were excellent. ​The Verdict ​Overall, we had a great experience. I'm really glad we skipped the upscale, fancy spots for this instead. If you want a casual, nostalgic place with great food and plenty of space, this is it. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town! read more

Well...the salad bar looked nice but the pizza was sort of average. The place was huge and there were a few parking spaces so that is nice. I don't recall any service except the cashier who took the order so can't comment on that. The decor was interesting: looked like they got some lighthouse paraphernalia when they got the state street location. Some games so people with kids might find this the perfect spot but don't expect excellent pizza. read more

The entrance to this Rusty's is by far the best I've ever seen; it is so gorgeous. Ordering was easy, we did it through the tablet. We waited 20-25 minutes for our pizza, wings, and a slice of cheesecake. The food was amazing. Not burnt, not doughy, just right. The wings are so saucy and tender. I feel like the only bad thing about this , was the cheesecake itself. Around 8 bucks for the smallest slice , smaller than what the Cheesecake Factory would give you. I'd skip getting it. Other than that, 10/10. read more

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Food hit the spot after a long day at the beach. Walking distance not far. Basic pepperoni pizza was delicious. The place gave off family friendly vibes. A few arcade games. They have a Salad bar. Service was fast we ordered from the kiosk. Very spacious I have seen this place packed when it's the festivals. read more

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If you're in the funk zone looking for some incredible pizza, you're in the right place. We had the chicken and ranch pizza and the pepperoni and they were both so good! The prices are reasonable and the service is quick. It was just a short walk from our hotel which was on Cabrillo. read more

While staying at a nearby hotel stopped in for an individual pizza. I made a good choice, the pizza was amazing. Love the crust and toppings were generous, but not overwhelming. Though I didn't try it the salad bar looked appealing. Staff very welcoming and pleasant. read more

From all the food places we tried by the pier - this pizza stole the show. This plain oven roasted pizza brought me back to how pizzas tasted in the early 80's - delicious crust and sauce, oven roasted with a hint of char. read more

I'm not sure why there's so much hate in the reviews for Rusty's. I haven't been in over ten years and it tastes exactly like I remembered. This is a great option for high quality pizza and salads, plus cheesy bread. Thin crust with ranch is the way to go! The parking seems to be challenging in the evenings but we walked and had no problem. read more

Don't go here. Dirty and it wasn't busy. Also ordered a mushroom and bell pepper pizza and they put sausage on it instead. And since I didn't have a receipt they can't help me even though I just did my order in store seconds ago. Haven't eaten meat in a decade could've gotten sick read more

My husband and I walked into Rusty's after a concert, nothing else on state st was open so we found ourselves here. We ordered the chicken n ranch pizza and the salad bar. Salad bar was not great tbh, the toppings didn't look the freshest but it's literally 11pm so maybe check out the status before ordering a salad. The pizza though!!! Maybe we're just really hungry but in my opinion it was one of the best pizzas I've had in a while. The toppings were fresh, crust wasn't too thick or too thin, not greasy in the slightest, and it was just the right size for us to share and feel super content (small). The restaurant looks great for a pizza place, there are video games for the kids and plenty of space for large parties and comfortable booths for smaller ones. Service was so-so, we were the only ones in line and nobody talked to us for a minute but they could've been wrapping up other things. Overall, we enjoyed our late night pizza and would come back! read more

Walked over after visiting the Moxi Museum. 4 of us for lunch. Ordered a pizza and meatball sub. Both were good. Food came out very fast. Employees were very friendly! read more

不怕失去才是人生的底線，要記得，不管這人事如何變化，我們都永遠要為了自己而活～ 跑到Santa Barbara 來， 好友的小孩介紹來吃他們每個月都會來吃的pizza 店，果然好吃， 吃皮也烤的很好， 一開始看到他們雞翅的長相， 一點都不想吃，沒想到真正入口， 真的是雞翅不可貌相呀，可圈可點呢， 室內非常的寬敞，也有salad 可以選擇 read more

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Pizza if okay and expensive, but convenient to where I live and work. They starting using AI a few years ago to take orders. I have had 3 very frustrating attempts to order within a reasonable amount of time. Gave up and had no issues with humans answering at Giovanni's and Fattie's. Good pizza with humans answering saving time and errors. read more

Food is very good, large fifteen inch. Can be for 4-5 people, and hot. Always loving the customer, knowledgeable and friendly. read more

Rusty's Pizza Parlor - Driver hall of fame, three times. - Pizza Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Absolutely delicious Pot fresh pizza, salad, and breadsticks delivered up in a beautiful building. Cashier Kevin was extremely helpful and professional. He was funny and nice! Thank you! read more

Rusty's Pizza Parlor - Dining room - Pizza Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Rusty's is a local favorite, we had to stop by after a long and busy day. We ordered the Hawaiian pizza with pan crust and added jalapeños. I am a lover of pineapple on pizza so I was super happy. It wasn't too busy for a Saturday night, staff were friendly and bathrooms were clean. They sell cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, that's new! read more

Rusty's Pizza Parlor - Pizza Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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What a great spot for lunch for our weekend trip to Santa Barbara. We spent a lot of time in the morning at the children's museum just up the street, we asked them for a lunch recommendation that was family friendly, and they recommended Rusty's. We were very happy with what we got at Rusty's, the pizza was good, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere was perfect for a family with small kids. All of the menu items we tried were good, the pizza was very good, as were the wings and the mozzarella sticks. They have a really big indoor dining area, so there's probably going to be A place for you to sit, when we were there at lunch it was not packed at all. I don't know what the dinner service is like, but the lunch did a really good job. One thing to know, is that you do order at the counter, then they give you a buzzer and bring the food to your table later. Would definitely recommend, and will be back in the future if we're ever in Santa Barbara. read more

This rating is based on the service and a brownie. Cashier seemed a bit overwhelmed by the line but he was nice. I just bought a brownie. A brownie?! Strange; I know. But honestly it is a wonderful sweet treat to hit the spot! For it being pre-packaged and in the refrigerator, it was nearly a perfect brownie. We bought 2 and shared them among 3 people. We all were blown away by how good they were. Sadly I didn't have high hopes for it, so I didn't even bother snapping a photo. Big mistake! Try the brownie. Seriously. No regrets. read more

This place will always be special to me because of the memories tied to it. Back in 2009, right after I graduated high school, me and six others went on our senior trip. I still remember being on the road when we heard that Michael Jackson had passed. Our first stop was the Best Western on the corner in Santa Barbara, and later that night we went looking for dinner and found this place. What may have seemed like just a pizza stop became part of a memory we have carried for years. We still even have the signed pizza box from all the guys on that trip. Life has changed, and over the years we have all lost contact, but those memories have stayed with us. Whenever we are driving down from Pacific Grove to La Quinta, we still try to stop by. The food and experience may be 4 out of 5 for me, but the memories make it mean much more than that. Thank you for being part of such a special time in our lives. read more

Great alternative to chain restaurants, this places pan pizza is on point! We were traveling, husband and I ate a large in three days, and it cooked really well and was delicious! I am not even a pizza fan but this is one of the best pan pizza I've had. read more

Great food! The Pizza has a unique taste and I would definitely try it again. It is a great spot for lunch while at Santa Barbara. read more

The food and service are excellent and prompt. The establishment can become lively as it caters to both children and adults, and there are a few arcade games located in the main section of the restaurant. read more

Yes people I'm so sorry to say this but Rusty's has gotten complacent in the way they're making their food not even caring about the way they make the food anymore I order a pizza at least once a week it's just getting worse and worse and I keep thinking every week is going to change but unfortunately it hasn't now I'm sorry but I went to the competitors Pizza joint get together Rusty's get together have more pride in what you serve read more

I've loved Rusty's Pizza since I was a kid. I live all the way in L.A., but every time I'm in Santa Barbara, my go-to dinner spot will always be Rusty's. The customer service when I went yesterday was amazing. I ordered a large pepperoni pizza and wings, but I forgot to order a drink. When I asked about it, the guy hooked me up with a free soda--shoutout to him! I wish I had gotten his name, but he's a real one. I'm used to going to the Rusty's near Chick-fil-A, but the ambiance at this location was really nice. It's spacious, has a lot of fun decorations, and is great for kids because they have arcade games too. read more

Rusty's Pizza Parlor - Pizza, wings and a soda - Pizza Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

My family and I stayed a few days in east Beach, and we had Rusty's pizza for dinner one night, and my kids loved it so much we decided to stop by for lunch before heading back home. The pizza was delicious, cheesy, and bread was so soft it melts in your mouth. The young man in the front was also very patient while I selected the pizza and items of choice. I definitely recommend to dine in as they also have a salad bar with many options. If you're in town I recommend for you to come by especially if your kids love pizza. read more

Wasn't sure what to expect with the mixed reviews but was pleasantly surprised by the Canadian Style Bacon Sub (Canadian style bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and Italian dressing). The sub was warm and toasted, and the flavors all worked really well together. Can't speak to service or ambiance as we ordered delivery. read more

Dine in or delivery. Deliciousness delivered to our hotel. This was our first Rusty's pizza and did not disappoint. I ordered the meatball sub and it was so good! Fast service. read more

Rusty's Pizza Parlor - Excellent pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great for large party seating. Family friendly and kid friendly. Pizza could be better but it's okay. Not the tastiest pizza but easy to gather with friends with kids and not worry about seating. Nice a/c and clean environment. Service is good. Meatballs taste just like subway which was perfect for my son who is 3 years old. He is not a pizza person. read more

Every time I come to Santa Barbara, I have to stop by Rusty for some pizza. First time I brought my mom and she loved it.

Super weird vibes. Salad bar be lookin sad and busted. Also what's up with the strange crowd of people playing music from their phones? Sorry to say will not be returning :/ read more

We consistently order delivery from Rusty's (Upper State St.). The last couple of times we've noticed the sauce or something tastes different and not in a good way. It seems like the sauce is sweeter or maybe different cheese? Whatever has changed, please change it back to how it was before. We typically order half Rusty's Special (bell peppers yes , anchovies no) & half Pepperoni & Olive on thin crust. Sweeter is not better!! Out of curiosity, I'd really like to know what has changed. read more

Ordered a meat lover's pan pizza and hot buffalo wing. Pizza and wings were tasty. Website would not take the address for the hotel delivery so had to phone it in. Driver was courteous on delivery. read more

Wow! The manager was generous enough to let our TK-3rd grade classes sit here to eat after visiting the Moxie. How thoughtful and generous to provide us a shaded area to eat after a field trip. Thank you so much!!!!! read more

Okay I was skeptical about this pizza places based on the ratings on Yelp but decided to give it a try anyways. I was very pleasantly surprised on how delicious the pizzas were. They also have a good salad bar with many toppings to create your own salad. These were a few items we ordered: Thin BBQ chicken pizza 7/10 - the BBQ sauce taste like salad dressing Deep dish Cheese pizza 10/10 Deep dish pepperoni & rustys combo 10/10 Cheesy garlic bread 10/10 - THIS WAS AMAZING Salad bar 10/10 (See pics for reference) Also, this inside has arcades and vintage style dining. I loved this place. read more

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We have visited Rustys many times, and it has a nostalgia factor for us, but it does have a few issues. As for postives, we like the El Diablo, as the combination of ingredients works for us. The salad tasted fresh, and they have a big variety of ingredients. The ranch is fantastic. But we did feel our pizza was undercooked both on top and bottom, and the sauce is pretty non descript. Considering the price, it's not a huge step up from cheaper national chain pizza. read more

Rusty's Pizza Parlor - Small salad dressed in ranch - Pizza Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Excellent pizza and salad. Went with the deep dish pepperoni today. It does have a generous serving sauce so be sure to ask for lighter sauce if you are offended by extra red sauce. Prices are reasonable, although the salad bar price was for only 1 trip, not unlimited. Nice place to eat in Santa Barbara. read more

Rusty's Pizza Parlor - Interior of Rusty's pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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just had a talk with one of the customer service people and right from the start they were very rude, I told them my order and every time they spoke it sounded like they were disgusted with me. I don't think this behavior should be acceptable even if it's over the phone! They have ok pizza but a real big attitude problem. read more

This is the best place for the salad bar it's always fresh and lots to choice from. And the quick lunch a small pizza and one trip to salad bar with a soda is very reasonable it's my go to for lunch. read more

Amazing veg pizza .. great decors and lots of seating space and parking spot. Definitely recommend this restaurant.

Excellent service, pizza was well made with fresh ingredients like real jalapeños. Great value. Only regret is we didn't order two pizzas!