My fiancé and I came here last Sunday night for a few late night drinks. All the drinks we tried were super fun and tasty! Presentation was a slam dunk as well. The ambiance in the bar is super vibey; the swinging chair is my favorite. Tavin, Emiliano, and Kyle took great care of us. We shared some amazing conversations and their service was outstanding to us and the other patrons that walked in looking for drinks as well. On our next visit to Santa Barbara, we will DEFINITELY be visiting Test Pilot again! read more

The cocktails are ON POINT! I was super happy to discover this amazing bar, even better, Tiki bar. My husband and I had four of their menu cocktails and we were very pleased tasting each one. We enjoyed a Mai Thai, Fog Cutter, Zombie and Hotel Nacional. They were all fantastic! They even have a rotating blended cocktail. The bartender was super welcoming and attentive (even while being very busy). We are excited to come back next time we are in SB. read more

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I was super excited to go here because I've heard great things but I was not impressed. It was so crowded and took forever for a drink. Then the drink wasn't even that great and had sooooo much ice. To top it off the bartenders had no personality and were rather rude. The atmosphere and drink glasses were super cool but not cool enough to deal with the bad attitudes, waits, and pricing. Just not impressed. read more

Test Pilot - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We had a great time at this bar. Found it on yelp on our one night stay in Santa Barbara. This place has less reviews on yelp, but the ratings are good and the pictures looked great, so we decided to check it out. The drinks menu looked really exotic and interesting. We got the mango slushie drink and the Passion fruit mule, both were just too good! The alcohol content in both was beyond satisfactory :) The place was pretty crowded, but on waiting a few minutes, we actually got a seat at the couch and the hanging swing. Took a lot of pictures there. The decor of this place is very tasteful. The ceilings, floor, seating spaces are all just perfect for a chill night out. Will highly recommend this place to everyone for some great drinks and very relaxed seating. read more

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This tiki bar has a cool vibe with surprisingly quick and efficient service which is hard to come across considering tiki cocktails take a consuming long time to craft. We were greeted right away with menus from the bartender who was very helpful and on top of everything. We ordered the Boozy Slushy (seasonal slushy) and Suisse Family Robinson (vodka, coconut, almond, ox sherry, lime, and absinthe) first then followed up our second round with the Buccaneer (bourbon, coconut, rooibos, passionfruit, citrus, cacao, and nutmeg) and Zombie (zombie rums, cinnamon, grapefruit, anise, lime, and clove). This bar can accommodate quick a few people with bar seating, cocktail tables, standing room, outdoor patio with heat lamps, and even a cool swing inside! Loved this place and will definitely be back next time I'm in the area. read more

Test Pilot - The Buccaneer and Zombie - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Was looking for a late night spot considering most places closed around 9pm. Walked up and this venue had indoor and outdoor seating. We were greeted quickly and sat inside. Because of covid, food purchase was required. Luckily, they were accomidating and were offering slices of pizza to be in compliance. Their menu has a big selection of coctails with different types of liquor. Ordered three coctails each with a different type of liquor. They were well balanced and refreshing. Great ambiance and the service was awsome. read more

Waited a while for drinks at the bar. Bartender was extremely rude. Drinks are overrated and over priced. Found seating outside but unfortunately someone threw up but no one bothered to clean it up. It was disgusting. read more

Manny was the best bartender ever! Made super awesome drinks and created a really great atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back :)

Did someone request outrageous drinks?? No, well that what you are going to get here! They are masters in the craft of unusual but delightful concoctions. If you are feeling hungry, they have pizza and taco trucks on site for your drinking and hanging enjoyment. It's hard to find a table tho. read more

Absolutely love test pilot! They have a connection with the good lion and oh boy do I love them too. Such a fun, funky, place to be with awesome tiki style decorations. Beware, Test pilot is typically packed on the weekend but for good reason! They are dog friendly and there is plenty of room for groups or just couples. Some of my go-to drinks are: - ken tiki Kentucky (from the good lion) - passion fruit mule - the buccaneer Definitely drop by! SYOY Jess H. read more

First about the funk zone . It is like a stud into the ring . Beautiful SB had everything to be top spot and now these cute little masterful decorated places for wine beer food drinks and everything else . I had jalapeño margarita which was good and was served with the famous SB friendly attitude . I can come here any day . Price was as per SB standard . The foamy drink my friend was looking good and it is their signature drink . read more

Test Pilot - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Such a fun location. Food truck came by and parked Friday night as well. Cocktails are excellent. Tiki bar. Parking on streets is easy. Great place!!! read more

This reminded me of an outdoor college party. Nothing was really organized. Just a bunch of barely legal kids getting loud and stupid. We had random people coming up to us without a mask on. People were allowed to walk around without a mask. Just weird. The drinks were great though and while I would have stayed longer, the younger kids spitting on the ground and being extra loud is the reason we packed up and left. read more

This was the first bar stop towards earning my Soused badge tonight. We started with some cool cocktail and enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere. The bar is small and well decorated with Tiki like item and a nautical feel. We sat at the bar and was able to have a conversation with the friendly bartender. Overall the drinks were good and the service was prompt. read more

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Best cocktails I've ever had hands down. So many different kinds of cocktails to appease any preference. I had the Oaxacan Dead, and the spicy margarita (on their spiciest scale). I'm a big fan of spice, and thought their spiciest serving was kind of mild but it was definitely delicious. The Oaxacan Dead was just as good, and pretty strong. I'd recommend this place to everyone--especially if you're in the area read more

Test Pilot - Oaxacan dead and al pastor tacos from Mony's - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great environment! Reasonable cheap strong drinks. Very cute and inviting. Definitely would visit again and hope to bring more friends next time. The place was great and like I said cheap strong drinks! Absolutely recommend 5/5 read more

Spicy margaritas are great. Nice vibe. Service can be spotty. But definitely a nice alternative to the 40 micro breweries and wine places in the Funk Zone. read more

Mar is the best and she deserves a raise. love her. she cleaned a disgusting a** bathroom and she did it with such grace and still in such a positive attitude. she's the best. read more

Finally, downtown SB (Funk Zone) gets a tiki bar! Stopped here after dinner with the wife recently, around 10pm on a Friday, in the space where Reds used to be. Table service was quick and efficient. Nice assortment of cocktails on the menu, my wife and I had 4 different drinks between the 2 of us (our own sampler). Everything we had tried top notch - they really had a handcrafted and unique taste/look to each one, all very exotic. 5 stars for the drinks and service. Minus one star for the ambience: while the owners appear to have done the best they could with this tall, boomy space, it lacked warmth for a tiki bar. I was craving more wood, bamboo, idols and other chachka. The name is neither fitting nor memorable, and why the trashy pop-hop?! Some Les Baxter Jungle Jazz, Nicole Conte, etc. would have flown Test Pilot off the charts. Still...this is a great date-night venue and adds a much needed touch of sophistication and fun to the SB bar scene. read more

I would give this closer to a 4.5!! Love the tiki vibes, the drinks are absolutely creative, delicious, and unique without a doubt. Great place to take friends and visitors as the bartenders really know what they are doing! Only downside are drinks are pretty costly- average good drink is around $13-17 but you are paying for the quality, taste, and fun aesthetics! I always recommend people to stop here. With Covid you must order food with drinks read more

This place is super fun and cute! I come every time I'm in SB. They have lots of options for non alcoholic drinks (love that) and everything comes in fun cups with pretty garnishes. Really nice atmosphere and the staff is always super friendly. read more

Test Pilot - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Excellent drinks, grouchy service Drinks are about $12-$15 and are fantastic. The bartender seemed annoyed that we were bothering him. The indoor space is dark and cozy and the outdoor space is good- right in the Funk Zone. read more

Test Pilot - Millennial falcon fizz and Kin Tiki Kentucky - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Wow...Love this place ..Love Mar and Susie..Rockin Place and Crazy Cool Drinks. Great Tiki Bar and Great Margarita Pizza! read more

Test Pilot - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I'd pass on this bar. My boyfriend ordered an old fashioned and it was way too sweet. I didn't enjoy my drink either (I got the Painkiller). The mediocre drinks and sour attitude of the servers aren't worth the long line. Also their water tasted like plastic. read more

Test Pilot - Old Fashioned - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Oy! Absinthe! The Test Pilot drink is very tasty. The hotel national is amazing! Cool little tiki spot however the tiki decor is all inside. They should seriously bring it out. They're really cool drinks friends and family loved it. Some nights are cold other nights are perfect. The first time we went we HAD to buy empanadas to support a local restaurant (they were delicious), The second time we went they had this pizza that really sucked. Get in, double fist your drinks and waters because service is sloooooooooooooow. Other than that we loved it. read more

Test Pilot - Test Pilot - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Came here for a few drinks. ~13 bucks each which I didn't think was bad for a cocktail bar. Vibe was pretty good tiki theme.. got the house take on an espresso martini.. wasnt my favorite. Gave me Austin, TX vibes read more

Really cool vibes, "fun" cocktails (lots of sugar and lots of rum if that's your thing), terrible service. The bar and restaurant were dead (maybe 10 people) and the bartender intentionally ignored us. He would not look at us, asked every single person that came up what they wanted while cold shouldering my girlfriend and I. Beard, Hawaiian shirt, glasses, absolutely disrespectful and was in awe at how intentional he was to ignore us. read more

Drinks are super super strong and very reasonably priced. I heard this place was started by someone who was former navy and given that and the name I was super thrown off when I realized that it was a tikki bar. It was a little dark in there compared to other places. We had a super large group so it was nice that they had a open sitting area off to the right that could comfortably accommodate us, 10+ people. It's a nice change from all the wine/beer places in the Funk Zone. We went mid day on a Saturday and it was not too crazy, pretty laid back. Did I mention that the drinks were strong? I also appreciated that they have this water dispenser near the bar so you can serve yourself. read more

Test Pilot - The bar - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

A tiki bar with great cocktails and plays hip hop music?! Count me in. Located in the Funk Zone, Test Pilot is your go-to place for solid cocktails in SB. Prices of the drinks are pretty standard compared to the bars in LA/SD. Drinks are delicious. If you want the bang for your buck, I suggest getting the Brass Monkey cocktail because it comes with a pint of beer (it was Modern Times last time we got it), so basically a 2 for 1 deal ;) Interior of this place is gorgeous. Love the decor. Plenty of seating I would say. It's pretty spacious, so even if It gets crowded, it never feels like I'm invading ones bubble. But if you're in a large group, it may be hard finding a table or seats especially during those peak hours. But don't hesitate to come here. A great stop in the Funk Zone if you're over the wineries and need some cocktails in your life. read more

My #1 favorite drink! The spicy margarita. I've been trying to find a place where I can find a good time and amazing drinks. I had the tiki iced tea,'it was okay but I loved the spicy margarita. It was the right amount of everything (sweetness, spicy and alcohol) it was just perfect. I will be coming back here, that's for sure! the service was great, the bartenders where on top of every drink. Great customer service. read more

It seems like craft tiki bars have been trending of late, and I'm all for it except that tiki drinks consistently fuck me up. I'm at about a 75% deathly hangover rate, which is why Matt B. and I proceeded with caution on our visit to Test Pilot a few weeks back. This was our last stop of the night, when many of the winery type places in the Funk Zone were closed. It was the Saturday night before Halloween, so the bar was busy, with many patrons in costume, though not so insane that we couldn't sidle right up to the bar and get some drinks. The place was fun, vibrant and charming with colorful tiki-themed decor. Our bartender Holden was the best. Super nice dude who made awesome drinks. We decided to stick with one round, as the double tiki nightcap brings that hangover rate to 100% KO. I got the Hotel Nacional Special, made with Cuban-style rum, apricot, pineapple, Italian bitters, lime, and overproof agricole. Strong, fruity, and delicious, really everything you want in a tiki cocktail. Matt's Lion's Tail was also great, a less overtly tropical drink that mixed bourbon with Caribbean allspice, pineapple, rum, and lime. We chatted with Holden while we drank, and for some reason I can't recall, he whipped up another cocktail and gave it to us on the house. This was the Test Pilot, clearly the bar's signature drink, the only one served in the extra special tiki mugs with the round buttocks on the back side. It was fantastic, a house rum blend with clove, citrus, and bitters, finished with a lovely absinthe foam. Most of Test Pilot's drinks were $10-12, which makes this place less expensive than the average Southern California high-end cocktail bar these days, and I thought they were pretty on point. We had a great time here, and even managed to skirt the hangover. We'll be sure to come back next time we're out drinking in Santa Barbara. read more

Amazing cocktails, waiter is very educated on the menu and is able to give great recommendations. The ambiance was superb, you can tell this is a local favorite. read more

There is no food, not even nuts or popcorn...! The drinks were "meh"... Tge atmosphere was ok, but nothing to nosh on...

What a fun and funky place for drinks. There egg chair outside was a fun place to swing for a bit. The wall papers inside were a full of color. The drinks were nice and strong. Great spot for groups! read more

Great drinks and one off decor. This place has character and the drinks are super unique. If you want a break from craft beer check this place out! Be a real adult and go to Test Pilot. read more

Test Pilot - Drink - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This place is A-OK. My issues are with the extremely dim lighting, uncomfortable bar stools, disgusting bathroom and overwhelmed bartenders. the bartenders themselves though have a cocktails and dreams kind of dynamic and relationship which is fun and I think if you went during an off time or were a local, would be even more enjoyable. I was extremely impressed with their cocktails. They were very well crafted and flavorful. I must admit they're some of the best I've had but they do take a really long time to be made. Also it took a while for my husband to get a water... There were two gents working the bar and the place wasn't crazy busy but it was during the Solstice Parade weekend. When we went, the light from outside was blasting through the front area and so when we were in the back by the bar where there are now sources of natural light, my eyes couldn't adjust. Granted, I'm light sensitive so this was more jarring for me than most people I think. It was just so bright up front and so dark in the back, it was a glaring distraction to my right eye and made the back seem all the darker because my eyes couldn't adjust. I wish they'd had progressive lighting or just more lighting in the back so while you are sitting in the back, it's not so noticeable. Anyway, moving on.... The bar stools. They are really cute so points for that, they definitely fit the scene but a failure for whoever designed this space, aesthetics aren't the only important factor for furniture, it needs to be functional too and these are not. It was partially the guy next to me and partially the small seats, but as a result he would not stop bumping into me. He initially kept apologizing but then just continued regardless. It was driving me nuts so we moved to a table. It took away from the experience because I felt so cramped. The problem is they are just really small seats without a lot of space around them . There's also limited amounts of them at the bar so you feel really close to your neighbors. The table was a lot better. The bathroom... the bathroom was so disgusting I had to drop off a star. I'm not sure if it was just the day I went but it's one bathroom for the place and it wreaked so strongly of mildew, it was overpowering. I was hoping the employees had a separate sink behind the bar they were using because it was gross in there. Gas station bathroom gross. Much like Danah, I feel conflicted giving 3 stars. I wish I could give a .5 more. I'm sure this is locally owned and without a doubt, the drinks are fantastic but maybe it's more of a 20-something spot... I definitely think it's worth a try but not sure if I'll be back. read more

Test pilot you are my go to for delicious cocktails!!! I love their drinks. These are REAL DRINKS! Now I must say they are a bit pricey but I'd rather pay 12.00 for a tasty drink I know comes with alcohol rather then going to a lot of the bars that we have here that serve cocktails but always seems like they forgot the liquor (ya know what I mean) read more

Test Pilot - Passion fruit mule on the left and bananacapa to the right - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Grsst drinks here, I highly recommend the Kentiki Kentucky because your girly drink needs some manly bourbon. Very quaint environment, lots of room for chilling. Everyone wants the swing chair so grab it if it's free. read more

Test Pilot - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Place really needs to work out when an order is placed, would recommend pushing your way to a barstool. Appears to be their version of fast pass. read more

This is one of those reviews where I really wish we had the option to give half stars too because I think I'd land on 3.5 stars for Test Pilot overall. Here's the thing. It's a small town and I like the owners and I know most businesses don't consider three stars to be all that positive, even though it is "A-ok." The trouble is, when it comes to Test Pilot, I have mixed emotions. Before it opened, I was stoked about a tiki bar coming to town because I love tiki bars in all their divey, stiff-fruity drink, Polynesian culture loving glory. That said, I certainly would not categorize Test Pilot as a tiki bar. It's more like a "Nautical Lounge." Based on the logo, staff uniforms and decor, I think Test Pilot is more akin to something Captain James Cook would create after his invasion, ahem, "arrival," in the Hawaiian Islands. When I see the distinctive ship in the bottle in their logo, my brain immediately associates it with the antithesis to all things tropical, Polynesian or Caribbean. I think "settlers" not "tiki." The interior design is lovely, albeit a little culturally discombobulated with it's vast nautical and sparse tiki elements, it would still make Pinterest proud. My personal favorite is the hanging egg chair. There's a cozy, inviting ambiance to the various seating areas. The drinks are pretty tasty. I always ask ahead of time which drinks are served "up." I am not a fan of the snow-cone, ice-mountain BS that is all the rage amongst some mixologists these days. If I want a slushie I'll go to 7/11. If I want an adult slushie, I'll go to 7/11 and then go home and put rum in it. If you're on the same page, then I recommend ordering the Hotel Nacional Special or the Daiquiri. Customer service is a mixed bag. There have been times when I've been there and the bartenders were cool, friendly and provided standard customer service. There have been other times, particularly on slow, day shifts I've noticed, where the bartenders are irritable and short with customers. Unfortunately, more often than not, it has been the later. When I travel to cities like Las Vegas or San Francisco, I could spend all day in a good tiki bar and happily drop lots of cash. Now I have one in my backyard and something about the experience doesn't entice me to come more regularly or stay on the occasions that I do go. If they could figure out how to change a few small elements on the menu, or with the staff, I think they'd see even greater returns on their investment both with the day and night crowd, and attract more than college students looking for a sweet drink to mask the delicious flavor of the alcohol. read more

Test Pilot - Daiquiri - Tiki Bars Near Me - Santa Barbara, California