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    The Lark

    4.2 (2.1k reviews)
    Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    About The Lark

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    The Lark Photos

    THE LARK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Lark

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    Nice set up
    Jenny Y.

    The ambiance was a cool vibe with a lot happening everywhere. I think this restaurant really encompasses the 2020's post pandemic feel for many young 30's people. Lots of outdoor seating and totally wide open indoor area with huge bar. Service was okay. Our waitress was good but she seemed so busy maybe because too many tables assigned to her. Food was OK too. Our waitress told us the chef brought in this freshly caught tuna. The way crudo was prepared... I think any Japanese chef would cry how this freshly caught tuna was prepared. Chef can learn a thing or two how to cut the tuna. Their drinks are overpriced as always with these trendy restaurants. I ordered low tide and the serving size was like 2/3 or what a normal restaurants serve for a cocktail but it tasted good though! Budino dessert was delicious but expensive-- $17 served in a small whisky cup. I'm still leaving a 4-star here but probably more of 3-3.5 restaurant except for the cool vibe.

    Perfectly shaken martinis
    Mimi L.

    I think we had come in for drinks at the bar a while ago. This time we made a last minute late night reservation through sapphire reserve access. The oasis like patio was lively for such late night hour. It took a while for someone to come by take our drink orders. But once our waitress arrived the service was very good from beginning to the end. We decided on a Mezcal specialty cocktail and hubby's usual Vesper martini. For food we had dip and chips, veggie pasta, crispy duck and cast iron steak. The dill pickle popcorns were so yummy. I liked the flavorful pasta the most and the duck was very delicious as well. We really liked our late night meal and everything tasted so good. This is a fantastic restaurant and bar for drinks and late night eats!

    Ribs
    Marissa M.

    Been here twice now for dinner and can honestly say the food is amazing. While I will admit, the prices are high and def a splurge for myself, the food is delicious. My faves have been their complimentary pickle popcorn, chile cornbread, Brussels sprouts and the carpaccio. Their food is always heavily flavored and cooked well. The only meal we didn't love was the ribs that were nearly $50 and only came with 4 fatty ribs. The sauce was amazing but the quality and quantity of meat was incredibly disappointing considering how great the Lark food is. Service is always a bit mixed as it's a very busy restaurant. Overall love this place and recommend it for a fancy dinner out.

    Jake A.

    Having heard really fantastic things about the Lark, I was very eager to try it during my Santa Barbara visit. The salad was HUGE, definitely meant to share although I ended up cleaning it up. I really like the concept of hyper-local where even the fisherman gets a shoutout by name on the menu, but I think the presentation and execution fell flat. I'm not sure if a larger group or different menu items would have landed differently but my fish ended up a bit rubbery and overcooked. The other dishes were very underwhelming, and it was really tough to get the attention of my server. When it came time to pay, they offered me a pen which didn't work, then when I asked for another one, it didn't work, and finally I asked a bus boy who gave me 5 pens which 4/5 didn't work. I felt so awkward having to do so much to get anyone's attention, and then to be offered a total of 6 non functioning pens and one barely functional one.

    Shrimp Toast
    Jon C.

    Sad that this place has been around for over a decade and we just ate here, last night. Glad that we found it and will return. JJ was our server and he did a great job of moderating how much we ordered and bringing out the plates in good combinations. All the plates are to be shared and our party of 4 enjoyed them all. We were seated outside. It was a nice, the sun only hitting 1 person for a few minutes before it moved far enough for us all to be in the shade. The menu served as sun protection for that time. Cantaloupe was ripe and the tajin and lime gave it a delicious new flavor profile. We overheard the table next to us raving about the heirloom tomato panzanella, so, we ordered it too. The ricotta made this dish. Totally understood what the other table was talking about and we were thankful to overhear them. The Lark's Classic Wedge was the best wedge I have ever had. Sure, I don't eat as many salads as I should but I can appreciate the difference between bacon and the crispy pork belly served here. The line caught crude was ahi. This came out first and we devoured it. The picture will tell you all the words I can't put together right now. New Orleans Shrimp Toast was the only "hot dish" we had. The included sausage was a little too spicy hot for the table. Not me, though! The jus was incredible. If I had another piece of brioche, I would have left the plate clean. Had the narrator as my cocktail. Sweet and sensational!

    Dill pickle popcorn
    Raymond P.

    A busy and bustling spot for a reason! The food and drinks here were amazing. The server was friendly and educated us regarding the menu before providing us with specially seasoned dill popcorn to start which was delicious. The cornbread was sweet with a little spice. The drinks were delicious and well crafted. Our mains were fantastic. Definitely would get back to this place when I'm back in SB. Dining inside or the courtyard were both fun. Very buzzy atmosphere.

    Michelle M.

    During a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara, a friend and I had dinner at The Lark after hearing great things about the oysters and fried chicken. Those recommendations gave us an easy place to start, and neither dish disappointed. We were seated on the outdoor patio beneath the trees, surrounded by greenery and warm string lights. It felt comfortable and intimate, especially as evening settled in. This would be a great setting for a date night, dinner with friends, or anyone who prefers a lively restaurant without sacrificing conversation. A generous bowl of seasoned popcorn arrived first and disappeared quickly. It was crisp, savory, and a fun alternative to the usual bread basket. We ordered several rounds of the West Coast oysters, served ice cold with lemongrass and Thai chili granita. They were fresh and briny, with enough brightness and subtle heat from the granita to complement them without overpowering their natural flavor. Oyster lovers should put these at the top of the order. The fried chicken was another standout. The crust was deeply crisp while the chicken remained juicy, and the creamy grits underneath made it especially satisfying. Scallions and plenty of house-made pickles brought freshness and acidity to the plate, balancing the richer elements. This is a substantial dish and an ideal one to share. The menu lends itself well to ordering a few plates for the table, which worked perfectly for us. We paired dinner with wine and appreciated being able to take our time rather than feeling rushed through the meal. The Lark delivered exactly what we wanted from a Santa Barbara dinner: excellent oysters, a fried chicken dish worth sharing, an inviting patio, and a relaxed evening over good food and wine. I would gladly order both dishes again.

    Cornbread
    Becca L.

    Tapas style food, served with a variety of fusion foods. The servers were great but the food had came in batches of 2 plates for every 20 minutes so for a party of 6, it was a bit lackluster especially when the protein that we had ordered came in over an hour after we had placed our order. Overall, my party and I had left the restaurant underwhelmed. Definitely a great restaurant for an intimate experience with the food but would recommend to come in expecting that service may feel slow-paced.

    Mocktail
    Aliya Y.

    Fantastic birthday dinner for two of my friends on a Saturday night. The stand outs were the rosemary cornbread (MUST order) and the creekstone steak (halal!). We also tried the beet salad and a seasonal pasta that were great too. The chocolate pot de crème for dessert was just ok though, as it was hard to get to all the layers in the deep glass it was served in. Portions were generous and we left stuffed with leftovers to take home. They also have a great selection of mocktails, we tried several but preferred the fruitier ones. Service was the right amount of attentive. Beautiful outdoor seating to enjoy the SB weather or a cool vintage vibe inside with the converted train car booths. A really great experience all around and I look forward to visiting again!

    Dill Pickle Popcorn
    Lisa Y.

    My favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara! They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but I really enjoyed sitting in their outdoor area! It was a cute area, and we could enjoy the nice weather! Loved the vibes here! All of the dishes we had here were a hit! They start you off with some complimentary Dill Pickle Popcorn. It's seasoned with allspice, turmeric, garlic, and chili flakes. A fun little appetizer to get your tastebuds ready! Dishes are meant to be shared, and four was a perfect amount of two people. We got the "Tutti Frutti Farms" Roasted Beet Salad. It had strawberries, whipped goat ricotta, salted pistachio, and nastrurtium. Such gorgeous presentation, and a nice bright and fresh dish to begin the meal. Next we had the Jidori Chicken Liver Mousse. Loved this! It had roasted blueberries, hazelnut praline, lemon thyme, and grilled sourdough. Such a perfect combination of flavors and textures! We also had Crispy Brussel Sprouts. These were probably some of the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had! The savory sesame and garum paired with sweetness from the dates, a crunch from the puffed wild rice, and some tartness from the lime were incredible together! Another amazing dish! Lastly, we had the Handmade Rigatoni Pasta. It had sugar snap peas, maitake mushrooms, piedmont white truffle butter, parmesan, and pea tendrils. While this dish was good, it did feel a little more ordinary than the other three dishes we had. Would recommend the Roasted Beet Salad, Chicken Liver Mousse, and Brussels Sprouts first! For a drink, I got the Tea Time, which has strawberry, peach, ginger, rosemary, and tea. It's under the "Free-Spirited"/Mocktail menu, and it was refreshing! Can't wait to come back on my next visit to Santa Barbara!

    Local seafood
    Lindsey R.

    Hands down the best duck I have ever had in my life! I'm still talking about how much I loved this dish.This dish took things to an entirely new level. The duck was cooked to absolute perfection--crispy on the outside, incredibly tender, and bursting with rich, balanced flavor. Beyond the stellar food, the rustic-chic atmosphere and top-tier service made the entire evening unforgettable. If you go to The Lark, ordering the duck is a non-negotiable! I will go back again when I visit!

    Jacque R.

    Oh man, how did I find out about this place our 3rd time going to Santa Barbara? It's such a gem of a place and the service is amazing. The food was delicious and all I dream about is the beet salad with the whipped feta. The ambiance is so welcoming and fun! Definitely, can't wait to come back!

    Oysters with Lark's magical topping
    Lawrence G.

    Stellar, unique find. We had an excellent server who rolled with the million questions we had. So glad we went with the oysters on my son's recommendation. Just excellent flavor and texture and their "sauce" is a perfect addition. Place is a little funky to find because it's in the middle of a collective of restaurants, but it was worth it. Give yourself a little extra time to find parking.

    Fried chicken and grits

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    Page 1 of 53

    The Lark Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Lark

    Is there a corkage fee?

    Yes. $25 per 750mL bottle of wine for each of the first two bottles, $50 per bottle thereafter.

    Are there any tables available for walk-in or is it reservations only?

    Reservations only, all we did day of is walk up to main reception desk right at 4 to 4:30 and ask

    If i can't make a reservation online. Can we walk in at 5 when the door is open?

    Yes believe walk-ins accepted; but will suggest calling ahead to confirm

    Does the Lark do a corkage for outside wine?

    Yes, $25 per bottle corkage fee applies.

    Do they have a kids menu or kid friendly food?

    We took our 7 year old and it was great. The server we had was especially helpful. He made sure to tell us about hot peppers on a certain plate and asked if we wanted those on the side. Got a lid for the children's beverages. It's not a place where… 

    Dogs allowed outside?

    Yes. It's the reason I found this place!

    Is it possible to call the restaurant? I've tried repeatedly during business hours and no one answers?

    Hi Lisa, Thanks for connecting. Our host desk is staffed beginning at 4 pm. If you leave a message someone will return your call. However, you can also email… 

    Does this restaurant have a view of the ocean?

    No ocean view

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes, there is a dog-friendly patio so bring your furry friends

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    Shalhoob's Funk Zone Patio - 1/4 Rack of Ribs

    Shalhoob's Funk Zone Patio

    4.3(711 reviews)
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    Came to Santa Barbara for the first time and this was the first stop my friend and I made. Holyyyyy…read moreeverything was so good! Great way to kick off the trip. We ordered the nachos with pulled pork, Mac and cheese with brisket, and two burgers. We underestimated how much food was coming out . Not only was it huge portions, everything also tasted so good. The people taking our orders were also super sweet.

    Funk in Public…read more Family-owned and operated local chain of restaurants and butcher shops that's been serving the Santa Barbara community for over fifty years (ca. 1973). This location is in Santa Barbara's "Funk Zone" district, which was formerly an industrial area that's turned into a wine and art district full of interesting places to gander. The Good: * Huge dog-friendly covered outdoor seating * Full lineup of their signature Shalhoob craft beers. They also have fermented grapes and liquor, if beer isn't your jam. * Service was friendly and welcoming. * Street Parking and City-owned lots, as well. The lots are your best bet, and they're free for a short while. * Prices are very reasonable for a BBQ place. * The Street Corn app might be the best thing we ate here as the corn was super fresh right off the cob, and the Chipotle aioli was superb. * BBQ Beans was more of a bean soup, but it was decent. * Mac & Cheese was also pretty good. Carrots enjoyed it more than I did, but I might've been grumpy from the shitty meats (more on that in a minute). The Meh: * Tritip was completely dry and tasted like it was cooked in the oven and then finished on the grill. But, I will say, at least it was edible unlike the ribs... The Ugly: * Maybe the worst ribs I've ever had. They were just completely hammered with salt and completely blew out my palate within two bites, which is a shame because they were tender and cooked well, but jfc, no amount of sauce or anything is going to save something this salty. Conclusion: Maybe we just caught them on a bad day because a place doesn't survive for over fifty years serving up meat like this. I'd be willing to give them another try someday, but I need my tongue to recover first.

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    The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar

    The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar

    4.4(1.3k reviews)
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    My partner and I came to celebrate our one year anniversary and we had an amazing time!! We chose…read moreto do the 4 course tasting menu which was out of this world and incredibly worth the price. Each dish was so flavorful and made with so much care. My favorite dish was the pumpkin style gnocchi we had and the branzino fish, he loved the bone marrow. The soup I forgot to take a picture of was potato and leek with truffle was amazing as well. The restaurant is also very cozy with great ambience and we had fantastic service.

    This was a last-minute booking, and I was glad to see plenty of seats available. The food was…read moredelicious and full of flavor. Yummy! The portions were quite small (that sucks!), but the quality and taste definitely made up for it. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I really loved the décor and the overall atmosphere, especially the upstairs section. I was seated in a corner on the ground level, though, and it was extreeeemely hot. The front door was open, but I didn't notice any fans, and I don't believe there is air conditioning. My date was sweating, and I was feeling quite warm as well. We also didn't have any ice in our water, which would have been especially nice given the temperature. Our waiter was pleasant and friendly, although the service didn't feel particularly memorable or exceptional. I was also a little surprised that bread and butter cost extra if you'd like them before your main course. Overall, I want to thank the chef for preparing such delicious food. I would definitely return if I needed a last-minute booking.

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    4.3(1.8k reviews)
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    Where do I even start with some many positives. For starters the service was amazing. Our waiter…read morechecked on us multiple times ontop of being friendly and in a good mood. It seemed like they really enjoy what they do. We never needed to ask for water because they made sure our cups were always full. The place would make people think it's touristy because of the decor but it's just decorated very mardi gras themed. I liked it though, it was endearing. PLUS they did a sing along with all the customers. It seems like one of those last remaining places that a kid would go to and then remember it fondly in the future. And the food was really good! Except I ordered some kind of chicken dish with a garlic and wine "sauce" that I do not recommend. I forgot the name of it, but later when i asked what was in it the server said it was a "holindase Cajun sauce". Which would explain why I didn't like it.i hate holindase sauce lol but maybe other people will enjoy it. All in all 5 out of 5!

    This place was spectacular! I came here for my birthday and am so glad I did because this is a…read moreplace I'd come back time and time again. The ambience was lively, the service staff were warm, and the food was amazing. One of my favorite things they offered as starters were their assortment of mini muffins (banana nut, rosemary, cheese etc). They were so good! The staff was nice enough to give me some to take home at the end of our meal. As we were enjoying the muffins, there was point in the evening where the staff all came together and sang "Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. It felt special and was nice hearing everyone sing along. We eventually ordered a jambalaya pasta dish and fish with vegetables dish. Needless to say, the pasta was out of this world. It was creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced in flavor. I'd come back just for that pasta dish alone, and that says a lot as I am not a huge pasta lover. Since it was my birthday, they surprised me with an ice cream dessert with chocolate writing on the plate. I was most impressed with the quality of chocolate they used for the writing. It was not Hershey's syrup one would assume, they went an extra step and used high quality thick chocolate that they melted to write my birthday greeting in cursive. Thankfully my name is long so I could eat more chocolate lol. By the end of the meal, I left the Palace with a feeling of nostalgia and mild sadness because I had to leave. That's when I knew I experienced something special. I can't wait to go back!

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    Finch & Fork - Caesar Salad

    Finch & Fork

    4.2(1.7k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    •$$

    My date and I really enjoyed the Tomahawk dinner special. The chef did a fine job combining all the…read moreingredients to create such a tasty steak, and I especially appreciated that it was already sliced for us. My date, a steak professional and strict carnivore, rated it "good." I, on the other hand, thought it was super delicious! The booth seating was comfortable, too. Service was great overall--except that we were given someone else's tab. Fortunately, the total was about the same as what our steak dinner would have cost, so I didn't realize there was a mistake until I got home. That's when things got a little frustrating. I tried calling the restaurant several times to correct the error, but no one ever picked up. By late morning the next day, I finally got through, and a woman told me the manager would call me at noon to help sort things out. Unfortunately, noon came and went, and I never heard from him. I'm curious whether my message actually got through and whether the manager will eventually call me. Fortunately, I'm local, so I'll stop by the restaurant on my evening walk and take care of it in person. Overall, I enjoyed the dinner and would happily go back--but if you need to reach them, don't rely on the phone!

    This is the on site restaurant at the Kimpton canary downtown Santa Barbara. It's adjacent to lobby…read morebar and lounge. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. We stayed here for a weekend so we had breakfast / brunch here in the mornings. This restaurant is very cozy and comfy. Except a bit of toddler crying here and now since this is a family restaurant especially in the mornings. For breakfast we have tried local fruit plate, breakfast plate and California style shakshuka. Also sides of fruits and smoked salmon. The food was delicious in healthy portions. The service was fantastic and very welcoming! We were very impressed with this hotel restaurant and will come back whenever we are in town!

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    Barbareño - Mango Pavlov... one of the best desserts I've ever eaten!

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    4.4(652 reviews)
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    Soo good! Saw this as a top recommended spot and I was really impressed by everything. We were able…read moreto call in a last minute reservation for five people. Service was great and our server was really attentive. We weren't super hungry so just ordered a few bites to share. What we got: -Ranchero Scotch Eggs -Beet Salad -Ricotta Dumplings -Santa Maria BBQ I would everything again except for maybe the dumplings as it was more of a donut than dumpling. But the flavor combinations and plating of everything was honestly so good. You must get scotch eggs! I was very impressed with this dish. It was such a fun dinner and must go to when in Santa Barbara!

    Barbareño completely delivered for our date night! We started on their patio, which has the perfect…read morecasual yet elevated atmosphere, and were taken care of by a warm, friendly staff. We kicked things off with the crudo and the summer vegetables, followed by the fried chicken and ranch and the sea bass for our main courses. Every single dish was packed with noteworthy flavor. For dessert, the vegan, gluten-free avocado mousse was absolutely divine! I also highly recommend their N/A basil shrub if you're looking for a delicious sober-curious option. The menu is on the smaller side, but it clearly changes seasonally to focus on peak local ingredients. That farm-to-table energy was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend--we loved every minute and will definitely be back!

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    Barbareño
    Barbareño - Animal potatoes

    Animal potatoes

    Barbareño - Beers

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    Beers

    Opal - PESTO SAUTEED BAY SCALLOP SALAD $18.95

    Opal

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    •$$$

    5* experience to end a holiday weekend on a high note! I'll be honest, Opal was the restaurant I…read morewas "least hyped" for before visiting. Not because it did anything wrong, but because a couple other options had gone more viral. Just goes to show you can't trust social media for anything. Let's start with the service, which was excellent from our awesome server Sam to our hostess to all the other servers we interacted with. My husband and I commented on how insanely in sync the restaurant was -- SO friendly, going truly above and beyond. Whoever owns and manages this place has clearly chosen some superstars! Then the food.... Just incredible! I had the duck breast and was devastated when I ran out of pieces. The sauce was so delicious and the risotto was excellent. My husband had the ribeye, which was cooked to perfection. Cherry on top was a sweet dessert surprise for our anniversary! Opal, we will be back!

    Our group of eight thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Opal. The service was outstanding! Our waitress…read morewas attentive, thoughtful, and incredibly helpful with the menu options, while also accommodating our individual preferences. We truly appreciated her care and attention. She also selected the perfect wine for me--beautifully balanced and full of flavor. I was very impressed! A special thanks to the chef who prepared my lamb chop dinner. I was served three large, thick, and incredibly juicy lamb chops. They were absolutely amazing--truly heavenly! I highly recommend this dish, especially for fellow meat lovers.

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    Opal - Interior

    Interior

    Opal - Halibut daily special

    Halibut daily special

    Opal - Jaffurs

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    Jaffurs

    Reunion Kitchen + Drink - Patio with Ocean View

    Reunion Kitchen + Drink

    4.2(939 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    •$$
    Takes reservations
    Outdoor seating

    Food was delicious!! We had the roasted quinoa salad and cheeseburger. Omg! Our server was so sweet…read moreand attentive. We also still got a nice view of the ocean from inside.

    This was our first time here while visiting town for a weekend getaway, and it ended up being one…read moreof the highlights of our trip. The location is absolutely beautiful and it's right on the boardwalk overlooking the beach. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend sitting outside and enjoying the view. We ordered the BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad and the Crunchy Chicken Sandwich. The salad was incredibly flavorful and fresh, but the real star of the meal was the sandwich. Our waiter, Justus, recommended getting it on brioche bread with grilled chicken instead of fried, and it was hands down one of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. I honestly can't stop thinking about it and will probably come back next time I'm in town just for that sandwich alone. A huge shoutout to Justus for making our experience exceptional. He was attentive, friendly, genuine, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. He took the time to walk us through his favorites and the crowd-pleasers, even though the restaurant was busy. He checked on us throughout the meal, our food came out quickly, and he even gave us recommendations for places to visit around town. The manager also stopped by our table to make sure we had everything we needed, which was such a nice touch. Everyone here was welcoming and genuinely seemed to care about providing a great experience. The food was fantastic, the service was outstanding, the prices were very reasonable for the location, and the oceanfront atmosphere can't be beat. After lunch, we took a relaxing stroll along the beach, which made for the perfect end to our meal. Highly recommend this place, and if you see Justus, you're in great hands!

    Photos
    Reunion Kitchen + Drink - Dad's Mai Tai

    Dad's Mai Tai

    Reunion Kitchen + Drink - BLT with Avocado and Fried Egg

    BLT with Avocado and Fried Egg

    Reunion Kitchen + Drink

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    Cutler's Distillery & Public House - Street corn

    Cutler's Distillery & Public House

    4.8(30 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    •$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Happy hour specials

    My new favorite distillery in California! I loved Cutler's. I wish it was closer to home…read more We got the flight and tasted the vodka, gin, whiskey, bourbon, apple pie liqueur, and cold brew liqueur. All sensational! I had to try the espresso martini afterwards as I've been on a kick for these lately. This did not disappoint! It wasn't overly sweet, just perfect. I also loved the second waitress/worker that came, Anna. She acknowledged us, and was nice to talk to. Thank you for making our experience better. The inside almost feels like a saloon, and in the evening they were getting ready for a live band, this was on a Saturday. Wish I could frequent here more often!

    THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. We had a change in plans for lunch and my wife found this place on Yelp and…read morewe are so happy that she did because we truly enjoyed our lunch here the other day. We stopped by for lunch around 2pm on a Saturday and to our suprise this place was EMPTY. Our lovely Bartender/ server was incredible and extremely helpful! She was highly knowledgeable with their products and we truly enjoyed the service we recieved. We were reccomended the BBQ burger and that thing was AMAZING. It was a 1/2 lb burger so it was massive and very flavorful! We also got the onion rings instead of the fries and those were also amazing. Overall for the quality of the food and the service they are providing here is phenomenal. Please make sure to keep them in mind, you will not regret it. Till next time.

    Photos
    Cutler's Distillery & Public House
    Cutler's Distillery & Public House
    Cutler's Distillery & Public House - Espresso Martini

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    Espresso Martini

    The Lark - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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