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    Validation Ale

    4.6 (195 reviews)
    ModerateBreweries, Pubs, Pizza
    Open 11:30 am - 8:30 pm

    Validation Ale Photos

    VALIDATION ALE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Validation Ale

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    Reviews With Photos

    EMPTY outdoor bar.
    Ashley T.

    If zero stars were an option, that would accurately reflect our experience. A group of friends and I cycled to Santa Barbara and chose Validation Ale for brunch and a beer. This was our second visit -- and it will absolutely be our last. During our first visit, the staff were so preoccupied setting up an outdoor television that they couldn't be bothered to acknowledge us. Not even a simple "We'll be right with you." In hindsight, that should have been our signal not to return. Today's visit was worse. Shortly after we were seated, the owner arrived. Rather than greeting customers or ensuring the experience was positive, he took issue with where our bicycles were placed outside. Instead of approaching us directly, he sent a very polite employee to relay his demand that we move our bikes from the outdoor standing area to the sidewalk -- completely out of view from our table and vulnerable to theft. Anyone with even a basic understanding of cycling culture knows that bicycles are significant investments. Many cost thousands of dollars and represent both financial and personal commitment. Expecting customers to move them out of sight -- particularly when the outdoor bar area was entirely empty at that early hour -- demonstrates a complete lack of awareness and consideration. Had the owner approached us respectfully and asked us to consolidate the bikes neatly in one area, we would have gladly complied. It wasn't the request itself; it was the arrogance, the absence of courtesy, and the unwillingness to engage with customers directly. Leadership requires accountability. Sending an employee to handle an avoidable confrontation reflects poorly on management and undermines the staff. Speaking of staff -- the employee who approached us was gracious and professional. She deserves better representation from ownership. If the owner treats his employees with the same dismissiveness he shows customers, turnover would not be surprising. Six returning customers will not be back -- and we will certainly share this experience with fellow cyclists. Customer service is not complicated: communicate directly, show respect, and treat patrons like valued guests rather than inconveniences. And while you're reassessing your approach to hospitality, you may also want to fix the wobbly table.

    My customary Goat  Tree Latte and a Sptrizer
    Ronnie S.

    Hello my fellow Yelp Elites. I ventured into the Funk Zone. After a visited the Fess Parker wine tasting room. I had Validation Ale SmashBurger Tacos on my mind. As I posted up at the bar I spotted Nico sitting and enjoying his meal break. We chatted about my options for food and drinks. Eliana arrived and took my order. I ordered the SmashBurger Tacos and a Spritzer. About that time Sam checked on me to make sure I was being taken care of. About that time Nico resumed his position behind the Bar. I've visited Validation Ale several times and the Customer service has always been excellent. Today was a step ahead in Service. These three ambassadors took such Great care of me and everyone else on a busy Saturday afternoon. Thanks Eliana, Nico and Sam for a great experience. Thanks Validation Ale for everything you do for our Community. I appreciate you I will return. Ronnie S

    Emily H.

    Sweetest service and staff ever! My husband loved the German Amber while I enjoyed the Rose. Great atmosphere. We didn't eat but the menu looked awesome

    Cauliflower bites
    Angela R.

    I love coming here whenever I'm in the area. This place is full of energy and always a good time! Whether you're coming here solo or with a group, it's a place that's always poppin. They have a great outdoor area with cornhole to keep you or the kids entertained. They also have live bands Tuesday & Thursday, as well as bingo night, trivia and pop-up markets. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but the ones I've had here are always good. You can ask for a sample too, which is great when you're not familiar with beer types. They also offer gluten-free beer, local wine, seltzer, ciders, kombucha and now cocktails! I tried the Passion Fruit Spritz, made with vodka, Lillet Rosè, and PF. It was very refreshing and enjoyable. Premium spirits are also available. The food here is always delicious! I've had the burger, totchos (tater tot nachos), truffalo cauliflower, fries, and recently the Gochujang fried chicken sandwich. I don't have a big appetite, but I could have easily eaten two of the chicken sandwiches! I hope they keep this one on the menu.

    Chicken Karaage Nuggies
    Melissa L.

    Shoutout to Angela R. and Jara S. For turning me on to this spot. I've watched these friends post about this spot and share how great they are, so I was eager to try them out. Validation ale is the cool place to be. It was definitely one of the busiest spots we stopped in at the funk zone. Indoor and outdoor seating, this spot is impressively massive. I love how on the outdoor space they have games and make it a very social setting. We opted for inside but near their patio chairs for some people watching and hangs. As busy as it was, I appreciated that they had both registers open and we didn't wait at all. They were on top of service here and it was great how quickly the drinks and food were done. Staff here are friendly and on top of it. While they are known for their ale, I appreciated that they had a cool cocktail menu for an ale house. Extra kudos points to them. For my cocktail I went with the blueberry bramble. I'd say it was a 4 out of 5. I appreciated the presentation, color, and taste. Again, just happy for those who are bar hoping I could keep up with my cocktails here opposed to having to go with a beer. The real stunner was the chicken karaage appetizer my friend and I spilt. Honestly, a really nice surprise! I didn't expect their chicken to rival other more authentic Asian restaurants. Dark meat chicken it was juicy and the batter was light and flavorful. Served with ranch which I wasn't expecting but they have good ranch so it was a win. Really a solid appetizer and I would highly recommend splitting this with your table mates. 5/5 for an app. Validation ale was a good time and there is so much more for me to try here that I'll definitely be back soon.

    Erica G.

    Stopped in with my amiga and I were visiting from Ventura County. Located at the Funk Zone and busy busy when we got there. Great vibes! Staff was super nice and gave of tastes of different drinks until we decide what we wanted. I got the hibiscus kombucha, it was good! My friend had a marg and it was strong. She is not much of a drinker , so for her , it was too strong. We didn't taste any of their food but it looked good.

    Beer
    Jorge H.

    Our visit: Disorganized when it came to bringing our food out. Server took our order number before our full order came out. I had to go talk to the cashier to explain that we were still waiting on another order. The beer was alright, it tasted watered down. I'll definitely come back for the food. (3 stars for food)

    MexiLager
    Michael H.

    The beer selection here is great, the thing they do with the validated versus the vying beer is super cool. The best part about this place, which I didn't discover until after I had already had a beer, is that they have a chilled Sangiovese on top right now, they might be the only place within 100 miles of here to have a Sangiovese on tap. Staff is friendly, service is good, at least once a month there's typically a single night here on Tuesdays, that's the company called June Dating, if that's something you're interested in check them out. It does feel very "Corporate Mixer" though. haven't tried the food here, but I have tried the food at their annex location on de la vina, and it did not disappoint, I'm sure quality is similar here.

    Karaage Nuggies
    Joanna F.

    It was great stuff! Loved the smash burger and karaage nuggies the best. Drinks weren't too sweet (maybe a little strong at times but hey who's complaining) I also had the honey brew which I thought was unique and delicious.

    The food was ok, but the restaurant tables and chairs are needing repair. The owner was not accommodating and rude. Over the surveillance cameras, he noticed that he did not like where we parked our bicycles. He came over to the restaurant (parking halfway into the driveway, blocking the sidewalk) just to tell a waitress to relay a message to move our bikes away from the empty outdoor standing "bar." The bar has no barstools and the top is weathered wood that will most likely give you splinters. No thanks. Please change the restaurant features to "Cyclist Unfriendly."

    Tri tip sandwich, Philly style
    Greg W.

    Incredible spot in the funk zone. Maybe it was the magic of being home for the holidays but I really enjoyed this spot. The open patio concept allows for a child-friendly yet adult-fun experience. Mobile ordering is a plus, although it was down when I went. I suspect it was due to the approaching NYE reservation. Regardless of the hiccup there I was able to order quickly at the bar and everything came out piping hot within minutes. Sandwich was excellent, the locality of tri-tip but the invention of making it Philly style. Chips on the side were nice.

    Jilly B.

    Open air outside area to play games very busy great drinks great easy food love the atmosphere. You order at the counter and find a table or open space great place to hang out with friends and have conversation. It's right in the middle of the funk zone.

    Wings
    Lindsay W.

    We stopped in for sandwich week and got the gochugang Korean chicken sandwich. Loved then pickle on top! I think everyone's fav were the wings, tater tots, and smash burger. The setting is fun as there is an outside area to play games. An hour of jenga and our party was satisfied. Plus, staff were kind and helped with recommendations.

    Spritz

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    Relaxing ambiance. Interesting concept of competition against beers on their menu board. They offer food and delicious drinks.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Validation Ale

    Are you able to accommodate a large party?

    Absolutely. We have large groups all the time and semi-private or private events ranging from 50 to 150+ guests. Please email admin@validationale.com to inquire about a specific date / group size.

    Are you dog friendly?

    Yes definitely have seen folks bring their dog to the outdoor patio area.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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