Validation Ale

4.6 (197 reviews)

ModerateBreweries, Pubs, Pizza

Open • 11:30 am - 8:30 pm

Updated 2 months ago

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Validation Ale - Truffle fries. $9 - Breweries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Validation Ale - Communal Dyson sinks that soap, water AND an air dryer - Breweries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Validation Ale - Smash burger with 2 Wagyu patties infused with diced bacon, onion, jalapeño. Brioche bun, cheese, BBQ & chipotle-aioli sauces. - Breweries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Validation Ale - Lovin' life in the Funk Zone with my favorite Honey Blonde. - Breweries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Validation Ale Popular Dishes

Smash Burger

15 Photos14 Reviews

Lobster Roll

4 Photos8 Reviews

Fried Chicken Sandwich

7 Photos7 Reviews

Validation Ale menu photos

Menu photo 1 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

Menu photo 2 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

Menu photo 3 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

Menu photo 4 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

Menu photo 5 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

Menu photo 6 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

Menu photo 7 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

Menu photo 8 Validation Ale Santa Barbara, CA

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VALIDATION ALE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

89 Photos

Outside

18 Photos

Dogs allowed

Outdoor seating

Good for kids

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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

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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C W.

3 years ago

On our search for an IPA we came across Validation Ale. Our visit was in the evening around 8pm. We walked over from the overcrowded and extremely loud Biergarten. The ambiance/vibe at Validation Ale is refreshing and chill. The service was excellent and attentive. Beer-tender was friendly and informed. The pale ale I had was Yanonali Dipa which was perfect for capping off the evening. Overall, I look forward to returning and trying some of their other brews. read more

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Brian D.

Thanks for coming in CW, we can't wait to hear what you think of the…

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Bobby G.

261

3 years ago

Giving a 5 for the overall vibe. Beer was good. Food was good. Love the fact that they work with the Cal Poly U and offer classes in brewing. The reason I know that is the manager came over to check on us and shared some of their story. Good times! read more

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Jennifer S.

2 years ago

Adam's attitude and attitude for treating customers right is amazing and his musical tastes are outstanding.

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Doug M.

Elite 18

139

3 years ago

Fun concept. Great beers. Excellent food. Live music a couple nights a week. And really very pleasant service. Worth your time if you're cruising the Funk Zone, for sure! read more

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Brian D.

Appreciate you cruising in Doug! Thank you for the kind words - if…

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Tim C.

2 years ago

Pastrami sando was delicious (better than Wexlers) and service was outstanding. Amazing selection of craft beers. Highly recommend.

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Lorraine M.

2 years ago

Not only is their beer, location, and ambiance really good, their staff and service is amazing! They are very attentive and ask if you need anything else and check in routinely. Your empty glasses and dishes are taken away quickly. read more

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Eric H.

2 years ago

This place is great. Emma and Hannah provided great service and were super knowledgeable. You'd be missing out if you don't make this a stop when you're in the "funk zone!" read more

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Jon L.

159

4 years ago

We checked out several breweries in the "Funk Zone" and I think Validation was my favorite. The building itself is very cool and modern, with fun architectural elements. The beer selection is good and they have a fun interactive bar on the tv menu showing which beers are in demand and which are not in real time (just ask the server to explain it to you). The outdoor patio looks awesome, although it was raining the day we went. read more

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Brian D.

Jon, thanks for stopping by and for the kind words - sorry about the…

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Alex G.

Elite 24

130

1878

590

4 years ago

Super hip, airy and modern; great place to try local beers. If you like casual breweries with a laid back attitude, this is your place. The beers tend to be full flavored and strong; not for the faint of heart. Super cool patrons and friendly bartenders. Definitely give this place a try! read more

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Brian D.

Hey Alex, thanks for visiting and for the review. Happy you enjoyed…

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Jackie F.

2 years ago

WOW! Service beer options and food were all amazing! The sauces were crazy insane. I do not like ranch at all but their was perfect with the karaage nuggets. The smokey ketchup is wonderful. A must do in SB. Had the Italian Pilsner and the Dublin Gold. Just great and laid back vibe. read more

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Shala Y.

2 years ago

So we tried this place during Santa Barbara Burger Week. It was incredible! The beer/cider and seltzer were really good. The burger was very flavorful, well cooked and was super yummy! The service was great too! read more

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Brian D.

Thank you Shala. Burger week is a special time of year, happy you…

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Dana R.

143

2 years ago

Super fun spot, good bear, lively atmosphere. Came here to hang out and play a card game with a couple friends, def would come again!

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Aziz F.

2 years ago

I love their Beers. The Hazy IPA is to die for. I just wish they sold that in cans for me to take back home.

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Aaron G.

135

4 years ago

It had a very nice vibe and nice place to relax and enjoy. The beer is very good, enjoyed the Belgian, Dubbel is great. They also have a nice selection of food, we had the Tri-tip Sando. The location is great with other micro breweries or wine tasting in the area. All walkable distance. read more

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Brian D.

Appreciate you stopping by Aaron. I'm loving that Dubbel too!!!

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Kristina H.

4 years ago

Loved this place! We were planning on going somewhere else and when we walked by we decided we had to go here instead - the vibe was so great and the menu looked delicious. World Cup (USA) was playing, so it was busy but we never had trouble getting the bartenders attention to order and our orders came out quickly (which was great because we had a moody two year old with us). The menu had great hearty options (burger, fried chicken, lobster roll, tots/fries, etc) - but also had great healthy salad options (& zoodles!) so you could eat healthier if you wanted. I had their new autumn salad and it was delicious & filling. They even had a kids menu, which was appreciated. I loved my lager and my husband was happy they had a couple wines on tap too... The concept was super cool and I wish we lived a bit closer so we could try out all the new beers they release - but we'll definitely be back and make it one of our go-to's when we're in the area. I also can't believe I'm commenting on a bathroom - but it was very modern and cool. All in all - they're an awesome new place in the area! Cheers read more

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Brian D.

Kristina, thank you for stopping in, thrilled you enjoyed your visit…

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Alex G.

136

3 years ago

Good Food, Amazing Beer, Great Staff. With a very cool take on how to try new drinks with the menu, and there are in an amazing location in the funk zone. read more

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Brian D.

Trying new beer is exactly what we're going for! So happy that is…

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Jaycson R.

4 years ago

This brewery is unique on how they like to showcase their beers and the popularity of their batches they have. Liz carefully explains how everything works and the food menu they have is superb. I ordered the Tri-tip Sando which they have two different stles to choose from and the quality is what I would say is "high tier" The beer is great and got the Imperial Lager to pair the Sandwich and couldn't be more than happy to have ordered that. The crew is amazing and thank you Liz for a great experience! read more

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A G.

3 years ago

Good beer. Had some good IPAs along with other types of beer. Burger was pretty good. Great service and good vibe here. Nice outdoor patio in the Funk zone and dog friendly too! read more

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Brian D.

Appreciate the review AG! Come back and try the fried chicken…

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Joshua S.

3 years ago

My wife & I came here and we absolutely loved it! Love the tech part of ordering on your phone and adding to your tab. Brilliant stuff. The beers I had were some of the best I've ever tasted. Vibe, food, and drinks are all stellar. If you've never been here before, come check it out. We loved it! read more

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Brian D.

So glad you and your wife had such a great time at Validation Ale.…

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Aditya C.

294

4 years ago

Tasty beers and friendly service. Really cool space and concept for a brewery and taproom.

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Brian D.

Appreciate you coming in Aditya! Glad you like the unique space and…

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Marsha S.

3 years ago

We just hosted our son's Rehearsal Dinner at Validation Ale. The event was amazing! The food was excellent!! Staff was very accommodating and helped set up the event perfectly. The welcome party after the rehearsal dinner was a lot of fun too! Great taco bar and I understand the beignets were really good but I never got one... I was too slow! Thanks to the owner, Brian, and staff! It was so much fun!! read more

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Tini M.

4 years ago

Urban style, hip brewery, decent beers, service is ok. Ordered the wings and got them medium rare and quite bloody. When we asked if that's normal, the server said "I don't know" and the chef left without saying anything. Later on, we were told that this is the way they should be. And here's the picture, you be the judge... read more

Validation Ale - Breweries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Brian D.

Hi Tini, feedback helps us improve so thank you for the time you took…

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Elizabeth W.

489

121

3 years ago

Cheers! Great beer selection, and even better vegetarian food options! B & B and the crew have done a wonderful job bringing this new offering to Santa Barbara. Highly recommend! read more

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Brian D.

Cheers Elizabeth! Thanks for the kind note - hope to see you again…

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Bryan C.

3 years ago

All good! I love this place in the Funk Zone. The food, beer, service and ambiance rocks!

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Brian D.

Rockin' endorsment Bryan, thank you!

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Gabriel B.

3 years ago

First time here and the service was amazing!!! Beer was great and food was great as well. Please try tritip it's amazingly delicious

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Victoria F.

4 years ago

Validation is an absolute must for big parties and special events! My husband and I chose Validation to host our rehearsal dinner and it was one of the best parts of our wedding weekend. The owners made the planning process so easy and were so gracious to our group the entire time. Their staff was so efficient and kind! The food IS SO GOOD! I will be coming back for the tri-tip sandwhich alone. Thank you Briana! read more

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Brian D.

Thank you for the kind words Victoria. Your group was a ton of fun…

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Leland S.

3 years ago

Beer was delicious but the food was terrible. Out of the 4 dishes ordered at our table only 1 turned out decent and it was a salad which is very hard to mess up. Service was okay and the location was nice. read more

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Brian D.

Hi Leland, we're incredibly upset about your experience. This type of…

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Derek M.

3 years ago

Good selection of rotating, competing tabs. Food was pretty good, I got the smashed burger. Great ambience with open air windows and good music. read more

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Brian D.

Thanks Derek, we're stoked you enjoyed your time at Validation Ale…

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Philip A.

4 years ago

The best Reuben sandwich and tater tots in town !!! Beer is awesome and the wait staff is super nice. Large comfortable space to spend time with family and friends. read more

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Brian D.

You're not wrong about that Reuben, it's addicting. We have a…

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Branden K.

189

4 years ago

Absolutely love this brewery: the location and vibe is incredible. They have this fun idea where the customers vote on their favorite beers - and all the beers are incredible. This is a must visit spot in the funk zone. read more

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Brian D.

Thanks Branden! I'm so glad you love the Validation concept.…

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Josh L.

3 years ago

Decent food but their seating arrangement is ridiculous. They have ample room but have not utilized their space very well. They also have no lights, heaters, or seats in their patio. A sad use of a funk zone restaurant space. read more

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Brian D.

Hey Josh, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. You're right…

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Debra H.

4 years ago

Just spent a wonderful afternoon walking around Santa Barbara and came upon this new Pub, VALIDATION ALE... yummy food, fantastic beer and wine, a great staff and fabulous owners! Proudly located in the funk zone in Santa Barbara... Recommend to all!!!! read more

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Brian D.

So glad you found us and gave Validation a try, thank you Debra!…

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Mike E.

4 years ago

Great place to grab a quick bite and drink. Food is on point and comes out quickly. Kids said that the food was faster than McDonalds. Beer is great too. Ever rotating selection of beer and lots of options for a flight. Like the idea of coming back in a month and the list changed based on the customer votes. Atmosphere is inviting and open. Lots of TVs to watch Sunday football. Place can get busy, so plan accordingly for larger groups (more than 4). Definitely plan on making this a regular stop when I'm in the SB area. read more

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Brian D.

I too am amazed at how fast the kitchen turns out quality food, glad…

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Josh B.

4 years ago

Super fun beer competition system. Great beer, awesome spot. They have some of the best lagers I have ever had. Good stuff!

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Brian D.

Glad you liked the lagers Josh! We have another new lager coming mid…

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Justin G.

4 years ago

Great beer, great food, great atmosphere and great people! Best bathrooms in Santa Barbara!

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Brian D.

Best bathrooms in SB is exactly what we are going for! Oh ya, glad…

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Nick T.

4 years ago

Very cool atmosphere and the beer is good but the food is not great. If you're going there just for atmosphere and beer then it's four stars. read more

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Brian D.

Thanks for the feedback Nick - happy you enjoyed the beer and…

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Chris H.

4 years ago

Love the look, the vibe, and the awesome staff, but unfortunately the beers are a bust. Maybe we picked the wrong day, as the "match up" changes daily, but we had the German Lager (fine, bland and overly hoppy for a "lager", really more of a pale ale) and the West Coast IPA (described as "crushable" yet was anything but). Nonetheless, we are excited to come back and see where this idea takes them. Always cool to have a new spot to head to in the funk zone! read more

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Brian D.

Thanks for coming in Chris! Glad our staff impressed you but it…

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Page 5 of 5

More info about Validation Ale

102 E Yanonali St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Directions
(805) 500-3111
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.validationale.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Validation Ale open?

Validation Ale opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Validation Ale opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Validation Ale close?

Validation Ale closes at 8:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.Validation Ale closes at 10:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Wed 11:30 AM - 8:30 PMThu-Fri 11:30 AM - 10:00 PMSat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMSun 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Validation Ale serve alcohol?

Yes, Validation Ale serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Validation Ale allow dogs?

Yes, Validation Ale allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Validation Ale have outdoor seating?

Yes, Validation Ale has outdoor seating options.

Does Validation Ale have parking?

Yes, Validation Ale has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Validation Ale allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Validation Ale allows outdoor smoking.

Does Validation Ale have free WiFi?

Yes, Validation Ale has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Validation Ale is a craft brewery restaurant with a unique concept that engages customers in decided what is brewed next. Validated beer is pit agains a new Vying recipe of similar type to see if the new brew should take over as the primary tap. The space is more handsome than most expect for a local brewery with curved walnut panels, massive doors and windows, and clean modern restrooms. And because no one likes fighting for a bartender’s attention, Validation Ale allows you to start, manage, and/or close your tab by using one of the QR codes on the bar and tables. And thanks to the reverse-osmosis tap on the wall, you never have to ask for water. “I’ve been home brewing for 12 years, and I’ve always wanted a brewery,” says the owner Brian. “But whether you’re a beer nerd like me or you’ve only had Coors your whole life, you’re welcome either way. We want this to be about community.”

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.

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Are you dog friendly?

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

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Great service. Love the vibe. And the food is great!!…read more Great cocktails If you in Santa Barbra check It out it's a lovely place for nice mid day drink and some food.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Surprisingly spacious, with good food…read more The hubby and I decided to stop here for lunch on our way up to Sara Barbara. We'd considered several other places in the area but some pub grub sounded good. It was a Wednesday and it was pretty deserted when we walked in. We were surprised by how large the space was--the front area had a bar and several pool tables, and the back area had another bar, lots of seating, and a stage. It must get pretty lively in the evenings. As with most pubs there weren't a ton of vegetarian options on the menu, so we were surprised but intrigued to see a plant-based shepherds pie on the menu. We decided to share that and a cup of potato leek soup. Both items were great--we highly recommend! Our server was genial and the prices were ok. It was definitely a fine lunch stop for us.

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Irish whiskey burger and fries

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Old Kings Road

They don't respect the alcohol limits. Today I had a terrible experience. I went to pick up my…read moreboyfriend, who was already drunk, and the bartender, knowing that the alcohol level was already high and that he shouldn't have sold him any more drinks, did so anyway. A man even bought drinks for my boyfriend, and I told him not to! The man got furious and started yelling at me. I recorded him, the bartender, and the bar staff too! I had to leave the place. I would like to file a report!Four months ago, the same thing happened! My boyfriend ordered some tequila shots, and I put my hand over the glasses to stop him from getting them. I told him he couldn't see the alcohol level, and the bartender got angry. I told him it was illegal to serve them like that! He didn't get them, but I had to intervene; otherwise, he would have gotten more drinks!

Yeah, it was all right. I popped in 'cos you know me, every time I'm in a new place, I've got to…read morehit up the British or Irish pub. Did like the attempt at English decor, namely the phonebox hanging on the side of the bar and the usage of the Underground signage. Appreciated the (at least two) beers on tap that were imports -- couldn't quite see what they were, but they had my Guinness, so that was enough for me. (They do have a good selection of taps, including 805, another blonde, etc. Again - since I really only drink Guinness, I can't say I paid much attention.) The one thing I will say is that the atmosphere can give off a... I dunno, vibe. It's quite dark inside, even when it's moderately light out. (I called in around 7pm). Nevertheless, you can get a Guinness, so that's good enough for me. 2025: 23/100

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The bar

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The Wicked Shamrock

Thee best dive bar, local watering hole, place of gathering or whatever you want to call it. The…read moreShamrock delivers! Always a great place to visit any time of day with guaranteed vibes. The bartenders are very friendly and the drink prices are very reasonable. They carry quite the variety with some specialty beers that hard to find on tap. A must visit especially on Tuesday Karaoke nights!

Sarah is an AMAZING bartender and Jaydon is the coolest bouncer; always taking care of their…read morepeople. The ambiance is bright, yet busy and welcoming. I love it here.

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The Perch In The Pines

Found a perfect little getaway, and the gem of the mountains! Get yourself an Airbnb for the…read moreweekend. There's hiking or antique hunting, iced latte at the cafe but most importantly stay and eat dinner at "The Perch In The Pines" it's really something special. I'm a self taught foodie, I was a sous chef who worked both BOH and front of house in a lot of really nice places. So trust me this place didn't just impress me .. it left a permanent mark. The ambience, the full bar, the views, the live music, the burger and oh my my... ‍ the South African flatbread... left me speechless! Do yourself a favor if you are sick of LA. Take a trip to the mountains. But Take your time at the perch.

The view from the upstairs deck onto the golf course was gorgeous. Service was fine, except that I…read morehad to order and pay inside at the bar while the locals seemed to have their orders taken at their table. The food was very salty. I had a few fries but could not eat most of them, they were coated with salt. The grilled cheese was made with sourdough and a bit less salty. Overall though, I was disappointed with the food. The complimentary water was chlorinated and undrinkable.

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Guitar

Berry Bramble

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A little keepsake from Luce the bartender's hometown

Barrelhouse 101

Beer Pressure…read more Classic American Pub located in Ventura that features over one hundred beers on tap and classic American comfort foods in a surprisingly family-friendly environment. The Good: * Beyond all the beers on tap, they also have a full bar. * Service was friendly and pretty good overall. * Secret menu for both food and drink. Shhhh...! * Their wings were fantastic! You've really gotta try the Strawbanero (Strawberry-Habanero) sauce, as it was a sweet and savory bite that had all three of us fighting over. * Buffalo Barrels (aka Tater Tots) were worth the $5 upgrade. But, I'm somewhat of a Tater Tot junkie, so take that advice for what it's worth. * Fries were fantastic, as well. * Short Rib Melt was delicious, but very, very rich. It could've used a little relief like some pickles either on it or on the side. The Meh: * They do have their own parking lot, but it is smallish and can fill up fast. There is some street parking available, as well. The Ugly: * They had a lot of beers that were out of commission, including several that I was pretty excited to try. =/ Conclusion: Great spot to get your suds and spuds!

Came here for a late lunch with my girlfriends that were visiting from out of town. Service was…read moregreat because our drinks were filled and food came out pretty quickly. The portions are Large!! I got the short rib sandwich with sweet potato fries. One friend got the carnitas nachos (also sooo tasty) and another got a shrimp wrap. No drinks for us but the happy hour menu looked fun. Would love to come back and check that out b

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101 beers on the wall (on tap)

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Jimmy's Pub

Perfection !!!! The ambiance The food The service was just perfection…read more We had lunch with friends here Sunday afternoon and loved every minute of out time here. Beautiful scenery and delicious lunch what more can you ask for. The Customer service was friendly and attentive. The fish tacos I ordered were so good, probably the best one ever. My husband got the smash burger and loved it. I had a bite of course and it was amazing. My friend got the shredded beef tacos and again amazing ,,, the French fries were made perfectly. No bad oil taste, crispy goodness. The appetizer we ordered came with a big warm puffy bread. Soooo good. Labneh and roaster pepper dip. We enjoyed every bite and dip. Overall a wonderful place to eat at when in Ojai. Specially if you are staying at the hotel. I can't wait to go back and order the fish tacos again. And a burger. lol

We had lunch & dinner here, they have friendly service, good food with indoor & outdoor seating. No…read morereservations, first come first serve seating. They have many gluten free options including GF pizza! We enjoyed the fish tacos, margarita pizza, pepperoni pizza, salad & lavender lemonade.

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Jimmy's Pub Smash Burger

Eggplant spread

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Lavender lemonade

Lucky Fools Pub

I was pleasantly surprised how good the food was at this pub!…read moreIt was much better than usual bar food and prices were very fair. Fish and chips were very good. Our waitress Lexie was THE best. She was pleasant, friendly and handled large group with ease. I will definitely go back and will ask to be in her area.

A last minute decision after previous plans were cancelled we ventured into Lucky Fool Pub for some…read moredinner. Great atmosphere and decor, our server was very friendly and helpful and checked on us even after our food was served. Let's s talk about the food, very good for a Pub scene, food was plenty and came out hot. The fish and chips (what I ordered) were very good, crunchy outside and fish was fresh and cooked to perfection. Not greasy at all. All our entrees had the option of skinny fries or fat fries. The French Dip had plenty of moist beef in it with a great Au Jus, burger was cooked to perfection and the smashed chicken sandwich was amazing. Plenty of choices of beer featuring local breweries as well as the standard go to's. We got there before the dinner crowd got there and it filled in fast. Great menu with lots of choices and they also serve a breakfast menu on the weekends. Glad we came in and was a very pleasant experience. Bravissimo Lucky Fool's, you gained a new customer. See you again, Ciao

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The Bar

Smashed Chicken Sandwich

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Avocado Mango Poke Salad

Ojai Pub

4.2

(103 reviews)

25.9 mi

OK, all you vegans out there! You may be surprised to find that this is an amazing place for a…read morevegan sausage... loaded. In addition, they're serving a an ice cream cookie that is all vegan, which was absolutely transcendent! The prices for the bottles of wine are fabulous. Live music almost every night. You do not want to miss this if you're in Ojai.

The happy hour is fantastic. Two for one margaritas for a total of $12 and they are excellent too!…read moreIt's become my go to for a chill after-work time with friends. Good food too. And friendly. Plenty of fun entertainment if you like trivia or music. They know what they're doing. And they're doing it well.

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Spinach & Artichoke Dip. Served with house made sourdough.

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Pub Chips. Served with Burnt Green Onion Non-Dairy Aioli

Zaidee’s

4.5

(61 reviews)

26.2 mi

It was my friend's birthday and she chose this spot for a birthday lunch. We went on a Saturday…read moreafternoon. It was a bit warm to sit outside (80°F) and the wait for outdoor was 30 min so we opt to sit inside. We still had a nice view of the golf course and the rolling hills behind the golf course. By the bar area is a huge bar bench with a huge open window. We didn't notice that spot otherwise I would have suggested it. (Next time!) The lunch prices were really great. Our total bill with tip was $50. I got the buffalo chicken sandwich that was delicious, juicy but also really messy. And my friend got the Bistro Burger. We spit out sandwich/burger in half with one another to try both. Although I liked my Buffalo chicken, I think I preferred the burger. We also both upgraded to truffle fries.

Came here with a group of 25 after a Porsche club drive, and we tried to be mindful by staggering…read moreinto three groups about 15 minutes apart so it wouldn't be too overwhelming. Upon arrival, the staff seemed a bit frazzled. The menu changed a few times, which made things a little confusing, but the two women helping us were very kind and did their best, they just didn't seem fully prepared for a group our size. We kept our orders simple, and surprisingly, the food came out extremely fast... before the coffee even arrived. Overall though, the food was good. I had the avocado toast, which was really tasty, and everyone in the group seemed to enjoy what they ordered. The real standout here is the setting, the golf course and surrounding grounds are absolutely beautiful and make for a really nice atmosphere. Overall, a solid spot for smaller groups or a casual outing, but larger parties might be a bit of a challenge for them.

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Inside

Patio

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Kin Bakeshop

Worth the hype! Came around a Saturday afternoon (3pm) and did not have to wait long. However most…read moreof the tables were taken. Parking was super easy to find. I LOVE how much cream they put in the matcha einspanner. The texture and taste of the cream really makes this a good drink. Ceremonial matcha was delicious and umami as always.

Delicious drinks and baked goods! Friendly and very sufficient staff!…read more Kin Bakeshop has become my must visit and the main place I look forward to whenever we make a trip to Santa Barbara. Their drinks are addictedly delicious! I have tried several different ones from espresso, latte, to matcha and non-caffeinated drinks. Each one has been consistently great. 2 stars Due to their popularity, there's always almost a line out the door. However, if you follow them on IG, they do post update stories throughout the day about quantity status and how long the wait would be. They're pretty efficient, so even with a long line, I've never waited more than 20-30mins. 1 star The store is not meant for a sit down and hang out or study spot, but big enough to fit a good number of customers waiting around for drinks. 1 star They don't offer latte art or even hot drink, but ALL of their cold drinks and baked good are more than enough to make up for that! 1 star Really wish they'll start expanding soon. Central Coast can really use a great Asian coffee/bakery. As for now, I'll just have to drive down to Santa Barbara once or twice a month to get my Kin fix! This is the breakdown of my rating for coffee shops: Quality of coffee/drinks/food: up to 2 stars Consistently offer latte art: 1 Star Atmosphere: 1 Star Customer service: 1 Star

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Ssuk (Mugwort) and Earl Grey Matcha Cream Top

Earl grey hojicha cream top (VERY GOOD)

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Matcha einspanner and black sesame and Hojicha einspanner

Third Window Brewing

Beer speaks for itself but their food needs to be highlighted!…read more - Pizza made with their own sourdough starter - Smashburger made from Wagyu from their own ranch - Wings were smoked and you know it's good when they offer Alabama white sauce Parking was difficult but you just have to drive around and find street parking

Visiting in SB and this spot came highly recommended online. We came around 5pm and found street…read moreparking nearby. There's a lot of seating, an open air warehouse vibe. You order at the bar and then seat yourself with a number where staff will bring your food. We got the original smashburger ($10.70) and large fries ($6.50). The burger comes with a side of pickles and has two patties inside. The fries come with two sauces. We chose the special sauce and chipotle aioli. Both sauces were delish with the fries! And the burger was amazing- crispy edges to the patty and juicy center with the brioche bun and pickles. I highly recommend.

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Original burger

Saison 5/5 Oct 2025

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Fried and house sauce

Scarlett Begonia

Outstanding service by our server Alex, very attentive, very helpful and didn't have to wait for…read moreanything- everything was perfect! Food is also awesome, huge sizes, we got breakfast sandwich and egg and steak, everything was delicious, fresh and also super instagramable Would definitely come back. Interiors are very welcoming, classy, I believe this is French or European style.

The food was very fresh and delicious. It was recommended by our hotel front desk (instead of the…read morehotel's own restaurant, haha). I an very glad we had a brunch here. My only star removed was due to some confusion with the delivery of our food and drinks. We almost received others' food and drinks a few times. We ordered the Shrimp and grits, and the table behind us had 2 shrimp and grits. So we got the first one and almost received a 2nd, and ai said wait that's not mine. The 2 plates were meant for the other table. Same with our sides. Sausage was almost delivered to us but we ordered bacon. The sausage was for a different table. There was one table on the outside area that was on an uneven surface, but once we moved tables, it was perfect. I lived eating outside under the umbrellas and had separation from the road by their bushes, so it was peaceful. I would definitely eat here again, despite the slight confusion on the food deliveries.

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The Cruisery

I made an itinerary for my birthday trip to Santa Barbara and even though I planned out every…read moresingle detail, we still managed to accidentally stumble upon this absolute gem by total surprise! We left completely and totally in love with this spot. The food was out of this world incredible, the service was welcoming and neighborly, and the decor was so tastefully unique. I can't get over this place; I crave it all of the time, and I am seriously wishing we lived in Santa Barbara just so we could be daily locals at The Cruisery. We went in for happy hour and ordered just about everything on the menu because the tapas selection is where it is at. I realized we ordered every single one; we couldn't help it because everything we tried was spectacular! The absolute standouts that we kept ordering over and over again were the Elote Cups, which are essentially esquites served in a clever, edible tortilla bowl, the Bacon Poppers, which are cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in crispy bacon, and the Riding a Pig, which is smoky BBQ pork with a perfect, crunchy slaw served on bread. Since we had been wine tasting all day, I switched over to a few rounds of their refreshing sangria, while my husband stuck to their beer and absolutely loved the unique craft selection they have on tap. As a huge bonus for pup parents, even though we did not have our dog with us this time, Santa Barbara is incredibly pet-friendly, and this place goes above and beyond. We saw they provide actual dog treats and fresh water bowls for the fur babies. Next time we visit, our pup is definitely coming with us. Don't do what I did and leave your itinerary to chance. Make this a planned stop on your next trip, order a drink, get the entire tapas menu, and thank me later!

One of my favorite bars in SB!…read more Of course, it's bike themed, so there's bike decor, it's a little darker during the evening time. They also serve food here as well. I haven't had any complaints about service, they're usually communicative and will get to you as quick as possible. There are paid parking lots nearby (free after 12a and free street parking nearby). I'd come with friends when they hosted bingo nights and when they have happy hour. During the bingo nights, you have the opportunity to win free drinks and some other prizes. For drinks, I highly recommend the tangerine spritz, Jamaican 10 speed, scooby snack shooter, or the red sangria!

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Savor creativity: Our chef's unique happy hour bites and craft cocktails, served on our inviting patio. A taste of innovation.

Experience culinary artistry: Chef's unique Tuna Crudo, an exquisite blend of flavors and textures, a visual and tasteful delight.

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Embark on a brunch adventure with our French Toast Flight featuring delectable options like mascarpone, torrijas, PB + J and Cinnamon Babka!

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Mel A.

5 months ago

We've been here before and rode over 30 miles to come back with a group of six. After a long ride, we ordered full meals and drinks and were happy to support the business again. We respectfully placed our bikes on an empty section of the outdoor patio. The restaurant wasn't busy, no one was sitting outside, and we were nearly done eating. The owner told his employee to tell us we couldn't have our bikes there. We explained to the owner the patio was empty and that we were about to leave anyway -- another 5-10 minutes and we would've been gone. Instead, we were singled out and told to move them. We did so without arguing because we respect his establishment, but it felt unnecessary and unwelcoming. What made it even stranger was that after telling us to move the bikes, he got back in his car and left. It's hard to understand why this became such an issue when he wasn't even there otherwise. Giving it 5 min would've solved the problem. On top of that, our table was very wobbly, the chairs were ripped and need replacing, and parts of the seating area were worn and peeling. Overall, it left a disappointing impression and made us feel unwelcome despite being paying, repeat customers. read more

Ashley R.

1 year ago

We hosted a wedding celebration at Validation Ale, and it was absolutely perfect for what we wanted! The space had such a welcoming vibe and was ideal for our family to relax, mingle, and celebrate together. It's dog-friendly, which was a huge plus for us, and there was plenty of room for the kids to run around and play cornhole while the adults caught up. The atmosphere was laid-back but still felt special enough for the occasion. The food and drinks were awesome. Everyone found something they loved. And the communication leading up to the event was super smooth. Reserving the space was easy, and the team was helpful and responsive throughout the process. We're so glad we chose Validation Ale! it made our celebration feel easy, fun, and full of great memories. Highly recommend! read more

Caleb L.

4 years ago

I've been here 3 times now and can say that I haven't had a bad experience. I came for the soft opening and everyone handled it well. Those can be stressful with all the people crowding the bar, and they handled it with grace and poise under pressure. The food is great. Cooked to order and brought out by a member of the kitchen staff personally. I see this place sticking around for a long, long time. read more

Justin H.

11 months ago

This place has turned into a day care. Kids running around unsupervised. Yelling and screaming with drunk parents. To think you could have created a brewery or a day care? Head to unbearable, 21 and over with no rug rats! read more

Anne N.

3 years ago

I've been validated by validation ale! I felt like a real human being finally able to have a beer, fries, and buffalo wings and all without having to sacrifice quality or flavor! THANK YOU!! read more

James C.

1 year ago

Emma and Lily were the bomb. We wouldnt be here without them. 85 characters is kind of a big ask

Josh H.

4 years ago

Great spot, great beer, even better staff. 10 out of 10 - definitely would recommend!

Validation Ale - breweries - Updated August 2026

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4.5

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Customer service and staff - 5 stars Food - 5 stars…read moreBeer - 5 stars Ambiance - 5 stars

Had the regular burger. Probably the worst I've ever had in my life. Patty is half the width of the…read moreburger and SUPER hard. Their ketchup has chili peppers in it... They should consider not having a food menu. They don't know what they are doing.

Validation Annex

4.6

(29 reviews)

Every time I pop in for lunch, Andrew is incredibly kind and welcoming. Validation Annex is already…read morea fantastic spot with a super convenient location, but the team really makes it special. Recently, the owner, Brian, was generous enough to let us host an art pop-up over the weekend, and Andrew happened to be working the shift. I actually got to meet Brian and his family in person while they were there, and they are the sweetest people. Andrew went above and beyond, making both me and my guests feel so taken care of, and constantly checking in to ensure everything ran smoothly. The entire Sunday crew--including Chef Ben--was absolutely amazing. We had a blast and can't wait to host 'YA 2 Art' here again soon. Thank you to Brian and the whole Validation crew for everything you do for your customers!

So much to love here at the new Validation Annex. Both the food and beer menus have something for…read moreeveryone. And their spacious indoor and outdoor dining spaces are very comfortable. Thanks Matt and Kaity for keeping us all fed with your delicious menu items, and thanks Keegan for the excellent food recommendations and service. Can't say enough about how much we enjoy both the Fried Chicken Sando and the Spicy Chicken Sando. And complimented with their Karaage Nuggies and Trufallo Cauliflower . . . delicious! They also have a nice Pizza selection, both pies and by the slice. Perfect. And yes, their beer selection is incredible. We always try something different, and the servers are best at making sure everything is served nice and cold. Right now my favorite is their Honey Blonde. Refreshing and delicious.

Night Lizard Brewing Company

4.7

(198 reviews)

•$$

Owner was there helping his employee's... ( super nice guy) it was a big night... World Cup game…read more.. Mexico game... We found a spot outside... my son and grandson choosing to stand so they could see the indoor BIG screen TV.... Eventually we got a spot inside... we stayed until the end.... We walked so no need for parking...

Excellent happy hour and many options on tap! Have not had many kombucha drinks but this one was…read moreboth delicious and pretty. Could be described as sweet and tart, like a better version of prosecco. Tons of space and daily events. The bar is open to the outside and there is plenty of outdoor seating as well. Owner was very friendly. Would love to come back for line dancing or trivia in the future!

Institution Ale - Santa Barbara

4.4

(259 reviews)

•$$

Absolutely love Institution Ale in downtown Santa Barbara. It's a great place to stop in for a…read moreshort visit or to take your time as you wander down gorgeous State Street. The atmosphere is top tier with big beautiful windows covering the front of the brewery giving you sweeping views of the tree lined State Street. Modern and clean inside, shiny concrete counter tops surround the large bar area and there's a good sized patio out front if you want to enjoy the breeze. There were so many beers that looked delicious that we opted for a flight so we could try as many as possible. They let us build our own flight and our favorite turned out to be a Thai chili infused brew but their IPA selection was really good too. They've got good happy hour deals and pretty cute merch. We opted just for drinks but their pizza looked pretty good on our neighbor's tables. This is a must visit for brew lovers when in downtown Santa Barbara.

Food was delicious service was just as good and you had views of the neighborhood and football…read moregames on the TVs. Plenty of Inside seating and some outdoor. They also have seating in the back that has arcade games. Definitely a place worth visiting will be back for sure.

Rincon Brewery

4.3

(78 reviews)

I am glad I picked Rincon for an early dinner during our recent anniversary trip in Santa Barbara!…read more A major plus, they sell food here, they have an extensive menu so it's easy to order at the bar, they bring it to your table, no hassle, running around for food from 1000 places! It might not be as trendy as other breweries in the Funk Zone area, but I don't care. Quiet and laid back was the vibe we needed! I love that they are located in an old Spanish looking house. Beautiful outdoor options, charming, quiet, great to enjoy a meal at! I don't care for their indoor area - with TV-s playing game and lacking decor. Service was great, friendly, Sam took care of us, he was nice, kind, attentive! Had their Mac Brown, a darker nice beer, smooth and started our feast with their nachos, we added chicken on which was a great decision since it was marinated and freshly grilled, you could taste the nice flavors right away. Great guacamole in top, a fun dish! We continued with the fried dill pickles (they come with Ranch and Sriracha sauce), very nice, had fried pickles before (in the South) and they were too greasy. Not here, crisp and tasty, lightly breaded. We finished with the onion rings tower, panko crusted, delicious flavor! They have locations in Ventura and Carpinteria! Great food and beer, nice service, very chill and relaxing. Rincon proved me right, gave us the fun, laid back experience we needed! Cheers to that, Mac Brown in hand!

(Drank/Dined 02/02/24 FR @ 6:00pm): You didn't need to con me into coming to this brewery!…read more I looked for some salvation and solace in the beer suds of Rincon Brewery while I waited out the freeway traffic back to Los Angeles after a bad day. This brewery was on my list of several to try since I was scheduled to work the upcoming Santa Barbara International Film Festival. I loved beer and was always thrilled to visit a brewery new to me. Were their libations a brighter spot on what was a darker day!? PURCHASE Cetaceans Dry Hopped Marzen Lager Beer 5.2% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.75): Rich golden amber color, floral malty aroma, low body, light malty flavor, smooth finish, and light malty aftertaste. My favorite of the ones I tried. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=N2clMCdp3sxjEPMxkFIO1Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Caught Inside Imperial DIPA Beer 8.6% ABV 16floz Draft ($8.50): Rich hazy amber color, earthy hoppy aroma, low body, slight bitter hoppy flavor, drying finish, and light hoppy aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=rXWQ8wG4UFIFDlZKwH087g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw [ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 4.0 of 5.0 STARS] Onion Rings ($8.00): A tower of seven plump La Reina (their own beer) lager-infused panko crusted rings all generally the same size, these were hot, lightly browned, crunchy, and had some tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (not sweet Maui) stayed intact. These were really good, I wasn't a fan of the somewhat watery ranch dipping sauce, and the "mere" seven rings surprisingly filled you up. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=n3NQ7J8Q1Uw6j6G1t3CLGw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Bates Blonde Fish + Chips ($17.00 + $2.00): Bates (their own beer) blonde-battered cod with a choice of housemade potato chips or french fries (I opted for these), I was impressed by the three thick darker brown pieces of fish and a pile of golden crispy crunchy spud sticks. This was a hot plate, and early bites of everything released soft whispers of steam. The cod was meaty, moist, lightly seasoned, and honestly didn't require the provided tarter dipping sauce (I used it for the fries). My only issue was that the fries weren't included, so in actuality this was a "fish plus chips" meal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fpuwzGbFwXqCwOdssuTSbw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Coastal American Lager Beer 5.5% ABV 16floz Can 4pk ($11.99): Bright amber color, citrusy lime malty aroma, low body, citrusy lime malty salty flavor, crisp effervescent finish, and light citrusy lime aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=FCS5RuJzpdwz2VstJ8wlbA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw 9th Anniversary Fleurs De Mer Saison Farmhouse Ale Beer 6.1% ABV 16.9floz Bottle ($9.00): Dark amber color, fruity tart yeast aroma, low body, earthy fruity tart yeast flavor, crisp drying finish, and light earthy fruity aftertaste. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=oUt_RJDUeFzIqfUlwzLMuQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw Stickers (Varied; COMP this instance): I loved stickers and enjoyed placing them at other breweries to spread the love! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=-E-QPl_6n-LQGn-Y3zrvoQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw SERVICE I was warmly greeted by a young man behind the bar where I sat. He gave me a quick rundown on their beers, and once I placed my order, the beer arrived immediately, while the food appeared within minutes. Everything was efficient and straightforward - thank you! PARKING (FREE) Street parking only, I found a spot along the main drag of Santa Barbara St. while there were plenty on other surrounding roads - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE Located in the "Funk Zone", the interior was an open spacious layout, a ton of places to sit, a multi-sided bar with barstools, and various surfboards hung on the walls. There was also a large exposed outdoor patio. Plenty of natural lighting came in through the large windows, obviously plenty outside, while various electric ceiling lights filled in the rest inside while decorative string lights outside. There were two TVs while Emo music (e.g. Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory, Sum 41) played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=O-v3lFvwpLlljOvdH7CpVw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Rincon Brewery ended my day on a positive note, and I would love to return and try more of their beers. Their food was lovely and appreciated, they had a happy hour (MO-TH), it was a relaxing place, the service was very good, and the beer prices were comparable (beer flights also available). The food menu was varied and not just bar snacks. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $71.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

Figueroa Mountain Brewing

4.1

(489 reviews)

•$$

Today is Thursday so apparently they Welcome & Treat College students with a night of their own $5…read morePints from 6 - Close. Don't forget your ID Bru! Excellent beers served with a smile; The brews choices are endless but I'm such a light weight I decided on Citrus Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara Citrus "te digo" lol it's only 4.3 Love it, it's crisp & fruity tasting but yet refreshingly light. "No calories" Bueno ... not that many. It's a perfect location for sightseeing y shopping, do drink responsibly, "yo digo" y la ley de Santa Bárbara, CA.

We went in for a sit down break...and of course a beer…read more.. Staff were friendly and helpful...

M. Special Brewing Company

3.4

(87 reviews)

•$$

We had our wedding reception in the back patio here and it was incredible! Sam (manager/events) was…read morean absolutely joy to work with. She is so communicative, professional, kind, and truly helped our vision come to life. She deserves SO much credit for making our wedding flawless and for keeping M Special running. Our bartender, Sammi, was also amazing and so much fun!! She even took a ton of photos for our guests which was so kind and an added bonus. All of the drinks they served were delicious and all of our guests had an amazing time. Thank you M Special, Sam, and Sammi for the best day/night ever!!

We stopped in after watching our daughter play in the area because this place was recommended to us…read moreas a nice spot to grab a drink. Unfortunately, it was the complete opposite of what we expected. We won't be coming back. The atmosphere just wasn't for us, and it's definitely not somewhere I'd bring my family.

Brass Bear Brewing

3.9

(206 reviews)

•$$

We had our wedding reception at Brass Bear Brewing Co. Uptown and I honestly cannot put into words…read morehow incredible this team was. They didn't just host our wedding- they genuinely took care of us, and I will be grateful to them forever for the amount of love, effort, and attention they poured into our day. From the beginning, Emily (the venue coordinator) was absolutely amazing. She was endlessly communicative, patient, accommodating, and supportive through every question, vision, change, and stress spiral I had throughout planning. Somehow she made all of my ideas come to life while still respecting our budget, which felt impossible at times. She truly became one of the people I trusted most throughout this process and was genuinely my hero. Kenzie and Melanie were our event leads the day of, and they completely ran the show flawlessly. They didn't just decorate the space beautifully (which they absolutely did -it looked PERFECT), they made sure Tyler and I were taken care of every second of the night. They got us food and drinks so we could actually eat without constantly being stopped, checked on us throughout the evening, handled problems before we even knew they existed, and made sure we were happy, relaxed, and able to actually enjoy our wedding. They made the entire night feel effortless, and I truly cannot imagine the day without them. We also specifically requested Darren as our bartender because we already loved him so much, and even though it was his normal day off, he still came in for our wedding. That meant the world to us. Anthony and Declan were also incredible support staff and helped keep everything running seamlessly all night long. Every single person at Brass Bear went above and beyond for us in ways I'll never fully be able to express. Our guests are still talking about how wonderful everything was, and truly one of the best decisions we made for our wedding was choosing this venue and this team.

Such a cute, casual, and fun spot! It was very warm the day I visited so i really wanted to dine…read moreindoors with my daughter but unfortunately they were hosting an event. We sat outdoors and roasted even with the umbrellas they provided. Food took extremely long to arrive because we opted to order online ourselves but they never received our order. So make sure to double check with them to ensure your order went through if you choose to order yourself on mobile device. Nonetheless, food was delicious and drinks were refreshing! Also plenty of parking in the lot when there's no events going on. That's a plus for me!

Lama Dog Tap Room

4.1

(335 reviews)

•$$

Lots of great beer, wine, and cocktail choices. Really enjoyed their Frozen Mango Margarita, and…read morethe husband enjoyed his Old Fashioned. Would love to come back and try some of their beers on tap. Love the wide open seating inside, and even saw a couple dogs. Happy to have another place on my list that I can visit with my doggo! They also had a little restaurant (Nook) you could order food at. A bit over-priced, but the food was good. Lobster Mac & Cheese was a little short on the lobster but was overall tasty. We came during a weekday afternoon and had no problems finding street parking. Overall, a great choice to just relax and enjoy a drink.

Super impressed with the adult beverage game, Beer, Wine, and Cocktails available!…read moreBeer cave with a variety of choices and a mix&match deal Food available too! Well behaved Dogs allowed on patio Tried the Boochcraft Strawberry Lemonade - very nice! Also ordered the Sauvignon Blanc - refreshing Great atmosphere Beach, chill & relaxing vibes 10 out of 10 Izzy made our first time experience amazing, thank you!!!

Yellow Belly

4.2

(409 reviews)

•$$

Great atmosphere. Laid back! Perfect for lunch. Hubby had a sour beer and I had a local red wine…read more We got fish and chips and a burger. They hit the spot.

I LOVE Yellow Belly! Such a fun spot with yummy food. I appreciate that they have both indoor and…read moreoutdoor seating. Their brunch is filled with great options. They also have a great selection of beers on tap. It's usually pretty easy to find street parking nearby. The service is always great. I definitely recommend this spot! I recently tried their pretzel and the mustard they serve it with is sooo good!

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