It sounds obvious, but there are lots of people doing lots of things around Santa Barbara. You’ve got UCSB students. You’ve got tourists. You’ve got the bloody Funk Zone. Basically, it’s non-stop and everyone tries to be as efficient as possible. Which is reflected in a lot of the burger joints around here. This is the guide to use for when you just want a late-night smash burger after class, a big group lunch with truffle fries, or just to pick up a classic cheeseburger on the way home.
Cajun Kitchen
$ | (805) 965-1004 | WEBSITE
Cajun Kitchen is the go-to spot for those craving Southern comfort with a California twist. Need we say more? Probably not, but we will anyway. It’s got the same breakfast and Cajun specialities that we know and love—crispy home fries, golden brown toast, perfectly cooked eggs, and that must-try Shrimp and Andouille Grits—only in a cozy and welcoming space in Santa Barbara. It’s super casual and walk-in only. Though, after the first time, you’ll find yourself walking in again and again.
Islands Restaurant Santa Barbara
$ | (805) 946-0044 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing like a bit of fun. And Islands Restaurant Santa Barbara is a spot that understands that. Not in a gimmicky, over-the-top way, but in a ‘wow, look at how they nail that surfer vibe while serving up a killer burger’ kind of way. They specialise in tasty burgers—including the Beachside Sliders and Hawaiian Burger with teriyaki and grilled pineapple—but they also serve other classics like the Mushroom Swiss burger, some very tasty sweet potato fries, and a decent beer selection.
The atmosphere is clean, pleasant, and fun, but the chill, relaxed feel makes it perfect for grabbing food and hanging out, a casual dinner with friends, or just enjoying those onion rings that never disappoint.
Kyle’s Kitchen
$ | (805) 962-8500 | WEBSITE
You should expect two things from Kyle’s Kitchen. One is a line out the door. And the other is the kind of spicy chicken avocado sandwich that makes you understand exactly why there’s a line. The walls of this popular spot are clean and bright, there’s an outdoor patio, and a portion of sales goes to local charities. Basically, it’s affordable, it’s welcoming, and the food is fresh.
Be warned, it’s popular for delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats, and the staff, including the general manager, are friendly.
Farmer Boy
$ | (805) 845-6749 | WEBSITE
There are restaurants you save for lazy weekend mornings, others you crave after a long day, and some that you simply want to settle into for a reliably satisfying meal. Farmer Boy is all of the above. Cozy but perfectly executed, just like the food it serves, there is little that doesn’t feel right about this burger spot that’s a pleasant stroll through Santa Barbara. It feels more like a morning or afternoon at a culinarily-gifted neighbor’s kitchen than anything pretentious.
Expect the room to be filled with lively chatter, elbows on clean tables, and forks and napkins that are getting stuck into chorizo, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, salmon burgers with side salads, and more.
Root Burger
$ | (805) 893-7060 | WEBSITE
Root Burger is exactly the kind of spot every busy campus area needs. This is a straightforward, no-fuss burger joint that keeps things simple. The burgers are the kind with a satisfying, hearty patty, and a fresh, crisp lettuce wrap alternative. They’re a steal at under ten bucks for a black bean burger, considering how flavorful they are. Unfortunately this place is no secret and it’s usually packed, so plan ahead if you’re going at peak lunchtime.
Chubbies Hamburgers
$ | (805) 687-7113 | WEBSITE
Grabbing a Chubby combo with all the fixings—a double cheeseburger, say, and, crispy fries—from Chubbies is just the ticket for anyone who’s looking for a midweek pick-me-up. The classic burger joint has a selection of toppings to choose from, but the familiar (the melty cheese) and the tangy (the creamy ranch dressing) are go-tos. There are a handful of tables inside and plenty of parking outside. Quick lunches rarely get better than this.
Natural Cafe
$ | (805) 563-1163 | WEBSITE
When it comes to Natural Cafe, we’re still slightly suspicious that someone stole an entire healthy eatery from a California farm and dropped it down in Santa Barbara. This fresh-focused spot has been here for years and everything from its attentive staff member Jesus, to the quick service, and open seating, means that you’re pretty much guaranteed a satisfying meal here.
Don’t miss their Chipotle Chicken Burger, a hearty burger with perfect seasoning that arrives at your table within fifteen minutes. See, consistently delicious.
Mesa Burger – Santa Barbara, Mesa
$ | (805) 963-7492 | WEBSITE
Mesa Burger is the most aesthetically pleasing burger joint in Santa Barbara. We know we’re not meant to care about these things, but, honestly, it’s hard to resist a little smile when you’re served on actual dishes instead of paper baskets. This place isn’t trying to be fancy, it just is. The burgers themselves are tasty enough, though by no means the best we’ve ever had.
It doesn’t really matter though as a solid burger with crispy fries is well under fifteen bucks, and also a bit priceless in a place like this.
Happy Cat Eats
$ | (805) 690-1650 | WEBSITE
Everyone knows the value of a spot where you can just show up and grab a seat, no fuss, any time you’re hungry. Especially one that actually serves great food. Happy Cat Eats is one of those. This burger joint in Santa Barbara is one of our go-tos when we’re craving something delicious, solo or with friends. Although we enjoy a lot of the menu, it’s the truffle burger that we keep coming back for. That said, don’t sleep on their cinnamon rolls. They’re some of the best we’ve had.
Habit Burger & Grill
$ | (805) 892-5400 | WEBSITE
Habit Burger & Grill is a straightforward burger joint right on State Street. The space itself is always clean and the menu is pretty simple and full of value-priced American classics. Ignore all these distractions and focus on one thing only: the burgers. This place is home to Santa Barbara’s most reliable charbroiled patties. Whether it’s the charburger with cheese, bacon, and raw onion, or the BBQ chicken sandwich, every bite is pretty satisfying.
Shoreline Beach Cafe
$ | (805) 568-0064 | WEBSITE
Shoreline Beach Cafe is a beachfront spot that specialises in seafood with a view. Basically, it’s similar to a classic California beach shack that’s been given a serious upgrade and polished up nicely. When it comes to dishes you can expect everything from fried calamari, to clam chowder, to our personal favourite, the daily fish special. It’s a friendly and relaxed space but be warned, Shoreline Beach Cafe gets busy and reservations are recommended for larger groups.
McDonald’s
$ | (805) 965-7875 | WEBSITE
You’ve probably got lots of big, important things on your bucket list, like skydiving, making a family, and finally watching the entirety of The Wire. But no matter what else you’ve got planned for your day, a stop at McDonald’s should happen. This fast food spot on Milpas Avenue is so much more than just a quick bite. There’s a view so pleasant the memory of it will appear before you as a mirage whenever you’re stuck in traffic.
There’s the kind of clean but bright interior that ensures you’ll have a good time whether you’re here for a full meal or just a quick burger in the glass-roofed section up front. And there’s the kind of atmosphere that makes it easy to stay. Even if you’ve got plans to watch The Wire.
Coral Tree Cafe
$ | (805) 893-4704 | WEBSITE
You’ll find the breakfast quinoa bowl with dates and honey, and the vegan bounty bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pickled onions, and kale at Coral Tree Cafe. The campus restaurant is known for its healthy and fresh meals and although this spot has long wait times due to its popularity, it’s still a good choice for some delicious food and more. Just remember to expect everything busy. Not the polite kind of busy either.