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Where the Locals Go
Don't waste your time trying to figure out Santa Barbara's favorite eateries. Try these local spots and make your mouth happy.
- Famous Flatbread: Organic, all-natural, handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas are the specialty at Full of Life Flatbread (formerly known as American Flatbread). Foodies flock here on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (when Full of Life converts its production bakery into a restaurant) for the warm atmosphere, local wines and beers, and most of all, the top notch pizzas (like the Mushroom and Caramelized Onions) made with local ingredients. Info: 225 W. Bell St., Los Alamos; 805.344.4400; fulloflifefoods.com.
- Cue It Up! Some folks say that the Hitching Post II serves up some of the best Santa Maria-style barbecue in the state. Grilling slowly over an open fire of red oak lends the juicy steaks, chicken, pork and lamb a wonderfully smoky taste. This popular outpost, which had a star turn in the movie Sideways, was established in 1986, but the original restaurant is the Casmalia Hitching Post, established in 1952. Info: 406 E. California Route 246, Buellton; 805.688.0676.
- Home Brew: Santa Barbara Roasting Company, or "RoCo," as locals fondly call it, roasts and air-cools its beans in small batches-watch the process at the Motor Way location-resulting in an unforgettable cup o' Joe. You may find yourself addicted to the State Street Blend, a smooth, rich double French Roast that's so popular it's brewed daily. Info: 321 Motor Way, 805.962.0320, 800.321.JAVA.
- Boat-dacious: Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. is a favorite local spot for casual, fresh seafood dishes from chowder bread bowls and shrimp tacos to crab cakes and cioppino. Perched on the end of Stearns Wharf, it's the perfect spot to take in the stunning harbor views and to people watch. Info: 230 Stearns Wharf, 805.966.6676, sbfishhouse.com.
- Smooth Operators: Three sporty, local guys on a quest for healthy, low-fat, high energy meals started Blenders in the Grass at a small Isla Vista storefront in 1995. Today it's blossomed into 12 locations serving high-quality smoothies (try the Tropical Mango) that make for a delicious on-the-go meal or a refreshing, healthy pick-me-up. You can visit drinkblenders.com for more blendicious locations. Info: 720 State St., 805.962.5715.
Author: Nancy Ransohoff
