Defining Dives in Santa Barbara County
Story and photos by Zach Rosen
It is often difficult to define what makes a dive bar a dive bar. Is it the dive’s history? Is it the simple drink list? The ambiance and longtime regulars? Maybe even the bar just has long hours, making it a place of refuge for any time of day.
Each of these bars not only find their own unique expression of “dive,” but they bring their own defining character to the community that surrounds them.
Elsie’s Tavern
One of the most debated topics between local drinkers is whether Elsie’s Tavern is a dive bar or not. It serves beer and wine only, which often makes people exclude it; however, the ambiance certainly brings the dive feel (only it’s a little more artsy and polished than a normal dive). Stylish lamps, old license plates, quirky paintings, and eccentric trinkets, plus a plethora of photographs, give regulars something to continue to look at and discover over the years. Couches, and plenty of comfy nooks and crannies, are what make this bar such a popular spot for gathering with friends. Rotating art exhibits bring something new to the walls, and Elsie’s is often the first stop for blossoming artists in the area.
Many of the people there have been regulars for years, and the easiest way to identify a tourist visiting it is if they come in asking for a shot of something (the bar is cash-only, so make sure to bring the green). They have started serving shochu cocktails, but here beer is the go-to, and Elsie’s has offered the same wide range of brews for more than a decade. Their menu has changed a little as brewers come and go, but the biggest switch-up in offerings is on their rotating “Dragon” and “Wizard” taps.
Find Elsie’s at 117 W. de La Guerra St, Santa Barbara.
The Sportsman
For decades, The Sportsman was one of Santa Barbara’s most popular dives. It closed its doors in 2017 due to a rent increase — much to the dismay of locals — but fortunately, it found a new home on State Street just a year later. Its stylized blue neon sign used to define its old location on Figueroa Street. The City of Santa Barbara has strict sign ordinances on exterior neon signs, so the iconic sign now sits inside the space, where it illuminates its clientele with familiar vibes.
Located in the heart of downtown, The Sportsman contrasts with the historic Granada Theater and the posh Good Lion cocktail bar that sit next door. While operagoers and mixologists crowd outside, a friendly yet feisty audience fills the dive with an energetic air where the only thing stronger than the drinks are the conversations going on. The bar has simple décor and old photographs of athletes, and deer heads along a wall looking down on its patrons. A pool table sits in the front window and TVs play the obligatory sports that help give the dive its name. But really, this bar is about getting to know friends and strangers better over stiff drinks.
Find The Sportsman at 1226 State St, Santa Barbara.
The Cliff Room
The neighborhood known as The Mesa, which lingers over Santa Barbara, is its own microcosm with distinct businesses and ambiance. The Cliff Room has been serving cheap drinks and warm vibes to Mesa locals since 1986. The long, thin bar is nestled between local businesses on Cliff Drive. With dual pool tables in the back and brick and wood planks lining the wall, this dive has a cozy feel. Behind the bar, a portrait of Jack Nicholson blowing a smoke ring sets the tone of the space.
One of the longstanding draws is its Thursday night karaoke that brings in throngs of locals. The place fills with groups of friends sitting in the big booths eagerly waiting their turn to sing a tune. As the evening and voices wane, and the neighboring culinary mainstays like Rose Café, Alcazar, and Ichiban Sushi have gone to rest, the breathless troubadours can often be seen congregating at the small Taco Bell take-out window in the back parking lot. Sometimes a little late-night fast food is the perfect complement for a night of singing your favorite songs at a dive.
Find The Cliff Room at 1828 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara.
Tiburon Tavern
Just down from Mesa Hill on upper State Street is another karaoke mainstay in the community. Tiburon Tavern has been a definitive spot for the song sport for decades, with coworkers and friends flocking to the dive every Friday and Saturday night. Some singers may have even been coming here as long as it has been offering karaoke.
Tiburon is Spanish for shark, and the dive’s emblem is a shark swimming in a martini glass. The sign for the bar sits next to a distinct red awning and vine-covered wall with a small bench underneath. The charming frontage belies the quintessentially dark, dank dive within. Enter the Tiburon and one will find a bar that spans the space and faces a bench with adorning cocktail tables that line the wall. When the high-energy karaoke scene is not happening, the dive takes on a more serene pace, with regulars stopping in for a drink and a place to spend the day, or just get a little relaxation after work.
Find Tiburon Tavern at 3116 State St, Santa Barbara.
Brew & Cue
Brew & Cue is one of Santa Barbara County’s newest dive bars. Started by owners Jessica and Joseph Dolce and Yesenia Marquez in 2021, the bar sits near the corner of Linden and Carpinteria Avenue along the city’s main thoroughfare and just down the street from Carpinteria’s historic Alcazar Theatre. Brew & Cue uses the slogan “Coastal Hangout,” and it certainly lives up to this description with palm trees sitting out front, an adobe stucco façade, and a balcony above.
While Brew & Cue serves cocktails, wine, and of course, brews, its main draw is the range of entertainment and games. Naturally, there are pool tables and TVs, along with a slew of arcade games, darts, air hockey, and most especially, pinball machines that give patrons plenty to do while there. The back wall even hosts a jukebox from the iconic (and now shuttered) Palms restaurant, where Jessica used to bartend. Another unique feature is the long bar that has been epoxied with beach finds and mementos from the owners’ lives, giving a story for the bar to tell and visitors to discover.
Find Brew & Cue at 4954 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria.
The Nugget
Open since the ‘50s, The Nugget Bar & Grill is a blend of a saloon-style restaurant with a dash of dive vibes that pays homage to California’s past. The Western theme is animated with loads of mining gear, taxidermy, and photographs from the Old West filling the walls. One may occasionally even see a horse or two tied up out front. The front façade looks like an old saloon adorned with wagon wheels. Inside, wood and leather define the décor, giving the establishment a distinctly brown tone with strings of holiday lights bringing a little color to the restaurant.
Located in the small cheery town of Summerland, and with outposts in Goleta and Carpinteria, The Nugget is the spot to grab not just a stiff drink but a T-bone steak as well. While plenty of people just come for the drinks, it is a popular eatery with a range of classic American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and steaks, including its popular Prime Rib Night on Fridays and Saturdays. The Weekend Brunches bring out crowds of locals sipping on Tequila Sunrises to wash down their popular Chile Verde Working Man’s Breakfast, served with two eggs.
Find The Nugget at 2318 Lillie Ave, Summerland.
Jasper’s
Just north of Santa Barbara along the 101, lies the slower-moving town of Lompoc. One dive bar has been serving this community for nearly 100 years. Named in 2010 by Playboy’s Guide to America’s Greatest Bars as one of the best dive bars in the country, Jasper’s was founded in 1933 by Jasper Wygal. The bar has changed ownership and locations over the years, and today, it is marked by a simple sign with red lettering on H Street just off Ocean Avenue. A mural depicting the area’s viticulture community and other historical moments lines the outside of the bar, and inside, the ceiling is covered with beer paraphernalia, posters, license plates, and musical instruments.
In fact, many of these objects fill the surrounding walls as well, and there are doodads and trinkets to be seen in every direction. The place is a testament to the lesser-known history of Lompoc with everything from a shrine to W.C. Fields, who set his 1940 film “The Bank Dick” in the town, to keepsakes from locals. With twenty taps and a full bar, there is plenty to drink but really this establishment is for regulars to show their Lompoc pride and visitors to learn more about the area.
Find Jasper’s at 114 S. H St, Lompoc.
The Wicked Shamrock
Just a few blocks away from Jasper’s and off the corner of Walnut Avenue is a dive with a little less history, but just as much frivolity. The Wicked Shamrock describes itself as an “Irish Surf Pub.” The unusual moniker comes from part-owner Dominic Keen, who is both Irish and a surfer, and just as uniquely, is a fifth-grade teacher during his day job. Co-owned with Ben Harper, the bar will often play surf videos on the TVs and seeks to bring the warm, welcoming environment of a pub.
It was renamed from the Red Fox in 2021, and now sports shamrock green walls and details, with a marker board describing its large, revolving tap list. Stickers are slapped all over the draft tables and shamrocks, Irish adornments, and pub décor give this surf dive its truly unique nature. Daily specials like Tequila Tuesday and Whiskey Wednesdays also give each day its own flavor.
Find The Wicked Shamrock at 143 N. H St, Lompoc.
The Maverick Saloon
Today, Santa Ynez is known as one of the Central Coast’s definitive wine towns. But The Maverick Saloon has been around for much longer than any wine trail. Since 1906, it has been serving up drinks to passersby and locals. In the ‘60s, a barn was built next door from materials salvaged from demolished Victorian houses. The barn became a permanent part of the Maverick Saloon in 1992, and today, it serves as an entertainment annex for the saloon where bands, karaoke, parties, and other live entertainment keeps its visitors moving.
The building lives up to its saloon descriptor, with the inside and attached barn looking like an authentic antique space — because The Maverick actually is antique. The ceiling and walls are littered with countless dollar bills along with notes, autographs, and other memories that tell of this establishment’s long history. Both the inside and quaint outdoor porch area hosts guests with a menu of American food and specialty drinks — like the Lulu Bell, which plays off the original restaurant’s name and blends Tito’s Vodka with St. Germain, strawberry, lime, and mint.
Find The Maverick Saloon at 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez.
High Roller Tiki Lounge
The touristy town of Solvang is best known for its Danish history, and not necessarily its tiki drinks. Yet that is what High Roller Tiki Lounge brings, and delivers them well. The small bar looks like a tiki shack attached to a Danish building and is a special sight among the distinct architecture of Solvang. Come inside the lounge and you’ll find iconic tiki décor with palm frond overhangs, plenty of masks, tropical lighting, and maritime details.
The High Roller does not have a liquor license but does serve a series of tiki drinks that use “liquor-alternative spirits” to give each drink a real cocktail feel and flavor. Others are unique twists on classic drinks, like their Suffering Scandinavian which melds white wine, ginger beer, lime juice, and bitters. The Inland Tsunami takes “rum” and mixes it with basil syrup, lime, lemongrass syrup, and coconut cream. Also of note is their Bettie Page wines that feature label designs from retro artist Al Abbazia. Whatever one you choose, each drink will bring an unexpected exotic feel to any visit to this Danish town.
Find High Roller Tiki Lounge at 433 Alisal Rd, Solvang.