The best bars & nightlife in Santa Barbara

8 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Santa Barbara’s best · Restaurants · Bakeries & Sweets · Entertainment · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Beauty · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Pets · Shopping · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Santa Barbara today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Santa Barbara — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Nightlife · 8 places · showing the latest additions first

Need a midweek lift? Santa Barbara Bubbly Lounge pours curated flights of California méthode champenoise in a relaxed, speakeasy-style…

HISTORIC EL PASEO, 23 E De La Guerra St Ste 100

Need a midweek lift? Santa Barbara Bubbly Lounge pours curated flights of California méthode champenoise in a relaxed, speakeasy-style lounge inside El Paseo, with food pairings that make the bubbles pop, cozy vibes, and the kind of effortless indulgence that turns Tuesday into a tiny celebration.

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 4, 2026

Website ↗

Relaxed, European-inspired spot for paninis, pizzas and charcuterie plates, plus beer and wine.

618 Anacapa St #1867

Relaxed, European-inspired spot for paninis, pizzas and charcuterie plates, plus beer and wine.

Website ↗

Tasting room offering a wide variety of hard ciders, plus games and a food truck.

325 Rutherford St Ste D (Goleta)

Tasting room offering a wide variety of hard ciders, plus games and a food truck.

Website ↗

Laid-back, neighborhood watering hole known for its cocktails, beer selection, and egg rolls.

122 E Canon Perdido St

Laid-back, neighborhood watering hole known for its cocktails, beer selection, and egg rolls.

Website ↗
Run a Santa Barbara business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

The Red Piano

Nightlife

Warmly swank, red-&-brick-exposed venue serving cocktails, beers & wine alongside live music.

519 State St

Warmly swank, red-&-brick-exposed venue serving cocktails, beers & wine alongside live music.

Website ↗

Intimate tapas spot specializing in Latin American & European plates, plus cocktails & global wines.

1812 Cliff Dr

Intimate tapas spot specializing in Latin American & European plates, plus cocktails & global wines.

Website ↗

Casual tasting room offering Pinot Noirs and other varietals in a cozy space.

12 Helena Ave

Casual tasting room offering Pinot Noirs and other varietals in a cozy space.

Website ↗

Local beer & wine offered in a cool, relaxed space with country-style decor, games & outdoor seats.

12 W Haley St

Local beer & wine offered in a cool, relaxed space with country-style decor, games & outdoor seats.

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →