This Friday marks the last day for Bar Lou on Coast Village Road. Despite a flurry of interest after it opened in November 2024, the restaurant never gelled with local diners. For many months, at least till Little Mountain opened, the main topic of conversation among Montecito foodies was why Bar Lou wasn’t working—the location is enviable, and the space is handsome (with the prettiest outdoor seating in town). Given those factors, it will surely prove tempting to another restaurateur, especially one who understands the value of not having to pull permits.
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It’s a shame…I actually can’t believe Local outlasted Bar Lou. I feel like Montecito needs to figure out what it wants to be. The only “new” restaurants that have really meshed in Montecito are Bettina and Honor Bar though I feel like Clark’s will soon be in that category also.
Sad. We enjoyed the food & service every time we dined there.