••• The folks behind Apna are opening a “coastal inspired tandoori grill” called Bombay Station 734 in Bibi Ji’s former space at 734 State Street (between De La Guerra and Ortega), where according to the sign, it will serve breakfast and lunch. The website promises cocktails, but the liquor-license application is for beer and wine only.
••• In September, Pali Wine Co. will close its Funk Zone tasting room for renovation and construction (renderings here that may be out of date). While the work is being done, it will operate across the street at 137 Anacapa Street (below).
••• The shop opening at 800 State Street (at De La Guerra), most recently a Starbucks, will indeed be a candy store called Confectionarium. (Er, sounds fun….) A help-wanted ad states that “guests can explore unique bulk candy, nostalgic favorites, locally inspired treats, and interactive moments that spark joy for guests of all ages.”
••• Pokewaves opened in Isla Vista. —Restaurant Guy
••• Cuso’s has consolidated, now selling bikes, ice cream, sandwiches, and more at 609 State Street (between Ortega and Cota), where it has applied for a beer-and-wine license. The Cuso’s Creamery ice cream shop across the street at 620 State has closed.
••• Ojai’s Ranch House is being reinvented as “Italian food with fresh pastas and fermented pizza dough [at] at approachable prince point.” —805Foodie
••• I walked by Sandbar (514 State Street, between Cota and Haley) for the first time since it reopened after a big renovation, and it looks sharp. But I still think the cheap fake-wood boardwalks that the city installed on that block have to go.
••• Analogue Room, the “vinyl lounge, wine and beer bar, bottle and record shop, and pizza kitchen” has officially opened in Solvang. In an interesting twist, the food component is being called Side Hustle Pizza powered by Revolver, and the initial menu includes margherita and pepperoni by the square slice or whole, along with market and Caesar salads. Photos by Colin Brady.
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Pokewaves has great poke and sushi. Hope they keep the original location open with the new location up and running.
As a cocktail drinker who does not like beer or wine, there is no greater disappointment than when a restaurant advertise cocktails, only to get to the establish and find wine or sake and mixers masquerading. I sympathize with the costs and other hurdles (I can only imagine !) of obtaining a liquor license, but wish establishments would not pretend.
I agree the fake wood sidewalks are ridiculous but I like them as a ‘proof of concept’ of sorts for whatever they’re calling the latest plan for State Street. Raising the street so it’s level with the sidewalks to create the promenade is the way to go. Eating in parklets and strolling the asphalt is ghetto. Not the image I imagine anyone doing business on State wants to project.
I think the city of SB has physically changed state street at least 8 times since 2020 just pissing our dollars away. It’s how California rolls.
Hubby and I tried the newly refreshed Sandbar for dinner recently. I ordered fish tacos which were delish (albeit a bit skimpy on the grilled fish) and hubby ordered Achiote Beso Salmon — crispy sweet corncake, tomatillo chipotle salsa, and serrano crema. That dish was THE highlight of the evening!
Great service, too. The staff really communicates & works well together. Kudos to the hiring manager.
Delicious skinny margaritas!
I agree! My husband and I went for dinner last week and it was an excellent experience in terms of food, drinks & service!