Welcome Wagon

February 4, 2024

Silvers Omakase Is Aiming for the Stars

The former Seven Bar & Kitchen space in the Funk Zone has been converted to a plush jewel box, the better to spotlight the cooking of chef Lennon Silvers Lee. "You’re coming for the best sushi experience you can have in the United States," promises cofounder Lisa Green.

August 3, 2023

A Popular L.A. Deli Is Coming to Santa Barbara

Exciting news for sandwich aficionados: Wexler's Deli, which specializes in house-smoked, hand-sliced meat and fish, is opening an outpost here. 45

July 29, 2023

First Look Inside The Eddy, a Contemporary Corner Store

The first items you’ll see upon entering are Lay’s potato chips and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, but they’re fun outliers. The focus is decidedly artisanal—a mix of things you need and things you want, brands you love and brands you’ve never heard of. 7

July 16, 2023

First Look Inside the Bosse Toy Train Museum

You don't have to be a train enthusiast or a kid to get a kick out of the museum, which displays a fraction of Art Bossé's collection and is a terrific addition to State Street. 4

June 18, 2023

Na Na Thai Is Bringing Authentic Thai Food to Buellton

After living in Bangkok for four years, Ashley and Nik Ramirez missed the food so much that they decided to open a restaurant here—and it's unlike anything the Santa Ynez Valley has seen before. Plus: The first look at the menu. 4

February 12, 2023

Gala Brings Style and Buzz to Santa Barbara’s Restaurant Scene

Tara Penke and Jaime Riesco have created the kind of restaurant you see more in big cities—a place where the chef-owners cook the food they love, whatever its inspiration may be. 10

January 22, 2023

A Cool New Private Club for Parents and Kids

"It's a cross between an airport lounge, hotel lobby, bar, spa, daycare, and someone's house," says Bungalo805 founder Erin Kanaley. "And there's no need to schedule a playdate or clean up afterward." 32

October 12, 2022

First Look at the Menu and Interiors of Augie’s

With a Jeff Shelton makeover and an ambitious menu, the soft-opened restaurant at State and Ortega is aiming much higher than the usual rice-and-beans fare. 16

March 30, 2021

Goleta’s Clay Studio Aims to Be an International Arts Destination

The former printing press has been turned into a 24,000-square-foot community art center beyond compare, at least anywhere near here.

November 21, 2020

Inside Tina Frey’s Lovely New Montecito Shop

The San Francisco–based designer casts functional objects in resin, creating organic shapes in colors across the spectrum.