It doesn’t matter what people “think,” it’s state regulations.
Hi Erik, I pretty much have the best job in SB, I'm the gardener for the ACME restaurant properties. I think you are sadly mistaken when you imply the loss of parking (eight spots shared by Lucky Penny and The Lark) and lack of bathrooms is somehow a negative. If there are 90 new seats then I see it as a positive. That's 90 seats that are providing tax revenue to the city, and if you didn't know the city is facing a $5,000,000 deficit this year. And the bathroom issue really isn't one. If patrons were using the bushes, I'm the guy that would clean it up. Seriously, nobody is losing their shit over this. I can make that joke because I have cleaned up messes, but it was well before Covid and these 90 new seats. I can't explain the fact that Lark, Lucky Penny, Wine Collective, Pearl Social, and Helena Ave Bakery are doing just fine with the number of bathrooms they currently have. Somehow it's all working. One last thing about parking, and this is "whataboutism," if Mayor Rowse and you are concerned about the loss of parking then you should drive by the famous Fig Tree on Montecito street. In the last few weeks a number of cars and RV's have taken up permanent spots. These are spots that employees and patrons of the Funk Zone use on weekends. There is zero enforcement from the city to address those parking, living here. This morning I counted 15 cars and 6 RV's. Alright, I feel much better now. . . .
Reading this reminded me how refreshing it is to read honest opinions now a days. Thanks for the tips and glad you enjoyed your trip!
Thank you for sharing your road trip up north. I vicariously enjoyed every turn!
Fyi...Pressed name change happened over 2 years ago. .the product labels etc all updated. Maybe the sign was just changed or no one noticed before
Dear PaVonBertsons
If I am doing self checkout and saving you on payroll tax and benefits by not having an employee there, I’m pressing “0” for in-store bags every time. Sorry ‘bout it.
so far I've heard 3 great reviews on Juniper- don't miss on the cocktails or the new corn dish!
I wouldn't write off Hotel Cheval entirely. I think the second-floor rooms might be a much better experience.
I like your honest reviews. I have been tempted to stay at the Cheval, but it doesn't sound worth the price. I agree that LPC is an excellent restaurant, love the tasting menu.
The 1 hotel across from the Ferry Building is our new fave hotel.
We're supposed to thank restaurant owners for the junk fee's? No thanks. Just raise the price of menu items and stop adding hidden and disingenuous fees that may or may not actually be going to staff. Thankfully they are in the process of banning junk fees in the state legislature.
The problem is that quite a few places don't disclose it ahead of time, which is disingenuous and why the DA is looking into it.
Via Maestra, Chase, Cruisery and Dutch Garden are a few examples of places that it doesn't show up until you get the check.
Other restaurants that print it on the menu, let you know when you sit down and/or have it listed somewhere in the restaurant are truly being transparent. Some examples are Sama Sama and Broad Street Oyster - both are very transparent about it and I definitely appreciate that transparency. Transparency = Trust
They are the same owners as of this past spring. https://www.santabarbara.com/dining/news/2023/03/20/the-chase-restaurant-and-lounge-under-new-ownership/
If you believe this charge was not adequately advertised, contact the DA's office. They have begun the process of cracking down on hidden fees in restaurants and requested information from the public.
To those complaining about the fee added for taking care of their staff, you should be thanking them for their transparency. Everyone has increased their prices to do the same thing. Either it’s just rolled in to the items purchased and everything, or it’s added as a separate fee. I like to see the breakdown, and the reminder that this is an establishment that is committed to paying a living wage to their employees.
One of our fave SF hotels is Hotel Drisco in Pac Heights. Not really in a walkable neighborhood, but close enough for those are able bodied to hike up/down a few blocks.
Tomorrow?
Do you know why the San Roque post office closed before 5p.m. on Monday 10/2/23?
Ace Hardware on Gutierrez (Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center)!
All the houses but you missed the best part. The Dali egg and breakfast bar…you can go back, retrace your steps then find it!
That would be a massive undertaking for one person—and then it would have to be updated constantly. The better way is to create a Google document that anyone can add to.
What happened to the wonderful wooden street sign on the corner of Mountain Dr and Los Olivos/Mission Canyon. It is a real mess there, with fallen tree branch, sand bags, and general poor maintain.
Erik, is there a way you can provide us with a list or restaurants in Santa Barbara that add on this extra charge?
I’m not going to be visiting either place again. I didn’t see the charge until after got home.
I don’t believe they are the same owners at the chase and via maestra.
