It would be great if everyone could bear in mind that The Ellwood is weeks out from opening, so judging it is premature, to say the least. Also, persuading restaurateurs to release a menu is not always easy, so when people immediately carp about it, the owners' day gets ruined and my job gets harder. Opening a restaurant anywhere, but especially in Santa Barbara, is insanely difficult. Let's support people with the guts to do it, and if the restaurant turns out not to be for you, maybe just quietly move on.
Disappointed that if we want an individual meal we will have to eat at the snack shack. Was hoping to enjoy the restaurant but both interviews stress family dining. Their website isn’t complete and no additional menus are available :(
Thanks for the feedback. For clarity, this is only part of the dinner menu. Our lunch / brunch menus are all more traditional individual entree based. We also have several options for solo diners or guests that want their own plates. These will be listed on our bar menu. There’s a great burger, a sea bass dish, and a steak frites for example. Our team spent a lot of time creating a menu we love, and shared plates we feel is the best way to enjoy it so guests can try several things. Our goal is to have something for everyone, and specifically there are two additional concepts opening adjacent to the Ellwood (The Break & The Coop) that will feature more family friendly options for dining when we ware fully open. Wood fire pizzas, bbq, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, coffee, and donuts.
Yeah Ellwood, I agree. That menu is kinda whale shit if you ask me…
I'm a regular user of the harbor and have been going to the Breakwater for close to 40 years. Most always for breakfast and it was always good, never really great but the prices were also very affordable. It was solid breakfast, like Esau's or the now closed Judge for Yourself. So back in October, with three friends we went to the new Breakwater to check it out. I ordered CA Benedict, it came with a heirloom tomato and avocado. As soon as I cut the egg I knew this was different. The yokes were a deep orange color, and the combination of them with the hollandaise sauce with the tomato & avo. . . . Wow. I looked a my friends plates, one had an omelet, another a scramble and the third the same thing Erik got. All were orange. By the end of the meal they were using their toast to clean their plates. (Jam was homemade) We all agreed it was one of the best breakfasts we've had. The potatoes were another improvement. Not sure what spices they are using but I mixed them with the yokes and that was awesome. And I absolutely understand the regulars that don't like the upgrades and higher prices. I paid $24 yesterday for my favorite Eggs CA Benedict, yes it's a lot but each bite was so good. If there was one change I didn't like is the awning over the patio. It can be cold and having the umbrellas let some warming sunshine in. Lastly, I had lunch there in November and had the fish tacos. My review is they were as good as the ones at Shoreline Cafe, maybe better because the fries were amazing.
Agreed, unfortunately I don't think that menu is going to draw as many patrons as a more standard offering with some traditional choices (a great burger and fries or fish tacos by the ocean?) where each person can get what they want. I'm disappointed too, and honestly don't see this menu as something my Goleta family would be interested to try. Maybe they're trying to be a high-end restaurant, but it's Goleta Beach, and they're going to miss a ton of the local crowd I think. I hope it changes over time.
What is up with the Elwood menu? It looks bad, not sure if that's going to work but wish them luck.
Erik, I really appreciate your blog and it’s the first thing I read on Sunday (and the last thing on Wednesday). You bring a very distinct observation to what you cover. Subtle but it always makes me chuckle. Great to have you and your husband in Santa Barbara!
— Michael on
Hey ELLWOOD, some people (like me) do not like to share. What's up??? Been waiting years for you to open and this dinner menu is a diappointment.
Depending on age and the food they enjoy, Brophy’s, Secret Bao, The Lark, and L’Antica are great for a kids birthday parents will also enjoy.
Kid birthday dinner spots: Third Window (smash burgers and milkshakes - beer and wine for grown ups)…. Lucky penny…. New Lama Dog…. Brass Bear (either location)
Siteline is always a welcome sight in my mailbox! Your news and coverage is the best, reviews are fun to read and restaurant critiques have proven to be pretty darn accurate. Happy New Year to you!
In a world with so many blogs that don't have much of interest, Siteline is miles above the rest. I'm constantly impressed by how quickly you get information that is factual and interesting. Please keep it up
— Meridith Moore on
Siteline is a quick easy click to get the SB 411 It’s my go to, to be in the know and I recommend it to all I know Thank you Erik 🫶🏻 Cheers to Siteline 2025 🥳
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Justin - thank you for the information and the link to Gerard Minakawa’s work. I would have never guessed a mediation space. Every time I pass that corner, I always wondered what is that…
— Cyndie Young on
As a 25+ year resident of SB, I appreciate the effort, the perspective, and the information you have gleaned from our area in such a short time. Keep up the great work!
— Daryl on
Thanks so much for starting Siteline. One of my favorite reads online everyday and your coverage of food, local news and real estate is perfect.
My son—born and bred SB boy—turned 21 this month and researched restaurants upon his return home for the Xmas holidays. Alma Fonda Fina came up as one of the highest-rated, so he took his girlfriend there about a week ago. I didn't think much about it, but they returned, and all they could do was talk about how incredible each dish was. Brandon was fantastic, Chef was superb, and everything they had was uniquely delicious. My girlfriend and I wanted to take them both out last night. One guess where they wanted to return. 🤣 Alma Fonda Fina is part of the Corazon group, who seem to be opening new restaurants every season. We all loved the guacamole, which was uniquely seasoned but not pretentious. The ceviche with coconut milk was delicious, but we wished they'd given us small bowls to eat it from rather than plates. We ate everything family-style and shared a duck carnitas tamale, Camarones A La Diabla (outstanding prawn dish!), Carne Asada, and even went for the Arroz Con Leche (rice pudding) at the end of the meal. Other than the duck carnitas which seemed a bit dry and uninspired, all of the food and service was outstanding. We shall return! I agree that (despite what one commenter here said—someone who has never likely worked in the restaurant biz) new joints need a few weeks to really find their groove. It's not unlike being a recording artist or stand-up comic and trying out new material in concert before you hit "Record." Some inspired flavor for sure and I wish them well!
Love your site man.!. Keep up the grand work Erik!!!
I love Siteline and appreciate your passion for our area. I think anyone caring about anything at all these days is a dying art! So, thank you.
— Lindsey on
Erik, you are worth every penny and more and your business model is great.
I too am from NYC and have found Siteline the best discovery since I moved to SB 2 years ago. Please don’t ever stop bringing us the most interesting and fascinating intel of our area.
— Margaret Spaniolo on
I have been following your site for years and value your opinions, travel itineraries (love those) and damn near everything you print. SitelineSB is such a gem. Thank You and Happy New Year!
— Nancy Travis on
I really enjoy your coverage of all things, and find it to be extremely unique compared to the other “news” outlets around town. I was just telling my husband- we have to go to Alma bc the author of Siteline raves about it and we trust your palate. Happy you’re here- I too work in magazine publishing in NYC - albeit on the ads side- and it certainly built character!
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