Tag: 42 Helena Avenue

January 4, 2026

Municipal Winemakers Is Leaving the Funk Zone

More food news: Funk Zone cocktail bar not happening; Merci is getting close to introducing dinner service; paper menus at Aperitivo; Happy Cat Eats looks to expand its outdoor seating; Que profile; nightclub on lower State Street; Cantwell's new operator; update on Lucky Penny's outpost in Los Olivos. 8

January 19, 2025

The 31 Restaurants Expected to Open in Coming Months

On the menu this year: A pair of bagel shops; Aperitivo's spinoff; two establishments from chef Thomas Keller; beachside dining in Goleta; creative sandwiches; an outpost of Nobu; exciting additions to the Upper Village; major additions to Carpinteria and Ojai; and much more. 24

July 10, 2024

The 44 Restaurants Expected to Open in Coming Months

On the menu this year: a wave of change in Montecito, an internationally renowned chef, spinoffs by several local favorites, Acme Hospitality's latest Funk Zone project, an old-school deli, beachfront dining, a brasserie, a glamorous addition to Ojai, a pair of donut shops, and much more. 13

January 7, 2024

The 48 Restaurants Expected to Open in Coming Months

On the menu this year: two old-school delis, an internationally renowned chef, beachfront dining, two restaurants in the Upper Village, Japanese omakase, an oyster bar, harborside coffee, a glamorous addition to Ojai, and much more. 17

July 7, 2023

Two More Hotels Are in the Works

Plus: New vintage shop downtown; tiny Funk Zone building slated to become a bar; rendering of the Indian Health Service clinic on State Street; 35-unit apartment building proposed for W. Carrillo Street; 47-unit apartment building proposed for S. Hope Avenue; kooky postal regulations. 9

November 17, 2022

The Ortega Park Redesign Is Close to Finalized

Other recent news: Election results trickle in along expected lines, but the Surfliner Inn contest remains close; why Aloha Fun Center fizzled; 332-unit apartment complex in Goleta moves forward; new Santa Barbara High School building approved; Sears signs removed; pushback for the two-room Funk Zone hotel.

November 6, 2022

A Huge Probation Office Is Proposed for Downtown

Plus: An itty-bitty hotel in the Funk Zone; Leadbetter Beach restroom to get refurbished; a survey about the State Street Promenade; the makeover of the Vons Montecito is said to finally be on; Alameda Park gazebo renovation; new show at My Pet Ram gallery. 1