Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Seafood restaurant · Campanil

Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Seafood restaurant · Campanil

1

2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

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Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach by null

Highlights

Upscale seafood & brunch with panoramic ocean views & patio  

Featured on Michelin
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2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 Get directions

boathousesb.com
@sb_boathouse

$$ · Menu

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2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 Get directions

+1 805 898 2628
boathousesb.com
@sb_boathouse

$$ · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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How to Spend a Weekend in Santa Barbara

"Lakey and Watson go for brunch at Boathouse at Hendry's Beach." - Sophie Friedman

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/santa-barbara-food-travel-tips
View Postcard for Boathouse at Hendry's Beach

Sarah D

Google
We went to Boat House for brunch and it was just as great as always! Located right on the beach, it offers beautiful ocean views that make the experience extra special. Weekend mornings can get pretty busy, so be prepared for a bit of a wait—but it’s well worth it. We recommend taking a stroll along the beachfront while you wait—a relaxing way to pass the time. The food and service are always solid, making it a reliable go-to for a laid-back brunch by the water. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

Tanner Cassidy

Google
Beautiful spot, and great food. They don't take reservations, but their bar can fix you to-go drinks to enjoy on the beach while you wait for a table. I've had their brunch and dinner and both were amazing. Staff was nice and efficient, prices what you would expect, and I cannot speak highly enough of how gorgeous the view from the patio is. Parking is a little tight, but nearby beach parking is also available if the lot is full.

Cat C

Google
The location is fantastic 🌊☀️, right by the beach, which makes it perfect for a chill meal with a view. The staff is super friendly 😊 and service was really quick ⏱️. The food is good 🍔🍟, nothing over the top, but definitely enjoyable. I think this place is rated high because of the vibe, and honestly, that makes sense. It’s got a relaxed, beachy atmosphere 🏖️🌴 that makes you want to stay a little longer. Whether you're grabbing a casual bite or just want a place to unwind, this is a great spot to hang out and soak in the scenery 😎🍹. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

D K

Google
Fell in love with this place and its vibe! Menus are wonderful, food was amazing! Truffle& Lobster mac n cheese was 10/10 Crab cakes were mouth melting! Muscles and garlic bread were beautiful! The only thing is I think they have to work of their ceviche a bit: more cilantro and more marinade/juice would complement this appetizer more. And sour cream on the top is a little bit weird. It Would be better without!

Shawn Sheng

Google
What is better than eating delicious food with amazing beach views? This place is wonderful all around. There will be a long wait on weekends but you can explore the beach while you wait. The food is absolutely wonderful and well presented with large portions. The views of the beach are incredible during sunset. Staff are efficient and friendly, and there are both indoor and outdoor seating.

sofi: “3”

Google
First off, I love the view. Waited for 35 ish minutes. Didn’t feel long since you are able to sit right at the beach to wait. Got the Crab Cake and was so flavorful! Although, the pink lemonade doesn’t really taste like anything. Waiter was nice. I got the Lobster Roll since most of the reviews were saying it was yummy and it was. 🤩

Dr. Karla Hernandez DeCuir

Google
This was such a nice spot right on the beach! The food was incredible but service was just okay. Their bathroom was not working and you had to use the public restroom, which was pretty awful but overall, we highly recommend it! No wait, quick service

Margit Gross

Google
The Boathouse is just beautiful. The setting, water view, food… great experience. SO worth every penny! The quality of the food is outstanding (the mussels in an incredible rich red broth), seafood pasta in a delicious creamy sauce, crab cakes, cioppino… simply everything amazingly tasty. And portions so big, I had to have it wrapped to go. The sun setting on the beach - just a perfect evening with great company in an ambience that leaves nothing to wish for.

Kathryn H.

Yelp
First time visiting Boathouse and I am absolutely thrilled. The blonde hostess with the beautiful name (unsure on spelling) made me so welcomed from the second I walked in. She was charismatic and SO gorgeous. She was a goddess. Food was decent too. I will definitely be returning.
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M A.

Yelp
Incredible view (and crab cakes). A local recommended this brunch spot. While waiting for a table, we got coffees at the bar to sip while strolling the beach. Food: Crab cakes with eggs Benedict were so so good. Came with great potatoes and veggies too. The French toast was good as well. Servers: surprisingly good looking lol. As well as efficient and friendly. Vibe: This place is right on the ocean, and the unobstructed view was incredible. We watched pelicans dive bombing for fish as we ate brunch. I mean, come on. There is a dog park on the beach, but not in the way you're imagining. It was a handful of fancy, well-behaved and cute Santa Barbara dogs happily chasing balls as cute family played. Highly recommend!
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Phong D.

Yelp
Our visit to the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach was great! The service was excellent--one of the few occasions we didn't have a reservation for our large group, and they were able to accommodate us with little wait time and an amazing seaside view. To top it all off, we were lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins while dining! It was our first time here, and our waitress provided fantastic recommendations. We were all pleased with our lunches. The fresh Kumamoto oysters were an excellent shared appetizer, and we particularly enjoyed the tasty crab cakes, hearty cioppino, and delicious seafood pasta. Everything was fresh and properly prepared. Great cuisine, excellent service, and breathtaking views!
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Azurine C.

Yelp
My friends and I were looking for a semi-fancy spot to dine, and this place was the first recommendation that caught our eye. I ordered the Clam Linguini, and while it was a bit milder in flavor than I had expected, the sauce was really tasty, especially when paired with the garlic bread. Given the slightly higher price, I was hoping for a bit more with the dish, but overall, it was still enjoyable. Our servers checked in on us a few times to ensure everything was just right, and our food came out quickly, which made for a relaxed, enjoyable evening. We were able to enjoy good conversation while taking in the beautiful view. In terms of the view, it was BEAUTIFUL. The restaurant is right by the beach, and since it wasn't too crowded, we could appreciate the sounds of the waves while we ate.
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Nefize T.

Yelp
This beach and views are great. I had signature Benedict made with crab and fried calamari. The first dish was edible but fried calamari was the worst I ever had in my life. Stay away. Also, I had lunch alone and asked for a seat on the water, I felt like they gave me the worst seat in the corner hidden behind. Overall a great place but below average food and experience. Prices are not too expensive for the location.
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Allison C.

Yelp
The Boathouse at Hendry's continues to be one of my favorite SB restaurants. Great service, great food, and great views at a reasonable price point. What more can you ask for? They do not take reservations so it CAN be a bit of a wait but what better place to wait than sitting on a bench watching the waves roll in while puppers play on the beach? You might even spot some dolphins! Both inside and outside offer nice views. Had their burger today which was massive but so good! I added avocado and got the onions grilled. My parents both got the Ahi club, which they loved! The fries are so well seasoned and perfectly cooked - we all ate every single one on our plates lol
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Kat W.

Yelp
MY RATING IS SOLELY BASED ON THE KIND CUSTOMER SERVICE AND STUNNING LOCATION. As my first time here, I adored the location and watching the dogs frolicking on the sand in front of the patio. It was a busy day, even for a weekday. I know the weekends are packed here, so if you want to get a table quickly, I'd recommend coming during the week. THE LOCATION: The restaurant is located in what feels like its own private little cove. It overlooks a private, small dog friendly beach. On your way out they have a dog grooming station to wash away the sand from your furry family members. When you're sitting on the patio, the ocean is just a stones throw away. MENU DECISIONS: I decided to go with the Lobster Roll. I had not had one since one of my visits to San Francisco years ago. I also started with a cup of Clam Chowder. My mom ordered the Fish and Chips. THE VERDICT: The Lobster Roll looked absolutely delicious. I took my first bite and was blasted with the highest sodium content. The added capers in it did not help. There were a lot. I felt terrible, but I couldn't eat it. I really think someone mistakenly over salted it or just had a heavy hand. The server was so kind. He offered me something else, but I didn't want to wait and my mom was hungry. The Clam Chowder was pretty good, so at least I was somewhat satisfied from that. My mom's Fish and Chips were extremely greasy. They did not look greasy, but they were very wet. She took all of it to go to give it to my dad. OVERALL: The atmosphere and customer service was lovely. I believe in giving restaurants a second chance, so I will try the food again someday. I only live an hour away. The food looked magnificent, but sadly did not taste good, and some of it was not edible.
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Mary Ann P.

Yelp
What an amazing view served with delicious food! We decided to stop in on the way back from Paso and we were so happy that they could seat us immediately even though it was a Saturday at noon. Great service and huge portions of quality food. I'm sure the restaurant is crazy in the summer but it was perfect on a gloomy December day
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Desirie O.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing! We loved it here! The crab cakes were honestly the best crab cakes I have ever tried! The truffle Mac and cheese has so much flavor, the drinks were tasty and the location was beautiful! We were the last table on the patio but I wish we could have sat on the tables on the beach instead of in the corner as we were. The customer service was amazing and we enjoyed our time here very much! We will definitely come back here as our new favorite little get away from Ventura county. If you haven't tried it please go this restaurant and experience was great!
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Elaine L.

Yelp
5 Stars I had an amazing dining experience at the Boathouse in Santa Barbara! The food was absolutely incredible. The buttery clams were the standout dish--so flavorful and cooked to perfection. The shrimp Louie salad was also a hit; the shrimp were massive, juicy, and delicious. The fish and chips were extra special--the fish was perfectly flaky and moist, and the fries were seasoned just right. The mud pie? OMG, it was over-the-top delicious--definitely a must-try dessert! The clam chowder was good, though not extraordinary, but still satisfying. The service was attentive, and the ocean view made for a beautiful and relaxing ambiance. My only minor critique is that the chairs could use a bit more cleaning between patrons, and the bathrooms could use some extra attention. Even with those small details, I can't wait to come back. Highly recommend this spot for great food and gorgeous views!
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Cindy C.

Yelp
I know the whole world knows Boathouse is already a classic in Santa Barbara but I'm going to add another few stars. Food is amazing. Portions are huge, seasoned to perfection, with the most tangy house salsa. Loved every bite of it. Service is great, our server Ani was soooo generous with her time and attention to our table. Outside definitely has the frontline beach views but even inside has beach views so you can't go wrong. Parking is free, there's a lot right in front. If you need to wait, you can walk along the beachfront or sit along the benches nearby.
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Aimee P.

Yelp
First of all location is so perfect . So relaxing . What a great way to enjoy meal and see the sea. The server was very nice. Food came fast and we enjoyed the calamari , lobster roll was meaty and huge and the fish and chips . I mentioned it was my birthday and the gave me tiramisu and server sang for me . Parking was free. It can get busy in parking but was lucky today was easy.
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Dave K.

Yelp
The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is a fantastic breakfast spot in Santa Barbara. The morning we went it was overcast with a slight chill in the air, but they had heaters and umbrellas up to block out the rain. And there was total coverage as we weren't wet at all. As the morning progressed and the mist seemed to lift with the fog, we were able to see why people love this spot (besides the food). The scenery is breathtaking. Beautiful view of the water, the beach, and the cliffs to the left (south). It actually looked like the area where The Goonies was filmed, but that is elsewhere. It was some of the more breathtaking sites we had seen. So as we sipped our water and drank in the scenery, we then ordered breakfast. Fresh squeezed orange juice and the traditional style breakfast for me (bacon crispy, eggs scrambled and dry, breakfast potatoes and a house-made biscuit) while my wife had the build your own omelet with scrambled egg whites (dry), mushrooms, spinach, Swiss cheese, and onions. The food was fantastic! I need to take a moment to say that their house-made biscuit was so damn good. Just on its own. No jelly or honey or butter needed. Just a fluffy biscuit and it really rounded off the breakfast. If you find yourself in Santa Barbara, near it or just passing through, then you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't make it a point to stop, take in the views and grab some tasty bites from The Boathouse.
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Ariah L.

Yelp
I always stop here when I'm in town! They have an awesome ocean front view at the Arroyo Burro Beach on the patio. I like that there are ample umbrellas to help with the beaming sun. I had the French Toast with mixed berries, breakfast potatoes, and a peach speciality cocktail. Everything was delicious! Great service by the staff. Thank you.
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Nick C.

Yelp
Hit or miss but at least there's always the ocean view. From my two visits, the experience has varied - mostly by the drinks and service. The first time the drinks were pretty good (Dec 2023) but the last time I've been (Dec 2024) every drink was horrible. The paloma had no grapefruit flavor and was watered down, the mule just tasted like vodka mostly, and my friend had to send back his Michaelada. I had to switch to beer to start enjoying my drink. It was odd because a year before I remember the cocktails being pretty good. There was one with a Popsicle inside the drink and some of the more complex cocktails hit pretty well. The food seems to have stayed pretty consistent. It's average and it'll do the job but there's nothing I crave here. Although, I enjoyed the chowder Fries and the Calamari mostly. Service in 2023 was better and felt more welcoming than my most recent visit where the waitress was bland and less accommodating. It seems like this place is losing its edge banking on tourists that come for the great view. I wouldn't come back for anything more than to get a bite and a beer. Some other helpful info: Only two private bathrooms so a line can develop leaving you at the mercy of other people. Parking is limited. There are no reservations - just check in but I think you can still grab a drink at the bar to go while waiting.
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Ted C.

Yelp
I've been to Hendry's a bunch of times-because there's a dog beach there and I wrote off the Boathouse as something between a theme restaurant and an airport restaurant: an easy option for an area where there aren't a lot of options so the food would be ok but the price would at a premium. As I got seated basically as close to the beach as possible, I figured that as long as the food was palatable the view would be worth it. It's not like eating on a patio in Venice or the pier up the road it's like having a beachside meal. They definitely make use of every available space but you don't have to shift your seat-they orient it towards the ocean for you. Again, I figured the food be all right, nothing stellar but I was wrong. I like the lobster bisque, had that homemade taste to it and was balanced between being overly creamy and not enough lobster. The uni was unsurprisingly good-locally caught and served on blood oranges-couple other places went stingy and did lemon. The fish and chips were great. The outside was super crispy, the inside had that right steam pocket of tender whitefish. Definitely worth checking out-don't leave the beach to eat elsewhere.
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Rachel B.

Yelp
Came for my birthday dinner. Overall, personally would rate this place a 3. Server/Joaquin was nice and friendly which made the night better (makes up for the food). He Explained the dishes and was patient with us. He Did send me a complimentary birthday dessert which was sweet. His service is a 5. My partner and I came to celebrate and wanted to try dishes. Portions are huge and came ALL AT ONCE. Granted we only tried appetizer dishes... but the portions were so big and flavor so little.. just overwhelmed by everything. For my partner and I, we had too much food. Personally, the soup was the best part of the meal. Everything else was nothing special/underwhelming which was like a 2-3 start rating for us. 1. Ceviche - American style and bland. No flavor. 2. Beet and arugula salad - average. Didn't felt super fresh. 3. Mussel app - good flavor 4. Clam chowder and lob bisque - delish = heavy. We had a beach view which was nice. Overall the experience was average.
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Dianna H.

Yelp
Came back a second time to the Boathouse and enjoyed the food even less than the first time, plus there was a long wait and higher prices. Won't be coming back again. The ambiance is great, especially if you're dining outdoors, since you're right next to the beach. I'd say that's the main thing that this restaurant has going for it. On my latest visit, which was for Saturday lunch, we waited ~45 minutes for an indoor table (it was a 1+ hour wait for an outdoor table). We ordered: -Clam chowder bowl ($8.95) -Lobster tacos ($22.95) -Fish and chips ($18.95) -Seafood pasta ($39.95) -Crispy chicken sando ($19.95) We shared all of the seafood dishes between the 3 of us and agreed the food was very bland and mediocre. The fish and chips were the worst I've had in a long time. One member of our group doesn't eat seafood and got the crispy chicken sando for himself. Ironically, he was the only one who enjoyed his food, which isn't even seafood. I also looked at my previous review from when I came in 2021 and got takeout, and the price of the cioppino literally doubled, from $22.95 in 2021 to $44.95 now. I get that there's inflation, but this price increase seems pretty steep.
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Samantha E.

Yelp
This was the boyfriend's birthday dinner coming back from Solvang. We went a couple of years back and he mentioned that he wanted to come back to this place. Let me preface this by saying that the last time we came was also for his birthday and it was dark and cold, but he really enjoyed the food. I can't remember what we ate that night, except that it was decent, but he enjoyed it and it was his birthday. What I really remember was there was a long wait in the cold and I couldn't see anything because it was so dark. It wasn't the best experience for me. This trip we came between lunch and dinner, so it wasn't too busy. Plus, free parking, if you can get a spot since it is shared with beach access. It was a little chilly so I wanted to sit inside, because it's the middle of November and I'm a hot-temperature California born-and-bred gal! We were seated immediately at a table with a window view. It was perfect. The boyfriend even got to see dolphins. We had a half dozen oysters, lobster bisque, steamed clams, an uni shot, and a Boathouse Louie with crab. Everything tasted good and came out of it full. I have to say, that you cannot go wrong with a crab louie! Anytime I see it on the menu, I order it. Do not settle for a shrimp louie. Get the crab! Also, I didn't ask for extra dressing, but I should have. We were there for sunset and were able to take some amazing sunset beach shots. It was really the perfect time to go. Would highly suggest going during off meal time. No rush, no fuss.
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Kateryna A.

Yelp
You should visit this restaurant at least for its stunning ocean sunset views! The food was okay overall, though nothing we ordered really stood out. The popcorn shrimp was juicy and not rubbery, which was a plus. However, the ceviche could have been more flavorful--it was a bit bland for my taste. I'd like to come back and explore other dishes on their menu. See you soon!
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Marc G.

Yelp
Hmmmm... 3.5 is more accurate and I'll tell you why... The restaurant has an ideal location and would be a perfect spot for an afternoon cocktail or sunset cocktail. So atmosphere wise, both inside or out are great. Our server was excellent, as well. Kudos there. I'd maybe come back for a Happy Hour, but just not sure. I have the bitter taste of way overpriced and not very good crab claws in my mouth. The entrees we ordered were good, so I'll start with the good and come back to the crab claws (aka the not good) The Pan Seared Scallops were plump and delicious with a perfect sear, and the cheesy lobster and crab risotto with broccolini was plentiful and delicious. The Grilled Ahi was a huge portion and solid if just a bit bland, but the sauce and tempura veggies made up for it. Though the tempura was a bit dark and over fried and not a light batter like it should be. The Mud Pie for my birthday was a very nice gesture and so good. Thank you for that! But... here's where the stars come off... Our bad for not asking the market price of the crab claws... They were $55+ for three, which is pretty darn steep, and would have been slightly more acceptable if they were sweet and tender and amazing. They were not. Not even close. The crab claws were bland, seemed like they came right out of the freezer, and were more like popsicles than tender, chunky, silky pieces of delicious crab. The meat did not want to come out, and it was a struggle to get pieces out of the tip of the claw. You really had to crack the shell more than normal, and so you had pieces of shell where normally you would not. When I finally got in, the ends were black and scrawny. A major disappointment. Our bad for not saying something about them when we were there... but sometimes when you're celebrating you let things go. We should have said something and I regret not doing so, but we didn't want to taint the celebration, so we didn't. Argh... I still have a slightly bitter taste in my mouth thanks to those MP Crab Claws, and really just wanted to more fully love this place. Hmmm...
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Makoto C.

Yelp
Overall we had a good experience here at the Boathouse and I would recommend most of the food here too. We were able to order some drinks to go and walk up and down the beach while our table got ready. The beach itself isn't that nice but the sounds of the waves are pleasant. Things we eat Oysters - Holy moly these are sooo good. They were served really cold and the sauce it came with was simple. Very fresh and a variety of oysters. One of them was actually sorta creamy. Scallops - This was the best dish we had. The scallops were not over cooked at all, and were really soft with a good crust. Risotto was creamy and accompanied the whole dish. Sea Bass - although the fish was fresh it had, is it, BBQ sauce? The sauce was way too strong and it over powered the fish. It tasted like I was eating ribs because of the bbq sauce. The service was chill. They did everything as expected.
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Kathy M.

Yelp
Beautiful views! Had the mushroom spinach omelette and it was probably the best I've ever had. Cooked just the way I like it and overflowing with mushrooms. I asked to sub the breakfast potatoes for a crab cake, just so I could say I tried it. I did appreciate them making the substitution for me, at a small up-charge, and enabling me to try it before their lunch and dinner menu was active. Hubby had the traditional breakfast and thought it was good as well. Service was very friendly and attentive. Our experience was a 5 star.
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Faye V.

Yelp
Food was delicious and came out quickly. Lunch and breakfast menu both had delicious items. The restaurant has a nice beachside ambiance. They recently changed their dog rules and no longer allow dogs in their patio which was a little disappointing considering the restaurant sits right on the dog beach. It can get pretty crowded on a weekend so expect a wait time as it is a popular place. Other than that, it's a nice spot to stop by if you're in the area and it is not too busy.
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Matt P.

Yelp
One of the best views you will get in SoCal. The restaurant is located a few feet away from the ocean. There are seats out on the patio or inside for those colder or wet days. Now, the parking lot is shared with beach goers, so a parking spot might be hard to come by. The bad thing is there are no other parking spots close by that I am aware of. This place is pretty popular, so try to either come early or off peak times. I am not sure if they accept reservations or not, but you can always call to verify. We got lucky as there was a table that cleared up on the side of the hostess stand. Cellular service here is non-existent for T-Mobile folks. My wife has AT&T and she had a pretty good signal. Don't bother asking for WiFi, as they do not have it available for the public. We ordered the steamed clams, fish n chips & Cioppino. The steam clams came out first with 2 pieces of garlic bread. The garlic bread was pretty good and paired very well with the garlic wine sauce from the clams. The clams were not overly cooked and still were tender. The bread was so good that we ordered a side of it and it came with 4 pieces @ $4.50. The fish and chips was nice and crispy, but I was not a big fan of the batter as it was more of a panko crust than the typical batter. I'd rather have that batter than this. The fries was seasoned in Old Bay and was very good. I, however, did like the tartar sauce that came with the fish. Definitely tasted like it was made in house. The fish was nice and tender and not fishy at all. It wasn't bad, but I prefer the non panko batter. The Cioppino was pretty good also. It came with 2 pieces of garlic bread also. Seafood was not overcooked and tasted fresh. The service, for the most part, was pretty good. I did notice that they were not short on staff so it was easy to flag someone down if needed. The restrooms here are gender neutral and there's only 2 of them. So there's usually a wait to use it. Although, the line has a fantastic view of the ocean and located close to the showers.
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Kimberly L.

Yelp
Can you say "Oceanside dining"?? You can get any closer than this! The water is literally yards away-incredible views! Only thing better? The service and food!! A deep and delicious menu highlighting local catches and all time favorites. I ordered the Pan Seared Scallops with lobster & crab risotto, broccolini & spicy tomato basil broth-exquisite!! Scallops were large and perfectly done, a generous serving. My daughter had their Clam Linguini-fresh Manila Clams in a garlic/sundried tomatoes/shallot/white wine, & basil cream sauce served with mesquite grilled garlic bread. So flavorful and delicious!! Soooo many clams she couldn't finish it!! The service is excellent which makes for a delightful and relaxed dining experience. We came from a day at the beach (casual) but didn't feel out of place. This place is a must go when visiting the Santa Barbara area!!
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Marco L.

Yelp
Dinner with a view. All the entrees we ordered were yummy and delicious. If you want to come here on a Saturday night, come around 5 so you can avoid the lines and enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner.
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Francoise S.

Yelp
This place never disappoints. Great drinks, great food and right on the beach! Fair prices. Free parking. Great staff. There are two parking areas, which is great. You can stay all day or just stay for lunch or dinner. We love this hidden beach. But beware of beach tar out on the beach! It's a real issue. Lots of rocks at the beach, which makes it hard to walk but if you love beach rocks like I do, you don't complain.
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Maral C.

Yelp
Perfect location with stunning ocean views. They do not accept reservations, so the wait time is usually 45 minutes or more. However, if you arrive early, like we did at 11:30, the wait time can be as short as 25 minutes. We took advantage of this time to enjoy a leisurely beach walk. I had my heart set on the macadamia crust Mahi Mahi, but unfortunately, I have a macadamia allergy. The restaurant was very accommodating and offered to change the fish to Sea Bass for me. I also added grilled pineapple. The fish was incredibly fresh and delicious, and the rice was buttery and delectable. The pineapple butter complemented the dish perfectly, and the grilled pineapple was absolutely amazing. I can't wait to return to the restaurant and enjoy the same dish again. The server who attended to us was friendly and nice, adding to our overall positive experience.
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Duchess M.

Yelp
Fabulous food, perfectly cooked salmon, really tasty salad dressing and a great blood orange margarita and view can't be beat! ... but a little pricey
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Nely P.

Yelp
Best view and wonderful service paired with delicious dining. There is nothing else here other than the beach so you pretty much come to the location for this restaurant.
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Marcia G.

Yelp
We had a reservation so no wait but the place was busy on a Saturday morning. Started off with a Bloody Mary which was delicious, topped with shrimp, bacon and veggies (so many snacks!). So many good looking options on the menu but I opted for the salmon benedict. The bene was really flavorful and potatoes were good. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. The location is nice due to the view of the water which is great for photos. But it's not that close to other things so we had to Uber again to get to the Funk Zone.
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Jeanette C.

Yelp
We ride bikes here all The time. Great location on the water across from the Del. Bar area and food is good. Bread is awesome and good experience overall.
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Carol N.

Yelp
Overall we enjoyed celebrating our wedding with our small party of 7. Keep in mind they automatically add a 20% gratuity which I most restaurants do on parties of 8. We did get a complimentary champagne toast for the bride and groom and a single piece of coffee flavored ice cream cake. The food was above average but not as great as I had expected. We were there mid week for lunch and were able to get a large corner booth to accommodate all of us. We had hoped for outdoor seating and they did have heat lamps on but it began to rain and wind increased so we opted for indoor instead. The menu had many good options for lunch, including cocktails, and was able to accommodate one of our guest's vegetarian requirements. The rock crab claws were the most disappointing. 3 claws for $55. Very little meat and the flavor was not very good compared to other crab meat. The lobster rolls were tasty but served cold and the 3 people that ordered all said they would have preferred it served warm. The fish and chips was very watery. And the fried halibut was also so-so. Th e lobster Mac and cheese was tasty. The other lobster pasta dish was also very good. The mussels appetizer was the best. Garlic bread and guacamole and chips also very good. The vegetarian tofu dish got good reviews. Cocktails the group ordered were Honeycomb Mojito and Lovejoy were both a nice twist on traditional Mojitos. The coffee flavored ice cream cake was very good. We might go back but I think there was room for improvement from the kitchen. Service was good except at the end when we're were ready to pay and couldn't find our server. Nice outdoor space with beautiful views and beach access. Rate it B+.
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Miguel M.

Yelp
Well for starters parking sucks. Since the lot is shared with everyone going to the beach it can get pretty busy. They don't offer valet. Came for breakfast and the wait wasn't bad. The view is great and the breeze is amazing. Our waiter was excellent and took our order on time. I had the Traditional style breakfast which is your basic steak and eggs sort of deal along with a Blood Orange Margarita. Hey it was brunch ok! We also ordered the Huevos Rancheros with mimosas. Food came out at a decent rate and it tasted great. I mean my steak and eggs were good but of course I've had better but their potatoes were delicious. The Huevos Rancheros we're what we thought they were. I mean cmon it's not an authentic Mexican spot but they were cool. What can I say mimosas were great and the Margarita well let's just say I wouldn't order another one. But the restaurant sits in a nice corner right by the ocean. It's a nice romantic spot. Just don't drift down to the actual ocean unless that's your sort of thing. Don't think I'll be back but it was a nice pit stop.
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Ginny H.

Yelp
Food and ambience were great! Service was somewhat lacking but the overall experience was very good.
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Nancy C.

Yelp
First time here! Very busy place. Staff were nice and friendly. We ordered clam chowder, choppino, lobster roll.
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Lucy G.

Yelp
It's okay. Great location. Food is overrated. Service is so so. Bathroom facilities are horrible.
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Robbie R.

Yelp
First night on vacation and off with a bang! Right on the beach, awesome outdoor seating protected from the wind but also heaters available. Inside seating has a cool bar and few tables too. Food was sensational from the starters, soups, and entrees! Very nice and attentive service. Highly recommend all around!!
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Vince R.

Yelp
Cant beat the location...right on the water. Went for Sunday Brunch. Great service from our server. Honestly one of the best breakfasts I have had in a long time. The Crab cake Benedict was so good. The french toast too with the fresh fruit was executed with perfection. Will definitely be back.
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Bill P.

Yelp
Outstanding spot for lunch at the beach. They have inside, patio, and beach front seating. You are litterally 30. / 45 feet from the surf. So Ambiance is off the chart. Surprisingly the food is great too! Full bar, great views and it feels like a locals place. Had the fish and chips which were perfect ( only complaint is it comes with Cole slaw, which was tasty but comes in a souffle cup) the fish was crispy and fresh tasting. We also had the shrimp tacos which were very good. Why restaurants charge $4.50 for a glass of ice tea I just can't understand that. Service was friendly and about what you expect at a beachfront Cafe. This was my first time and won't be my last. It's off the beaten path so not swarming with tourists. Plenty of free parking and nice beach stroll after your meal.
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Shelby S.

Yelp
I LOVE Boathouse. This location is unbeatable. Seriously cannot get better than sitting right on the beach and enjoying fun drinks and delicious food! Parking can be a total pain but this restaurant is worth the wait! You can always grab a drink from the bar to-go and walk on the beach if you're waiting for a table ;) I recently tried the Ahi Club at lunch and it was so good! I also love their Boathouse Mule cocktail. Others in my party really liked the Tuna Melt. I'm a big fan of their crab cake eggs Benedict at breakfast/brunch. The service is great! I've never had a bad experience here. Cannot recommend enough!
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Miguel G.

Yelp
Service was horrible, food prices for the portions were horrible, I'm not against paying a lot for food, but prices were outrageous for the kind of food they're serving.... Wouldn't recommend for a lunch date, idk about their other menus but lunch was not it.

Alexa J.

Yelp
10/10 drinks and food! Our server whose name I didn't catch was amazing and attentive. Accidentally spilled my drink and he brought me another on the house. This place does get busy but it's definitely worth the wait.
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Kenji Y.

Yelp
Absolutely loved it. Beautiful views, good service, great food, and fair price! Asked for a table and was asked for my phone number. We wasted time at the beach and got a text when the table was ready. Everything else was smooth. They only have 2 bathrooms and people from the beach come inside too so a line can form.
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Victoria J.

Yelp
Need to change hours on yelp to be accurate we drove up from Oxnard when it said open until 9pm and upon arrival told at 7:10pm they closed 10 minutes ago So we'll head to King Fish House or Broad Street always 10/10

Carly S.

Yelp
Ahi Club was so good! Love the vibes on the outdoor patio - especially the frothy espresso martinis!
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Muang S.

Yelp
Moving in the nephew into college (UCSB) for the weekend and since we're by the beach, wanted to get some fresh seafood. They don't take reservations so there was definitely a big wait with all of the other parents moving their kids in. Not mad about it because the location is spectacular! Put your name down and walk along the beach to kill time and spend that last dinner with your loved ones before they move to the next era of their life. Ambiance is nice! Glass windows with a nice view of the ocean, but let's get to the most important part...FOOOD: Appetizers are where it's at!!!! From best ranking, the chowder hit the spot the most. Good amounts of clam, nice flavor and good texture. Oyster shooter was really good too. Not typically a big fan of oysters, but I'll def keep those coming all night. Very fresh oyster and the cocktail mix was on point. Made me very curious about their bloody Mary's. Crab cakes were 7/10. Ceviche 6/10. Overall the seafood was pretty fresh. I was pretty disappointed by all of the entrees. It was all pretty bland, especially the seared Tuna. I'd come back here just for the apps, the views and definitely will try the Bloody Mary!
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Evelyn C.

Yelp
Boathouse is always a great time. I've been here a few times and although they're is usually a long wait, this time we got lucky. Not only were we seated in about 10 minutes but we got ocean front view. I've sat inside, out in the patio area, and now ocean front! The views were spectacular and the service was amazing! We ordered a dozen oysters, 2 clam chowders, seafood pasta and the cioppino. That was enough food to share for 3 people and it was all perfect for a cold day. The service was so gracious in giving me a complimentary birthday dessert and that REALLY hit the spot! I came with two friends visiting from Costa Rica and I couldn't have started off their vacation any better! Thank you for the great lunch experience!