Steph C.
Yelp
My father-in-law and his wife live in the Mesa, and they've become regulars at Corner Tap. We went Saturday night when we were visiting Santa Barbara, and it was a great spot for an easy family dinner with both small kids and grandparents.
The place was immediately comfortable, with a fun, casual sports bar/gastropub atmosphere. We got a booth with a high chair and our children behaved, thanks in part to the numerous televisions turned to various stations. The boys got their first taste of pro wrestling, watching jacked women attack each other in some ridiculous Australian version of WWE (there was at least one move involving lipstick). Service was friendly and attentive. I liked that the staff recognized Grandpa and Grandma Robyn.
There was a robust tap list, and my husband Matt B. and I ordered both of the hazy IPAs: the Made West, brewed in Ventura, and the Tarantula Hill Liquid Candy, brewed in Thousand Oaks. My father-in-law wanted a Bud Light and received one of their palest, lowest ABV beers instead. Everyone seemed okay with this outcome.
The menu ran heavy and hearty, with Detroit-style pizza and caloric bar food like wings and nachos and smashburger tacos. There was also a kid's menu, which we appreciated. Our boys had butter pasta as well as plenty of seasoned waffle fries, which we ordered for the table. These were fantastic, crispy and flavorful, and the portion was made for sharing. This was also true of the pizza--our server said one pizza was meant to feed two adults.
Matt I split the Notorious P.I.E., which came with red sauce, mozzarella, white cheddar, pepperoni, pickled chilis, burrata, and a Mike's Hot Honey drizzle. I love spice but he doesn't, and we figured he could handle a little hot honey and pick off the chilis. This was not the case. Every bite of that pizza was delicious fire, the chilis fully embedded in the cheese and sauce. I loved it, the thick crust laden with pepperoni and heat. I felt bad for Matt, though. He really struggled to get through that pizza.
Otherwise, this was a very pleasant dinner, and I'm sure we'll be back to Corner Tap for more family-friendly meals in the Mesa. I'll miss that Notorious P.I.E., but will have to skip it next time. It's too big to eat alone, and my husband will want food that won't fuck him up like a raging Australian wrestler.