Mel b.
Yelp
This hidden gem has been here for decades.
Remember when they used to have little family run hardware stores that had been there so long, with the same dedicated people working, and there would be sooo many items, they would organically get layered up, but in the most conscious, organized way?
And it was worth the trip just to walk thru in amazement at all the variety wedged so perfectly into such a small space?
And if you wanted something specific, not only would they have exactly what you wanted, no matter how obscure, the person working knew exactly where to find it immediately.
This shop is like that. Expect expertly curated early Spanish, Mexican, including borderlands, and Indian, hanging art and antiques.
Adding to the allure, it's a place you have to know about to know about. For example, the listed phone number is an old landline that no longer works.
You're going to have to go there to see if the owner has hung the Gone Fishing sign or not, which is fine because it is an adventure just finding the place.
Should you decide to take on the wilds of Montecito, you'll find the little corner where you need to be is kind of a major intersection for the town. As such, it is crammed with these teeny little 'shopping centers,' each with separate entrances that are super close to each other in a way that can get Waze confused.
Hint - coming away from the 101, facing the mountains, after you pass the light, it's on your left in the second center back.
