La Paloma Cafe

"Santa Barbara’s beloved La Paloma Cafe honors the state’s early settlers who grilled food over red oak. The wagyu tri-tip is a house specialty, as is the smoked fish tostada and ceviche. The mural over the bar dates back to 1940 and was restored in 2020." - Mona Holmes

"For those desiring a chill neighborhood cafe with refreshing margaritas, there’s La Paloma Cafe on the corner of Anacapa and Ortega streets in downtown Santa Barbara. The original La Paloma Cafe, which occupied the space from 1940 to 1983, was a traditional Mexican restaurant. This one, updated by the Acme Hospitality group, focuses on Mexican as well as Indigenous and Spanish dishes and agave spirits for its cocktails. Specialty margaritas range from the Tamarind Dreamin with ghost tequila and tamarind to the Hibiscus Margarita with hibiscus and strawberry shrub. And don’t miss brunch here, with options such as a bloody Maria and Mexican coffee." - Caroline Pardilla

"Paloma Cafe is an all-day spot in the Bywater destined to become part of your morning routine. There’s no real theme to the menu, but you’ll find everything from yogurt and granola and shakshuka at breakfast to a great lunchtime roast pork torta, along with high quality coffee. It’s easy to spend a lot of time here, because of the comfortable space and nice staff, but also because you can quickly transition from coffee to cocktails and not think twice. After you stop by for breakfast or an early lunch, walk to Crescent Park on the river or grab a drink by the pool at The Country Club." - Team Infatuation