Shoreline Beach Cafe

It was my friend's birthday and she chose the Shoreline Beach Cafe. It was the perfect Fall night, so clear and crisp. We sat on the covered patio, right on the beach. Our waitress and kitchen staff went way beyond ordinary customer service. I have some food allergies. She asked about how things were cooked, and she asked the kitchen staff if they had any suggestions on substitutes. The kitchen staff made me some special flour tortillas "chips" in a pan so I could have chips and Guacamole. Normally, this appetizer is made with corn chips in corn oil. They made mine with olive oil. I have dearly been missing regular tacos and nachos because of my corn allergy. This Cafe, kitchen staff, and our waitress made my night, and it wasn't my birthday. These people went out of their way to make our experience an excellent one. I am grateful! If you haven't tried them out, please do.

Parking is mostly free if you can park in the Cafe's lot next to the restaurant.

The Shoreline Beach Cafe is located on Shoreline Drive just after the Harbor turn-off, across the lower parking lots at Santa Barbara City College, or down the hill from Shoreline Park.

It's a beautiful area of town, close to the Harbor, close to the beach, SB City College, and The Mesa.

It's reasonably priced. Happy Hour is from 4-6 pm, with a full bar, as well as beer and wine.

Last Summer while embarking on a road trip through the picturesque Santa Barbara area, my friends and I decided to make a pit stop along the beach for lunch, and Shoreline Cafe proved to be an excellent choice.

Parking was conveniently located in a beachside lot adjacent to the restaurant, albeit requiring a modest fee, as is common at most beaches. The walk to the restaurant took merely a minute, making it incredibly accessible.

Eager for a unique dining experience, we requested a table right on the sand. Though there was a short wait, the presence of Adirondack chairs in the sandy waiting area allowed us to enjoy the beach atmosphere while anticipating our meal. Within a brief 10 minutes, we were ushered to our table nestled in the sand.

Our chosen spot offered an unparalleled view of the ocean, along with the perfect vantage point for people-watching and observing seagulls attempting to snatch unsuspecting diners' meals.

The menu boasted several gluten-free options, and the server was attentive and knowledgeable in addressing our inquiries about food allergies and restrictions, instilling confidence in our dining choices. Opting for a safe and delicious option, I enjoyed a lettuce-wrapped burger patty with white rice and fresh fruit. Meanwhile, my friends indulged in the delectable fish and chips, attesting to its tastiness.

The service was characterized by enthusiasm, patience, and a deep understanding of the menu. The staff even made efforts to deter seagulls, although, regrettably, a neighboring table fell victim to a seagull pilfering a sandwich. Nevertheless, the antics of the seagulls added a touch of amusement and lively conversation to our dining experience.

Eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to share a meal with my friends, toes buried in the warm sand, at Shoreline Cafe.

One of the best, most relaxing and delicious places I’ve been to. Visiting in Santa Barbara and went to Leadbetter beach to unwind. Got a little hungry and shoreline cafe was perfectly right next to us on the beach. We got the nachos to share with carne asada added. At first it seemed a bit pricey but my oh my was the portion size and taste worth it. Meat was cooked perfectly, chips were delicious, and to top it all it was a mountain of nachos. Next time I visit I will make sure to come again to subside my nacho cravings! Service was great, two people catered to our needs with quick service and the beach views from the patio were spectacular. I highly recommend it!

I had lunch with my sister and the food service and location were perfect! Our server was the best. I mentioned that the parking meter wasn't working and asked if it's free parking and she saved me a ticket by suggesting I move my car. She also offered to take a picture of my sister and I since we were struggling with a selfish. I love this place!

Loved it here, quaint beachside Cafe. Stopped here on our way to Paso Robles, because Katie Perry said they had the best margaritas. They are very good. We started with the fried Calamari and some clam chowder and then had fish and delicious shrimp tacos.

Very nice place. Extraordinary view on the beach. Ask to be seated outside in the sand, it's gorgeous. Food is very good too. We had breakfast and it's been very great and tasty. Service was nice and welcoming. We were very happy and spontaneously choose to stay a little bit longer and just sit there and watch the ocean.

I just had the most amazing chips and homemade salsa fresca from the snack bar. Thank you so, so much for making dining/snacking at the beach accessible even to folks with not-so-deep pockets! It was incredible, especially for the affordable price point. Can’t wait to come back and try everything on the menu. And the drinks I saw coming out from the bar looked absolutely amazing as well.

great place to have food at the beach! fair price and fresh food. good vegetarian options and AMAZING ranch sauce.

The food is simple but fresh and great tasting. The people working here are really friendly, and the feeling of sitting next to the ocean eating is amazing. 🤩🤩

My husband and I try to visit Santa Barbara at least once a year. We love to have breakfast right on the sand. The Shoreline is perfect. The view is amazing and the food is tasty. I love their fish tacos.

This spot is simple with economical pricing, delicious food and and an exquisite view. We had breakfast here and everyone agreed the food was tasty. I had the veggie scramble with potatoes. By far some the best breakfast potatoes. The service was wonderful. Whenever I come back to Santa Barbara I will return again. We sat on the sand and enjoyed the view. The menu is limited but I think that is why everything we had was yummy. There is ample parking, not crowded Beach side location

HAPPY CHOMPING

Very nice breakfast for me and lunch for my wife. I had two eggs with smoked bacon and crispy, fried potatoes. Tasty. My wife had the Neman ranch burger with all the fixins which she said was great but too much for her. Her dinner later?
Watching the waves and the Princess Cruise ship right off the shore made for a nice brunch.
Friendly staff and plenty of free parking.
We will return when in town. Good job guys.

What an amazing place. Their clam chowder soup is amazing. I even got some to-go!!! Fried calamari 100% recommended 👌 and the fish tacos superb!!!

Great little Cafe on the beach where you can dine in or grab it to go. Good variety to choose from. I had the seared ahi tuna with carrots and cabbage and sticky rice. They have vegetarian options, fish and chips, tacos, hot dogs, burgers, and poke. Alcohol available too. You can stick your feet on the sand and enjoy your lunch or breakfast on the beach.

30 minute wait for table at lunch time. Toes in sand while eating hot perfectly fried French fries and milkshakes, what could be better? Prompt service, delicious food, beautiful weather - how lucky are we?

Great place to eat and right on the Pacific Ocean. The view is wonderful and service outstanding!

INSTANT GRATIFICATION 😍😍 literally parked right in front of the restaurant then right onto the 2nd patio which is on the BEACH. If you’re from a big city like I am you know how valuable it is to go from parking to sitting in a matter of minutes - just that alone is a 5-star experience. Once you’re seated the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves gently dance on your face like a dervish. This Santa Barbara on-beach eatery has an incredible FISH CATCH OF THE DAY delivered onto your dinner table straight from the ocean and configured into your daily ceviche and Baja tacos. Mine today was SNAPPER and my God it was it so fresh and so tasty…so delicious. Good luck peeling me from my fortress of calm gastro-Cabo vibes. Please leave me on the beach Smitten with Splendor…man i am truly at a loss for words - my God… Thank you for SHORELINE CAFE!! 🏝

This place was wonderful. They have the Den which is the seating behind glass and under shade in case you don’t want sun, the other option is to sit outside on the sand and look over the beach. Loved the service and the food 👍🏼

The place was very crowded during lunch time and there was a wait time of half an hour. We decided to try out some tacos and veggie burger from their take out menu, which turned out to be a good decision. There were plenty of chairs available towards the beach side of the restaurant. We sat on one of those and enjoyed the beach view. Overall, the place is reasonably priced for the portions.

ABSOLUTELY wonderful place to have amazing pancakes and a truly unbeatable view. (Not so) hidden gem, worthy of a stop along the highway. Not only was the food delicious, the staff were super accommodating and friendly. Stop by and order the blueberry pancakes 😋