Blue Agave Santa Barbara Restaurant Reviews

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  The Santa Barbara Restaurants Dining Guide  
May. 18, 2013
 

New Restaurants 2010 & 2009 Openings
Be one of the first to review your dining experience.

Union Ale Brewing Company
Dogtown Hot Dogs
Nugget
HobNob Tavern
On The Side
Billies
Las Aves Cafe
Bay Roadhouse Bar & Grill
Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro
Bella Dolce Bakery
Wine Cask
Blush
California Crisp
root 246
French Press
South Pacific Coffee Co
Jitters Coffee
European Deli & Market
Mediterra Cafe & Market
Petros
India House
Pasta House
Sushilicious
Chinos Rock & Tacos (Santa Barbara)
Los Agaves
Chinos Rock & Tacos (Isla Vista)
TonyRay's
Giovanni's
Olio Pizzeria
Mac's Fish & Chip Shop
Holdrens
Saigon In and Out
Saigon (Five Point)
Lam's Vietnamese BBQ &Sandwiches
Yogurtland
Red Mango
Pinkberry
Live Culture
Yoyumyum
Whole Foods

Past Restaurant Openings Be one of the first to review your dining experience.

Trattoria Vittoria

Milk & Honey

Downtown Brewing Company

Hollister Brewing Company

Quantum

Jake's

Bay Cafe

Storke Ranch Deli

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Plow & Angel

Bougainvillea

Giannfranco's Trattoria

Panino

New Restaurants in 2006
Be one of the first to review your dining experience at the 2006 openings.

All India Cafe

L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue located at 7127 Hollister Ave., #21 in The Plaza in Goleta was founder in 1976 by Eddie Flores, Jr. and Kwock Yum Kam. L & L Hawaiian Barbecue offers concocted delectable plate lunches that captivated the islands. The Hawaiian plate lunch is a huge, gastronomically challenging mixture of Asian and American starches (two scoops rice and one scoop macaroni salad) supplemented by a United Nation of entrees such as chicken katsu, beef curry, deep fried shrimp, mahi mahi, lemon chicken, barbecue shortribs, hamburger steak, etc.

L&L is known for its large portions, freshly cooked food, and reasonable prices. For hefty appetites try the regular plate lunch which is said to easily feed two people, from $5.50. For a smaller portion, try the mini plate lunch which starts from $3.75.

El Caballo

Naan Stop

New Restaurants in 2005
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Cities Barbecue

Kampai

DogHouse

El Cazador

Square One

Sushiya Express

StarBucks

Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a new restaurant that opening in Santa Barbara's Paseo Nuevo Mall at the end of 2005. It features fresh homade rustic Italian cuisine with elegant hand crafted pastries. Privately owned by Head Chef Victor Carranza, Tiramisu is a casual dining experience with upscale service.

Savoy Truffles
Savoy Truffles surprising food boutique opened in November, and is packing 'em in.  The food is very creative, tasty, and remarkably affordable.  The service is warm and professional, and the ambiance is
European bistro chic.  It's locate just across the street from the Santa Barbara city parking lot near Norton's Pastrami shop.

Zaytoon
Zaytoon from the Arabic word meaning olive is a welcome surprise to Santa Barbara as it is one of the only Middle Eastern restaurants in the area. Located at 209 East Canon Perdido Zaytoon offers lunch and dinner from 11:30 am to at least 11 pm, nightly. Lunch prices average $9.50, dinner $15 plus drinks and appetizers.

Golden China
Golden China is located at 3130 State Street, Santa Barbara.

New Restaurants in 2004
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31 West
Locate at the new Andalucia Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara 31 West offers dining intending to be a power breakfast and lunch spot and a destination restaurant in the evening. 31 West will showcase American cuisine at its best. Seating 80 in the dining area and an additional 40 at the adjoining bar 31 West is a great location for small to medium size events.

Los Gallos
Los Gallos open for lunch and dinner was established by the same family that owns the local favorite Daily Grind, right next door. Los Gallos may become a favorite as well. Prices sound reasonable with a tri-tip taco $7.50, veggie taco $5.95, and chile relleno platter $6.25

Tuttini
Location in downtown Santa Barbara, at 10 East Carrillo Street, Tuttini serves Italian sandwiches at lunch time and fresh baked pastries. They are also open for breakfast and are famous for a breakfast cookie available all day, a grape nut/date concoction.

La Marina
With beautiful panoramic ocean views La Marina, Santa Barbara's only Four Diamond restaurant features seasonal California cuisine with an international flair prepared by Chef Jesse Olsen. Wine Spectator Magazine has noted La Marina as having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. La Marina is located at the Four Seasons Biltmore and is open Tuesday through Saturday 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m

Kaliman's

Kahuna Grill

Siam Elephant
Siam Elephant an authentic Thai restaurant opens in Carpentaria serving dishes from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ranging in price for $6.95 to $8.95. The word is that it’s good, but not as good as the Santa Barbara offerings such as Zen Yai and Your Place.

Itsuki

Camomile Cafe

Cavalli's

L'ombretta
L'ombretta an “authentic Venetian wine bar” Opens its doors September 2004 servicing small bites, “Venetian style” for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 1134 Chapala Street the former location of Jojo’s Cafe.

Elements
Elements opens at former Figaro location in Santa Barbara across from the Court House sunken gardens. Offering a high end menu Elements is becoming well known as a trendy hot spot for happy hour.

La Brisas
Another Mexican restaurant pops up in Santa Barbara on Milpas Street. From feedback that DiningSantaBarbara.com has received La Brisas is well on its way to be coming one of the finest choices for authentic high quality low cost Mexican food. La Brisas is a highly recommended for lunch.

Willows
Located at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez Willows spells out jackpot offering fine dining selections such as porterhouse steak, surf and turf, and seared ahi prepared by the former Chef of the Ritz Carlton in Hawaii, Thomas Meyer.

Zeno Mamue
Right as one Santa Barbara Peruvian restaurant, Papagallo's, closed this year another one opens. The word on the street is that Zeno Manue is becoming a great replacement.

European Deli
Specializing in German Cuisine the European Deli brings you a wide variety of delicious continental favorites. Try the Reuben Sandwich with sauerkraut and potato salad. Located in the Fairview shopping center the European Deli is a welcome new arrival to the Goleta area.

Norton's Pastrami
A great new Santa Barbara restaurant located at 18 West Figeuroa Street. It serves up high end lunch sandwiches, their pastrami sandwich is top notch.

Saigon
The only authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the Santa Barbara area offering fresh dishes with stylish presentation.

Sakana
Dishing out Sushi in Montecito Sakana Japanese restaurant became an instant hit with it's fresh food and fast service. A Santa Barbara restaurant recommended visit

Quantum
Modern San Francisco style decor with an Asian twist; contemporary American cuisine offers a menu of small plates designed for sharing. A Santa Barbara restaurant Must Visit !

Spiritland Bistro
Gourmet organic food catering dishes to vegetarians and offering a fun casual atmosphere, a good alternative to the popular Santa Barbara Sojourner restaurant.

Deli 101
Located at 130 North Calle Cesar Chavez in Santa Barbara.

Beachbreak Cafe
Located at 324 State Street Santa Barbara, CA. Very Close to the beach and Stearn Wharf.

New Restaurants in 2003
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Good Cup

Rizona's
If you’re looking for dishes that will tantalize your taste buds with tropical flavors why not try Rizona’s in Santa Barbara. Coconut cream of rice for breakfast and wild caught salmon with coconut-chili sauce for dinner are some of the tasty selections.

Abdi's
Only Persian dining in Santa Barbara, bring your own wine No corkage charge!

Bellyboards

A-Ru

Chef Rick's

Spice Avenue
Authentic Indian cuisine offering an affordable lunch buffet and wine by the glass.

Holdrens

Taiko

Dish

Atlas Market

Kimochi

Cafe Delight


New Restaurants in 2002
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Mondial
Private Dining Seating up to 40, Catering available. Great location for business dining.

City Kitchen

Go Fish

Natural Cafe

Chipotle

Maeda

jojo

Primo

Hibiki Sushi Cafe

Nu





Blue Agave
20 E. Cota St. American
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
$13 - $18
805-899-4694 Map


Review Blue Agave Restaurant


Blue Agave Restaurant Reviews
Over All Based on 12 Review(s):
Superb = Poor =
Overall Food Overall Service Overall Ambiance


Visitor Reviews for Blue Agave Restaurant:


Review Submitted by Emily on 3/20/2008. Visited on 3/15/08
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

I have been been to Blue Agave a a total of 3 times. The first two times were ok, but my most recent visit there will be my last. The service was terrible. It took almost 2 hours to for our order to arrive and our server did not check on us during our wait. I finally asked how much longer it would be and she said she was about to check. Being ignored and not treated like a valued guest as we watched others receive their entrees when they had arrived after we had, took away from any of the neat atmosphere I had originally liked about the place. I won't dine there again.



Review Submitted on 2/11/2008. Visited on 01/19/2008
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

My boyfriend and I absolutely love the Blue Agave. The tiger shrimp appetizer is to die for and the specials have always been great. Love the mojitos as well. Upstairs in the cozy little loveseat booths is especially nice and romantic. I always can't wait to go back.



Review Submitted on 1/20/2008. Visited on 01/19/2008
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

My wife and I went back to the Blue Agave after we had a nice holiday party there. This time, the service was lackluster at best and while the food was good, it took forever to get to us and the portions for my salmon dinner were quite small. I had to get a slice of pizza at Uncle Rocco's to fill me up. For nearly $100 for two, I think there are better places in SB for dinner.



Review Submitted by David Palermo on 3/25/2005. Visited on A few times a week for the last 4 years.
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

I've been frequenting the Blue Agave for over 4 years and never have experienced bad service or poor food. I go there about 5 times per week - either for dinner or for dinner and drinks. The place is excellent in every way! The food can take a little while to be served but that's because everything is prepared to order and they don't use microwave ovens... I like that. Freshly prepared food, imagine that! Chill out and enjoy a drink and the atmosphere! This is not a fast food place! Relax and smell the lavender. I'm not surprised Blue Agave has been around for about 10 years... they know what they're doing!



Review Submitted on 2/19/2005. Visited on 2/18/2005
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

I was so looking forward to this place but was severely disappointed with the service. We ordered an appetizer and some food at 8:00pm. Got our appetizer at 8:20pm and didn't get our food until 9:15pm. This was after the manager came up to us with a lame excuse of how they try to make an atmosphere of 2 hours in the restaurant and how ordering an appetizer slows down the meal. It would have been nice to know all this at the beginning and as for the appetizer deal it doesn't hold true. A couple that was seated after us ordered an appetizer and finished their food before we even we served. The manager of that place really needs to work on customer service skills. She really has look at it as the customer is right and doesn't want to hear lame excuses when a mistake is made. Fess up to the mistake and make it right. I have now since told 5 of my friends of this experience and my situation doesn't seem to be an isolated incident. They have had poor service as well. I will tell more friends and they will tell more friends and go from there.



Review Submitted on 12/11/2004. Visited on 12/4/2004
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

As new parents, we had not been to the Blue Agave in a few years. We found it just as charming as it had been in the past. We had a very nice dinner and our server was extremely gracious. We are pretty picky when it comes to food and service. The Blue Agave did not disappoint us.



Review Submitted on 10/3/2003. Visited on
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

Great atmosphere. Cozy, hip. Food leaves much to be desired. Consistently medicore, on occasion bad and very expensive and uninspired! I'd reccommend place for drinks (mojitos:) and the casual, artsy uspcale, romantic atmosphere. (Upstairs is the best)



Review Submitted on 5/12/2003. Visited on 11/02/02
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

Great atmosphere! Great bar! I was in town for the News Press Half Marathon and this was the best place to celebrate, dine and drink. The crowd is mixed, good wine list, fresh drinks and by far the best Filet I've ever had...



Review Submitted on 4/21/2003. Visited on 11/30/2002
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

The Blue Agave is always lots of fun, a great place for drinks and good food. Wear black! Can get crowded, so make reservations.



Review Submitted by Jeremy Marquez on 10/10/2002. Visited on 10/7/02
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

I frequent this establishment due to it's overall excellence. The food is wide ranging in flavor and the service is exceptional. Sit at the bar for good conversation and a huge variety of libations.



Review Submitted by Vern Hopington on 4/29/2001. Visited on 5/29/00
for Blue Agave Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Food
Service
Ambiance

That place was Horrible. it had the worst service I have ever seen. I will never go there again!