When you think of Santa Barbara, “happy” is definitely one of the words that comes to mind. From the rich culture and history to the sweeping views of the Pacific, there is plenty to make one consider “happy” as a way to describe their mood! But happiness comes in many forms, and one of our favorites is Happy Hour! Join us as we spotlight the best Happy Hours in the area!
Let’s kick things off with a visit to LOCAL Montecito. This hip spot near Butterfly Beach offers a great atmosphere and a blend of indoor and outdoor areas. Take advantage of their Happy Hour from 3-5pm on Tuesday through Sunday. You’ll find $10 Margaritas and Moscow Mules, $5 Agua Santa Mexican Lagers, as well as some great appetizer prices.
Coast & Olive is another solid choice when in the Montecito area. Offering fine California cuisine and some amazing cocktails, they also have a great Happy Hour menu. You can catch it from 3-5pm daily (2-5pm weekends), and they’ve got great prices on drinks as well as apps. A $12 Shrimp Cocktail or the $10 Tempura Cauliflower are great choices to get you started on the food side. Then take advantage of the $4 draft beers, $10 red/white wine glasses, and a $10 daily cocktail special.
Ready for some amazing views to go along with your thrifty outings? Then check out Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Fresh seafood, great Happy Hour offerings, and some of the most spectacular vistas you’ll find anywhere make this a top destination for some time with friends. You can grab $10 specialty cocktails, $6 Cabernets and Chardonnays, $7 Pinots, and amazing seafood fares like Ceviche Shrimp, local Rockfish, Oysters, Fish Tacos, and more!
Speaking of wines, if you’re a lover of the vino you won’t want to miss Wine Therapy. It’s a favorite hangout for locals, and your furry four-legged friends are not just “allowed”…..they are encouraged! The service is always excellent, and you’ll find a great Happy Hour menu including a broad cocktail list, a variety of wines, and foods such as Skillet Nachos, Tapas, and more. You’ll also want to check out their Frosé Fridays, where you can get $10 Frosés until 9pm!
Milk & Honey is a quaint craft cocktail and tapas bar located on Anapamu Street in Santa Barbara. They offer a Happy Hour (Tue-Sat) from 5-6:30pm and a Late Night Happy Hour Thur-Sat 9:30-11pm. Grab some $9 Tacos or Battered Sweet Potato Fries, $9 house wines, or $9 Margaritas, Mojitos, or Sangria!
Take in some fresh, local ingredients and flavor at Santa Barbara FisHouse. They offer a great Happy Hour Mon-Fri plus Sunday from 4pm to close! And you can catch it on Saturday from 2-5pm. Some app highlights include $8 Oysters Half Shell, $9 Fried Calamari, and $14 Pulled Pork Sliders. On the drinks menu you’ll enjoy $6 house wines, as well as $7 Margaritas/Cosmos/Martinis, and $6.50 well cocktails and sangria.
In that perfect Santa Barbara weather, you can enjoy some great beachside dining and drinks at Flor De Maíz on Cabrillo Blvd. Their Happy Hour is bar only, but occurs Mon-Thur from 2-5pm. Their $8 Ceviche Tropical and $8 Mole Naches are a sure hit. And they have a variety of $10 specialty cocktails, as well as four different $9 high-end Margaritas.
In Santa Barbara, Happy Hour is more than just discounted drinks; it’s a celebration of life, community, and the joy of savoring the moment. Whether you find happiness in the clinking of glasses, the taste of a well-crafted cocktail, or the company of newfound friends, this coastal paradise offers an array of experiences that cater to every palate.
And at Haller Coastal Homes, you can browse our unique inventory of amazing Santa Barbara vacation rental properties to find the one that is perfect for your stay. Some are within walking distance of top dining and drink options, and others have great proximity to local beaches and cultural centers.