Matthew & Elizabeth
Things To Do
Lucky Llama Coffee House
This is the perfect place for a morning coffee if you're staying in Carpinteria! We recommend taking your coffee to go, and checking out the shops along Linden Ave.
Jack's Bistro & Famous Bagels
The breakfast and lunch here are phenomenal. Lizzi's go-to order is the The Linden Ave (open-faced bagel with any cream cheese, bacon, tomato, red onion, lemon pepper and a pickle) and Matt's is the Bacon B-Eggl (two scrambled eggs, cheddar and cream cheese and bacon on a bagel).
Cajun Kitchen
This is one of the classic breakfast spots in Santa Barbara, and is actually one of three possible locations to visit! If you're staying in Goleta, look for either the Hollister or Calle Real locations. Matt recommends that you order one of their benedicts and Lizzi's favorite is the biscuits and gravy. But they can both agree you should start with an order of beignets!
Institution Ale Co. - Santa Barbara
The beer here is amazing, but it's the pizza you should really try! We personally love the Spicy Honey Bacon pizza and will split one between just the two of us with no regrets. Its the perfect spot for a lunch stop in downtown Santa Barbara!
South Coast Deli-Carrillo
One of our go-to sandwich spots in Santa Barbara and Goleta, there are three amazing locations to choose from: East Carrillo and San Roque in Santa Barbara, and Patterson in Goleta. Not only is South Coast special to Matt and Lizzi as a couple, but it is actually one of the first local spots Lizzi ever ate at before she moved to California! Her dissertation advisor Erika took her to South Coast on her initial visit to UCSB before Lizzi accepted her offer to enroll and, while I'm not saying the South Coast sammies made her decision for her, it certainly helped!
Teddy's By the Sea
If you're looking for good seafood in the Carpinteria area, then this is the place for you (according to Matt; Lizzi can't comment since seafood isn't her thing). Matt's work frequently chooses Teddy's for birthday lunches and Christmas dinners!
The Cruisery
A bike-themed brewpub, The Cruisery has a good beer selection, fun cocktails, and an amazing menu that won't disappoint! On a recent trip to Santa Barbara the bride's mother, Robin, took Matt and Lizzi here for dinner: she had a filet mignon that was cooked PERFECTLY over a spring salad, while Matt and Lizzi went the hot sandwich route (a Reuben and a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich). Some Fridays they have Bingo After Dark, where Robin and Lizzi played and won some fun prizes (think cocktails and wine)!
The Palace Grill
One of our first anniversaries together was at the Palace, just as Santa Barbara was opening up after COVID. With its Cajun flair, delicious cocktails, and indulgent entrees, the Palace quickly became a favorite special occasion spot! You HAVE to start your meal with the Cajun Popcorn (deep fried crawfish tails) and end with the Chocolate Soufflé (if you have room that is!). But in between, choose from a variety of seafood and non-seafood dishes to enjoy. They have a very small dining room, so we recommend making a reservation online or over the phone if you know you want to try it. Go for a later seating (7:30 or later) to ensure you make it to the end-of-night singalong with the staff!
Mister Softee Santa Barbara
This is a recent addition to Santa Barbara's State Street and one of Matt and Lizzi's new favorite dessert spots. It's classic soft-serve with dipping options galore for a nostalgic outing! The tastiest (and messiest) is the Fried Ice Cream Cone (it's not really fried), but Lizzi also loves a Vanilla-Chocolate twist dipped in chocolate.
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
McConnell's is one of Santa Barbara's restaurant gems, and its an ice cream place! Interesting and unique ice cream flavors include Earl Grey and Shortbread, Eureka Lemon and Marionberries, and Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie. For those looking for a dairy-free option, they have 5-10 flavors depending on their seasonal choices.
The Imperial
This was one of two locations where we spent our first date (sadly, the other is now closed). This is an adorable tiki-themed cocktail bar hidden away in Goleta - if it feels like your GPS is taking you to an abandoned parking lot, you're in the right place!
Captain Fatty's Brewery
Matt and Lizzi have been Mug Club Members at Captain Fatty's for three years now! It is located near our apartment in Goleta, and has a great indoor and outdoor space to enjoy beer. One of our favorite weekend activities is playing Scrabble or Sequence here while enjoying a beer or two. They always have something new to try!
Island Brewing Company
Island Brewing is famous for their Avocado Honey Ale, a classic beverage at the California Avocado Festival in October each year. Matt and Lizzi love this spot next to the railroad track in Carpinteria, and frequently meet here after Matt's done working just a block away.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Matt and I spent our anniversary here in 2021, one of our favorite places to go in Santa Barbara. Mutual lovers of animals, this zoo never gets old. It's a moderate size zoo, but has California-specific species like the Channel Island Fox and the California Condor.
Stearns Wharf
The quintessential Santa Barbara coastal experience, Stearns Wharf has restaurants, ice cream, wine, an aquarium, and even wharf fishing! You can catch a coastal cruise from here (https://sbsail.com/double-dolphin-public-cruises/) or just enjoy the walk out to the end of the wharf to enjoy the sea air. The Deep Sea Tasting Room has the best view of any tasting room in Santa Barbara; grab a glass to watch the sunset before making your way to the Funk Zone (see below) for the best wine the region has to offer.
The Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is a relatively recent addition to Santa Barbara, but it has grown incredibly fast over the last couple of years. With wine tasting rooms, breweries, cocktail bars, restaurants, and shopping, there is something for everyone! We regularly visit the Funk Zone with friends, grabbing a beer at Brass Bear or Muni Wine, Tiki cocktails at Test Pilot, or dinner at Validation.