Heather Martin
Excellent casual beach grub and DOG FRIENDLY!! If you’re traveling with your pup and enjoying some time on the pier this is a great little spot for lunch. Lots of open seating patio tables to choose from. We went on a Monday so it was easier to find a table. Assuming the weekends are more crowded. Batter on the fish and chips was crispy and delicious. Clam chowder was excellent! I love that they don’t ruin the clam chowder by adding bacon. And we got a steak sandwich which was fine but we’d swap that for a burger next time. Overall really good spot for lunch! Keep in mind this place is super casual and counter service only. That was perfect for what we were looking for. However, there’s plenty of other options on the pier and in Santa Barbara if you want to sit down and have higher end service. If you’re looking for a quick, yummy, a casual lunch then this is def a great spot for you.
… moreRakshit Pithadia
They have counter service here. Its not fancy, but not pricey as well.
Fish and chips were made to order. The fries were nice and crunchy.
Kids liked the fish and chips. Also got the cheese quesadilla which was good.
… moreDJ Andreas
Classic SB vibes! If you want a real Santa Barbara experience, grab a burger, sandwich, or fish and chips at Char West. It’s simple, delicious, and affordable dining right over the water. It’s also dog-friendly, which makes it the perfect stop during a walk on the pier. Five stars for the view and the food!
… moreLillian
Char West is a no nonsense casual eatery located on Stearns Wharf. This place ain’t fancy. It’s counter service. The summer hours are 7am-7pm. Breakfast is served until 11 am, after that lunch is served. The menu includes coffee drinks, breakfast, burgers, fish n chips, clam strips, Clam chowder, fish sandwich, and salad. They even have a kids menu.
It’s a small place with limited seating with a few tables outside. The interior dining room has some windows, try to snag those tables for the view of the ocean. If you sit outside, watch out for the birds. They have no qualms of helping themselves to your food.
Onto talking about the food…
Char West self proclaims that the blueberry wheat germ pancakes are famous. It was past 11am when I visited, so I missed out on their claim to fame. Instead Hubs and I shared a cheeseburger and fries. $12.50. The patty was of a substantial size and pretty tasty. Moist and flavorful even fur a pre frozen patty. The bun was substantial and the fixings (sliced tomato and shredded iceberg lettuce) were fresh. sClassic, simple burger done right. I got no complaints about the fries. Served hot and golden crisp.
… moreP. M.
Much better than the ratings show. Reasonable prices for the pier, breakfast meals plus tons of fish choices, fish tacos (or tri-tip or chicken), salads, tuna melt, etc. Delicious oceans views, eat indoor or out.
… moreAndy Liao
The fish and chips here are pretty good and there’s a good amount of outdoor seating.
Most importantly this restaurant has much less crowd than the one at the end of the pier. We didn’t have to wait very long to order and then get our food.
… moreSteve Johnson
Great place with outdoor seating and great views. The food is fresh and amazing. Good service. Salad is excellent and the balsamic dressing wonderful.
… moreLiliane Howland
Good tartar sauce for fish and chips. A bit greasy for my taste. Nuggets were eaten by kids in group. Not cheap. Fish & chips, one coke, and chicken nuggets $32.
… moreAmy Sonder
Perfect little spot on the pier for a bite. We split a fish and chips which was perfect to share. The fish was SO fresh and the batter was light and crispy, it didn’t overpower the taste of the fish at all. It wasn’t too greasy and the tarter sauce was nice. Fries were crispy. Staff was very friendly and the service was quick. Good value too and can’t beat the location.
… moreDon Frasco
Free 90-minute parking on the pier. Menu is simple yet perfect for its location. Love their crispy fish and chips. Staff were friendly and helpful.
… more