A mainstay of the Funk Zone, Blackbird offers a beverage-forward atmosphere featuring inventive cocktails by legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa alongside a thoughtfully curated menu that pays homage to the culinary bounty of the Central Coast. Enjoy an extensive list of local wine and craft beer that highlights the terroir of the region and pairs seamlessly with our iconoclastic take on classic comfort foods. With its striking brass fixtures and black box-like aesthetic, Blackbird upends the conventional upscale dining experience in Santa Barbara and offer a subtle nod to Alfred Hitchcock’s haunting, yet timeless thrillers. Here guests will be offered a pulse on contemporary Santa Barbara.
Stylish bar & restaurant at the Hotel Californian offering eclectic, seasonal New American cuisine.
Hours
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 882-0135
Website: http://www.thehotelcalifornian.com/santa_barbara_restaurants/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Curt Weber
Well-appointed decor. Good service.
It was chilly indoors when I was here for dinner. Some waitstaff kept a warm jacket on while working.
My burger and old-fashioned were great.
… moreIt was chilly indoors when I was here for dinner. Some waitstaff kept a warm jacket on while working.
My burger and old-fashioned were great.
Ryan Freeman
It’s wild that you can go to a restaurant at a hotel on a holiday that they’re just like “Kids? Nah, we aren’t going to make any accommodation for a kid.” I don’t expect anyone to bend over backwards for us, but it’s wild that there’s literally nothing you can offer that’s kid friendly beyond the server raiding the bar for fruit and some dry focaccia.
Our kid has come to fine dining restaurants all over and we have never had a problem before today. He’s quiet and well behaved, or we wouldn’t bring him. He’s not even that picky of an eater. But he’s 4 so I’m not ordering him a 35 dollar risotto or a 55 dollar halibut.
I’m not rating the service because it’s a holiday and that’s just unfair. Service is always kinda sub par on a holiday but the servers were very nice.
The food was “meh” totally fine, but nothing extraordinary. In comparison with similarly priced places in the area it comes up short for sure.
The focaccia was straight garbage though. Dense and dry. Nothing like a focaccia should be.
… moreOur kid has come to fine dining restaurants all over and we have never had a problem before today. He’s quiet and well behaved, or we wouldn’t bring him. He’s not even that picky of an eater. But he’s 4 so I’m not ordering him a 35 dollar risotto or a 55 dollar halibut.
I’m not rating the service because it’s a holiday and that’s just unfair. Service is always kinda sub par on a holiday but the servers were very nice.
The food was “meh” totally fine, but nothing extraordinary. In comparison with similarly priced places in the area it comes up short for sure.
The focaccia was straight garbage though. Dense and dry. Nothing like a focaccia should be.
b t
Late on making reservations for Christmas Eve dinner, felt lucky to find a table for 4 5pm at Blackbird- touted as a fine dining ready in Santa Barbara.
Arrived at 5pm to find the restaurant not yet open – no problem – nice wine bar close by. Empty except for one other table of 2, seated directly next to them. Strange. Music did not suit the occasion- loud club music on Christmas Eve. Menu had a nice selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Unfortunately not a lot of options for our guest with celiac disease but server did her best to get information from the kitchen. Server was lovely and appreciated. Food was decent – celiac’s snapper was delicious. Dessert menu lacking again given the occasion. Overall low stars because it felt like a not so special experience on a special evening in a town full of restaurants offering delicious food and a personality/vibe. This one lacked some heart and soul. Maybe yet to find its identity.
… moreArrived at 5pm to find the restaurant not yet open – no problem – nice wine bar close by. Empty except for one other table of 2, seated directly next to them. Strange. Music did not suit the occasion- loud club music on Christmas Eve. Menu had a nice selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian options. Unfortunately not a lot of options for our guest with celiac disease but server did her best to get information from the kitchen. Server was lovely and appreciated. Food was decent – celiac’s snapper was delicious. Dessert menu lacking again given the occasion. Overall low stars because it felt like a not so special experience on a special evening in a town full of restaurants offering delicious food and a personality/vibe. This one lacked some heart and soul. Maybe yet to find its identity.
Lydia Cheung
The food was good but the service was slow. My boyfriend reserved the table ahead of time for my birthday but the server completely forgot about it. I already ate the dessert half way through and he brought a candle?? Are you serious? Every single fine dining restaurant I have been to all over the world for birthdays always made sure they made you feel special on that day. The host was aware and greeted me with happy birthday, but there’s no amount of a complimentaey dessert or drink can make up for it!
… moreAudrey Kato
Solid restaurant based on location but not the best. Ordered the brussel sprouts, cod, scallops and brick chicken. Nothing exciting about any of these. The service was excellent- our water glasses stayed full and our table was kept clean. The atmosphere was nice- the restaurant is nicely decorated and the location on State St is good for people watching. Restaurant is “ok” but if you want great food, maybe skip this one.
… moreMy reviews to help you
The star is for our waitress who was great. Minus stars for the person who failed to disclose that we would be charged extra for the custom drink they suggested… and the bartender walking by – not the person who made the drink – who also tasted it by dipping a straw in to catch some. Not appropriate. The food was disappointing at best. My friend described it as cruise food. There are many other great places just a couple blocks away.
… moreCali Living
We stopped here without reservations and were able to get a table with 30 minutes wait time. We went for a nice stroll and came back. Enjoyed our food and the ambiance. Service was a little slow but it was a very busy night and our waiter apologized for it. We kind of knew going in that we may have to wait for food to come out as it was very busy. We had a lovely evening
… moreRosabell M.
I visited Blackbird and had a wonderful experience. The place was clean and tidy, providing a welcoming atmosphere. We chose to sit at the bar, where the bartender was incredibly nice and attentive.
He suggested trying the espresso martini, which turned out to be really good! Unfortunately, the kitchen was closed during our visit, but we enjoyed some popcorn that the bartender recommended, and it was surprisingly delicious.
Overall, it was a good experience, and I look forward to returning when the kitchen is open. Highly recommend this spot for its great drinks and friendly service.
… moreHe suggested trying the espresso martini, which turned out to be really good! Unfortunately, the kitchen was closed during our visit, but we enjoyed some popcorn that the bartender recommended, and it was surprisingly delicious.
Overall, it was a good experience, and I look forward to returning when the kitchen is open. Highly recommend this spot for its great drinks and friendly service.
G K
Bizarre music that makes no sense for the restaurant and learned the social media dept. of hotel controls it. But what made us leave was we ordered the warm focaccia. It’s very thick, like a cake which is different. But the center was ice cold. We told them and instead of giving us a new one , they put it back into the oven with the prices we had cut which dried everything out. It was awful. So we paid for our appetizer and left. Would not recommend this place at all.
… moreLinda M
Great ambiance, room and overall service experience. Nice selection of wines – local and otherwise. Citrus salad was really outstanding. Short rib was tender – flavourful. Pasta with tomato, ricotta and lemon was underwhelming- sounded like an interesting combo but turned out not to be. Waiter offered a replacement or dessert / port. The women behind me also complained about her order of the same dish. Net net we would go back – all the elements of a great experience.
36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
… more36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States