Joe's Cafe, Santa Barbara

My wife and I love to visit Santa Barbara; we stopped in for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. We should have walked out immediately and seriously regret not doing so. The hostess (maybe manager or owner) a short maybe sixty five year old lady with glasses and stringy unkempt hair ignored us when we first entered then finally sat us at a booth. She did not smile, greet us, or say a word, she only stood by the table until we sat and handed us our menus. The waitresses were all sloppy older women with stingy hair. Our waitress was probably the nicest one, but even her smile seemed forced. She walked by looked at my empty glass, a quick glance at me and kept walking. The other waitress an old woman with a long gray and black haired ponytail was annoying as she got onto a poor busboy about the way he did something. (He was the only decent looking person there with a friendly smile). As we waited for our food I continued to observe this hostess as she walked about with this grumpy looking sour puss of a face with her glasses hanging off her nose and how she interacted with staff and new customers. I only saw her smile once for a split second when she made eye contact with an old man at the bar then instantly returned back to that grumpy face (it was such a fake smile). I ordered a sirloin steak sandwich with blue cheese crumbles spread on top. The steak was exactly as I ordered, seared branded and cooked medium rare. I have to admit the food was good, but the service was terrible. The main reason we would not return or recommend this place to anyone is definitely the hostess/manager/owner, whoever that woman was. (Appeared to be "in charge"). I almost forgot as we were waiting there a man and his son or grandson entered and was seated. He seemed to be a regular as they new him by name. After about fifteen minutes they gut up and walked out. Waved to the bartender and left. The old waitress with the ponytail and the hostess seemed bothered and exchanged a few words; apparently they did not know why he was dissatisfied and left. This made the hostess/manager even more of a prude.

The food is good enough, but you really go here for the drinks and the company. A local's favorite where the drinks are strong and the company is boisterous. It's great fun on a Friday or Saturday night and a definite must to get your night started right.

I am a santa barbara resident, in 30 years Joe's Cafe has always been one of my favorites. Unfortunetly the last meal I had on Friday needs to be mentioned as unacceptable.The french fries were cold and old. The waitress never came to the table to see if everything was alright or to offer refills on drinks. When she came to bring the check, I told her we left the french fries behind because they were old and terrible, she insisted they make them every morning, this was 1 o'clock, maybe they need to make them more than once in the day. Overall bad dining experinece. Sorry Joe's Cafe

Joe's Cafe makes the best drinks in SB county. They are STRONG so hang onto your hat!

Nice old fashioned diner with good food and great service. Nice change of pace from chain restaurants/coffee shops, etc. Good size portions and very friendly atmosphere.

Good restaurant, old fashion US Café with some good steaks and fries. Very Cool, I recommend It

Friendly bar, heavy drinks, and good filling food. Who needs more?