Andersen Bakery, Santa Barbara

Andersen's atmosphere was very quaint and the service was par excellence! And the confections themselves seem to melt in your mouth!

Every year, I hope I'm spending Easter with my family in Santa Barbara. Because then I get to have the best hot cross buns I've ever found! They make them to perfection here. All their other food, whether you're eating at the restaurant or just picking up a pastry, is delicious too. The staff don't even mind when you deliberate over the choices!

I didn’t eat here, so take my review with a grain of salt. I gave a 3 out of 5 overall since I can’t speak for the food or the service. But, after seeing the menu, I didn’t see a point to try the food. I stopped downtown late Sunday morning specifically to eat here but after seeing the menu I decided to pass; I couldn’t see any value here. I don’t mind expensive, but I expect value for my money. After spending the previous day at Avila Beach and eating lunch ocean side and feeding a family of four for less than $50, maybe I was spoiled. Chicken breast salad for $12.95? Cheese plate for $13.95? Omelette “Surprise” for $11.95? Eggs Benedict for $11.95? Ham & cheese omelet for $10.95? New York steak for $26.95?? Come on guys. The restaurant sits downtown in the heart of Santa Barbara and is definitely a nice setting, if you like eating on a busy street in the middle of a busy business district. The place was crowded, but there was still room outside and the inside was basically empty. Walking by, the place looked clean and the staff appeared to be attentive and friendly. If you have money to burn, I’m sure the food is at least good, if not great, as other reviewers who have actually eaten there attest.

My husband and I were in the Santa Barbara area this morning, walking through beautiful State St. when we came upon this restaurant. Their menu was full of delicious sounding entres including black angus steak, bacon, homemade sausage, most of which included eggs, potatoes, bread (a plate of french bread & some danish pastries - yumm) and a surprise, a cheese plate with french bread, waffles, a no-egg European breakfast with liver pate & french bread, etc. We ended up getting an omelette each, coffee and orange juice. A large plate of french bread, some danish pastries and a surprise (cinnimon apple) was included with our order! We had a fun and romantic time. Oh, and the service was great.

From the minute you walk in, you know you are in a special place. The service can't be beat and the owner genuinely cares about making you feel welcome. Our lunch was delicious! Sit and people watch on State St... Whatever you do save room for a treat! I had the best mocha coffee and dessert I've ever had. I can't rave enough :)