Award-winning

Blackbird

4.1 (184)

$31 to $50

Californian

36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Make a reservation

2 people

May 24, 2025

May 2025

10:30 PM

Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Good for business meals
Hot spot

Blackbird offers an inventive take on dishes, highlighting hyper-local and hyper-seasonal offerings. Leaning into the locality and freshness of the fare continues to be a focus of the restaurant’s story. In 2025, we will focus on redefining and developing the personality of Blackbird, including highlighting the talent to create the semblance of a relationship for locals looking for somewhere to go. A revamped cocktail menu will aim to drive additional local interest and traffic into the spaces. We continue to strive to position Blackbird as a favorite in town, and to that end are finding new ways to activate the venues each night and draw both locals and hotel guests in.

Complimentary hotel valet parking with validation.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Lounge
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(805) 882-0135
Website
http://www.blackbirdsb.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Travis Watson
Private party facilities
We are available for partial and full buyouts for up to 150 guests. Please contact us at sales@hotelcalifornian.com for more information.

Location
36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Cross street
At the intersection of State Street and Mason Street.
Parking details
Hotel Parking
Public transit
One block from the Santa Barbara Amtrak station.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

House-Made Focaccia$11.00
seasonal compound butter, maldon salt
West Coast Oysters$4.00
seasonal mignonette, lemon
Steak Tartare$22.00
capers, shallots, cured egg yolk, onion ash, bread
Yellowtail Crudo$23.00
strawberry aguachile, cucumber, onion, black radish, fennel
Dungeness Crab Fritter$23.00
sweet corn, cotija aioli, sterling royal caviar
Crispy Brussels Sprouts$16.00
soy maple vinaigrette, lime
Local Green Salad$18.00
salanova lettuce, oro blanco grapefruit, ninja radish, marcona almonds, lemon mint dressing

Entrées

Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Loin$39.00
roasted carrot purée, butterscotch braised apples, spinach
Santa Barbara Cioppino$48.00
crab claws, mussels, clams, shrimp, local fish
Tender Wagyu Filet of Beef$55.00
lobster tarragon butter, potato mille feuille, cippolini
Foraged Mushroom Risotto$33.00
black truffles, pomegranate gastrique, mushroom fricassee
Seared Day Boat Scallops$44.00
crispy speck, marble potatoes, peas
Eggplant$30.00
romesco, pickled vegetables, chili, pine nuts
Black Cod$42.00
saffron soubise, fregola, kale, sauce américaine
Crispy Brick Chicken$38.00
white cheddar grits, broccolini, onion jus

Libations

Luck Be a Lady$17.00
Gin, Lemon, Orange Flower, Egg White
Helluvagoodnight$17.00
Charles Goodnight Bourbon, Averna Amaro, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
A Knight to Remember$17.00
Vodka, Espresso, Kahlúa, Salted Caramel
La Conchita$17.00
Rye, Cognac, Banana Liqueur, Angostura Bitters, Cardamom Bitters
Hitchcock Presents....$17.00
Vodka, Activated Charcoal, Elderflower, Blackberry Juice, Lemon, Elderflower Liqueur, Mint
Après Sea$17.00
Amaro Nonino, Honey, Dry Vermouth, Yuzu Soda, Lemon, Lime
It’s Going To Be A Bumpy Night!$17.00
Gin, Italicus Bergamot, Dry Vermouth, Citrus Oil
Arandas$17.00
Tequila, Blueberry Syrup, Smoky Mezcal, Dry Vermouth, Lime, Mint
The Iconoclast*$17.00
Pisco, Matcha, Rose Water, Egg White, Lemon, Lime
1925$17.00
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Lime, Maraschino Luxardo, Hickory Smoke

Beer

Firestone Walker Brewing | 805 Lager, Paso Robles, CA | 4.5% | 10 IBU$8.00
Elysian Brewing | Hazy IPA, Seattle, WA | 6.0% | 39 IBU$8.00
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co | Hoppy Poppy, Santa Barbara, CA | 6.5% | 55 IBU$8.00
Peroni Nastro Azzuro | Italy | 5.1% | 24 IBU$8.00
Stella Artois Belgium | 5.0% | 20 IBU$8.00
Amstel Light Netherlands | 3.5% | 18 IBU$8.00
Topa Topa Brewing Co. Dos Topas, Santa Barbara, CA | 4.5% | 12 IBU$8.00
Topa Topa Brewing Company | Leve Line, Santa Barbara, CA | 5% | 37 IBU$8.00
Corona Extra | Mexico | 4.6% | 18 IBU$8.00

Wine

Sparkling

PIAFF Champagne Brut, France N.V.$35.00
Lucien Albrecht Brut, Cremant D’Alsace, France N.V.$15.00
Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut, France$25.00
PIAFF Champagne Brut Rosé, France N.V.$35.00
Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé, Cremant D’Alsace, France N.V.$15.00

White

2022 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, Russian River Valley$24.00
2022 Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa Valley$20.00
2018 Ferrari-Carano Tré Terre Chardonnay, Russian River Valley$19.00
2023 Margerum Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara, California$20.00
2022 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand$19.00
2023 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast$24.00
2022 Pieropan Soave Proprietary Blend, Soave, Veneto, Italy$19.00
2022 Balthasar Ress Von Unserm Riesling, Rheingau, Germany$20.00
2022 Epoch Estate White, Willow Creek, Paso Robles$32.00
2023 Mendes & Symington, “Contacto” Alvarinho, Vinho Verde, Portugal$23.00

Rosé

2022 The Four Graces Rosé, Willamette Valley, Oregon$19.00
2022 Banshee Rosé, Mendocino$17.00
2022 The Four Graces Rosé of Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills$19.00

Red

2022 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County$16.00
2021 The Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon$24.00
2020 D’Alfonso-Curran Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara$24.00
2019 Roth Heritage Red Blend, Sonoma County$20.00
2022 Roth Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley$20.00
2021 The Possessor by Tooth & Nail Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles$25.00
2022 Amor Fati Syrah, Santa Maria Valley$40.00
2022 Margerum Syrah, Los Olivos$22.00
2021 Amor Fati Grenache, Santa Maria Valley$36.00
2021 Château Rocher-Calon Bordeaux Blend, Montagne Saint Emilion$35.00

What 184 people are saying

Blackbird reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.3Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Barbara
Great for scenic views
Santa Barbara
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Blackbird offers a "fun experience" with "excellent food and service." The menu features standout dishes like flavorful risotto and a must-try Focaccia bread. While some diners found the pricing and service inconsistent, many praise the "great cocktails" and attentive staff, making it ideal for a "higher end but still casual evening."

184 Reviews

d
delicious VIP
Denver / Colorado7 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Nice place for a nice dinner. I would recommend for a date night.
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W
William VIP
Denver / Colorado73 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 2, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Validated valet parking was a blessing. Service was inconsistent and slow despite 1/3 occupancy. The decor was inspired but noise level was excessive despite low occupancy and would be intolerable if fully occupied.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
California Central Coast1 review
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was delicious. We had eaten at the Revere Room at the Miramar the previous evening, and found the food disappointing. Here the soup alone was tasty and left me wanting more. Who says that about soup? Genevieve, our server was attentive and charming.
Is this helpful?
K
Ken
New York City13 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved our night at Blackbird. The salad was great, Focaccia bread is a must, and the Brussels were fantastic. Oysters were the $2 special and being from the East Coast these were not my favorite, but were certainly fresh. Highly recommend.
BlackbirdResponded on April 23, 2025
Ken, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your night at Blackbird! It’s great to know the salad, focaccia, and Brussels stole the show for you. We appreciate your feedback on the oysters, please note they are always West coast and always fresh. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic dining experience!
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R
Rebecca
Las Vegas2 reviews
2.0
Dined on April 16, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
This restaurant is way over priced. Dinner was below average tasting. Not worth it.
BlackbirdResponded on April 23, 2025
Rebecca, we appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear your experience didn’t meet expectations. We strive for quality and value, so your insights are important to us. We’re committed to improving and hope you’ll consider giving us another chance in the future. All the best, Kiarra Beard - General Manager
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J
Jean-François
New York City15 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 23, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Restaurant tendance, serveurs/serveuses jeunes, service bien, plats bons. Il y a une terrasse qui donne sur la rue (passante).
BlackbirdResponded on April 23, 2025
Thanks for your feedback, Jean-François! We're glad you enjoyed the service and food. We appreciate your thoughts and would love to know how we can do better. Hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
G
Garth VIP
California Central Coast13 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. We’re locals, and will be back.
BlackbirdResponded on April 23, 2025
Garth, thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and service. It's great to have locals like you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Orange County1 review
1.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
We had a terrible experience here. Blackbird’s Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner special was an extremely overpriced scam that seemed like a joke on the customers ($150 per person). The first part of the meal was a single potato chip with a little sour cream on top with fake caviar. The second part of meal was a half cup of lukewarm warm, bland pea soup. Third part of meal was a cup of basic fettuccine with tomato sauce—literally that was it—it was terrible and made no sense. It was like something you would make on the fly for a toddler. The main course, which took almost two hours to get to, was three small scallops and some corn out of a can. Please save your time and wallet and never come here.
BlackbirdResponded on April 23, 2025
Mike, we’re truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. Your feedback is invaluable, and we take it seriously. We strive to provide memorable dining experiences, and it’s clear we missed the mark. Thank you for sharing your thoughts; they help us improve.
1 person found this helpful
J
John
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
4.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The wagu steak had an odd taste. The cherry martini was the best I ever had.
BlackbirdResponded on April 23, 2025
Thanks for your feedback, John! We're glad you loved the chocolate cherry martini, but we're sorry to hear the Wagyu steak didn't meet your expectations. We appreciate your insights and will share them with our culinary team to improve. Hope to see you again soon! All the best, Kiarra Beard - General Manager
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer VIP
San Francisco Bay Area17 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved the cocktail menu. The food was so good. The risotto was so flavorful. Enjoyed the ambiance and the staff was very kind
BlackbirdResponded on April 23, 2025
Thanks for the fantastic feedback, Jennifer! We're thrilled you enjoyed the cocktail menu and found the risotto flavorful. Our team takes pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s great to hear you felt that. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more delicious experiences!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Blackbird is rated 4.1 stars by 184 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Booked 10 times today

36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Dining areas

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross street
At the intersection of State Street and Mason Street.
Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Californian, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Lounge
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Hotel Parking
Public transit
One block from the Santa Barbara Amtrak station.
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Travis Watson
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.blackbirdsb.com/
Phone number
(805) 882-0135
Private party facilities
We are available for partial and full buyouts for up to 150 guests. Please contact us at sales@hotelcalifornian.com for more information.

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Blackbird

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

To Start

House-Made Focaccia$11.00

West Coast Oysters$4.00

Steak Tartare$22.00

Yellowtail Crudo$23.00

Dungeness Crab Fritter$23.00

Crispy Brussels Sprouts$16.00

Local Green Salad$18.00

Entrées

Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Loin$39.00

Santa Barbara Cioppino$48.00

Tender Wagyu Filet of Beef$55.00

Foraged Mushroom Risotto$33.00

Seared Day Boat Scallops$44.00

Eggplant$30.00

Black Cod$42.00

Crispy Brick Chicken$38.00

Libations

Luck Be a Lady$17.00

Helluvagoodnight$17.00

A Knight to Remember$17.00

La Conchita$17.00

Hitchcock Presents....$17.00

Après Sea$17.00

It’s Going To Be A Bumpy Night!$17.00

Arandas$17.00

The Iconoclast*$17.00

1925$17.00

Beer

Firestone Walker Brewing | 805 Lager, Paso Robles, CA | 4.5% | 10 IBU$8.00

Elysian Brewing | Hazy IPA, Seattle, WA | 6.0% | 39 IBU$8.00

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co | Hoppy Poppy, Santa Barbara, CA | 6.5% | 55 IBU$8.00

Peroni Nastro Azzuro | Italy | 5.1% | 24 IBU$8.00

Stella Artois Belgium | 5.0% | 20 IBU$8.00

Amstel Light Netherlands | 3.5% | 18 IBU$8.00

Topa Topa Brewing Co. Dos Topas, Santa Barbara, CA | 4.5% | 12 IBU$8.00

Topa Topa Brewing Company | Leve Line, Santa Barbara, CA | 5% | 37 IBU$8.00

Corona Extra | Mexico | 4.6% | 18 IBU$8.00

Wine

Sparkling

PIAFF Champagne Brut, France N.V.$35.00

Lucien Albrecht Brut, Cremant D’Alsace, France N.V.$15.00

Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut, France$25.00

PIAFF Champagne Brut Rosé, France N.V.$35.00

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé, Cremant D’Alsace, France N.V.$15.00

White

2022 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, Russian River Valley$24.00

2022 Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa Valley$20.00

2018 Ferrari-Carano Tré Terre Chardonnay, Russian River Valley$19.00

2023 Margerum Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara, California$20.00

2022 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand$19.00

2023 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast$24.00

2022 Pieropan Soave Proprietary Blend, Soave, Veneto, Italy$19.00

2022 Balthasar Ress Von Unserm Riesling, Rheingau, Germany$20.00

2022 Epoch Estate White, Willow Creek, Paso Robles$32.00

2023 Mendes & Symington, “Contacto” Alvarinho, Vinho Verde, Portugal$23.00

Rosé

2022 The Four Graces Rosé, Willamette Valley, Oregon$19.00

2022 Banshee Rosé, Mendocino$17.00

2022 The Four Graces Rosé of Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills$19.00

Red

2022 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County$16.00

2021 The Four Graces Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon$24.00

2020 D’Alfonso-Curran Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara$24.00

2019 Roth Heritage Red Blend, Sonoma County$20.00

2022 Roth Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley$20.00

2021 The Possessor by Tooth & Nail Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles$25.00

2022 Amor Fati Syrah, Santa Maria Valley$40.00

2022 Margerum Syrah, Los Olivos$22.00

2021 Amor Fati Grenache, Santa Maria Valley$36.00

2021 Château Rocher-Calon Bordeaux Blend, Montagne Saint Emilion$35.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs