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Alcazar Tapas Bar
Category: Restaurants Tapas Bars Tapas Bars [Edit]
1812 Cliff DrSanta Barbara, CA 93109
(805) 962-0337
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 5 pm - 10 pm
Thu-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 1 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Romantic, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Alcazar Tapas Bar
Review Highlights
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"and drizzled honey bacon wrapped dates." In 4 reviews -
"Heat of Passion is the best drink." In 4 reviews -
"The coconut mojitos are AMAZING." In 9 reviews
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Adena B.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
Chilango's used to be my favorite State Street spot. When I found out that Milk & Honey was owned by the same folks, I was stoked. Now, to know that Alcazar is all mixed in with THAT crowd: well, slap my fanny and color me excited!
Oh, dear, sweet baby Jesus in a manger, the coconut mojito: I have fantasies about this beverage and they're not PG. If you're around, stop by and order, like 17 of these. You can thank me after your hangover. Or don't, whatever. -
Review from Gladys C.
Anaheim, CA
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pros: very cute decor. Intimate setting. Good sangria.
Cons:
Service could use some work. Our server didnt bother asking us if we wanted anything to drink other than water. We have to flag someone down to order Sangria. Also, the two servers there were preoccupied with either chatting with the line cooks or the bartender the entire time we were there.
Food took long and came out one tapa at a time and they came out one by one, like one every 15-20 minutes.... And we had a party of three. Talk about a food tease.
This is the most over priced tapas i've ever seen. For the price of each small plate i was expecting to be blown away. I was left wanting... And thats no bueno. :(
Overall this place is ok for drinks and ambiance. But dont come here hungry or you just might break your bank! -
Review from Philip W.
Oakland, CA
4/8/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Our last night in Santa Barbara we ate at Alcazar....a tapas place that looks like the proverbial "hole in the wall." My kinda' place.
The tapas were incredibly good. From the scallop ceviche to the flat bread pizza with goat cheese, tomato and basil, the food came out quickly with fresh ingredients and good sized portions.
The only drawback was the cost of mixed drinks. If it wasn't for the $12 martinis I would have given the place 5 stars. -
Review from Anthony C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
1.5 Stars
As a disclaimer, this review may be a little biased as I did not get to really try out any of their foods other then the Sangria and Sweet Potato Fries - in either case both very very meh and would say that Veggie Grill definitely has better Sweet Potato Fries and the Sangria was a little watery (but can't complain as it was free with the Yelp check-in offer.
Guess my main gripe with this place was the pricing - it seems like a complete ripoff. I came to this place for Happy Hour and I have to say this was probably one of the un-Happiest Happy Hours ever.
First off their HH selection is pretty small, probably about 10 or 14 items. Second off, they do have a discount on there food, a discount of a buck or two. Thirdly, every food item that had a discount was in the Vegetarian section...seriously that just makes this place look so cheap, just don't do a HH would be better. But yes, this leads me to the low rating for this place, it is freaking expensive for what it is and I highly doubt it would be anything amazing considering the two items I did end up getting were mediocre at best. I mean seriously, not paying $9 or so for a quesadilla (which they ran out of btw...), well not unless its some super duper amazing quesadilla or something.
The bonus star really was because the service here is quite good. Our waiter was very prompt and courteous and made sure everything was as expect.
Really the only reason I could see coming to this place was after dinner or something and you want a nice place to sit down and grab a drink. -
Review from Carey G.
Santa Barbara, CA
3/29/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Easily used a Yelp! coupon here.
I really appreciated the variety in the menu, however entree prices for tapas is only good on the budget every once in a while. Service was decent. Love the funky atmosphere. -
Review from AJ R.
1/27/2012
If you like tapas this is a really nice little spot to grab some eats.
Just about everything on the menu is a really yummy couple of bites. Not only tapas though, there are a few basically full size dishes on the menu to satisfy the more hungry folks.
The enchiladas are probably my favorite. Lots of good drinks at the bar as well and Tiki Tuesday is a local acoustic bands that sits in is pretty cool to catch as well.
Good spot!Comment from Alvaro R. of Alcazar Tapas Bar 2/14/2012
Thank you for your support. We greatly appreciate and value… More » -
Review from Jenna T.
Santa Barbara, CA
4/11/2012
Cute tapas restuarant on the Mesa. The food and drink are really good, but not the best I've had. Happy hour is Monday through Wednesday until closing, so go then. Drinks and veggie tapas are a few dollars less. Good service, atmosphere (they play old cartoons), and fun place. I like that it is a nice hole-in-the-wall rather than the places downtown. Been here a few times, and it is reliably good.
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Review from Rachwel t.
Santa Barbara, CA
3/22/2012
LOVE this tiny cool restaurant and bar - the cocounut MOJITO is amazing!!! The food is great - get 5-6 orders for 4 adults to share - you will love it - these are not individual portions! Loved everything we ate - and suddenly, tables were cleared and people started dancing tango or something on the floor (it is tiny in there) and it was so much fun :)
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Review from Simon F.
Santa Barbara, CA
3/9/2012
Fun plan, with great tapas, including a few mexican specialties. Staff is attentive and atmosphere is fun
Comment from Alvaro R. of Alcazar Tapas Bar 3/13/2012
Thank you. We take much pride in our service and product.… More » -
Review from Paul H.
Santa Barbara, CA
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
For some reason I was craving Alcazar on a weekday evening a couple of weeks ago, and I convinced the Ms. to go. We hadn't been there in well over a year, and the dish I was craving was the Puntas de Filete con Champinones. I remember it so well, it was pieces of filet mignon in a mushroom, butter, sherry sauce served with toasted bread. But it was no longer on the menu :-( We did end up getting both the Filet con Championes and the Filet con Crema...but for me, it just didn't cut it...I was still disappointed...plus it was so loud that we could barely have a discussion at our table. The only plus of the evening is that they were playing old episodes of "I Love Lucy" that kept our 7-year old entertained. Alcazar, you went from a 4-star to a 2-star in my book. Go back to your roots, and I'll be back again...and again.
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Review from John S.
Santa Barbara, CA
9/10/2011
Intimate, low light, hip tapas bar where the barista can make you wonderful drinks and some uniquely decent food or tapas. I go here occasionally with friends for a couple drinks and food.
The atmosphere is intimate and find it good for dates or just out with a couple friends and want to be close together as the location isn't all that big but is nice inside. The food is good, they have some unique dishes with unique names which is one of the neat things about Alcazar. Some of the names are kind of funny and describes the dish. The names make you want to try the dishes, for instance a vegetarian dish is name The Beet Goes On. I've had a few different things on their menu and they've all been acceptable, including the Date with a Pig and enchiladas (which are delicious here).
I am impressed with their specialty cocktails. Now I'm not much for cocktails but when I go here I'm willing to have one of his special creations. -
Review from laurel l.
Los Angeles, CA
3/26/2012
Really average food. We ordered a pizza, which cost $16, so you'd think it be big enough for two people to at least have two regular pieces. Nope. Diameter of a $16 pizza at this place is around 7 or 8" and there was nothing special about it at all. A frozen pizza would taste the same or better and cost 1/4 the price. We also tried the bacon-wrapped figs. Way too sweet. Seems like they have some ideas about how to be "fancy" but the food prep and culinary skills are not there.
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Review from Frank T.
Fontana, CA
I love Tapas Bars and found this one while on a trip to Santa Barbara. This place is small and quaint. The staff is knowledgable and friendly. The food is top notch and the drinks are made well. Plus, you have to respect a place that serves ice-cold PBR Tall Boys in a paper bag :)
My dinner was pleasing and the atmosphere made it an enjoyable experience. As always Tapas Bars are a bit pricey and you wind up ordering plenty of dishes to share. FYI it didn't bother me, but for those who care, the restroom located through the kitchen at the back of the restaurant. At least you get to see that the kitchen is clean, the Chefs are dressed well and take the dishes serious.
Must haves at Alcazar's: The Caipirinha (drink), Date with a Pig (bacon wrapped dates) and the Palleaita.Comment from Alvaro R. of Alcazar Tapas Bar 2/15/2012
Thank you for your support and the positive feed back.… More » -
Review from Adam B.
Walnut Creek, CA
Great hole in the wall place that is a gem in this area. I was greeted by Lana the bartender and she made me feel right at home. First time i've ever had a caipirinha and Lana made me a fan for life! I started with Bacon wrapped dates and Brussel Sprouts...so friggin DEEEELICIOUS. Then i had Pizza with egg (de Champinion) it was so yummy!. I had just a bit of room left so I went with the "SEAR"ious Scallops seared and poached in Spanish Olive Oil...I think I could have eaten a dozen of them.I finifhed off with the Heat of passion and I love Spice and this cocktail packs some "Sear"iuos "HEAT" Loved it. I will make a stop here everytime I'm in Santa Barbara.
Comment from Alvaro R. of Alcazar Tapas Bar 2/14/2012
Thank you. Really appreciate it. More » -
Review from Olivia T.
San Diego, CA
1/3/2011
Went to Santa Barbara for a few days post-Christmas with my boyfriend. It was our first time there and we adored the city.
Went to Alcazar on the recommendation of a friend.
I have NEVER been to an establishment where the service was combative, until Alcazar.
My boyfriend and I ordered two excellent dishes as starters. For the main dish, we decided on "Ahi in the Raw." Being from San Diego, we are very familiar with Ahi and what it's like when it's served, well, raw. Delicious.
This place, not so much. The Ahi was not served raw. It was completely cured with lemon and had too much lemon & ginger flavoring. It didn't even make good ceviche.
I rarely return a dish but neither of us enjoyed this dish and at $14, we decided to return it. When we spoke to the server about it, he noted that we had taken a few bites and insisted on charging us for a partial portion (he ended up charging $4, totally lame). After explaining that the lemon was too strong and the flavors overpowered the Ahi, he replied, "what did you expect? Ahi doesn't have any flavor anyway!!" (Not True.)
This server was completely out of line, so we stopped arguing and asked for a different dish. From this point on, the person who had been working behind the bar all night served us and delivered the check so the original server could hide behind the bar.
There was never an apology. It was completely rude and uncalled for, and I will never go to this establishment again. -
Review from Scott B.
Vallejo, CA
5/30/2011
Down visiting Santa Barbara for the weekend and wanted to avoid dining on State Street. Found Alcazar on Yelp and the reviews were good, so decided to give it a try and we're glad we did.
Restaurant is in a small nondescript shopping center with nail salon, neighborhood pub, etc.. Love the ambiance as the place seated about 25-30 and played Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons on the overhead projector (sans audio).
Our waitress was very friendly and helpful in recommending drinks and eats. She brought over a sample of Sangria but, we decided to go with mojitos.
The mojitos were awesome, as we tried the Mango, Coconut and Ginger ones. Excellent flavor.
We ordered 5 dishes for the 2 of us and it was plenty. The Date with a Pig was excellent. Bacon and dates dipped in honey. Also, had the Gambas Chipolte. No skimping on the shrimp.
Loved the fact the wait staff used IPads to take the order and send back to kitchen where orders are printed out.
Great experience. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Santa Barbara, CA
10/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Alcazar is a beautifully hidden diamond in the rough. I checked this place out because I've been looking for a good tapas place, and let's just say, this little gem blew me away.
My boyfriend and I started with the Tapa a la Dana, which is a roasted tomato and herb sauce with goat cheese and garlic bread crisps. The sauce is more of a soup, light and creamy, perfect in texture and flavor. The goat cheese, surprisingly, did not overwhelm the flavor. To be concise, I loved it. We both loved it! If I can find a recipe to make it at home I'd have it often.
Next, we got the Patatas Bravas- spicy red potatoes sauteed in a chili garlic sauce. These little darlings balanced an exceptionally sweet and spicy flavor for my taste buds. Even better, dipping them in the Tapa a la Dana.
My favorite dish I tried by far, however, was the Enchiladas de Mole. This dish is composed of chicken in a cream sauce with sauteed pasilla chiles, red bell pepper and onions in corn tortillas topped with honey mole poblano sauce. This is by far, hands down, the best enchilada I've ever had. The chicken was perfectly moist and the sauce was a deliriously exquisite and savory delight. I can't even touch on how heavenly this dish was. All I know is I will be returning to have this enchilada on top of trying out everything on their menu.
Last but not least, the service was impeccable. The waitress was extremely helpful and very patient. It's a very small restaurant and is definitely not suited for those who wish to party down but it's a very quaint place to take a group of friends for some cocktails and a light meal. I loved the ambiance of the place and plan on coming back and bringing everyone I know to experience the wonderfulness that is this hidden temple. -
Review from Linda T.
Rowland Heights, CA
4/27/2011
This is my guilty pleasure. I have made it a point to drive to Santa Barbara a few times already just to indulge at this restaurant. It's open in the evenings (EXCEPT SUNDAYS!), and open for brunch on the weekends last I recall. They have delicious Sangria with a spice to it, homemade ginger beer (mmm ginger beer mojito? yes!), and drizzled honey bacon wrapped dates.
I've also been here for brunch, the patatas bravas and chilequiles and delicious! Mimosas? Sure why not. But I'd still grab a sangria. I've been on a tapas hunt, and there's nothing quite like the experience I've had here that I've found in the tapas bars in Los Angeles. -
Review from Aziza A.
Woodland Hills, CA
1/1/2011
Eating at Alcazar Tapas Bar is like being invited into Alvaro's home for dinner. Alvaro is the restaurant's owner who attentively waits on his guests as well, offering fantastic suggestions and clearly demonstrating his love for food. He is an outstanding host.
My husband selected this restaurant for our 2 year wedding anniversary and what a perfect choice it was! It is a quaint, intimate restaurant with flavorful food that has you appreciating every bite.
Our choices consisted of the following:
Tapa al la Dana - Excellent starter, but better for a larger group instead of two people.
Sweet Potato Fries - Done perfectly. I've had my share of these and Alvaro hit the mark.
Gambas Alcazar - A simple yet tasty shrimp dish. It's good, but didn't blow me out of the water. The Gambas Chipotle is more flavorful I'd imagine.
Ahi Tuna sashima - Divine and I'm afraid of raw fish!
Filet con Crema - AMAZING. Hit the spot.
We sealed the deal with some fresh honey, lemon ginger hot tea. It was incredible combined with an apple dessert that had the perfect level of sweetness.
We will definitely be coming back here on our visits to Santa Barbara. -
Review from PJ T.
Santa Barbara, CA
9/25/2011
Heat of Passion is the best drink! I want my own drawer in their library catalog.
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Review from Mrjustice I.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2011
Not at all what we Expected -- Definately NOT Spanish!
Came here with high expectations for our 22nd Anniversary.
Expecting a Spanish style Tapas restaurant -- one of our favorite cuisines -- but that's not what we got. Being from Chicago originally, where there are some excellent authentic Spanish-style Tapas Restaurants -- and, also have visited and lived in Spain, we know what we're talking about. To start with, the decor is all over the place, with the only thing reminiscent of Spain being a some framed photos on the wall. Even the much-too-loud music playing, was not spanish or mexican or anything close. (Rosas next door, looked and sounded more Spanish than this -- and, which we first mistakenly walked into, thinking it was Alcazar). We wanted to start with -- as we traditionally do -- a nice glass of our favorite Fino Sherry from Tio Pepe. The Waitress didn't even know what we were talking about. 'Fortunately' my wife spotted the bottle on the bar shelf alongside the whiskeys and vodkas. (Even more amazingly, it was apparently the only Sherry they had). However, not only was it not chilled, it had been already been opened (about a glass missing). And, based on the waitress telling us she 'never knew they had it' ... it might have been sitting there opened for months. We had her chill a glass for us anyway to try it ... yuck. Spoiled as expected. Tried to explain to her it was essentially a wine, that once opened must be consumed within a couple of days (unless you have a preserving system). I think my advice 'flew over her head', because she just put the bottle back on the shelf (instead of disposing of it). (Oh, and she served it in a mini-Champagne glass ???). Next, we reviewed the wine list for something else -- lo and behold -- not a single Spanish Wine on the menu ('closest' they had was one Argentine wine from Mendoza, but of course that wasn't chilled either, so she offered us an SB haut that was ok ,albeit pricey at $9/glass). As for the menu and purported 'Tapas', well we couldn't find anything I would consider Spanish. More Italian and French style than anything, with a majority being cheese-centered (which is ok, as long as you like and can eat cheese), and lots of pizza/flat-bread appetizers. We did try the baked goat-cheese 'tapa' which was alright, and the Mushrooms in sherry sauce. The only problem with the Mushroom dish (which I also thought was fairly good), was they didn't bother to offer any sliced bread to eat it with and soak up the sauce (as is expected in any traditional Spanish Tapas restaurant) ... and, we had to ask twice to get some. We were so dissappointed that we left after that, not even having a complete meal. Good news is, our Anniversary dinner was not spoiled, because we walked across the street to the Thai Restaurant which was fabulous (see our next review). Bottom Line: This is NOT a Spanish Tapas Restaurant as one would assume; the servers and bartender are friendly but clueless; the decor and menu have no consistent theme; ... But, if you are looking for a basic California-style Bar and restaurant then its okay/average albeit pricey in our opinion. -
Review from Meghan P.
9/4/2008
Alcazar has the most phenomenal mojitos I have ever experienced. I have been dreaming about these mojitos for the past 2 years since the night I went to Alcazar. If I still lived in Santa Barbara I would definitely be back!
I picked Alcazar for my birthday dinner and loved it. All of the tapas that we ordered were amazing. I felt a bit bad that it ended up being more expensive than I hoped but I think everyone loved the food enough that they were okay with the prices. The restaurant is really small but I randomly knew two other people also dining there! Santa Barbara is such a small world... I guess we all figured out the right place to go. I would definitely go back to try more of the food and many more of the mango mojitos! Watch out for the hang-over though! -
Review from Molly T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2009
My Wife and I went to Alcazar on our honeymoon to Santa Barbara (a town where I grew up) and we LOVED this place! Like, love is not even really the word - infatuated! Although I do not admit this often, I am a super picky eater when it comes to QUALITY of what is served and I never been let down by Alcazar.
We will drive from our home in LA just to eat here. You know, I am reading some of the other reviews and ya, we have been served Ritz crackers once too, but the brie that they came with was amazing. I would say that you should make Alcazar a stop on your Santa Barbara culinary adventure. It is fun, intimate, off the State St. path and REALLY good!
We have been there quite a few times and every time it has been great, so it is unfortunate that others see consistency issues, but in our experience it is always spot-on!Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Lincoln D.
Milpitas, CA
7/20/2009
I dined here on a Thurs night, the other patrons of the restaurant were older, 60ish, white people. Being from the bay area, I felt a bit out of place. After looking at the restaurant's website, I expected a larger and more youthful environment.
The servers, bartender who sat us and waitress who took our order, were not very friendly. They never once mentioned their names and the waitress seemed more interested in the other white groups.
The food I thought was so-so. I had the som*brie*sas, the paella de pollo, pollo a zu lado, none of which impressed me much. -
Review from D. R.
Malibu, CA
3/9/2008
This is a saucy and sassy joint.
The tapas trend that started over a decade ago or maybe less. I've never been a part of. I don't like the idea of it. Instinct. I make the call. Back it up. Live with it.
That being said this place has some actual food. Such as a prawn dish in a chipolte cream sauce with garlic that is pretty dosh garn good.
I'm always persuaded to come here because of the Spanish and Argentina wines they pour. Impressive. Cheers. -
Review from Jenn K.
Santa Barbara, CA
8/25/2007
I use to live just across the street from Alcazar so at one time I frequented the tapas bar quite a bit... Living downtown I kind of forget about it which is a SHAME! The food and drinks are wonderful and the atmosphere is nice for conversation but also lends itself well to groups. The Porta Bellas are a MUST order and the mojitos (in all variations) are lovely. The music can get a little loud at times but if you ask the servers to turn it down a notch they will oblige.
***I deeply regret to inform everyone that Alcazar recently updated their menu and REMOVED the Porta Bellas... I even went as far as to ask if they could possibly make them special - but no, so sad. -
Review from Catherine G.
Santa Barbara, CA
10/5/2011
Situated on the Mesa in Santa Barbara, Alcazar has long remained one of my favorite local spots in town. With Red Star Restaurants Milk & Honey, long-time state street staple- Chilango's, and now Meat 'n Potatoes and edgy The Pub, ALCAZAR reigns supreme with a killer staff, top notch cocktails and sensual and elclectic tapas.
The ambience is a cool, laid-back Milk & Honey. Not pretentious but down to earth and cozy with old-school Pop Eye cartoons and occassional Audrey Hepburn films projected at a modest size above the chef's delivery window.
In the Heat of Passion cocktail is their signature drink : Habanero infused tequila with passion fruit puree. Take a friend or a date.
Alcazar is simply awesome. -
Review from Katie P.
San Diego, CA
7/28/2011
YUM!
Great place for drinks and aperitifs with a date.. of course i went with my mom and brother.... :(
The Gambas Alcazar was sooo juicy and succulent. The Wedgie salad with ranch dressing hit home. Even the rice and beans were delicious.
Get the Heat of Passion. Habanero tequila! Who knew that existed!
I'll admit, a little pricey.. but worth it... -
Review from Erica U.
1/28/2009
This place is hit or miss. I went for lunch once and got ritz crackers on a plate with a schmear of something, and honestly i can't remember what it was because i was so appalled by the crackers. I couldn't believe it. The waitress was apologetic and agreed that the crackers were crazy.
Another time, the dinner was great, wine suggestions were great, ambiance is great, with a bollywood movie playing on a wall. It was great. No complaints.
The mole is divine, and the Malbec wines have bite. Overall, an ok place if you know what to order, and stay away from the deserts. The flan tastes like its been sitting there for a few days. -
Review from Mark F.
Slow afternoons buy Friday nights can get packed. This cousin of Milk and Honey offers The Mesa a nice reprieve from going down town.
Grab 3 friends and make your way for a a topas adventure that tries to turn this strip mall eatery into a Spanish delight. I give it an A for effort but in the end, it's neighborhood feel and super casual patrons detract from the food which is very good.
Get a table by the window not for the view but for the extra light as you may need it to read the menu. Start off with a glass of wine but beware of the sangria. I go back and forth on this one. Not the best in town and some nights it's hard to finish the first glass. Now dive into the food.
It's tapas so order at least 2 per person and tack on an extra 2 for good measure. I'll help you get started.
Date with a Pig- is just that. Bacon wrapped around a date.
Meat the French- a filet that died and went culinary heaven.
Gamas Chipotle- that's shrimp kids
Scallops Cheviche'- speaks for itself
The food is good but the atmosphere is lacking. There's a small bar you can enjoy a drink after work as you watch some crazy movie or cartoons projected on the wall. Come with friends to unwind but only if you're in the neighborhood. Meander to Milk and Honey for more of an all around experience. -
Review from Katy P.
Washington, DC
2/7/2010
Alcazar is the only bar on the Mesa that isn't a Dive or part of a large family dining establishment. For that alone, it gets some major points.
They have a ton of specials and deals and a good happy hour, which is nice. I wish that the food and drinks were a little more consistent though. Thankfully it is an older crowd, not City College-y, or at least on the times that I've been there it has been more adults.
I wouldn't travel from downtown to come here, but as a Mesa resident, I appreciate it. -
Review from Heather E.
San Luis Obispo, CA
6/8/2011
Such a cute place...like you are in Spain...good food and drinks...great service.
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Review from Rosie L.
Goleta, CA
6/26/2011
All around, pretty decent. I've been twice and the first time was much more enjoyable but I was a little bit disappointed the last time. If you go, definitely try the date with a pig, Highlight for sure
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Review from C K.
Pismo Beach, CA
3/3/2011 1 photo
The atmosphere is great and the food was delicious but I missed the memo of it being a tapas bar so when I got my small portion of the tofu, I was a little sad. They bring out chips and "salsa" which was more like bean soup and olives. A bit pricey for a college student like me but its a great place to try out. The service wasn't great, it took forever for them to refill our waters but otherwise, good overall.
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Review from Marcel R.
Santa Barbara, CA
8/14/2008
Impossible to forget, but hard to remember...
I didn't want to do the downtown Santa Barbara thing last night, so we did drinks and appetizers at Alcazar's. I hadn't been there in at least 3 years and can't figure out why.
- It has great vibe - though it can get a little loud.
- It has good and unique dishes - their Raw Ahi was excellent.
- The staff is better than most in town.
- & if someone brought it up, I would recommend it - esp. for happy hour.
I've had great experiences at Alcazar's but then again, there's nothing there to pulling me to go back there again. -
Review from Renee S.
11/15/2010
I was pretty excited to try this place but not as thrilled about it after I left. It was an interesting dinning experience but not a bad one. My boyfriend and I ordered an Ensalada which was plenty to split, following Pollo Azulado, Tequila Scallops (very tiny baby scallops) and last but not least, the one dish that if not chosen may have made this for a bombed review. The Meat The French! OMG! I would go back for that and only that one dish.
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Review from T.O. P.
Westlake Village, CA
5/16/2011
Absolutely loved the place. We love tapas and this place really hit the mark.
We tried the following dishes:
Meat the French - good
Filet Azul - absolutely amazing. The sauce was incredible
Enchiladas with the Roma tomato sauce - very good
Ahi in the raw - very good
Sweet potato frites - terrific
Brie and tomato on flat bread - so-so
We also had the Heat of Passion and Don of the Dead cocktails. They were both very good but the Heat of Passion was the hands down winner.
We went on Sat night and we liked it so much we made reservations to return the following Saturday.Comment from Alvaro R. of Alcazar Tapas Bar 3/5/2012
Thank you for your support and feed back. As a small local… More » -
Review from Karina N.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2011
Alcazar is AMAZING! A locals favorite, Alcazar has as awesome vibe, amazing food and yummy original cocktails. The menu is made to share, making it a great date spot or place to go with groups. Some of the best dishes- Gambas Alcazar, Paellita, Date with a Pig and Ahi in the Raw. Say hi to the owner Al- he is THE BEST!! If you havent tried the weekend brunch yet, go! Its just as great as dinner! Try the Eggs on Toast and Breakfast in Bread.
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Review from X R.
Griffith Park/Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA
8/25/2006
Definitely a great place to get away from State St. Although the food is not exactly authentic tapas, who cares! It's the bomb. They make some interesting drinks here too (ie various mojitos and martinis) For some reason I end up with a couple mojitos (Hemingway perhaps). But the atmosphere is intimate yet social. They have live acoustic music some nights. A great place to take someone for a conversation I suppose. As photos are projected on the wall set to a variety of ecclectic downtempo lounge beats, it's a great place to mix up your normal routine.
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Review from Greg C.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/1/2011
Best in santa barbara...maybe the world!.........best Spanish food i've ever had...(not mexican) the sweet potato fries and baked brie if delish!...and they have the best mojitos in like a 500 mile radius
