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Mercury
- Hours:
Mon 5 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
67 reviews for Mercury
Review Highlights
"Free popcorn doesn't hurt either."
(in 7 reviews)
"They have a pool table and boardgames behind the bar."
(in 10 reviews)
"Beer and wine only - I had great champagne but I do not..."
(in 4 reviews)
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Virginia Y.
Austin, TX
9/3/2011
Loved spending time at the Merc when I went to UCSB... retro, cozy, nice beer... cool tunes on vinyl. Only complaint is the prices (but then again, that's Santa Barbara for you).
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Review from Tyler H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
You can immediately tell that this is a hipster bar the second you ask the bartender what beers they have on tap. They will rattle off a list of apparently local brews that you just aren't cool enough to have heard before. But since this place is beer and wine only, it's also probably the thing that sets it apart from other watering holes.
We went on New Year's Eve with a bunch of people, so I can't speak for the regular crowd, but Mercury had a good, comfortable vibe, a sizable bar, and a spacious patio area. The staff on hand was friendly and helpful, and the prices were decent. If I lived in the area, I'd might frequent the joint and become a beer hipster too. -
Review from andi g.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/4/2012
Diggin vibe ! Nice little nook for live music .. Bring on One Borrowed Time ..
Was pleased they had a decent wine selection by the bottle !! Raveswood Select Zin Purr ...
A Good time :) -
Review from Amanda S.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/30/2012
A great place to go and hang out with friends. I tend to not like loud bars where you can't hear a word your friend is saying, not the case here. Definitely more of a retro lounge vibe. You can eat some popcorn and sip on a glass of beer, wine or cider. Only 1 pool table but never seems to be too crazy for people waiting.
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Review from Sue D.
Campbell, CA
1/23/2012
I really love coming to the Mercury Lounge. Great Bartenders, excellent music spinning on the turntable, cozy atmosphere. I love this Brazilian Beer they carry called Xingu. Its really good. The owner, Dawn, is a gem! Its a great place to drop in for a drink with a friend.
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Review from Mark B.
Golden, CO
4/27/2011
Great place but if you live here or have been here you already know that. Erin the bar keep very friendly and knowledgeable. A modern funky feel not pretentious very comfortable the great beer list helps also.
Enjoy! -
Review from Carol K.
2/6/2011
Wanted: One dive bar to grab a beer in by the airport.
Found: One crazy, 60's, retro bar filled with hipsters, craft beers, and tons of microwave popcorn.
This place even smells old- like someones basement where the leather stools might have gotten wet at one time, but no matter. A few beers into your visit and you won't notice. Although you might notice the toilet seat in the women's room that is clear plastic and has yellow ducks imprinted on it . . .haven't seen one of those in ages.
The bartenders are friendly (friendlier if they know you) and they know their beer. Being beer plebeians, we just wanted a couple of Coors Lights but had to settle for Bud Light as this place seems to have an issue with the management of Coors (I didn't ask . . .it just all came out unwarranted, but this is California, after all!) and don't stock Coors. And somehow we drank them out of their stock of Bud Light and had to move on to Amstel. I guess it was just "one of those nights"!
A few beers, a bit of banter and we were suddenly accepted and encouraged to come back.
Next time you are picking someone up at the Santa Barbara airport- stop in here for a cold one. I bet you'll be happy you did! -
Review from Carey V.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Once you walk in the door, the decor and ambiance of The Merc will set the mood for you - and you will have a fun time!
Dawn is AWESOME and does a great job of keeping everybody happy.
It's a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a craft beer or a glass of quality local wine.
Whether you're taking advantage of the outdoor area or shooting a game of pool, this is a great place to hang! -
Review from Tiffany H.
Goleta, CA
12/12/2011
Good beer, good music, good popcorn.
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Review from Youri Y.
Oxnard, CA
6/27/2011 1 photo
Great locals spot. Fresh popcorn while waiting for your ordered beer or wine (no hard liquor here). They have retro couches and boardgames if you're not sitting at the bar. Outdoor patio is cute and an older crowd is attracted here (graduate students and up). Awesome and friendly atmosphere :)
Listed in: Getting cray cray in SB
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Review from Nehal N.
7/29/2010
Chill, retro, and sexy... RIGHT in the middle of OLD town Goleta, surrounded by the quiet nothing of Hollister.
Yet this place is perfect for any moment, with its extensive beer and wine selection, it gives a perfect place for a relaxing fun time! They've got a fair amount of small American brews (mostly California ales, and Belgian-style ales, NO Bud/Coors/Miller!) and they're happy to let you try the beers before you even order yourself a pint. The bartenders are as laid-back as the atmosphere and clientèle, maybe too laid-back as you may not even find the bartender when you want a drink.
This really is the best local watering hole for meeting anyone, for a down to earth fun time! Nothing else really around here, but who cares...just relax then night away with FREE popcorn and other snacks (I saw grapes, and chips & salsa). -
Review from Sebastian K.
Fountain Valley, CA
10/25/2010
When night falls and there is nowhere to go around Goleta, Mercury lounge is the place to chill and relax. The perfect escape close enough to school and far enough from the I.V. scene and college mayhem.
Unpretentious, charismatic and 50's bohemian vibe is what I think when I go there. It is never too crowded (at least when I went) and the service is not too attending, which I like because I take my time while ordering a drink.
I highly recommend this place if you are into chilling and talking about intellectual matters, not that it matters but if you are into politics, philosophy and social stuff then this is the place for you.
One thing! no liquor served here but no worries they got exceptional beer and wine. -
Review from Kay N.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2007
I never really went to the bars/lounges on State St. with the other 20somethings. I would come here with friends and instead of seeing sloshed undergrads, I saw a lot of grad students and TAs.
I love laidback, hip loungy atmospheres like these. You can sit around on the plush couches in the dim (not-too-dim) lighting and have random-pleasant-semibuzzed conversations, play pool (there's one table), sit outside with philosophizing smokers... On Tuesday nights (I think), they sometimes have live musical acts perform.
This bar does not have mixed drinks. It sells strictly beer and wine. My default drink of choice: Fat Tire. If you want mixed drinks go around the corner to the Old Town Tavern (OTT) (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), truly a dive bar in every way. (OTT has karaoke on select nights).
Love the Merc. -
Review from Angela G.
Alhambra, CA
4/12/2009
This place is a diamond in the rough. From the outside, it looks like a shady hole-in-the wall bar. I mean, it's across the street from a Taco Bell...?
But after entering the bar, I immediately fell in love with the place. Very cozy and inviting. I also like how they serve only wine and beer. The complimentary popcorn is a plus! My girl friends and I felt completely comfortable, and did not have to worry about those creepy had-a-little-too-much-to-drink types. It's a nice and relaxing place to go to after a long day.
The music was great as well; it ranged from classics to contemporary indie. -
Review from Angie C.
9/6/2007
What a great find! The other reviews, especially Kay N.'s were right-on. Even on a wednesday night, when there isn't much of a crowd, this place is charming. I know I will be returning with friends.
FYI - there's a patio out back if you want some fresh air.Listed in: Sometimes I go to bars...
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Review from Jaime L.
2/17/2010
Who knew popcorn and wine went so well together!? In fact, I am now such a fan that since moving back home to the Bay Area, I enjoy popcorn with my wine even at home. Thank you, Merc Lounge for introducing me to this wonder!
This is the best place to go to in Goleta to relax, escape pretentious a-holes, and enjoy the company of your non-obnoxious friends. It was definitely known among my friends as grad-student-ville, as you'll find an older crowd compared to the train wrecks that populate the streets of my beloved Isla Vista. I saw a band perform at the Merc Lounge once which was kind of cool. The venue is very small and intimate. They have a pool table and decent-sized back patio. -
Review from Ace V.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/22/2011
It's a great chill place to go after work or if you just want a different scene than downtown. Love the open area out back. The design of the place is great and sets the mood for a good night.
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Review from Cheryl B.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2009
As an undergrad at UCSB, this place is unheard of. A friend of mine knew a grad student who would come and study here on the weekdays. It's that kind of place.
It's a world away from Study Hall, but on an early evening or a weekday, it is perfect. We used to come here and play cards and get a tea service (you can get a pot of tea with sugar cubes. Totally fantastic), lounge on the velvet seating (that is probably pretty gross if the lights were on) and admire all the knick knacks and bizarre decorations.
On the weekends it can get quite crowded and overwhelming, so I definitely recommend it earlier or on a weeknight if you are looking for a quiet, laid back lounge experience. I feel fuzzy just thinking about it... -
Review from MScott S.
Santa Barbara, CA
9/5/2007
People you thought you caught a glimpse of at the Mercury:
1. The B52s
2. Endora
3. Austin Powers
4. Pretty much any Hollywood Square, circa 1968
Yes, it's kitsch and camp. And it does it so deliciously well. Plus, there's a respectable wine list and tap selection to bring you back to the now of things. -
Review from Jessica P.
Emeryville, CA
8/28/2007
Best bar in Goleta! Ok, maybe I'm not the expert since I've never been anywhere else, but after a day of driving from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, finding that Solvang was like Shady Pines for antique ho's and sugar pimps, I realized that a dive bar was all I really needed to round out the night.
My sexy man took me here for popcorn and beer. Romance at its finest. There were velvet paintings, a couch all to ourselves and a guinness in hand. The decor is hip, the ambiance nice, good amber lighting (that anyone looks good in) and an all around real easy goin vibe.
I just wish we weren't so tired so we could've spent more time there! -
Review from Katie T.
1/7/2008
I'm partial because one of my friends is a bartender here. I am a crap friend and I hadn't been to visit her in the years since she moved to Santa Barbara, so I was kind of upset when I found out she'd be working the night I was in town. But it turns out that the Mercury Lounge is likely where we'd have gone anyway.
Comfortable seating (I passed out on the couch for a minute while she was closing up), great wine and beer selection, perfectly smutty dim lighting, cheese plates, cookies (homemade!), and popcorn as free bar snacks.
There are a lot of great bars in Sacramento, but nothing that does the small hipster bar as well as this. -
Review from Charlene M.
Goleta, CA
6/1/2009
Best Bar Ever.
It's relaxed, they appreciate interesting decor, they serve popcorn, they have tasty beverages.
It's in GOLETA.
You can sit on couches or sit on couches in the cool night Goleta air
The cool thing about this bar is that it is a destination bar, it's in the middle of old town which as we all know is quiet at night, so if you are going here it is your goal. And your goal is that you want to chill. Elsie's the comparable downtown will sometimes be full of people trying to be hip because the energy just spills over from State. You don't go to the Mercury Lounge because you want to be cool. You go there because you already are cool and a destination in the middle of sleepy old town is just about as cool as it gets. -
Review from Karen R.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Total hole-in-the-wall, but amazing once I gave it a chance. In fact, when my husband and I got out of the car I almost didn't go in, and once I agreed to, I made him go first to make sure the place wasn't a total dive. Once inside my opinion quickly changed. The wine selection was impressive, and there was a complimentary cheese and cracker platter to nibble on while we played pool. The big bowl of popcorn (also complimentary) was delicious too. Needless to say, I will be coming back and telling lots of people about Mercury too.
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Review from Nick B.
Santa Barbara, CA
4/12/2011
Although I wouldn't call it a "Hot Spot", The Merc is a one-of-a-kind spot with the best vibe in town. Definite hipster hangout and 5 PM happy hour spot, this little gem features an impressive array of beers both on tap and bottled, and a great wine selection. I'd recommend the Delirium Tremens for those of you out there who haven't had a chance to toss one back yet. Complimentary popcorn, a friendly staff, and always great music make this one of the best places to sit back (in funky 60's furniture), have a brew, and let off a little steam with some friends.
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Review from Mitchell F.
Goleta, CA
5/17/2010
Mercury Lounge is a great place to relax with friends after work, or hit on a Wednesday night when you're over OTT.
The place serves beer and wine, and that's it. They don't need anything else however as the drinks are delicious, well priced, and you have the added bonuses of a pool table and great crowd.
For all you smokers out there, the tiki lounge area in the back is perfect to enjoy a break and jump into stimulating conversation. -
Review from Jessica C.
Chula Vista, CA
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Let me start off by saying that this place looks incredibly sketchy outside and inside. I came here exactly one week ago with a few friends. It was already pretty late and right when we parked, I felt a bit unsure of things because of how little cars there were outside. We walked in and it was a very small, dimly lit room with a bar, a few couches, a pool table, and a tiny patio outside with some seats. We went to the bar and found out that they only served wine and beer, with a few sodas as well. I am not a big drinker in general, and beer and wine are definitely not my first or second choices. I agreed to taste this one wine called angeline something because the bartender said that it was sweet. I took one sip and hated it, but maybe it's just my immature taste buds. We sat outside for a bit, and made our way in shortly after. I had fun in the company of good friends, but if I ever go back to Goleta, I will not come here. It's just too creepy inside for me, making me feel like I have to hold my bag tight to my body and thinking that I need to buy some pepper spray or something. Sorry!
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Review from Mark F.
Low light, great atmosphere in the 70s throwback to your parents garage parties. An ashtray on every coffee table in a no smoking state just because it looks cool. The key here is Dawn's amazing wine section and great beers offered. It's a locals place that has 2 distinct regulars for happy hour and late night. The lounge offers live Jazz from time to time and and a tiki hut in the back parking lot.
You will love it or hate it when walk in the door.
The Mercury is not for the square. -
Review from Bobby M.
Denver, CO
11/5/2008
Fantastic bar.
Music played on a record player, Velvet paintings, candles, great service and a definitely palpable feeling of happiness floating around.
I'll be here in Santa Barbara a lot for the next few months, and this will be my place. Awesome. -
Review from Shadi N.
Los Altos, CA
1/5/2010
Really cute spot, great for a mellow night out. Great selection of exotic beers on tap.
Atmosphere: dark old wood, side table with scrabble and other game, big leather couches, super mellow. Intimate outdoor patio.
Crowd: the crowd is intelectual and relaxed. Seems to be a go to spot for UCSB GRAD students.
If you want a chill night, and a chill drink with some chill friends. check this place out. -
Review from Evelyn Z.
Santa Barbara, CA
4/15/2011
Great bar! Charming little outside patio section, interesting clientele, pool tables, and non-divey atmosphere. Good music selection playing. Interesting decor and wall art.
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Review from kate k.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/4/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Only bar worth going to in Goleta in my opinion.
Similar to Elsies but has a better layout. Kitschy old-fashioned art, dark lighting, lots of places to sit. The back patio is fantastic. Bartenders will make free popcorn and play good music on actual albums. They have a pool table and boardgames behind the bar.
Weeknights are really mellow and quiet. Weekends are a lot busier. Always a young, borderline-nerdy grad student crowd. Pretty good male-female ratio. (I'm saying this as a girl)
Great place to take a group of friends, drink a few beers and chat. -
Review from joe s.
Berkeley, CA
2/23/2010
"I assume he meant 'serious drinking'."
This place has it all. Cheap drinks, fancy drinks, comfortable chairs & a $.50 pool table.
I'm in the minority as a smoker in California, but their back patio is a wet dream for guys like me.
Stop by and get a pitcher of Chimay during happy hour or share a bottle of local wine.
Oh, and did I mention FREE POPCORN!!! -
Review from Tiesha T.
Santa Barbara, CA
9/26/2009
I've only been here on weekend nights, but after reading the other reviews I want to check it out on weekday evenings, too. Here's what I like about the place (and what I don't like in parentheses):
-the ladies' bathroom has a rubber ducky toilet seat (but be careful, the door may not lock like you think it is)
-There are purse hooks under the bar
- The bartenders are like beer sommeliers
- They have really good cheese and bread out on cutting boards for patrons!
-They will give you fresh popcorn if you ask!
- There's a pool table (wish there were more)
-The seats are comfy -
Review from La D.
Goleta, CA
11/23/2010 1 photo
The Merc is definitely on my top 5 list of bars. Where else can you grab a drink, sit on awesome vintage furniture and play pool and board games (my fav. is Scrabble!)? They play amazing tunes and often have live shows. This bar has so much character, from the paintings on the walls, to the cute outdoor patio, to the unique matchbooks at the bar. I'm a gin and tonic kind of gal so I wish they served hard alcohol, but their beer selection is really great and pretty much makes up for it.
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Review from Denis S.
5/3/2010
This is a complete scene. Really weird seats, very laid-back environment, plenty of space on a Thursday night. Great place to just relax with friends. Too bad they're only beer and wine.
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Review from andrea t.
Santa Barbara, CA
5/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Asfc
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Review from nick g.
3/18/2009
Dear God, make every little bar I walk in as cool as the Merc. I seriously miss this place.
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Review from Marco I.
Goleta, CA
12/10/2007
now all modesty aside, i consider myself to be a pretty cool person.
that said, the Merc is one of those places that for some reason i do not feel i am cool enough to be in- shocking i know, but true.
dim lights and a bit of a hipster vibe permeate this place-
the only reason this place doesnt get a four star from me is that they do not have hard booze- pretty much a requirement in book for a good bar, dive bar or not -
Review from Amy W.
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
9/13/2010
Mellow and hip little spot in Goleta. That sounds a little ew but it's true. Plus it's a great escape from IV or Downtown with amazing live performances and better beer. Wish I could have found this bar sooner. Also I wish that it was easier to get info on who is playing! Oh and sometimes 91.9 gives away free tickets for their shows. Woo hoo!
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Review from Tamar N.
Astoria, NY
8/16/2006
Favorite divey-lounge ever. Nothing I have found in LA or NY compares to the cute down home atmosphere and comfortable vibe emanating from this place. A real prize!
