5 Cafes with Outdoor Seating in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA
Updated 11 October 2026 · 7 cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five cafes in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA that Google marks as offering outdoor seating. The places are ranked by Google rating, and the list is meant for anyone who wants to eat or drink outside, whether for a weekend breakfast, a laptop session or an evening drink. Seven qualifying businesses were considered. Hours, price ranges and attributes come from each business's Google listing, and reviewer notes come from public review excerpts, so check current details before you visit.
#1
Scarlett Begonia
★ 4.5 (917 Google reviews)American restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Scarlett Begonia is an American restaurant at 21 W Victoria St, open daily from 9 am to 2 pm. It has a 4.5 Google rating from 917 reviews and a $20 to $30 price range. Google lists outdoor seating, a fireplace and wheelchair-accessible seating. Reviewers mention the shrimp and grits and the lemon ricotta pancakes, and one says the vegan protein option suited a vegetarian guest.
Best for: Brunch with outdoor tables
- Address
- 21 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- daily 9 am–2 pm
#2
Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen
★ 4.7 (64 Google reviews)Coffee shop$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen is a coffee shop at 3102 State St, open daily from 6:30 am to 3 pm. It has a 4.7 Google rating from 64 reviews and a $20 to $30 price range. Google lists outdoor seating, breakfast and a space good for working on a laptop. Reviewers mention the house baked goods and the fresh pastries, and describe the interior as modern, cozy and comfortable.
Best for: Coffee and a laptop session
- Address
- 3102 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours
- daily 6:30 am–3 pm
#3
Joe's Cafe
★ 4.4 (2,537 Google reviews)American restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Joe's Cafe is an American restaurant at 536 State St, open from 7:30 am until 10 pm on some days and until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It has a 4.4 Google rating from 2,537 reviews and a $20 to $30 price range. Google lists outdoor seating, delivery, beer, cocktails and happy-hour food. Reviewers mention the baby back ribs, the lasagna and the margarita, and say the servers were attentive, though one waited over 20 minutes for service.
Best for: Evening drinks and dinner outdoors
- Address
- 536 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–12 am; Mon 7:30 am–10 pm; Sat 7:30 am–12 am; Sun 7:30 am–10 pm; Thu 7:30 am–12 am; Tue 7:30 am–10 pm; Wed 7:30 am–10 pm
#4
Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara
★ 4.6 (88 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara is a coffee shop at 524 State St, open daily from 7 am to 4 pm, with a $1 to $10 price range. It has a 4.6 Google rating from 88 reviews. Google lists outdoor seating, breakfast, brunch and Wi-Fi. Reviewers mention the sesame cappuccino and the freshly baked pastries, including a cheese and ham croissant. One reviewer found the espresso drinks weak and said seating is limited.
Best for: Espresso drinks and a quick pastry
- Address
- 524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–4 pm
#5
Santa Barbara Roasting Company
★ 4.4 (964 Google reviews)Coffee shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Santa Barbara Roasting Company is a coffee shop at 321 Motor Way, open from 6:30 am to 6 pm most days and from 7 am on Sundays. It has a 4.4 Google rating from 964 reviews and a $10 to $20 price range. Google lists outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway and Wi-Fi. Reviewers mention the sugar-free mocha and the cinnamon buns, and say the kiosk makes takeout quick.
Best for: Takeout coffee and sugar-free drinks
- Address
- 321 Motor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6:30 am–6 pm; Mon 6:30 am–6 pm; Sat 6:30 am–6 pm; Sun 7 am–6 pm; Thu 6:30 am–6 pm; Tue 6:30 am–6 pm; Wed 6:30 am–6 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 7 cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Outdoor seating”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Scarlett Begonia and Joe's Cafe take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- For an early start, Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen opens at 6:30 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
Scarlett Begonia ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.5 from 917 reviews. Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen is second at 4.7 from 64 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA are open late?
Joe's Cafe stays open until 12 am.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Scarlett Begonia $20–30; Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen $20–30; Joe's Cafe $20–30; Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara $1–10; Santa Barbara Roasting Company $10–20.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Scarlett Begonia, Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen, Joe's Cafe and Santa Barbara Roasting Company.
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