The Funk Zone wasn’t always as popular as it is today. Years ago it was much more funky with a couple of wineries, galleries, a restaurant or two and storage units, more artist lofts. 12 years ago, wine tastings were free. FREE.
The Funk Zone: Small but mighty
Paradise Springs
The first bicoastal winery. Having a presence in both santa Barbara and Virginia. Their west coast operation concentrates onwines grown in the Sta. Rita Hills and Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVAs. Producing around1,500 cases annually. The wines they make include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and the Bordeaux varietals.
Cutlers
Spirits made right here in Santa Barbara. Gin, vodka, whiskey and more. It took them a long time to get the permitting to be allowed to sell their alcohol, but now they are open and have a cocktail patio. So get your butts over to Cutler’s to try their drinks stat.
Next to Cutler’s is a host of restaurants from Acme Hospitality
Lucky Penny
Fancy, but not too fancy, wood fired pizza. You can get a super creative pizza to a simple tomato and cheese. There are salads and other things. Wine, beer and froze.
The Lark
I happened to have my wedding dinner at The Lark. By far one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara. They are family style, seasonal, bougie-ish, but fun. Fun cocktails, great wine and beer. The staff is usually pretty great too.
Loquita
Farm Fresh Spanish tapas with a plethora of wines and craft cocktails to choose from. If you are into Paella, make sure you order that first, it can take awhile. The Loquita menu has shifted a little over the years, always fun to go there with friends and share the food. Then again, I will say that about pretty much every restaurant, but this one for real, small plates for sharing!
Helena Bakery
Funk Zone scratch bakery, nestled in behind The Lark and a Brewery. The space used to be used for bringing a handful of local wines in to showcase, now the space is halk bakery, half sitting (I thinking). Almost every time I have been there, there has been a line. It’s good, but I often forget to go to Helena!
Dart Coffee
Local coffee. Great owners. Try the lavender lemonade. Dart Coffee has a cute little garden you can sit and enjoy in. I also hear they just opened a second location near the harbor. YAY/
Mony’s Tacos
Arguably one of the best mexican joints in SB. Known for their tacos and burritos and actually everything they serve is bomb. They have a super delish salsa bar with so many choices. They also have a taco truck available for hire for all sorts of events. Not generally open for dinner, if ever. Check them out.
Waterline…What’s inside…
There is also the very cool Waterline & inside there is: Fox Wines (fun fact, the wine maker is also the wine maker at Fess Parker).
Local brewery, Topa Topa Brewery, Llama Dog which is a mix of beer, wine, cider, etc. and you get your food from The Nook. Who also recently opened up a pizza window!
There is so much to explore, so stay tuned for the next edition of exploring the food and wine scene in SB and the Funk Zone specifically.
We do not offer public facing tours in the Funk Zone BUT we do offer private and corporate tours in the Funk Zone. So book your private Funk Zone tour today!