Award-winning

Blackbird

3.9

181 Reviews

$31 to $50

Californian

36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Make a booking

2 people

21 Apr 2025

19:00

Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

Fancy
Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions

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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options

Popular dishes

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

Entrées

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

Libations

Luck Be a LadyUS$17.00
Gin, Lemon, Orange Flower, Egg White
HelluvagoodnightUS$17.00
Charles Goodnight Bourbon, Averna Amaro, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
A Knight to RememberUS$17.00
Vodka, Espresso, Kahlúa, Salted Caramel
La ConchitaUS$17.00
Rye, Cognac, Banana Liqueur, Angostura Bitters, Cardamom Bitters
Hitchcock Presents....US$17.00
Vodka, Activated Charcoal, Elderflower, Blackberry Juice, Lemon, Elderflower Liqueur, Mint
Après SeaUS$17.00
Amaro Nonino, Honey, Dry Vermouth, Yuzu Soda, Lemon, Lime
It’s Going To Be A Bumpy Night!US$17.00
Gin, Italicus Bergamot, Dry Vermouth, Citrus Oil
ArandasUS$17.00
Tequila, Blueberry Syrup, Smoky Mezcal, Dry Vermouth, Lime, Mint
The Iconoclast*US$17.00
Pisco, Matcha, Rose Water, Egg White, Lemon, Lime
1925US$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 IBUUS$8.00
Elysian Brewing | Hazy IPA, Seattle, WA | 6.0% | 39 IBUUS$8.00
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co | Hoppy Poppy, Santa Barbara, CA | 6.5% | 55 IBUUS$8.00
Peroni Nastro Azzuro | Italy | 5.1% | 24 IBUUS$8.00
Stella Artois Belgium | 5.0% | 20 IBUUS$8.00
Amstel Light Netherlands | 3.5% | 18 IBUUS$8.00
Topa Topa Brewing Co. Dos Topas, Santa Barbara, CA | 4.5% | 12 IBUUS$8.00
Topa Topa Brewing Company | Leve Line, Santa Barbara, CA | 5% | 37 IBUUS$8.00
Corona Extra | Mexico | 4.6% | 18 IBUUS$8.00

Wine

Sparkling

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

White

2022 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, Russian River ValleyUS$24.00
2022 Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa ValleyUS$20.00
2018 Ferrari-Carano Tré Terre Chardonnay, Russian River ValleyUS$19.00
2023 Margerum Sybarite Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara, CaliforniaUS$20.00
2022 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$19.00
2023 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, North CoastUS$24.00
2022 Pieropan Soave Proprietary Blend, Soave, Veneto, ItalyUS$19.00
2022 Balthasar Ress Von Unserm Riesling, Rheingau, GermanyUS$20.00
2022 Epoch Estate White, Willow Creek, Paso RoblesUS$32.00
2023 Mendes & Symington, “Contacto” Alvarinho, Vinho Verde, PortugalUS$23.00

Rosé

2022 The Four Graces Rosé, Willamette Valley, OregonUS$19.00
2022 Banshee Rosé, MendocinoUS$17.00
2022 The Four Graces Rosé of Pinot Noir, Dundee HillsUS$19.00

Red

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

What 181 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

3.9

3.9 based on recent ratings

4Food
4Service
3.9Ambience
3.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Santa Barbara
Hot spot
Santa Barbara
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Blackbird offers "excellent food and service" with standout cocktails and a "flavorful" risotto. The ambiance is inviting, and the decor is praised. Locals appreciate the experience, highlighting "great service" and a "fun experience." However, some diners find the pricing high and the menu limited, with mixed reviews on special events.

181 Reviews

K
Ken
New York City13 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
R
Rebecca
Las Vegas2 reviews
2.0
Dined 5 days ago
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.
Is this helpful?
J
Jean-François
New York City14 reviews
3.0
Dined on 23 March 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).
Is this helpful?
G
Garth
Central Coast12 reviews
5.0
Dined on 12 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. We’re locals, and will be back.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Orange County1 review
1.0
Dined on 15 February 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.
1 person found this helpful
J
John
San Francisco1 review
4.0
Dined on 15 February 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.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer VIP
San Francisco17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 February 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
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D
Dawn VIP
Sacramento1 review
5.0
Dined on 5 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was absolutely immaculate & and the decor on point
Is this helpful?
S
Sam
Chicago1 review
5.0
Dined on 31 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Everything we ordered was delicious. Great cocktails. Great for a higher end but still casual evening.
BlackbirdResponded on 5 February 2025
Thanks, Sam! So happy to hear you enjoyed the food and cocktails. Our team works hard to create a memorable experience, and it’s great to know you had a fantastic evening with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Anjali
New York City4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fun experience, good food, great service, nice vibes
BlackbirdResponded on 5 February 2025
Thanks, Anjali! We're thrilled to hear you had a fun experience with our food and service. Your support means a lot to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more great vibes!
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FAQs

Blackbird is rated 3.9 stars by 181 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

21 Apr 2025

19:00

Booked 2 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.
Area
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
Gluten-free Options

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.

Blackbird

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Black Cod

Risotto

Seasonal Ceviche

To Start

House-Made FocacciaUS$11.00

West Coast OystersUS$4.00

Steak TartareUS$22.00

Yellowtail CrudoUS$23.00

Dungeness Crab FritterUS$23.00

Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$16.00

Local Green SaladUS$18.00

Entrées

Prosciutto Wrapped Pork LoinUS$39.00

Santa Barbara CioppinoUS$48.00

Tender Wagyu Filet of BeefUS$55.00

Foraged Mushroom RisottoUS$33.00

Seared Day Boat ScallopsUS$44.00

EggplantUS$30.00

Black CodUS$42.00

Crispy Brick ChickenUS$38.00

Libations

Luck Be a LadyUS$17.00

HelluvagoodnightUS$17.00

A Knight to RememberUS$17.00

La ConchitaUS$17.00

Hitchcock Presents....US$17.00

Après SeaUS$17.00

It’s Going To Be A Bumpy Night!US$17.00

ArandasUS$17.00

The Iconoclast*US$17.00

1925US$17.00

Beer

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

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

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

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

Stella Artois Belgium | 5.0% | 20 IBUUS$8.00

Amstel Light Netherlands | 3.5% | 18 IBUUS$8.00

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

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

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

Wine

Sparkling

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

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

Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut, FranceUS$25.00

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

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

White

2022 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, Russian River ValleyUS$24.00

2022 Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa ValleyUS$20.00

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

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

2022 Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$19.00

2023 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, North CoastUS$24.00

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

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

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

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

Rosé

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

2022 Banshee Rosé, MendocinoUS$17.00

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

Red

2022 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma CountyUS$16.00

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

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

2019 Roth Heritage Red Blend, Sonoma CountyUS$20.00

2022 Roth Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander ValleyUS$20.00

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

2022 Amor Fati Syrah, Santa Maria ValleyUS$40.00

2022 Margerum Syrah, Los OlivosUS$22.00

2021 Amor Fati Grenache, Santa Maria ValleyUS$36.00

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

Overall ratings and reviews