Shoreline Cafe
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Enjoy Mexican & seafood dishes at Shoreline Cafe in Santa Barbara. Beachfront dining, great reviews, menu, hours & casual atmosphere.
801 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
Shoreline Cafe
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Overview
Shoreline Cafe is a unique beachfront cafe located in Santa Barbara, CA, offering a blend of eco-conscious Mexican and seafood dishes. Its casual and cozy atmosphere invites diners to enjoy meals with their feet in the sand, creating a relaxed seaside dining experience that stands out in the local scene.
The menu features a variety of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options, including popular items like grilled fish tacos and huevos rancheros. Visitors appreciate the fast and friendly service, a great selection of beers and cocktails, and a focus on local specialties. Whether dining solo or with family, this cafe caters to all with wheelchair accessibility and kid-friendly amenities.
Gallery
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
Shoreline Cafe draws visitors looking for fresh, eco-minded Mexican and seafood dishes served right on the sandy beachfront. The inviting atmosphere and fast, friendly service keep guests coming back.
Quick and courteous service allows guests to enjoy their meals without long waits, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
A well-curated menu of craft beers, cocktails, and happy hour drinks complements the fresh flavors of the menu.
Unique tables set right in the sand offer unobstructed views of the beach and ocean for an unforgettable meal ambiance.
Welcoming to all ages, the cafe features a kids’ menu, high chairs, and casual seating ideal for families and groups.
Offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and takeout with both outdoor seating and dine-in services available.
Favorites include Grilled Fish of the Day Tacos, Huevos Rancheros, and Mai Tai cocktails, all offering authentic local flavors.
Features wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.
Free and paid parking options, including a nearby lot and street parking, make access easy for visitors driving in.
Experience
Perfect for those seeking fresh beachfront dining with a relaxed vibe and tasty Mexican and seafood offerings.
Dining at Shoreline Cafe is an experience enhanced by stunning ocean views and the casual pleasure of eating right on Santa Barbara’s sandy shore. The quick service and diverse menu make it a great spot to savor a meal at any time of day. — FoodPlacee editorial note
Start the day with hearty breakfast classics like huevos rancheros or pancakes, paired with a coffee while enjoying the morning ocean breeze.
Bring the kids to enjoy the dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and casual seating, all set in a welcoming atmosphere right on the beach.
For a casual beach day, grab flavorful takeout options like fish tacos and sweet potato fries to enjoy just steps from the cafe.
Perfect for solo visitors seeking a casual meal with speedy service and a chance to soak up the beachfront ambiance.
Unwind with a glass of wine, refreshing cocktails, or one of the craft beers during happy hour, paired with small plates and ocean views.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"I've loved this place for many years. Casual, good food, service always seems great. A real Santa Barbara local feel. Fabulous views, one of the only places around where you can sit out, in the sun or under an umbrella, on the beach with your feet in the sand."
"I absolutely loved eating here! It’s got a great casual atmosphere and you can order drinks, soda or snacks at the window while you wait for your table. There is parking in the paid parking lot and also in front of the restaurant for 90 minutes without fees. We got a table on the sand with a few rocks, separating us from the rest of the beach and got to eat with our toes in the sand truly a great experience. They have small but good menu and the food we ordered was delicious. We had fried calamari starter and then shared the regular fish tacos. They will tell you at the front the dogs are not allowed, but if you insist you can take your dog to the back area as long as they stay on a leash and in the sand by the rocks"
"Beautiful restaurant right at the beach. They got a variety of different items on their menu. There is a different plate of fish special each day. Enjoy your food and drinks right at the beach or on their patio."
"We were in Santa Barbara for a day trip from LA and my companion found this cafe in front of the ocean. It was a really wonderful experience. We had to wait for about 15 minutes for a table outside on the concrete floor, but it was worth it. The food was delicious for the price. But the main thing was the atmosphere, the experience of dining right in front of the water. I can only imagine how beautiful it would be at sunset. Our waitress was very friendly and professional. We had a great time and certainly would be back if we had a chance."
"We walked here from the Harbor and had a fantastic lunch experience. The service was quick and courteous, no wait, and how about that view! Our food was served hot, the flavors popped, and the portions satisfied...and our beers, cold! We sat for awhile as we tossed them back, as the view and entertainment was, well, perfect really. I highly recommend it!"
"What a lovely find! Visited with a friend looking for a beach view on a visit from the Mid-West and Shoreline Beach Cafe delivered! They have a breakfast and lunch menu and you have the option of eating on their patio or beach! They serve Pepsi products and we paid $7 for 2 hours parking, as we didn’t see the free 90 minute parking. Food was prepared quickly, and served warm. Service was good! There is a cute beach seating area with lounge chairs to relax. A really nice hidden gem and you can’t beat the views!"
"I mean, it's a Cafe on the beach. That's pretty much 5 stars on its own. But, the food was amazing! I had the scrambled bacon and egg sandwich and a pancake. The server was great, I asked for one pancake because I heard they were amazing. She went out of her way to ask if I can have just one, they usually come in 3. The sandwich was incredible. And the view was incredible too!, I sat outside and it was absolutely gorgeous. Go here if you are anywhere near!"
"A hidden gem in SB. It's probably the only place in SB where you can dine at a table on the beach. You get an amazing view of the sunset from here. The fish and chips wasn't that good, but I liked their grilled shrimp tacos. But the view alone is worth visiting. There are a few parking spots free for 90 minutes. Can't wait to dine here again soon."
Visit info
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| Monday | 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Thursday | 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM |
| Friday | 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
| Saturday | 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
| Sunday | 08:00 AM - 05:30 PM |
Plan a visit during daylight hours to enjoy the beachfront views and welcoming casual atmosphere. Typical dining time is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, ideal for relaxing meals.
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Questions answered
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.