During the holiday season, Santa Barbara experiences more tourism/recognition than at other times. While sometimes tourism can be irritating to the locals, it can also be crucial for our local small businesses to get more shoppers. However, due to the slower post-holiday winter months, these boutiques become less visited. Below are the names of a few shops you should definitely check out, Royals!
Dart Coffee
Dart Coffee is an adorable coffee shop that started with its location in the Funk Zone, before expanding to the Santa Barbara harbor, Summerland, and even a new location in the Linden Square in Carpenteria! What’s special about Dart—besides their delicious beverages and snacks—is each location carries a specific charm. The Funk Zone location has a beautiful garden where you can sip your drink, while The harbor location has a nautical feel and beautiful ocean views. Dart isn’t just an amazing spot to study, but also a fun place to meet up with friends for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Salon Patine
If you are ever in need of a trim, gloss, highlights, or overall hair refresh, Salon Patine is the perfect place for you. Located conveniently on State Street, Patine is set in a charming building filled with natural light. To book, call or text the number listed on their website! Patine is the perfect place to go before an event, such as a school dance or a holiday!
The Closet Trading Company
Whether you need a Sherpa jacket, workout set, maxi dress, a sturdy jacket or new pair of boots, the Closet is the place for you. Located on State across the street from Paseo Nuevo, the Closet has no lack of beautiful second hand clothing. The Closet consignment store doesn’t overprice items, unlike what luxury consignment stores tend to do. The brands they sell range from Levi’s, Brandy Melville, and Alo, to designer brands such as Golden Goose. They have a few locations in Southern California you should be sure to check them out!
FB Isla Vista
FB, standing for Free Birds, is a delicious restaurant in Isla Vista known for their Mexican food, especially their burritos. They move in an assembly style, similar to Chipotle, where you can customize what you want in your meal. This delicious spot is popular amongst UCSB students for a reason! With a burrito being as cheap as $12.95, Free Birds is the perfect place to grab a quick affordable meal if you are out in Goleta.
Overall, whether it is a restaurant, consignment store, or local beauty salon, it’s important to appreciate these small businesses that make up Santa Barbara! Try to incorporate these businesses or any other local ones to your rotation.
