Goat Tree
Goat Tree is a hidden gem in the heart of Santa Barbara, located at 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this trendy yet classy restaurant is the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or a relaxed brunch with family. The laid-back vibe makes it a favorite for groups, offering a perfect balance of good food, moderate noise, and a lively atmosphere.
One of the highlights of Goat Tree is its diverse menu, which brings together a mix of wholesome flavors and fresh ingredients. The Avocado Toast is a popular choice, offering the perfect combination of creamy avocado, crisp bread, and a touch of seasoning. If you're in the mood for something heartier, the Smoked Salmon Toast is a must-try, packed with rich flavors and a beautiful balance of textures. For those craving a sweet breakfast, the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Bacon are a standout, offering a light yet satisfying bite with the perfect pairing of crispy bacon.
Looking for something a bit more savory? The Shakshuka is a flavorful dish filled with poached eggs, tomatoes, and spices – ideal for a brunch that’s both filling and refreshing. If you're in need of a protein-packed start to your day, the Protein Frittata is a fantastic option, full of fresh veggies and egg goodness.
Goat Tree is the kind of place that blends trendiness with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s casual enough for a quick coffee break or lunch, yet still maintains a classy edge for those special moments. Whether you're catching up with friends or treating yourself to a solo meal, this spot is perfect for anyone looking for a vibrant, flavorful dining experience. The combination of fresh dishes and a fun, bustling vibe makes it one of Santa Barbara's must-visit spots.
Reviews
First time experiencing goat Tree. Christmas Eve lunch on outdoor patio with a great ambience. Service was stellar from Jason and staff. The BLT and smash burger was excellent.
This was one of the only places open on Christmas in Santa Barbara for lunch and dinner. I showed up an hour prior to our reservation time at 3:30, but they were not very busy so they were able to seat us outside. They have a very cute little patio. Our server came and took our drink order. That took quite a bit to come. We told him we'd wait 30 mins for the dinner menu to start, but in the meantime, we would place a wild arugula salad order. This salad was epic! It was perfect for two people to split. I loved the candied pecans and the goat cheese combo. This came out in good time. I got a little chilly and none of the servers were around. I went up to the host and asked if we could move one of the heaters closer to our table. She told me that all of them were being used, except for one and that one was broken. Luckily, she asked one of the waiters, and he realized that it was in fact, not broken, and he was able to move it to our table. He put it right next to me, which was great because my hands and face were freezing. Not even a minute later, the host lady that I asked originally about moving a heater came up to me and asked if she could move it in between another table and our table because they two were asking for a heater. I told her, well I do mind because I'm kind of freezing and you just put it here. She's like it's fine it's fine. That was a little bit awkward. This restaurant needs to invest in more patio heaters. And make sure they actually work. They're not even strong either, really rather weak. We placed our lunch entrees and I loved mine. I ordered Steak Frites medium. It came a perfect medium. The steak had this sauce on top of it, too. IDK what it was but it was bomb. Seasoned fries were great. During the entire time we were there we had multiple different servers. I'm rather confused about the service of this place because we didn't have one specific server. I guess it worked out because our first server didn't even seem like he wanted to serve us and wasn't very friendly. My Mom liked her burger and they were able to lettuce wrap it. Problem was that her burger did not come with fries. This is extremely weird. I've never been to a restaurant like this where the burger doesn't come with fries. Especially for $18. That's kind of a joke. Luckily, I had a lot of steak fries so I was able to give her half of mine. In my pic, you can see my fries only half full cause I gave the other half to my mom. Overall, I might return when I'm in Santa Barbara, but it had some weird quirks. Bathrooms were spotless. There is street parking nearby. We parked like an 8 min walk away and it was free street parking.
We loved the Goat Tree. The food was excellent - ricotta pancakes were especially delicious. Cocktails are lovely and service is excellent. The place was a short walk from our cruise ship and the patio was a delightful place for people watching.
This is my 2nd time at Goat Tree and I absolutely love it! The servers and staff are so nice and friendly. The restaurant has a great outdoor sitting area as well as inside. We sat outside because it was a beautiful day. There are umbrellas to block you from the sun which is great. We ordered cranberry and orange mimosas, wild arugula salad with chicken, Gooey bacon & Brie sandwich with avocado, and the GT smash burger with seasoned fries. Everything we had was delicious and filling. When staying at the Hotel Californian, I find this is the perfect spot to walk across the street and go for a nice brunch.
Very quiet for dinner on a Thursday night. I had made a reservation but it turns out that was unnecessary- we had literally every table to choose from. Opted to sit outside by a heater just in case it got cold. The quiet atmosphere was appreciated by my date as well. We opted for a bottle of still water while we looked over the very small and very French inspired menu. She ordered the smashburger and I had the turkey sandwich with a side of fries. Be aware- the turkey sandwich is an enormous portion. This isn't a bad thing, just something to be aware of. I could only finish half. Service was okay. Servers seemed a little inexperienced but they smiled and were quite accommodating. No issues here. Overall happy with the food and dining experience. This was my first time here and it certainly won't be my last. Their brunch menu also looks intriguing- and I do love a good brunch.