The Good Lion - Santa Barbara

They are true experts in their field. The interior is elegantly designed and impeccably clean. I would prefer slightly more comfortable seating, like plush leather chairs where you can really sink in and unwind, but overall, it’s not a major issue. Price per person: $20–30. Food: 5, Service: 5, Atmosphere: 5.

I used to visit this bar often when I lived in Santa Barbara during the COVID pandemic. Even though it's been a few years, I still can't get their martinis and Manhattans out of my mind. Price per person: $10–20. Service: 5/5. Atmosphere: 5/5.

While the establishment is top notch, I hate it when people steal their identity, especially without acknowledging the great icon from who they took it. If you are afraid to say or celebrate Papa Hemingway, then change your bar's name. Perhaps to the Bad Lions. In the mean time, adios, au revoir, the Good Lion has flown to Harry's for a Hindu Trader Sandwich and Signor Cipriani's sublime negroni.

We asked, we got told! $27 for 2 beers. Nope, no and never again. Price per person: $20–30 Food: 3 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 2

Never had any food year so I can't attest for that. But the drinks are a different story. This is probably the premier hand-crafted specialty cocktail place in Santa Barbara. It's a tight little space. Can often get pretty crowded shoulder to shoulder. It's also hard to hear. You may get lucky and get one of the tables to the left when you walk in. The bottom line is that the drinks are really special even if it takes them 10 minutes to make them with a perfume spritzer bottle.