Elsies Tavern
117 W De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA
Crema's Take
“This wonderfully anachronistic Santa Barbara dive is a time capsule where chess matches unfold over weeks, cash exchanges hands at the bar, and a sprawling patio overgrown with living roots becomes the backdrop for lingering conversations that stretch across hours. Beer and wine flow freely in a space that feels deliberately resistant to modernity, attracting everyone from wedding guests seeking an authentic local escape to regulars who've claimed their favorite corners as second homes. It's the kind of place where "hidden gem" doesn't quite capture how fiercely its regulars want to keep it to themselves.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
The only place chess is played over days or weeks. Credit cards, no thank you. Roots mixed in with structural elements in the patio, yes please. Conversations about anything and everything are possible. Vapes are forbidden and camel cigarettes required. You’re not sure if the pool players have been keeping score but they’ve been there all night. Weird, cool, hip, rare these days. Stay awesome Elsies.
Great dive bar we stumbled upon while up here for our daughter's wedding. My wife and I were looking for bloody Mary's to kick start our morning, but Unfortunately they only serve beer and wine. Once we met our friendly and funny bartender Ian, we decided to stay, and we weren't disappointed.
Elsies is such an amazing hidden gem, I almost don't want to leave a review to expose how incredible it is. As a cash only, beer & Wine bar, it feels like stepping back in time. What I love most is that I can show up dressed up, or dressed down, and be welcome no matter what. Love this place! If you want to see some of the real SB scene, you must stop here :)
A hidden gem in Santa Barbara, off the beaten path, super- funky dive, great little bar in the front and a charming back patio for groups and birthdays and where the bad kids smoke. Pool table, couches, secluded tables and good music. A must visit.
Would give 5 stars if the place was handicapped accessible. Rating Subject to change.
Crema Reviews
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