The Creekside Bar

Call me a buzz-kill, but unless you get lucky and there is a live band playing or your plan involves Wednesday Country night - Yes, indeed the Creekside is for sure happening on Wednesday's. But on any other day or night, it's a real disappointment. The place has potential in spades. A large woodsy outdoor area, a sizable (for Santa Barbara) indoor area with a pool table.Though  It's a bit tired all around. That's a charm easily to be interpreted as helping cement a dive status. However, a laughable boom box above the bar plays the bartender favorites - because I assume management wants patrons to pay for anything coming out of the jukebox or sit in silence. I get it, I just don't agree. The outdoor patio has a TV, which would be great if it worked.  It's no smoking obviously, but the entire place smells like an ashtray. All of that and a super nasty bathroom gives this place a gong.

Cool divey bar. I liked it because it wasn't like most upscale bars in Santa Barbara like what you will find on State St. We came because our family friend's band was playing. I love how big the place is! There is a great outdoor area with a huge firepit that many people can sit around but you are still close enough to see the band play. I would definitely come back.

Santa Barbara has certain places that should go down as historic landmark businesses!   Not because their food is the best or because they are the most romantic... but because generations of local residents have enjoyed them.   Places like Joe's and Harry's!   And the Creekside!    

Over the years I have had so many fun times at the Creekside, a New Year's Eve or a Halloween Party!    Fundraisers, bands and special events...    The drinks are honest, the crowd is anything but pretentious and the service is friendly.   It is kind of an "anything goes" kind of place!    

Several years ago I went there for lunch with a co-worker.   The kitchen was open back then but they didn't have a bartender for the lunch shift.    We wanted something to drink and the server suggested that we go behind the bar and make it ourselves!   What other place would DO that??

Saturday evening I was there to listen to King Bee.    A medium crowd, mostly older.    It was a fun time!    It occured to me that I hadn't ever Yelped the place so I checked in.   I also visited the extremely wonderful Bourbon Room which is attatched.   A completely different vibe.  I will be reviewing them seperately.