One of my favorite bars. Ever.
Certain charm about this bar; might be the decor,or the free microwaved theater butter popcorn, Â or the outside patio, or the music they were playing (little dragon) and oh yeah. It was "Prince" night. Yeah that's right. Â Purple rain.
This place is the tits.
It's actually a pretty cool place. Â I went here after my bi monthly trip to Noodle City, which resides right next door, and was pleased. Â I was told a lot of graduate students and hipsters frequent this place, and I'm not either of those... but I still had a decent time. Â They pop popcorn and it fills the air with the delectable scent of butter and I was sad that they didn't give me or my friends any :[ Maybe its because we had a to-go box....???
I'd come here again to catch up with a friend because I don't drink coffee and I'm an insomniac.
This place is an alternative to the DT SB scene...You most likely won't find drunken dudes and gals, there won't be a long line to get in, won't be a cover (unless there's a special event), the music (usually) won't be blasting, and there (usually) won't be dancing. This lounge is great if you want a chill place to be able to get a beer or glass of wine (no hard liquor) and actually be able to have a conversation with the person(s) you came with. Good place to bring a date, but not to get a date. There's an outdoor area which is great. The crowd is also generally "older"--grad students and up. Drinks are unnecessarily pricey, hence the 4 stars.
Review Source:My husband an I love to come to the Mercury Lounge for a date night glass of good wine and a solid beer selection. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and friendly. Â The ambiance is mellow and funky with many mini living rooms to get cozy in. And, they give you a huge bowl of popcorn!
Review Source:If I were having a birthday, and wanted to do a proper Bar crawl... go to only the "local" bars that are funky, off the beaten path and hidden gems... If I wanted to go to places that had beer selections that are unrivaled... not just the great IPAs but awesome porters and Belgium beers on draft... a place that offers fresh popcorn, I would put the Merk (what the locals call it) at the top of the list. Â No Wait!!! Â I did that this past Saturday! Â It was fun! Â
Last time I was in a month ago they had Stone's "Vertical" beer!  You  know the one, the one that was brewed to celebrate 12.12.12  The last in their 12 year 12 beer series!  Nobody had that one!   This time I got DT (Delierium Tremens) another beer that you just don't generally find on draft! Â
The place is funky, eclectic... think lava lamps and hula girl posters from the 60s. Â
Saturday the place had a singer, a real "suicide girl" with a potty mouth and a pretty good voice. Â Her guitarist looked like a cross between Buddy Holly and Napoleon Dynamite! Â The only hitch was a few of our group ignored a sign and went in the front door. Â They got called out for it, for avoiding the cover--the irony is that at the back door there was nobody taking cover anyway-- The Merk is a bar where you should never have to pay a cover. Â A little lettuce in the tip jug/gourd (we weren't if it was one of their instruments or for tips) and a couple of dozen drinks and I think our group redeemed itself. Â Â
It was a brief stop and a happy memory! Â Â
Looking forward to the next time that I go!
3.5
This is a nice alternative to the DT scene and they have a good variety. Also like that this is a suitable place to hang out with people and be able to talk, and also to meet new people. What I don't like: 1) overpriced 2) the bartenders need to drink more coffee or pay attention. I feel like almost every time I'm there there's some sort of issue. Last time everyone paid their bill (3 of us ladies), I watched everyone pay, so I do know, and then they asked who was paying for the last drink. Then, after forgetting one of the guy's drinks in the group and leaving it on the counter for over 10 minutes behind the bar, the bartender offered a 50% discount (which was the right thing to do). However, the discount was never applied to the bill.
I will continue to frequent this establishment because there is no suitable replacement, but definitely has room for improvement.
Probably one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara. Â It's actually located in downtown Goleta which is a city within Santa Barbara County. Â I used to frequent this place during college.
If you like Belgian beer, they have the three flavors of Lambic beers. Â The bartender there usually blended peche (peach) and framboise (raspberry) together for us when we would go.
Lambic beers have this fruity champagne like taste to them but it is a type of beer.
I love this place because of the ambiance, music playlist, the friendly bartenders, beer and wine selection, dim lighting, the decor and the nice patio in the back. Â It's an intimate and cozy place to go with friends or on a date.
Parking is along any of the residential streets adjacent to the lounge.
I haven't been back in awhile so don't know if anything has changed...
Mercury Lounge is my favorite bar ever. It's located in sort of a nothing area of Goleta but it is as other reviewers have said: magic diamonds in the rough.
Quirky is another way I should describe this place, you'll see what I mean just from the entrance and once you're inside the entire glory will descend upon you. The music is usually bizarre and the place smells like popcorn. The decorations make no sense, there are beautiful elements of simplicity scattered amongst relics of cultural heaven. Every time you go here you will find something you didn't notice before and to this day I'm not sure if the Merc' actively rearranges the furniture or if it's a case of rediscovery each time. At one point there was a bicycle suspended against a wall but I think that's gone now.
The beer lineup is solid, albeit pricey. Bartenders are great personalities with a cold side that preserves a bit of the mystery of the place. The audience is seemingly educated, this place gives off a grad-school vibe and you can never really pinpoint much of a purpose for anyone's presence. It is as if time stands still.
Pool is another great element, free pool night can be a bit intense but the level of expertise at the table is inviting - good, but not good enough that a relative novice can't sneak away a victory.
Pro Tip: If you are hungry after you get drunk here, there's no real food worth eating nearby. There's a tempting donut shop nearby but it's not worth it. Nothing good happens after 2 AM and hey that's when Mercury closes. Just go home.
Pro Tip 2: If you find yourself miserable in Santa Barbara (weirdo), check out Elsie's...it's basically the Merc' in SB.
Not sure how I have failed to review the Merc for so long. I first came here on my 21st birthday and have gone usually about once a month since.
Everyone else pretty much has it down pat: free popcorn, great & rotating beer selection, dark and cozy interior, and POOL IS ONLY 50 CENTS. amazing.
I've never had a bad experience with a bartender here. I'm kind of picky about beer and they always direct me towards one I would like.
what else. I adore the smoking area/ patio. It has this jungle decor that makes you feel like you're sitting in your friend's gazebo in Vietnam or Thailand and his pet monkey is going to swoop in any minute and bring you a fresh bottle. The crowd here is wonderful. I ALWAYS run into a friend or two, often see a UCSB professor or TA, and rarely get skeezed on.
oh, and unlike their shitty sister bar, Elsie's, (Elsie's is the worst. Their bartenders are some of the rudest I've ever encountered.. and I've been to some touristy shitholes in Europe) the Merc takes credit cards! WAHOO
I'd probably come here every day if I didn't have to drive/ convince someone to drive me. I truly love this place. It's homey.
A Merc a day keeps the Bros away.
Hidden gem. Walked in and they were playing Fleet Foxes. I was told it gets more of the grad student crowd, which was fine with me. Had myself a Delirium Tremens, which was on draft and served in the pink Elephant, Delirium branded, brandy snifter type glass. My friends and I had a great conversation in a really relaxing atmosphere.
Review Source:I. Love. This. Place.
My husband and I went to Mercury Lounge on a recent visit to Santa Barbara. We had only one night to go out and our friends brought us here (one of them currently bartends there).
It has everything I could ever want in a bar. Great beer on tap, great wine selection, amazing decor (all mid-century furniture and decorations), free popcorn (meaning the place smells like freshly popped kernels!), pool table and eclectic music selection (note: I love to hear The Knife play once of twice anytime I'm in a bar).
You will not be disappointed if you go there with friends, on a date, with your husband, alone....whatever. I wish every single bar followed the same style. I might try to copycat one in Oakland :)
This is my favorite bar in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD. Is were you make friends for life, where people are caring, kind and fun. The decor is absolutely fantastic, there is a patio, the bartenders are exemplary hosts. They are experts in real beer and wine and there is an amazing selection, the events are creative and top!
Where can you participate in specialty wine tasting, or beer tasting, October fest with TUBAS, games , read eclectic magazines, see bands, morning Saint Patrick day, chess, Bike fest, and trivia?
There is nothing ANYWHERE like the Mercury Lounge. Â 10 thumbs and a half million up.
WARNING: If you hang there a little longer you WILL become a regular, not only for the beer and wine, and I tell ya, I don't drink too much. :)
I've only come here on Wednesdays when it's "college karaoke night" at Old Town Tavern around the corner, and I can safely say that I've enjoyed myself more every time at this place. Service was prompt, the beer selection is phenomenal, and the popcorn is a Godsend.
If I could make a bit of a comparison for Wednesdays in Goleta, I would say that OTT is for college students while Mercury is definitely geared more towards Grad students.
Oh, the Merc. Where the beer flows like wine and the popcorn is free.
Have always loved the dive-y atmosphere and great back patio where you can chill with friends. They've got a billiards table if you're down for a game or two.
Just a nice, chill bar that sometimes serves up live music with your brew.
yep, it's name says it all...Mercury "Lounge". Â This is definitely a lounge. Â Pretty quiet most of the time unless they have bands. Â The drinks weren't cheap either. Â What I don't understand is, it's got a divy look but it's trying to be classy. Â I would rather just go to a dive bar and pay dive bar prices for drinks.
Review Source:You can immediately tell that this is a hipster bar the second you ask the bartender what beers they have on tap. They will rattle off a list of apparently local brews that you just aren't cool enough to have heard before. But since this place is beer and wine only, it's also probably the thing that sets it apart from other watering holes.
We went on New Year's Eve with a bunch of people, so I can't speak for the regular crowd, but Mercury had a good, comfortable vibe, a sizable bar, and a spacious patio area. The staff on hand was friendly and helpful, and the prices were decent. If I lived in the area, I'd might frequent the joint and become a beer hipster too.
Wanted: One dive bar to grab a beer in by the airport.
Found: One crazy, 60's, retro bar filled with hipsters, craft beers, and tons of microwave popcorn.
This place even smells old- like someones basement where the leather stools might have gotten wet at one time, but no matter. A few beers into your visit and you won't notice. Although you might notice the toilet seat in the women's room that is clear plastic and has yellow ducks imprinted on it . . .haven't seen one of those in ages.
The bartenders are friendly (friendlier if they know you) and they know their beer. Being beer plebeians, we just wanted a couple of Coors Lights but had to settle for Bud Light as this place seems to have an issue with the management of Coors (I didn't ask . . .it just all came out unwarranted, but this is California, after all!) and don't stock Coors. And somehow we drank them out of their stock of Bud Light and had to move on to Amstel. I guess it was just "one of those nights"!
A few beers, a bit of banter and we were suddenly accepted and encouraged to come back.
Next time you are picking someone up at the Santa Barbara airport- stop in here for a cold one. I bet you'll be happy you did!
Once you walk in the door, the decor and ambiance of The Merc will set the mood for you - and you will have a fun time!
Dawn is AWESOME and does a great job of keeping everybody happy.
It's a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a craft beer or a glass of quality local wine.
Whether you're taking advantage of the outdoor area or shooting a game of pool, this is a great place to hang!
When night falls and there is nowhere to go around Goleta, Mercury lounge is the place to chill and relax. The perfect escape close enough to school and far enough from the I.V. scene and college mayhem.
Unpretentious, charismatic and 50's bohemian vibe is what I think when I go there. It is never too crowded (at least when I went) and the service is not too attending, which I like because I take my time while ordering a drink.
I highly recommend this place if you are into chilling and talking about intellectual matters, not that it matters but if you are into politics, philosophy and social stuff then this is the place for you.
One thing! no liquor served here but no worries they got exceptional beer and wine.
Chill, retro, and sexy... RIGHT in the middle of OLD town Goleta, surrounded by the quiet nothing of Hollister.
Yet this place is perfect for any moment, with its extensive beer and wine selection, it gives a perfect place for a relaxing fun time! They've got a fair amount of small American brews (mostly California ales, and Belgian-style ales, NO Bud/Coors/Miller!) and they're happy to let you try the beers before you even order yourself a pint. The bartenders are as laid-back as the atmosphere and clientèle, maybe too laid-back as you may not even find the bartender when you want a drink.
This really is the best local watering hole for meeting anyone, for a down to earth fun time! Nothing else really around here, but who cares...just relax then night away with FREE popcorn and other snacks (I saw grapes, and chips & salsa).
Who knew popcorn and wine went so well together!? Â In fact, I am now such a fan that since moving back home to the Bay Area, I enjoy popcorn with my wine even at home. Â Thank you, Merc Lounge for introducing me to this wonder!
This is the best place to go to in Goleta to relax, escape pretentious a-holes, and enjoy the company of your non-obnoxious friends. Â It was definitely known among my friends as grad-student-ville, as you'll find an older crowd compared to the train wrecks that populate the streets of my beloved Isla Vista. Â I saw a band perform at the Merc Lounge once which was kind of cool. Â The venue is very small and intimate. Â They have a pool table and decent-sized back patio.
Low light, great atmosphere in the 70s throwback to your parents garage parties. An ashtray on every coffee table in a no smoking state just because it looks cool. The key here is Dawn's amazing wine section and great beers offered. It's a locals place that has 2 distinct regulars for happy hour and late night. The lounge offers live Jazz  from time to time and and a tiki hut in the back parking lot.
You will love it or hate it when walk in the door.
The Mercury is not for the square.
Really cute spot, great for a mellow night out. Great selection of exotic beers on tap.
Atmosphere: dark old wood, side table with scrabble and other game, big leather couches, super mellow. Intimate outdoor patio.
Crowd: the crowd is intelectual and relaxed. Seems to be a go to spot for UCSB GRAD students.
If you want a chill night, and a chill drink with some chill friends. check this place out.
I've only been here on weekend nights, but after reading the other reviews I want to check it out on weekday evenings, too. Â Here's what I like about the place (and what I don't like in parentheses):
-the ladies' bathroom has a rubber ducky toilet seat  (but be careful, the door may not lock like you think it is)
-There are purse hooks under the bar
- The bartenders are like beer sommeliers
- They have really good cheese and bread out on cutting boards for patrons!
-They will give you fresh popcorn if you ask!
- There's a pool table  (wish there were more)
-The seats are comfy
Best Bar Ever.
It's relaxed, they appreciate interesting decor, they serve popcorn, they have tasty beverages.
It's in GOLETA. Â
You can sit on couches or sit on couches in the cool night Goleta air
The cool thing about this bar is that it is a destination bar, it's in the middle of old town which as we all know is quiet at night, so if you are going here it is your goal. Â And your goal is that you want to chill. Â Elsie's the comparable downtown will sometimes be full of people trying to be hip because the energy just spills over from State. Â You don't go to the Mercury Lounge because you want to be cool. Â You go there because you already are cool and a destination in the middle of sleepy old town is just about as cool as it gets.
As an undergrad at UCSB, this place is unheard of. Â A friend of mine knew a grad student who would come and study here on the weekdays. Â It's that kind of place. Â
It's a world away from Study Hall, but on an early evening or a weekday, it is perfect. Â We used to come here and play cards and get a tea service (you can get a pot of tea with sugar cubes. Â Totally fantastic), lounge on the velvet seating (that is probably pretty gross if the lights were on) and admire all the knick knacks and bizarre decorations.
On the weekends it can get quite crowded and overwhelming, so I definitely recommend it earlier or on a weeknight if you are looking for a quiet, laid back lounge experience. Â I feel fuzzy just thinking about it...
This place is a diamond in the rough. From the outside, it looks like a shady hole-in-the wall bar. I mean, it's across the street from a Taco Bell...?
But after entering the bar, I immediately fell in love with the place. Very cozy and inviting. I also like how they serve only wine and beer. The complimentary popcorn is a plus! My girl friends and I felt completely comfortable, and did not have to worry about those creepy had-a-little-too-much-to-drink types. It's a nice and relaxing place to go to after a long day.
The music was great as well; it ranged from classics to contemporary indie.
I'm partial because one of my friends  is a bartender here.  I am a crap friend and I hadn't been to visit her in the years since she moved to Santa Barbara, so I was kind of upset when I found out she'd be working the night I was in town.  But it turns out that the Mercury Lounge is likely where we'd have gone anyway. Â
Comfortable seating (I passed out on the couch for a minute while she was closing up), great wine and beer selection, perfectly smutty dim lighting, cheese plates, cookies (homemade!), and popcorn as free bar snacks.
There are a lot of great bars in Sacramento, but nothing that does the small hipster bar as well as this.
People you thought you caught a glimpse of at the Mercury:
1. The B52s
2. Endora
3. Austin Powers
4. Pretty much any Hollywood Square, circa 1968
Yes, it's kitsch and camp. Â And it does it so deliciously well. Â Plus, there's a respectable wine list and tap selection to bring you back to the now of things.
Best bar in Goleta! Ok, maybe I'm not the expert since I've never been anywhere else, but after a day of driving from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, finding that Solvang was like Shady Pines for antique ho's and sugar pimps, I realized that a dive bar was all I really needed to round out the night.
My sexy man took me here for popcorn and beer. Romance at its finest. There were velvet paintings, a couch all to ourselves and a guinness in hand. The decor is hip, the ambiance nice, good amber lighting (that anyone looks good in) and an all around real easy goin vibe.
I just wish we weren't so tired so we could've spent more time there!
I never really went to the bars/lounges on State St. with the other 20somethings. I would come here with friends and instead of seeing sloshed undergrads, I saw a lot of grad students and TAs.
I love laidback, hip loungy atmospheres like these. You can sit around on the plush couches in the dim (not-too-dim) lighting and have random-pleasant-semibuzzed conversations, play pool (there's one table), sit outside with philosophizing smokers... On Tuesday nights (I think), they sometimes have live musical acts perform.
This bar does not have mixed drinks. It sells strictly beer and wine. My default drink of choice: Fat Tire. If you want mixed drinks go around the corner to the Old Town Tavern (OTT) (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/WhAp8J-Jkd6LcEtnFZSk5w">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>), truly a dive bar in every way. (OTT has karaoke on select nights).
Love the Merc.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
