Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant: A Delightful American Dining Experience in Santa Barbara

Small, diner type of place. Groups of 4 is good. Larger groups might have a harder time, or won't all be able to sit together. Food is classic diner fate, and the staff is friendly and helpful/ attentive. Parki g cab be challenging, as is typical of Santa Barbara. Decent prices, and my last name is the same as the dinners name, so there's that! Lol

Greasy spoon in Santa Barbara that knocks out eggs, pancakes, meat and potatoes like a champion. The sausage patty was awesome and the biscuits and gravy were great. Pancakes are fluffy and coffee is hot. Thanks!

Great service, better food! This place is the definition of a good old-fashioned diner. Can get crowded, but it's always worth the wait. My go-to is the chicken fried steak - so good. Coffee is on point, and they keep it full. It's a great way to start your day.

A Delightful Step Back in Time at Garrett's Old Fashioned Diner If you love a good, authentic retro-diner experience with great food and reliable, friendly service, Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant in Santa Barbara is your place. Stepping inside feels like taking a genuine step back in time—it’s a true local gem that delivers a unique and nostalgic experience for everyone. The atmosphere is what sets Garrett's apart. It has that classic, cozy 1950s diner look, complete with a sit-down bar and comfortable booths. It genuinely feels like a mom-and-pop establishment, providing a warm, family feel in an old-fashioned environment that is welcoming to groups, families, and solo diners alike. Located in the charming Oak Park neighborhood, it’s a must-visit. The menu is packed with all the delicious, hearty, traditional American breakfast and lunch fare you could ask for. You will find solid value in every option, with generous portions that satisfy. As promised, the pancakes are amazing—fluffy buttermilk stacks and tempting options like blueberry are perfect. But the classic comfort food doesn't stop there; don't miss out on favorites like their savory omelettes (the Meat Lover's looks great), the Country-Fried Steak, or the classic Eggs Benedict. For lunch, their Old Fashioned Burgers (especially the Bacon Avocado Cheese Burger) and satisfying sandwiches like the Reuben and Philly Steak are champions of diner cuisine. The great food is matched by fantastic service. The staff is consistently friendly, attentive, and efficient, ensuring your coffee cup is never empty and your food comes out quickly. The coffee is excellent, and you can’t leave without trying one of their thick, old-fashioned milkshakes (chocolate or strawberry are classics!). Garrett's is the definition of a dependable, high-quality local diner. It’s perfect for starting your day right, or for a casual, satisfying lunch. You simply can't go wrong here!

So good! The food was tasty, service was really fast. We enjoyed brunch with our baby and staff were super accommodating.

We were very pleased with the food and service at Garretts. We had breakfast and coffee was pretty good for diner coffee. They kept cups full. Very good breakfast and service. Very casual place. We'll established. Prices reasonable. Parking was easy. Will definitely visit again. Good food.

This diner looks like something from the 50s. Sit down bar and booths. The pancakes were great, perfect amount of chew and not fall apart. The corn beef hash was not good. Every amount ofoisture and grease were grilled out of it. I also was not happy with $4.25 cup of mediocre coffee. Santa Barbara prices I guess.

Loved it! Today's spe ial called to me chorizo Benny. Pancake was awesome. The spicy Louisiana sausage was so tasty. Great coffee too. Our server was super attentive and nice.