Padaro Beach Grill Santa Barbara.com

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Padaro Beach Grill 3765 Santa Claus Ln, Carpinteria Phone: (805) 566-9800 Category: American, Burgers Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30am-8pm Price: < $10 Serving: Lunch Reservations: No Map Write a review of this location!

Reviews by the General Public

Beautiful view, good food, 4/10/2013
Reviewer: Sofia & Henry Alvarado from Ventura, CA
This was our first time here but we willl def be returning. Great food at a good price. Service is fast, efficient, polite and helpful.Patio area is huge, plenty of space for the kids to run around. Sand pit for kids to play in. Plenty of space to sit off to a quiet corner as well. Beach is right across the way so you get a beautiful view while you eat. Only con would be lots of seagulls trying to attack your food or being really loud. other than that this place is great.

Great place for kids and good food, 12/29/2012
Reviewer: Glenn from Buellton
A place to take the kids as they can run around the picnic table grass area plus you can see a great view of SB if you walk close to the beach side(you can't go down to the beach from the back though as a train would smash you). The food was great, I tried the Beach Club on recommendation and it was one of the best club sandwiches I have ever had. They have kids menus also. Highly recommended as a place to try esp if you have little kids that need to run around. Parking can be difficult on weekends/holidays. For more serene adult time try the Garden Market close by if want to get away from kids.

OK, but disappointed, 9/4/2012
Reviewer: Ben from Santa Barbara, CA
I almost have to be a carbon copy of Derek, the VERY FIRST revue. I KNOW what "The Habit" is capable of and this was NOT up to my expectations. My "maui burger" was overdone a bit, a large portion of meat, but no flavor, and the sauce had NO special taste. I was almost searching for catsup to drown it. My friend's salad came with NO dressing. Since noone had asked, it was assumed that the dressing would be tossed on during prep. NO!, and it meant a trip back to get some. The counter staff (there is NO table service) was VERY courteous and anxious to help. They double to bus tables when they have time. Still, a great place to enjoy a nice day, but the food is only OK at best, and lacking flavor

Great ambience, skimping on ingredients
Reviewer: Derek from Santa Barbara, CA
This place has done spectacular things with the location. It is the best outdoor eating setup on the South Coast. My problem was with the food.

I ordered the Maui Burger which was about $1 more than the basic burger. What it was supposed to include was pineapple and teryaki sauce. Usually burger places give you a pineapple ring and a slathering of teryaki when you order a Hawaiian themed burger - not at Padaro. My burger came with about a half a table spoon of pineapple mush, you could hardly see it and you most definitely could not taste it. I could not see or taste teryaki at all. I then rubbed my finger on the inside of the bun and licked my finger and there was a *hint* of teryaki sauce. They definitely did not forget it but, like the pineapple, they definitely gave you such minimal amounts you could not taste it. As a basic burger it was fine, but I paid a $1 extra for something that they skimp so much on you cannot taste it.

The salad had a similar skimp-on-the-ingredients problem. My date ordered the shrimp & avocado salad which was $9 (about $4 more than the basic salad). What you got was a large plate of salad, with 3 tiny pieces of shrimp, and two small slices of avocado. I would have laughed at how much they skimped on the shrimp & avo but I paid $4 extra for it and that's not funny. The lady at the cash register never asked us about salad dressing and the person who handed me my order never included any. I had to walk back from my far away table to ask for salad dressing.

Problems in the Kitchen - Consistently Cold Food
Reviewer: SL from Santa Barbara, CA
I was really excited for Padaro to reopen especially in the hands of the Habit founders as it's such a great setting. The Habit has consistently good food so I'm not sure what the problem is here. Every meal at the new Padaro with the exception of one the food has been inexcusably cold. I'm not sure what the problem is, I wonder if the staff is just not on it with paging you as soon as your food is ready or what. From the calamari to the quesdillas, burgers, fries, rings, all appear to have been sitting around the kitchen for far far too long. Who wants to eat soggy cold calamari? Burgers have been hit or miss, a few times they have had a strong acrid taste which is not desirable at all. Also they appear to be using some sort of brioche bun that really doesn't hold up well at all with a juicy burger. The cold food thing I'm sure could be easily fixed by better manager oversight so I hope they are listening as we really enjoy the setting and hope someday the food can match.

Great Food, Lacking Service
Reviewer: Katherine from Santa Barbara, CA
The food was amazing, great burgers, varied kids meals, and good selection of food and wine. But when it came to the service, it did not suffice. I fortunately had a great cashier, I believe her name was Gabrielle, who greeted me with a huge, genuine smile, efficiently took my order and got everything correct, even suggesting some menu items (that were really fantastic) and some possible saving points, but my girlfriend and her family were not quite as lucky. She said her cashier was dismissive and blunt, barely scraping by as polite. Please keep up with the great food but improve your customer service to match my experience and my server!

Two thumbs up-Great fun with kids and great food
Reviewer: Charlotte from Santa Barbara, CA
I took my grandchildren and their friends there for lunch. My grandchildren are picky eaters. We all found food we liked and I thought my burger was superb. (Better than tne Habit) When we were finished, I asked the children if it was a thumbs up or down. They all replied with a two thumbs up! I did too! I plan to take my family there when we have a beach day at the end of September at our family reunion. It is a great place for mixed ages. I thought the prices were reasonable. The children also liked the fact their lunches came in a boat.

Fabulous! Enjoyed everything about Padaro Beach Grill
Reviewer: Hadley from Santa Barbara, CA
One afternoon last week my cousin and I went to the Padaro Beach Grill for lunch. We shared the Sweet Potato Fries and had two of the best burgers either of us had ever had! The fries were delicious too! We were greeted warmly by the order takers who were extremely efficient, and although it was lunch time and very busy, our order was ready in under 10 minutes. It was served hot, not cold like some reviews have suggested. The atmosphere is fabulous, and there were at least 4 toddlers running around having a great time! All I can say about the bad reviews is take them with a grain of salt. You never know what sets some people off. If you want a really enjoyable experience, try the Padaro Beach Grill on a gorgeous day~can't be beat!

really great!!!!
Reviewer: Cristian Pineda from Lompoc, CA
I liked the view and breeze of the beach. The food was amazing same goes with the service. Best nachos i have had the last 15 1/2 years. The best thing was the location! I'll be back soon to Padaro Beach Grill woooo hoooo!!!!!!!!

Best burger around!
Reviewer: Traci from Santa Barbara, CA
I am so happy the "new" Padaro Grill has such excellent food! I used to go there with my family on the weekends, niece and nephew loved the place and although the setting was nice the food was rather mediocre. I had a Prime Burger last Friday and have to say it was truly the best burger I have had in years and I plan on having many more!

Bummer
Reviewer: Jack Blackstone from Santa Barbara, CA
UNWELCOMING AND NOT LOCAL FRIENDLY. Like others have posted the environment has changed completely. It just feels unwelcoming and not relaxing like the old place. The landscape redo is nice and I am glad the sandbox is there but it really doesn't feel kid friendly. Our summers have typically been about surfing at Santa Claus and then eating here with the kids and enjoying a cold beer and decent food. We were excited about the reopening but I am not sure we will return. When were there a local professional surfer we know had borrowed some paddle boards from A-Frame Surf Shop and was on the beach in front of the restaurant trying to teach his girlfriend how to paddle surf. His girlfriend was rather small and was having trouble carrying that large board so he brought the board up to fence outside the restaurant instead of having to trudge it all the way back and forth and was going to come in on the restaurant side and simply pick up the board and return it to A-Frame. The owner refused to allow him to do this. I can see not wanting this to be a habit but it was not busy and the owner simply could have told him he would allow it this time but to please not do it again. Instead, he had to make two trips to carry his board and his girlfriend's. THIS IS NOT LOCAL FRIENDLY. I forgot the owners were from the Habit and was commenting to my wife that the owners probably were not local but they are and the way treated the surfer and the way they seem to be policing everything is a complete turn off. The food itself was just okay. The prices seem cheaper but when you add fries and a drink it really is actually pretty expensive. My kids used to love the pizza at the old Padaro. A tip to the owners (if you care). In order to survive at that location you cannot just rely on summer business and tourists...you need to appeal to locals and so far you are not doing it. In the off months, most of us will not drive to your restaurant unless you substantially improve the food and chill out...

The Rise and Fall of Padaro Grill
Reviewer: John from Santa Barbara, CA
Here's the deal: When we first came here about a month ago, the food was not only edible, but incredible. How could a burger be this good? I don't know, but it was. And the sweet potatoe fries were perfect...crispy, delicious, individuated not clumped together like what happens when they're fried in month old oil. Fast foward a few weeks, and, what a difference! That oil probably hadn't been changed, and likely was a month old now - those previous wonderful fries were clumped into a jumbled mess, and tasteless. The burger was bland and overcooked and tough. How could a burger be this bad? I don't know, but it was. What a shame. I'll bring my own food to the beach and create my own sandy playground for the kids, but with much better food. This is such a cool concept, but it has to work on ALL levels. The service is fine. Everyone is quite nice, which they should be giving what they are charging and what you are getting. Maybe they can change for the better, since they were able to change for the worst so quickly. I hope someone will write about it if they do.

Family, Friends and Fun in the sun :)
Reviewer: Sabrina from Ventura, Ca
I went to Padaro Beach Grill with my daughter and her little family. We had a wonderful time. Casual, relaxing, fun. The food was great...I had a salad and it was good. The burgers were good too along with the yummy sweet potatoe fries. The place had a warm, friendly feel to it. I highly recommend it. My grandson had sooo much fun in the sand pit area with the other young children. I met one of the owners, he had shared a few new ideas he had in store for the the place. We all loved it! We will be going back soon.

A perfect place for a family meal
Reviewer: Claudia from Ventura, CA 93003
We live in Ventura, and would make the drive to Padaro with our kids and friends with kids every few weeks. When it closed, we were disappointed because there are not many places that offer a casual outside atomosphere for children. Last night my family and four other families came to experience Padaro for the first time since it reopened. We feel the new owners kept the aspects we loved - simple ordering, ample outside seating, and of course, the sandbox. On top of that we think that they improved the decor and outside landscaping and the food. I had the Maui burger, my husband had the fish tacos. Our kids enoyed their meals and the little candy that came with them. All of our friends enjoyed their food as well. The prices were right on, and our children (we had 10 between the families) all had a great time. None of them had a problem with the rules because we have taught them how to behave in public and we appreciate that the owners don't want kids "going wild" at the restaurant as it not only can cause damage and accidents, but is also annoying to patrons who are responsible parents. We love the new Padaro and it will be a place we visit often! It would be nice to have a little music playing, either through an outdoor sound system or band.

Meh---nothing special
Reviewer: Daniel from Santa Barbara, CA
Burger was ok-fries were soggy, no pizza anymore and the restrooms were filthy. Surprised that its the same owner as the Habit? Habit bugers are awesome. These burgers were not even in the same category but way more expensive. With all the new kid regulations and weird vibe, Ill stick with the Habit.Not worth the drive.

So happy with the re-opening!
Reviewer: Jill H. from Santa Barbara, CA
We have always been big fans of this place and affectionately refer to it as "PG," so we were excited to check out the improvements! We typically would go there for lunch w/ our 2 kids, but this time it was for dinner on a Saturday night. I was happy to see the place so busy and doing well. A few things we really liked: 1) They trimmed the bushes so you could actually see the ocean; 2) food prices much more reasonable - especially the kids meals ($4.95); not all adult meals come with fries (who needs them anyway?) but you could order as a side - helps keep the price down; 3) sandbox still great + pond is also a nice touch. There is a great "adults only" spot w/ a firepit - though I'm not sure if this is always the case. We would likely never go there without kids, so we couldn't take advantage of it - but good idea because it can get crazy. Beer prices are very reasonable too - mostly around $3. I also thought they were very smart for adding in merchandise. There was a very sweet girl who also cleaned off our table before and after our meal. My husband loved his burger and I enjoyed my tuna melt.:) We wish the new owners the best of luck! We will return again and again.

Love the Place!
Reviewer: Sue Butcher from Santa Barbara, CA
Just ate at the "new" Padero Beach Grill and the food was wonderful. To be truthful I find it hard to understand some of the previous reviews! Our burgers (regular and veggie burger) were delicious, especially with the toasted buns. The fries were to die for too. The site has been beautifully upgraded and one particular treat was the view of the ocean. Even the paper napkins were top quality and the ladies room has been tastefully remodeled - all in all a great dining experience. It is true that kids can't run around out of control as before but they can't at other restaurants either. I believe the owners have achieved a nice balance between families with small children and couples who just want good food and a gorgeous view. All I needed to make it perfect was a chocolate chip cookie! Perhaps they will add them to the menu one day. My grandson missed the ice cream bars too but that was a small matter. I should mention the prices on the menu are much better than for the overpriced food served previously. I love the new restaurant and intend to return many times with visiting family members.

Nice afternoon setting, if that is what you want..
Reviewer: Colleen from Carpinteria, Ca
Now that it was re-opened, we took the family for my birthday after spending the day at our beach house. It was busy, order taker was efficient. Ordered 2 burgers, a salad, fish tacos, club sandwich and 2 kids meals. The fries and burgers were cold. Salad (overpriced) and fish tacos were mediocre at best. Club sandwich was good. Service people were fine and people will return because of the location. If the Padaro Beach Grill is now owned by the owners of The Habit, I am amazed that these burgers weren't great, but even if they were warm they wouldn't have been a great burger. They have been re-opened 5 weeks and I think it is time to shake out the kinks.

Prices Seem Better
Reviewer: Paul from Santa Barbara, CA
Went their for father's day as it's typically been a good place for the kids to play while we eat and have some beers. The food and beer seemed cheaper which was great. My burger was great, the wife's salad was OK. It was father's day so understandable to be very busy but they handled it well. A funny vibe with all of the signs about no running and etc for the kids. Maybe they are trying to not be pegged as a kid dumping ground. The "adult only" area on the patio is actually a good idea, as kids dominate the rest of the place, might as well have a special place to get away from the snot noses and have a drink and adult conversation. Looking forward to trying Padaro again after they settle in some more.

Fabulous!
Reviewer: Beachmom from Santa Barbara, CA
We have loved the new Padaro Grill and have been many times. The service is amazing as well as the food. The owner's are always around to say hello and they truly improved the grounds. While it is a great place for kids to run around while parents can mingle with friends, parents should still be watching their kids so that they aren't running into people and knocking down their food. While the old Padaro grill was great, the prices are better now and the food quality is so much better. I found Juliana the owner to be responsive to any need we had! Their staff always comes around to see if they can remove anything from your table or just to ask how you are doing. Great customer service and fabulous food. If parents want to just go there to let their kids run around that is great! However kids should be taught respect and should be watched there from time to time so they are not ruining the place.The last review that came in sounds like the mom is mad as she wasn't watching her kid and perhaps the owner had to talk to the kid because the mother wasn't around! Kids should have good manners and respect for peoples property or perhaps they shouldn't go at all. Old grill or new grill, kids should be taught respect not blast the owner because you don't discipline your own child! I overheard what happened yesterday and was astonished.The food, atmosphere and service is amazing and we highly recommend Padaro Beach Grill!

Miss the
Reviewer: Ben C. from Santa Barbara, CA
I couldn�t disagree more with the review from Karen from Santa Barbara! When I found out a few months ago that the family from the Habit was reopening Padaro I couldn�t wait. I have had the pleasure of meeting them on several occasions at the Habit and they couldn�t be a nicer, more generous family � not at all what the reviewer Karen paints. My family and I have now been to the new Padaro three times since it reopened. Here�s what I see: a gorgeous remodel, the grounds have been totally brought back to life, and the food is so much cheaper and tastier. The old establishment was a free for all with terrible food at ridiculous prices. You could smoke, bring your dogs and yes, Karen, there were NO rules for the kids and guess what � those of us with kids who actually watch our kids and expect them to behave wherever we are didn�t enjoy the free for all. Who would???? I think its great that they have made a place for adults to sit where they won�t be bothered by kids whose parents could care less what they do. My kids had a great time and contrary to Karen�s review there is a sign posted � the new owners are responsible business owners who, crazy idea, don�t want kids running balls out up and down the concrete path where they might knock someone with their food over or get hurt, they would prefer not to have the kids rip the landscaping out, and they actually have a service area where no one but employees are allowed. Sounds reasonable to me unlike how it is presented by Karen. But she�s right � if you are looking for a place to park your kids and let them raise hell this isn�t the place anymore which suits me and my family just fine!!! There is a reason why the old place went bust!!

Welcome to the new Padaro Beach Grill!
Reviewer: Carson from Santa Barbara, CA
First off, the remodel the new owners did is phenomenal, both inside and out!! They have brought back the old name Padaro Beach Grill from years ago which we love - the former business was the Beach Grill at Padaro. We went Father's Day with a pretty good sized group - 10 of us. Not only were the prices a nice surprise (very reasonable compared to the old place) the food was excellent. They had run out of the fresh fish - which was understandable with how busy they were - but we had burgers and salads and one order of nachos. They were all great - especially the hickory burger. Unlike the other review from Father's Day, we couldn't think of one complaint, sounds like their order was just off. I chatted with the manager and he was friendly and super helpful. I wouldn't be afraid to let them know if something was not right. We sat up on the upper deck and ate - we asked if our kids could join us up there (they have a sign that says adults only) and they said of course. They just don't want kids up there unsupervised. I think its cool to have a spot where adults can enjoy their meal away from the "kid activity". We will definitely be back often!!

The Habit Brothers first restaurant with bad food.
Reviewer: Joe M from Santa Barbara, CA
Decided to take the family here on fathers day and let the kids run around while we could also get some lunch. The grounds and the restaurant were nicely remolded and everything was clean which was a big plus. The food came out fast and the buzzer system worked well as the previous owners had used. The burger which is the same as their Hook Burger in Oxnard didn't come close. Bun was hard and stale and meat was overcooked with no juice. The nacho's were also stale and were all molded together which made them not even edible to consume. In my whole life I have never thrown food away and the nachos enters my list as the first. When I ordered them the cashier told me they were out but then said they could make them. I think they know they are having problems with them and should just keep them off the menu. Fries were thin, cold and soggy which was no fun for dipping in ranch or ketchup. Salad tasted like pre bagged salad from the grocery store. Even the kids meals were even a disappointment as everything was overcooked and dry.Best thing we had was the vanilla shake.Very disappointed especially when its owners who created the best burger in town the Habit. It seems like a no brainer but they should just copy there Habit Menu if they still can. So next time we will just stop at Milpas Habit and get food to go and bring it to Padaro to enjoy in the park. Also they might want to remove the the small kids slide that is in the sand box. While we were there two children tipped it over and both landed on there face. The next time someone might break a arm which my not be good for there insurance rates. Hope things improve as I know they will coming from owners who make good food elsewhere.

Yeah. Welcome Back!
Reviewer: Kathy B from Santa Barbara, CA
I had the California Burger - Fantastic! The french fries were plentiful and tasty. The burger, fries (large) and soda with side of ranch was about $12 bucks and worth every bit of it. The service is youthful and smiley and helpful. The overprice and not tasty food place is gone. I will be back. I live less than a mile away.

Great Burgers at a Great Price
Reviewer: Meghan from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been to the Padara Beach Grill twice now and both times I have had a very positive experience. The staff are amazing and if they aren't busy they come by the tables and ask if they can get you anything or take away any trash. (I personally love and apprecaite this!) They also truly do service with a smile and a great attitude. It's wonderful and refreshing. The decor is beautiful. The indoor furniture is comfy and the outdoor decor is fun with a plentiful amount of tables, and great atmosphere. I have gotten the Prime Burger twice. Both times it was consistently juicy and delicious. I had it with the cole slaw and the cole slaw is really good. Fries are good too! For the atmosphere and location, the prices are not bad at all. You can expect to pay an average of about $11.00 for a cheese burger, fries and a drink. To me this isn't jaw dropping and is definitely worth it. Only negative right now is the parking. There is so much going on - lots of summer camps, people spending the day at the beach etc. so parking can be a bit frustrating especially around lunch time.

Working out the Kinks
Reviewer: Doreen from Santa Barbara, CA
They have only been re-opened for a few weeks so hopefully they will work out their kinks. I love what they have done to the place cleaned it up really nice. Why keep the same name its very confusing when its not the same food? We miss the pizza options and the french fries the old place used were much better. Young staff operating.. eating french fries behind the counter is not professional even if your headed out on your break. If you need an additional item, drink or anything you have to go back and stand in the long line that should be corrected? Calamri was really great but served cold- mngr very nice about it gave us some nacho's but the chips were tough almost stale? Kids food also was cold getting it- and yes we picked up right as our buzzer rang- french fries look and taste like they have been sitting there for a while.. I hope they get it right I love the place and plan to spend alot of time there this summer but please get the food right and service ! Surrounding are awesome- oh and the fire pit on a chilly night they wouldnt light? Said its only for group parties? huh?

Good Food, Good Prices, Small Portions
Reviewer: Mark from Santa Barbara, CA
Four of us had lunch here Saturday afternoon. I had the fish n' chips which were the most expensive item on the menu at $10.50. Tasted ok, but only 3 small pieces of fish, not many chips and no cole slaw. Another person had the fish tacos which were around $8.50 and contained hardly any fish. They were so small I mentioned it to the manager who was nice enough to give us two more but they were the same. I would defintely not recommend this item. The other two diners had Prime Burgers that they raved about and called some of the "best ever". They looked fantastic. They were priced starting at $5.95. Fries are extra. Next time I am defintely getting a burger.

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