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Harry's Plaza Cafe
3313 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 687-2800
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Reviews by the General Public
Harry's has gotten even better, 4/24/2013
Reviewer: Jinelle
from Santa Barbara, CA
Such a long tradition here but too long since I have returned, though we see the stream of regulars marching in when we sit in the Renaud's patio. Time to return and so glad we did: the bread, butter salsa starter was even better than I remembered, really fresh flavors, delicious clam chowder soup of the day -best in town so far, very flavorful prime 8 ounce sirloin which is too hard to find that size in town and really this is a very adequate portion. Fries could have been better, more on the softer than crispy side but tasty enough. Yes there was room for dessert so a split of the lemon meringue pie was the perfect topper. Fresh flavor and lots of merge - quite a treat over the usual industrial version of this classic. Service was efficient, friendly and professional. Wonderful ambience to the whole place and one felt they had landed on a treasured local secret with all generations present from young to old, and all looked very much at home at their Harry's. Gorgeous long wooden bar, low key lighting, lots of old time photos, yup it is throwback time, yet current in its menu offerings of classics with a contemporary twist. Even the vegetable side was credible with some crunch left in the array of ubiquitous choices. Only low point was in fact the seating felt too low for the table height . I felt like I was sitting at the big kid's table and they should have handed me the kiddie menu. Booths would be a better choice than the tables, if they are available. Keep Harry's on your short-list when you just want good old fashion classical American dining.
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Wedding Reception gone bad, 3/11/2013
Reviewer: Debbie
from Santa Barbara, CA
A few weeks ago we held out Wedding Reception in the Rancho Room at Harry's. The food was good as always but the service we received from the Manager was unprofessional from the very beginning and I must say embarrassing for me during our reception. Not only was our menu incorrect but the Manager was never around when we needed him. Numerous time had to have him hunted down. We ran out of food more than once and my guests had to wait while once again hunted down the manager. His attitude was rude through out the night. I tried to make the best of it and not let it ruin by night. I had given up when i witnessed him what he called cutting and i can only describe as demolishing our wedding cake. It was so sad at that point I cried. So again the food was good as always but would I recommend a friend to have a private party at Harry's? Can't say that i would
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Best restaurant on West Coast!!!!, 2/2/2013
Reviewer: Cynthia Guzman
from Alhambra, CA
We love Harry's and make it a point to visit every time we are in town! Great food and drink!! Love the Martini's Up!!! Love the ambience. Read the reviews and can only say people are Idiots and don't get out much!
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The Arnold Palmer ultimate experience , 12/24/2012
Reviewer: Jerry
from Santa Barbara, CA
So we get there for reservations at seven. There's six of us crammed in a booth while there's empty tables in the ranchero room 7:30 drinks 8:00 salads while we ask questions the waitress didn't know wether they had bone in ribeye or not I asked her the price of the surf and turf I didn't get an answer, we asked for suger she gave us two (2) packs of sweet n low finally she brings out the food and spills Arnold Palmer full glass all over my friends wife no apology her remark was " ohh now she's awake" didn't comp her meal or anything of that sort until we spoke with the manager he comped it and said dessert is on the house well we never got the dessert and were ignored for the rest of the night our super waitress dropped the bill as she turned around and walked away ignoring us. I've never written a review they earned this one!
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A Blast of The Past, 8/22/2012
Reviewer: Mr Burlesk
from Santa Barbara, CA
Wound up at Harry's purely by chance on a recent outing to Santa Barbara last Tuesday. Ducked in expecting a typical strip mall cafe since the place is tucked nonchalantly in the corner of the Gelson's parking lot and there's little charm to the facade. When I opened the door I thought I was entering The Twilight Zone: Harry's is a retro gem, an institution; it's been there since the 1960s. Red leather tuck-and-roll booths, formal waiter's uniforms, carts that they roll the plates of food around on, and the prices of a fine steakhouse (i.e., if you're gonna eat here, bringa lotta munny). The steakhouse decor alone is worth a visit, even just for a drink. The cocktails looked tall and tasty and tables were ordering them "en masse." We got off cheaply by having salads which were nothing too special, but certainly fresh and delicious. We found dissonance on the starter plate, though: sliced sourdough bread paired with salsa and sour cream? Weird to me. Yeah, the hostess gave us, too, the spiel about the booths being "reserved" (she seemed detached, immature and kinda bored). Our waiter was kind of a shlubby guy but he had a lot of heart! Swell guy who told us about Harry's history (no longer family owned); a large portrait of Harry hangs above the entrance to the main dining room. How terrific Harry's must have been in its heyday, the 60s and 70s! A really testy old lady at the next table had the waiter apologizing all over himself for some transgression (felt sorry for him; she really was a mean old hag!). It was easy to conclude Harry's has probably spoiled its patrons during prior decades; the current staff struggles to maintain a high level of customer service. Folks, you just don't find 'em like this anymore. Harry's added a touch of "old world" charm to our visit to SB; I recommend dropping-in for a chuckle and a snort (BTW, don't let those horrid San Roque Lyndon LaRouche birthers peddling on the sidewalks put you off your visit -- we found them shockingly repellant).
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food only ok, service bad bad bad, 6/5/2012
Reviewer: john
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've eated at Harry's for 40 years, in the last 10 years the place has gone down hill, so sad many good times where had there.
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Old chili
Reviewer: Charlotte
from Goleta
Had a late lunch at Harry's last weekend, if was slow so we had great service. I had the chili size which had a tiny amount of this really dry, old chili! When I asked to have a extra side of perhaps fresher chili?? Response...umm...we just ran out. Well that explained everything! They scraped the bottom of the pot alright! $ 12.00 for this?!! I'm sorry don't serve this s&@t to me! What is wrong with people??
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Bad food with high prices.
Reviewer: Joyce Bonomo
from Santa Barbara, CA
Harry's serves mediocre food at best, with a huge price. Yes, their bar drinks are strong. Just stay with the drinks, because you'll pay top dollar for average food. When we walked in, there were several booths available, but we were told they were all reserved. We were finally seated at a table, had our meal, & the booths were still available....over an hour later! Not sure what the game is concerning that! I don't mind paying for great food, but in this case you're paying way too much for what you get.
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Cheers to Harry's
Reviewer: Karen
from Santa Barbara, CA
We happened upon Harry's the other night because we experienced the rudest Maitre d' at Cafe Stella's up the hill and left (and will never return). At Harry's we were greeted pleasantly and then taken to the little private room in the back as we had a party of 8 for a 75th birthday party. Our young male waiter was fantastic! He had a great attitude and we had great service. The food at Harry's is adequate and everyone left stuffed and happy. Cheers to Harry's for saving our night!
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best paddy melt in town
Reviewer: Patsy
from Santa Barbara, CA
I had lunch at Harry's today and had their paddy melt.
I compared it with the Nugget and Harry's is fresher and better.
The service was great even though they were crowded. I plan to go back next month with the same friends.
One friend had their steak bites and that looked good.
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Rude waiter
Reviewer: Charlotte
from Goleta
We like to go to Harry's periodically but it seems we always get the same rude waiter! One huge pet peeve of mine is to get my entree 5 mins. After receiving my appetizer! What's the point, really? And this happens all too frequently at Harry's. And when I complained, our server blamed the kitchen! Servers have POS machines to put their orders into the kitchen and When a server forgets to put an appetizer order in right after a patron orders, well then you get it all at the same time!! And don't play the blame game on the kitchen. So we left a light tip for our server and he actually followed us out and asked why the tip wasn't what he thought he deserved!!! Wow! I told him that he got what he deserved! Hiss!
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Service FAIL
Reviewer: John
from Santa Barbara, CA
Harry's has never been spectacular but at least it was predictible. Last night the service really fell apart. Confusion over who was supposed to be waiting on my table, then being ignored. Several tries at getting the check, then a 10+ minute wait for change. "The manager has to get more change" say what? Some attention to training is needed.
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Only the Best!
Reviewer: Duncan Payne
from Santa Barbara, CA
When you walk into Harry's you know what the fuss is all about. Wonderful food, excellent drinks - made anyway you want - and the best service I ever had. It is the place that friends meet and talk and laugh. Yes -- people still laugh. The wait staff knows why you are there. Good food, Good company, and the time to eat that you will not find anywhere in town. Never rushed - And I mean - Never rushed! And... it is a local crowd. The beach? Fine. Brophy's? Outstanding! Harry's? Better than both.
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Not Impressed
Reviewer: Bryan
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been here quite a few times and it is usually decent. Never great, but never terrible. Last time we came on a Friday night. It was busy as expected, but we did not have to wait for a seat. It took about 20 mins for a server to notice us. He never apologized for the delay. It took another 30 mins before we received our food. The waiter said the cooks messed our orders up.. anyways I doubt I will go again. There are too many other better restaurants I would rather spend my money at.
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Slow and surly sounds like a real steak & whiskey joint
Reviewer: Monica
from Santa Barbara, CA
If you're looking for customer hand holding go to Pinkberry. Me? I'll take another Makers, thank you very much.
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Slow and surly
Reviewer: Shayne
from Goleta, CA
A group from work decided to take a co-worker to lunch. We were going to be on our lunch break so time was a factor. I made a reservation for 7 people and was assured that the service would be speedy. Although we were seated immediately upon arrival, we had to wait 20 minutes for a server to take our food and drink orders. 30 minutes later, no drinks and no food. However, the same server who took our order 30 minutes prior reappeared and asked if we were ready to order (!!). We explained that we had ordered 30 minutes ago and hadn't even received our drinks. He responded angrily "You should have asked me!" and stormed off. By this time, we were about 45 minutes into our 1 hour lunch break and ready to hit the road. But just as we were about to leave, our food and most drink orders arrived so we decided to stay and eat. I had the burnt ends sandwich. It was fair. Nothing to write home about and in no way worth the long wait, expensive price tag (11.95), and surly waiter. Won't be arranging any more group lunches to Harrys. That is for sure.
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Strongest drink I ever had!
Reviewer: Stu
from Santa Barbara, CA
The Bloody Mary I had last night at Harry's was the strongest drink I ever had (i'm 62). It was soooo spicy it made my hair stand on end. Yummy! The chili fries were OK. The waitress who looked like she was from central casting was very attentive and competent.
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Food was fine
Reviewer: Sean Baxter
from Santa Barbara, CA
The Reuben was 10.95 plus tax so I'm not sure why the other poster paid $15. It was fine. It was also one of the most expensive sandwiches on the menu. I know good corned beef is expensive so at $11, I was expecting great. Did not deliver greatness, just mediocre. I have had much worse. I would go back.
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What a disappointment!
Reviewer: Herman
from Santa Barbara, CA
I hadn't been to Harry's in years.
They recently spruced it up somewhat and jacked up their prices - some by much more than the rate of inflation.
I had a Reuben Sandwich - the worst I have had in a long time.
It was not on rye bread like it should be, it had a chili for a decoration and the sauerkraut was tasteless.
The price was $15 with tax but without service - I never paid so much anywhere!
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GO BACK ? OH YES!
Reviewer: myra
from hermosa beach, ca
my first time at harry's. hope it won't be the last. best spaghetti i've had, tastes like it just came from your grandma's stove ! service friendly if a bit slow.love the unfussy atmosphere. would sharpen up the "hostesses", seemed distracted and uninterested. wait staff not that way. good parking, good salad...happy meal!!
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