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Tupelo Junction Cafe
1218 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 899-3100


Reviews by the General Public

Not quite there..., 10/10/2009
Reviewer: matt shanaberger from Santa Barbara, CA
Fried Green Tomatoes. Checked the off the list. Along with deep fried dill pickles. Those would be what most people call, 'Yeah I tried that food'. So, we did. What should bring you back is the hearty, Americana food. But, instead what drove us away was the always heavy-handed, overcooked food. Salmon dish was nearly dried out, Southern Shrimp and scallops suffered same fate. The one time I tried their 'famous cowboy steak' it took two tries to get medium rare right. Had it not been our third outing there we may have assumed the cook had a bad day or that our dishes sat under the heating light too long, but it isn't the first time. Overall, a great concept that falls short on execution. For the price, I would probably try elsewhere
This was a pleasant surprise. , 8/29/2009
Reviewer: Kelly from Portland, OR
I took the recommendation of a back teller and landed here for breakfast. The server greeted me with a smile and a pitcher of orange juice, she then brought water without having to be asked. I could not decide between two items, I asked her opinion and she gave it without telling me that " everything is good". The waffle was good. The texture wasn't what I expected, it could have been a little crunchier. She checked on me during my meal and was quick the bill.

Eh for breakfast, 8/10/2009
Reviewer: Sierra from Goleta, CA
The beignets served here are not beignets in the New Orleans sense of the word. They are fried dough, so I can't completely argue with the name, but I was disappointed. The food seems like CA interpreting the south, with the CA aspect winning out. The bacon scramble and chicken fried steak were good. The breakfast here is fine, but, in my opinion, way overrated.
Loved it!!!, 7/14/2009
Reviewer: Beverly from Santa Barbara, CA
We sat in the little elevated area in the back which gave us a nice view of the restaurant and on through out to State St. The food was imaginative and very tasty! I had the Applewood Smoked Bacon, Fried Green Tomato & Avocado BLT w/ Dill Pickle Potato Salad and it was fantastic. This little gem tucked in right next to the Granada is a winner and I am hoping that it stays open. It was rather empty at lunchtime, but it wasn't for lack of great food and great service.
Where's the crab cakes?, 7/6/2009
Reviewer: Tina L. from Santa Barbara, CA
We love coming here especially for the crab cake breakfast... It's the most unique item on the breakfast menu!! We've been disappointed the last three times we've come, though, because the crab cakes "haven't been delivered yet." :-( Suggestion: find a distributer you can count on so that your customers aren't disappointed. I guess from now on we'll have to call ahead before coming down.

Food a winner, service good enough, 5/31/2009
Reviewer: Mark from Santa Barbara, CA
One of our favorites, Tupelo got our business once again Saturday night. The food - fried green tomatoes, shrimp martini, fried chicken, shrimp and scallops and an apple tart - all hit the mark. The service was good, not great as it took a little bit to get started but after that they were fine. One disquieting note was the lack of diners. They are on the upper end of downtown, there is a recession and it was a weekend after a long weekend but it was maybe a quarter full. Hopefully that was an unusual event.

A Best Kept Secret in SB, 2/15/2009
Reviewer: Donna from Goleta, CA
My daughter, granddaughter, and I ended up at TJ today only because Esau's was full. I am so very delighted that there was no room at Esau's because TJ was an absolute delight. I am ashamed that up until now I haven't taken advantage of this little jewel (I've lived here for 30 years). We were given a table right away and coffee, juice, and water were all there waiting for us when we sat down. Apple Beignets were a good way to start the meal. We shared crab cakes and hash and a very decadent French Toast. The Beignets were a bit cold, but delicious. The crab cakes were good and the poached eggs, perfect, but the avocado salsa added a bitterness that took away from the overall taste. The French Toast was presented beautifully and was incredibly decadent with a tasty berry syrup/jam that really made the dish. Honestly, it was all too much for 2 women and a young child. We left behind one piece of French Toast and a bit of the crab hash too. The highlights: Good service, lovely presentation, great flavors, nice warm atmosphere. The lowlights: The avocado salsa, having to ask for coffee refills, and the price...$48.00 with no alcohol...A bit pricey for a Sunday breakfast. I will be back...a little wiser as to how to order.

Never Again!, 2/15/2009
Reviewer: Mol from Santa Barbara, CA
We were two of seven diners on Friday morning. On recommendation from the waitress, one of us had the crab cakes..what a mistake! Once our order had been taken we did not see our waitress again. The busboy brought our food and literally banged it down in front of us. There were several waitresses in the area but ours was no where in sight. The food was far from hot but we finally just gave up trying to attract anyones attention. The last straw was when our table was cleared while we were still eating. This was definitely my last trip to this restaurant as in the past I have found the staff to be rather rude and condescending but thought I should give it one more try before giving up on it! Never again!
waffles?, 2/5/2009
Reviewer: ? from Santa Barbara, CA
uhhm what happened to the waffles?? texture and flavor were not the same as they once used to be...i got them a second time to check it wasn't just a bad day...i noticed they're selling the mix though so maybe they changed the recipe for that?

Really Good, 1/5/2009
Reviewer: Sarah from Santa Barbara, CA
I went here with my husband for Sunday Brunch and it is really good. Though do be warned that it is pricey!!!! We had 1 mocha, and a breakfast item each and it was over $50.00- for three things no alcohol. I had the fried green tomato BLTA, and my husband had the crab cake hash, both very good. I love the quality but $15.00 for a sandwhich? I think their pricing is a little unrealistic, but it is always packed!
A refreshingly different restaurant in SB, 12/30/2008
Reviewer: Ta from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I dined at Tupelo for the first time recently and were very impressed! Very cute decor, attentive and friendly service and best of all, amazing food! I had a turkey sandwich with sweet potato fries which were paired perfectly with what I think was a dill aioli, YUM! My husband got applewood smoked bacon & eggs - best bacon ever! Overall - this is a great restaurant that uses quality products and pays attention to the details! We will be back again soon!
Best Vegan Breakfast!, 12/18/2008
Reviewer: js from Santa Barbara, CA
I went to tupelo on wed morning for breakfast...they have the most amazing rice and beans breakfast. Asked to be made with no butter and it was a delicious vegan breakfast! highly recommended!
Excellent, 12/18/2008
Reviewer: Krista and Tony from Santa Barbara, CA
No hackneyed gimmicks in the title here, Tupelo served up an excellent dinner for our party of five this past Wednesday evening. I was impressed with the variety of dishes on the menu and unless you're used to eating off the "dollar menu" the prices seem perfectly reasonable. I ordered the southern fried chicken and was delighted with it. This isn't drumsticks and wings here, mine was a large breast piece with only a small part of bone and was nicely crisped in savory seasonings. Served over a bed of mashed potatoes and corn and covered with a truly delectable gravy. An American classic wonderfully done. General comments on other dishes ordered in the party: Ribs, as good as the chicken. Salmon, very good. Red Beans and rice, different and very good as well. Mac'n cheese, my least favorite, not bad but just not to my taste. Desserts here are both unique and delicious. Service wise our waiter was perfect. Attentive but not hovering, very friendly and knowledgeable. Our food came out fast but not until we were finished with the appetizers, really , it couldn't have been better, everyone was immensely satisfied and I personally can't wait to go back. T
Overrated, 12/2/2008
Reviewer: Nicole from Santa Barbara, CA
Don't be fooled by the title of my review, I think Tupelo Junction is great just over rated. Its a wonderful place to get southern food with a twist. My favorite is the fried chicken! However, things are pricey and the service is spotty. Most of the times I've experienced great service, but twice that I've been the waiter and waitress were cold and ignored my table. Maybe because we look young or they thought we didn't have any money. Either way, this place is over all very good but not 5 stars in food or service.
book thanksgiving 2009 now, 11/28/2008
Reviewer: david m from san jose, CA
most amazing thanksgiving dinner on several levels - southern family atmosphere, great smells, hand made cajun vodka, contemporary southern thanksgiving fare, and awesome pumpkin ice cream pie with butterfinger gram cracker crust. Would come back to sb just to go again... seriously

Yummy, cant wait to go back and try something else!, 11/25/2008
Reviewer: Amanda Milholland from Lompoc, CA
I went here for the first for lunch and it took me forever to figure out what to get!I decided on the fried green tomatoes for an appetizer and a white cheddar burger with fried pickles! Everything was delicious and I cant wait to go back and try something else!
Always a Pleasure!
Reviewer: John Thyne from Santa Barbara, CA
Tupelo Junction is one of Santa Barbara's best restaurants any time of day! With every visit I remind myself to come back soon. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to remember during breakfast and was treated to the most gorgeous selection of fresh fruit featuring blackberries, red pear, blood orange + bananas, authentic chicken fried steak (that tastes like steak!) with a fantastic sausage gravy and a true southern biscuit. Great coffee, outstanding service and a wonderful State Street location rounded out the visit. I also must nod props to the incredible vegetarian red beans + rice for lunch (addictive with shallot oil!) and, surprisingly, a dinner I rarely order out but was incredibly impressed by: Tupelo's salmon is amazing!
good food, server not so much
Reviewer: Daniel from Santa Barbara, CA
I grew up in SB and ate here for the first time 11-11-08. I was impressed with the food but not the server. Her only redemption was the fact that the busboy picked up here slack. The busboy would have gotten a hearty tip if he didn't tell me when I asked, that it would be split between him and the server who was less than deserving. Lack of training maybe. As I was eating the server asked if she could take my plate. I think that was the only time I was asked anything by the server. The busboy was attentive and certainly the best part of the service. Would I go back...most likely not! Reason: 1) Bad service without the excuse of being busy, because the place was not busy, coupled with prices slightly higher than I like.
Best Breakfast in SB!!
Reviewer: Matt from Solvang
This is by far the best breakfast in Santa Barbara! My wife had scrambled eggs with black beans and tomatoes, with a delicately dressed side salad and amazing scone/muffin thing. I had the breakfast hash with poached eggs and crab- so good!! The bloody mary was awesome as well with chile and a crab leg! Do yourself a favor and come here on the weekend and relax with great food and good service!
Very much enjoyed it !!!
Reviewer: Bernie T from Ventura
No complaints !!! Enjoyed the food and the restaurant!!! I would definitely go back again anytime. We (wife, me, granddaughter and her girlfriend) drove up from Ventura for lunch and to show the girls some of Santa Barbara. Tupelo's was recommended by a friend and we will now recommend it to anyone!!
A night to forget!
Reviewer: Jonathan Schulkin from Goleta
I ordered the lobster potato and sweet corn chowder, it tasted fishy and had 1 piece of potato in it. My girlfriend ordered the fried green tomatoes and goat cheese and instead she was brought a plate of fried RED tomatoes!! 2 minutes after receiving our appetizers we were brought a plate of bread that had no flavor and was stale. 3 minutes after the bread was brought our entree's were brought to the table and placed to the side of our appetizer's...so much for having time to "enjoy" my appetizer. Though I tried to fight my way through the terrible chowder I gave up after another 5 minutes and dug into my entree. I got the burger with sweet potato fries and fried pickles. The fries were COLD, not from sitting for a few minutes next to me, but actually cold to the touch as if they had been cooked hours earlier. The fried pickles were also cold and soggy to boot. The burger itself however was decent. My girlfriend got the scallops and shrimp with jalepeno cheddar grits. The scallops were cooked well and the shrimp was cooked satisfactorily. However the grits were rubbery and had unidentifiable chunks in it that were definitely not jalepeno. Food aside, there is zero excuse for the horrible timing of these dishes! Bring my bread, then my appetizer, then give me a minimum of 15 minutes before my entree comes, so I can enjoy myself. The waitress was poorly trained and looked like a slob, perhaps a better dress code should be required! The one redeeming quality of the staff was the promptness of the bus boys refilling our water. For the price we paid we would have rather gone to Mcdonald's, where the food is better as is the service.
Will try again
Reviewer: Christine from Santa Barbara, CA
Was here for lunch last Sunday before a matinee at the Granada with my sister. First, our waitress was wonderful, as was the server/busboy. Attention right on all the marks but not overly done, and the place was busy too. I ordered the crab bloody mary and the mac-n-cheese dish. The bloody mary was good, the crab claw was worth the price, but the taste wasn't extraordinary. The mac-n-cheese however, was a macaroni soup (looked like milk "broth") with a huge dollop of melted cheddar on top. When I tried to mix it all together the cheese wouldn't mix with the broth which resulted in little bits of cheese among the soup. I love cheese, so the flavor was good, but I expected melted cheese with the pasta. Very strange. My sister loved her turkey sandwich (looked like Thanksgiving between slices of bread) so perhaps I'll try that next time. Oh, the fried green tomatoes were good. I will be back because there are so many other things on the menu that sound great.
Well Worth the Drive!
Reviewer: Sara from Northridge, CA
While visiting Santa Barbara recently, Tupelo Junction was recommended to our group of friends and we were not disappointed! As a "foodie", I have a fairly good palate and eye for good food. Taste and presentation are important. For breakfast, I ordered the crabcakes topped with poached eggs, guacamole and lemon-butter sauce and it was delicious! Also, the homemade berry jam was wonderful (can I get the recipe) on our toast (it was also good on the cornbread) and service was terrific. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. I enjoyed Tupelo so much that I recommended the restaurant to my friends who will be in Santa Barbara this weekend and will be disappointed if they don't go! Reservations are recommended.......the place is hopping!

Tupelo my heart
Reviewer: Ralph from Goleta
Following a friends recommendation I decided to make the drive from Goleta to visit Tupelo Junction on State Street for breakfast. I went with some friends who are notoriously picky about their food but fortunate for us Tupelo has quite the variety on their menu. Everything we ordered was fantastic and I especially recommend the burger seeing as the portion size was enough to satisfy my friend who has been known to swallow 4X4's from InNOut without breaking a sweat. Our server Margaret was fantastic as well and took care of my high maintenance friends with impeccable service and class. My only complaint was that I brought my girlfriend along and I wasn't able to ask our server for her phone number. I definitely recommend starting your day with Tupelo Junction as much as possible.

Amazing food, amateur service
Reviewer: Camille Mason from Santa Barbara/CA
I go to Tupelo frequently for both brunch and dinner. The food is always amazing, but can't say the same for the service. Owners, PLEASE higher some waitstaff with more experience. I was a server for years and know that it doesn't take much to do better than this. Your waitresses are without fail sullen and need to be reminded several times just to bring a water refill. Last time, I was one of our waitresses' 3 tables and she not only didn't bring my dressing out on the side as I asked, but didn't do it again once reminded! Patrons, do try the crab cake hash and fried chicken...you won't be sorry.
Good food and courteous service for us
Reviewer: Patrick from Santa Barbara, CA
We have gone to Tupelo Junction three times for dinner in the last few months. It is a plain, uncrowded, unpretentious place, not unpleasant, and quiet when no music is playing. Each time we found the service courteous and patient, and the food much above average for the price in Santa Barbara. Our only objection was the thick-rimmed glasses used in the table setting and chosen I believe to give the restaurant a folksy look. The hot breads are excellent.
Mixed feelings
Reviewer: John from Santa Barbara
Our breakfast here was very nice, but..... Would it kill them to have one or two standard dishes on the menu for us old fuddy duddies who don't want truffled this or asparagus that? I wound up cobbling together a traditional breakfast by ordering 3 sides. They did accomodate this with a smile. Coffee is very good - service was very good - love the space - wasn't this an italian place a few years back? They've mastered the art of the up-sell here - watch your wallet! All in all, a positive experience and we'd return.
14$ for a BLT???
Reviewer: barb from Santa Barbara,ca
WHAT? Mark up indeed. At least you can toast the bread huh? Nope, it was not. I like the food here but come on, compare the chicken salad to the BLT and you will be sad you were the one who got the BLT for the same price! YES, BOTH ARE 14$. Come on girls, a BLT? It is not the wonderful bacon scramble or the Chicken Fried steak which were both great. I was sad for my friend who just wanted crispy bacon and good toast... sorry humming bird. Glad you liked the tea though. Think about those prices.

Good the second time
Reviewer: SB Restaurant Goer from Goleta, CA
I was actually suprised...I've been to Tupelo before and have never been impressed. I was completely satisfied this time and would definitely go back. The BLT was delicious. I shared that with a friend with some mac and cheese. The mimosa's were refreshing!
What Happened To Tupelo???
Reviewer: Lollie from Santa Barbara, CA
When TJ opened on Chapala the service was amazing! Everyone was raving about the wonderful atmosphere. Since moving to State years ago the service has steadily declined. I went for lunch last week and left unhappy. We were seated and watched as other parties were attended to while we still hadn't been asked for our drink order. We waited literally 15 minutes while various waitstaff walked by our table. Even acknowledging our presence with "I'll be right with you." would have helped but that didn't happen. The food is worth the wait, and unfortunately I think this is what keeps people coming back. It certainly isn't the service. Most of the waitstaff are young college girls. Work for your tips ladies!
Honestly...
Reviewer: Laura Lewis from Santa Barbara, CA
...this was a disappointment. Besides waiting a ridiculous amount of time to order drinks...or water for that matter - the food wasn't that much better. My husband and I ordered breakfast, and with our breakfast we also got a supply of egg shells and cold, hard house potatoes. The mixed drinks were a disappointment as well. But to end on a high note...their 'hush puppies' were some of the best we've tried locally.

Another great Thanksgiving dinner
Reviewer: Mike from Santa Barbara, CA
This was our second year for Thanksgiving at Tupelo Junction. For T-giving, they have a limited menu. The three of us opted for the traditional turkey dinner, "Turkey Two Ways." Delicious turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes but we miss the sweet potatoes with a marshmellow topping that they had last year (Hint! for next year). We we so full we skipped dessert. Attentive service as always. Tupelo Junction is one of my favorites here in town.

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