Milk & Honey Tapas

Michelle Cale

We dined on New Year’s Day. There was only one server - the host told us as soon as we arrived - but you would not have known. She was calm and pleasant and on top of everything. We had the most delicious tapas with cocktails. There was a big party of 16 people split over two tables that arrived while we were eating, which made it a little noisy, so we did not linger. I would definitely visit again.

Dragos Gheorghe

Even though I made it there 15 mins before closing, the staff was kind enough to let me in and didn't act annoyed. I was very thankful as this is one of the very few places with decent food open until 10 on a Tuesday in downtown SB, most places close at 8-9. I already knew what I wanted and they had it ready almost immediately. Lamb sliders were very good, but the black mole confit tacos were just straight up baller. Melt in your mouth flavor. Would definitely go again to try some entrees!

Ali Marie

Love the ambiance of the restaurant, I like the fire and wood elements. Staff was attentive and very friendly. It felt upscale but relaxed. We got the bacon wrapped figs, lamb sliders, mole tacos, and the brie n jam bites. The only thing I didn't care for was the brie. Texture and flavors were not for me. Lamb was cooked perfectly with great flavors, tacos were tasty, and I could eat two plates of the bacon wrapped figs. Bit pricey for portions, but what you would expect for quality at a tapas place. Gave 5 for overall experience.

Raquel Kalina

I’ve been here many times, it’s one of my favorite tapas places in Santa Barbara. Very dark and cozy. Perfect for date night. My husband and I got one of the tables in the back with curtain dividers so it felt really intimate. Service was quick. Food leans toward Spanish-American, and you can find a variety of popular favorites like sliders, bacon wrapped dates, etc. We decided to order the Calamari, Ahi Nachos, Burrata the flavor and Mariscos Paella. Calamari had a nice flakiness, perfectly crisp coating. Very tasty. Ahi Nachos had a nice kick in spice and was pretty solid in flavor. The Burrata was my favorite with tomatoes and garlic; it was incredibly delicious with the buttered bread. The Paella wasn’t the most authentic Mariscos Paella, considering it had chicken; though it was still very robust and flavorful. Cocktails were strong and fruity. I ordered the Oaxacan Pear-adise, which I highly recommend for something smoky and sweet. My husband ordered the Midnight In The Garden and it was equally satisfying.

Howard H

Happy hour is 10 dollars per dish. The bacon wrapped dates is very good. So is the chicken taco.

Emily

Such great drinks, my favorite is the beat drink; it’s so smooth and sweet but not too sweet. The sweet potato fries are incredible, must order and they’re on happy hour. I love the Brussels, not fried but covered in butter

Mr. Kirkland Signature

One of the most memorable restaurant experiences in Santa Barbara! Every food selection here was truly unique and offered something different from other restaurants. The Brussel Sprouts were dispersed in a bowl and extremely well seasoned. The Date with a Pig was damn good! Both the Black Mole Confit Sliders and Lamburginis were really good… but the standouts are for sure the two selections from the “Fields & Farms” category: the Truffle Shuffle and the Some “Brie” Sauce plates. Really nice departure from a typical dinner plate and offered some irresistible flavors to pick out. The cheeses were addicting and the toasted bread was the perfect accompaniment. Definitely a place I’ll remember and some flavor profiles I might not find easily elsewhere. Lovely spot and lovely service make this an incredible worthwhile restaurant visit!

Cigal Shaham

Fantastic tapas restaurant. Great for a safe night but can also accommodate larger groups. Wonderful selection of vegetarian food, as well as non. Plates were bigger than I expected for tapas. Still they are meant to be shared, choosing a few things. We were stuffed with 5 selections for 2 people. The Burrata was the star of the night - perfectly flash fried arugula, roasted garlic, roasted grape tomatoes, fresh burratta cheese, and crostini. Just so good. The brussel sprouts were a close second. Everything was delicious and plated beautifully.

Jim O

Delicious and fun tapas and margaritas. PB&J sliders were outstanding along with dates, lamb sliders and world’s best sweet potato fries. Fun vibe inside and out. Great service.

Christal Hayes

Honestly, stopped by this place on a trip to Santa Barbara and I can’t stop thinking about the dates. The ambiance and the food were insane. Everything we ordered was just incredible. I cannot wait to come back!

Janet Green

Rachel the GM of the restaurant group (Chase, Via Maestra, The Palace, Milk and Honey) was so kind to respond when I’d left a message about the Chase closure & reopening and offered to make us a reservation at one of their other restaurants. Since I’d never been to Milk and Honey we tried it. It’s tucked off State in a charming little nook and the drinks and food were spectacular. We had a great Cava and the “Sagetarius” to start which came with a smoldering sage leaf, perfect for starting off the new year with a tequila cleanse🤣. We started with the baby kale salad with pickled carrots - soooo good, then had the Lamborghinis, which is their clever name for lamb sliders which were tender, juicy and delicious with mint chimichurri sauce as well as the chicken and cream tacos, also muy bueno! We sat in a “booth” so cute and intimate! The rock feature wall and mood lighting made it feel just like being in Spain. We loved it and will definitely be back. Thank you!! Well done!!!

My first time at a Tapas place. Interesting experience. Very nice atmosphere, warm and inviting with stone, wood, and the warm glow of candles and soft lighting. I ordered the blue, caramelized onion and apple, and the PB&J sirloin sliders. All were delicious! The staff was friendly and my server, Madison, was outstanding. Would go back again, highly recommended!

My husband and I absolutely LOVE Milk and Honey! We go every couple months and it never disappoints. It is so rare to find a restaurant where everything on the menu is delicious and this is that place. If anyone from out of town asked where to go, we always tell the Milk and Honey!!

Great selection of drinks and small plates. There’s definitely a drink for everyone on the extensive menu. Everything we ate was incredible. Salt and vinegar tots with green ranch: perfectly crisp and delicious dip. Pollo con crema tacos were perfect and had a nice kick. Burrata comes with fried arugula that was soooo good. We were so excited to eat we didn’t take pics. Next time I’m back in SB I will be demanding we go here again!

Great service by our waiter. Turns out he is italian! Molto bene. Definitely recommend coming here, my Great uncle had a great birthday!

Megan Strand

Great selection of drinks and small plates. There’s definitely a drink for everyone on the extensive menu. Everything we ate was incredible. Salt and vinegar tots with green ranch: perfectly crisp and delicious dip. Pollo con crema tacos were perfect and had a nice kick. Burrata comes with fried arugula that was soooo good. We were so excited to eat we didn’t take pics. Next time I’m back in SB I will be demanding we go here again!

René Koning

We loved having a date night here in sunny Santa Barbara. The hostess was incredibly friendly and very professional, and seated us at the perfect little table. Our waitress was attentive and accommodating without ever being overbearing. We ordered five different tapas—plenty for two—and they were all excellent: fresh, flavorful, unique, and beautifully presented. A couple of local beers and wines rounded out the experience perfectly. It was surprisingly affordable, too. The ambiance is intimate and warm. My only minor complaint was a screen that stayed on during our meal—it was a bit distracting and took away from the atmosphere for me, but that’s just personal preference.

I was expecting tapas in the Spanish sense but was still satisfied with what felt like a more American leaning vibe. The salad and Brussel sprouts dishes were by far the best among the several we tried. PB&J sliders are interesting to me. The service was good and they paced serving the dishes really well.

The food wasn’t my favorite only because it was a bit bland but the quality was great. The customer service was 10/10. I sat outside near the fire which was cozy and the inside seating was a bit more intimate. Great spot for a date or small dinner with family/friends.

We finally had dinner here after 3,5years living in Santa Barbara. This “American/Mexican” style tapas bar is a great place to enjoy a nice evening with friends or your date. We really enjoyed the Brie and the different veggie plates. I didn’t like the rajas tacos. And I would have like some protein only dishes such a shrimp, octopus instead of only sliders and tacos. We also enjoyed the intimated atmosphere and the great friendly service.

Grish240

I was expecting tapas in the Spanish sense but was still satisfied with what felt like a more American leaning vibe. The salad and Brussel sprouts dishes were by far the best among the several we tried. PB&J sliders are interesting to me. The service was good and they paced serving the dishes really well.

dianne gonzalez

The food wasn’t my favorite only because it was a bit bland but the quality was great. The customer service was 10/10. I sat outside near the fire which was cozy and the inside seating was a bit more intimate. Great spot for a date or small dinner with family/friends.

Chiara Gallo

We finally had dinner here after 3,5years living in Santa Barbara. This “American/Mexican” style tapas bar is a great place to enjoy a nice evening with friends or your date. We really enjoyed the Brie and the different veggie plates. I didn’t like the rajas tacos. And I would have like some protein only dishes such a shrimp, octopus instead of only sliders and tacos. We also enjoyed the intimated atmosphere and the great friendly service.

Lyndsey Kenefick

My partner and I came here for a date night one evening and were pleasantly excited. The vibe and ambiance are totally not what we expected, but we were happy with our experience. We sat in one of the "cubbies" that parallel the kitchen/bar area -- we particularly enjoyed that area, with the exception of the very uncomfortable back -- which was just a wall. Our service was also the hostess but tended to us really well throughout our time. I ordered a non-alcoholic drink which was SO good! Elote, black mole tacos, and the American sliders. Each dish was really good! I was surprised by the mole because it was sweeter than I've had around town -- turns out the chef is from Mexico City, which tends to have sweeter mole. Milk & Honey isn't our favorite place but it's definitely a place we'd love to come back to and we're happy to recommend to friends!

Just ok, worth checking out but we won't be coming back. Too many other better options around at this price point. 2nd time here, last time was in 2019. The vibe is nice and food flavors are unique but the prices are steep for the portions served. $15 or so for two bite size sliders, I'll pass and just go to Third Window for a smash burger. Don't come starving or you will have to spend over $50 a person to be anywhere near full. Ahi nachos were tasty.

CR250R

Just ok, worth checking out but we won't be coming back. Too many other better options around at this price point. 2nd time here, last time was in 2019. The vibe is nice and food flavors are unique but the prices are steep for the portions served. $15 or so for two bite size sliders, I'll pass and just go to Third Window for a smash burger. Don't come starving or you will have to spend over $50 a person to be anywhere near full. Ahi nachos were tasty.

I've never been so disappointed. I waited in anticipation for 2 days for this place. It is not authentic. It's a twist on Spanish tapas. Medicore. The paella was a huge let down. Chicken was dry. Everything was overcooked. The rice was not crispy. I don't think I would come back.

Kari Mertz

I've never been so disappointed. I waited in anticipation for 2 days for this place. It is not authentic. It's a twist on Spanish tapas. Medicore. The paella was a huge let down. Chicken was dry. Everything was overcooked. The rice was not crispy. I don't think I would come back.

Julie H.

Not worth the price. We got the Brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped dates and lamb sliders. We also got 2 mocktails. For the price, I would never recommend this spot to anyone. Everything tasted like it was missing something. Spend your money elsewhere. This was a disappointment.

I am honestly mind-blown that this restaurant has a 4.6 rating. This was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had , especially when it comes to Spanish food. We took a day trip to Santa Barbara to celebrate my mom’s birthday. We originally planned to dine at Loquita, but couldn’t get an earlier reservation since we had to head back home, so we decided to give this restaurant a try. When we arrived, I specifically asked the server before being seated whether they had paella. He showed me the menu and pointed out two types. After we placed our order , including seafood paella, calamari, and several tapas, I asked how long the paella would take, knowing it typically requires time to prepare. The server went to check with the kitchen and came back to inform us that they actually didn’t have paella available. On top of that, several of the tapas we ordered were also unavailable. I was extremely disappointed, but since we were short on time, we decided to stay — which, unfortunately, turned out to be a mistake. The food was unbelievably bad. I’ve had tapas in many restaurants across different states, and I truly didn’t think it was possible to get every single dish so wrong. What disappointed me the most was the service. The server was completely indifferent. They knew we were celebrating a birthday. They knew they had misinformed us. They could clearly see we were unhappy but still chose to stay and yet there was no effort to make up for the inconvenience. Not even a small gesture or acknowledgment. At the very least, you try to make your guests feel valued when things go wrong. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.