Amazing rotating menu of delicious craft cocktails.

Craig Driscoll Helmstedter

We stopped in for cocktails with our oldest son before heading next door to the Granada Theater to see Samara Joy. The atmosphere was lively with great jazz music, and the cocktails were expertly crafted — creative, balanced, and beautifully presented. The staff was attentive, and the vibe was the perfect mix of classy and relaxed. A fantastic pre-show spot that set the tone for a memorable evening!

Rattlesnake Neckties

Great little hidden local bar. A wide selection of Customer Drinks. I had a Cucumber Martini! Ask for "Jenna and The June Bugs" for 2 free drinks

james hansen

Great cocktails, professional knowledgeable staff, and a cozy atmosphere

Sydney Goldrick

Our favorite bar in the world! My husband and I are huge cocktail connoisseurs. We’ve been to over 30 countries, and honestly, we always gravitate back to The Good Lion. The technique from these bartenders is so unique, the vibe is sexy, and the drinks are consistently amazing every time we visit. This time, I stuck with a classic gin martini, but their Kentucky Mule is also incredible. It has a little spice to it that makes it stand out. Feels like a speak easy vibes, you can either sit/stand inside or sit outside on State Street.

BeU Dreams

Played a show here. The drinks are dope. The crew had a great time . Though all of California need to do something about the drinks being super high in price, I understand it’s inflation. We need to find an alternative such as paying a fee for self serve like a jukebox for drinks. To cut bar costs and help more people coming. Just a thought.

Travis

Amazing rotating menu of delicious craft cocktails.

Naya Leite

Best cocktail bar in town! I love the Full of parrots and the Spring spritz. They are only two bartenders, so come with an open heart and go to the bar to place your order.

Brenna Kelly

I decided to book a last-minute vacation in Santa Barbara and The Good Lion was the very first place I visited, and I am so glad this was the case. What a great way to start this getaway! Matt and Taylor are very friendly and knowledgeable mixologists and if you happen to stumble upon this place while they're working, rest assured you're in good hands. They were quick to answer any and all questions regarding the spirits selection and passionatley explained the business' philosophy regarding the support of small batch distilleries. It's a young and hip atmosphere on a Saturday evening, not too crowded at all-very comfortable. I couldn't recommend the Good Lion more!

sarah lippert

The Good Lion is the cocktail bar in Santa Barbara. While the parent hospitality company had a few bars in the area, this by far the one to set the standard. They have an extensive classic cocktail menu, which you should not skip over. For my tastes I find this place best at happy hour, when there is a small crowd, but the bar is not overwhelmed. The bartenders are super knowledgeable, so if you don't know what to order, ask!

jj barrows

Hands down best cocktails in Santa Barbara, dare I say America, although I have yet to drink all the cocktails in America. This place serves magic in a cup with a twist of whatever flavor you are looking for. Tell the bartenders what flavors you love and they’ll make up a drink for you. But don’t do that, it’s annoying, cause all the drinks on the menu are delicious, even the ones that aren’t. You literally can’t go wrong, unless you don’t want to be right, then I don’t know what to tell you. If you’re looking for a delicious booze forward drink try the Improved Cocktail, it’s bourbon based with a splash of sweetness, like Ron Swanson AFTER he met Dianne and became a stepdad to two princess demons, I mean kids. How is a man like that so good with kids like that? We may never know, but thanks to this place, we don’t need to. Looking for something refreshing with more ice than a KFC sweet tea? The Ninth Ward is a summer delight, chilled to perfection. Also the Kentucky something. Ask for “the book” of cocktails... not just the menu they give you. The book will give you endless possibilities that may leave you flailing in anxiety about more life choices, but lest we forget, unlike the cruelty of life, whatever choice you make here, you can’t go wrong!

Matthew Carter

Great cocktails, good service and nice atmosphere. The Ken-tiki Kentucky is the best mixed drink I have had and the dude that helped us today was awesome as well.

Our bartender Megan was so amazing! She made us the best drinks and even customized a ginger beeresque drink for me!

Incredible drinks with incredible service. Cannot recommend highly enough to anyone who enjoys an excellent cocktail.

Mine and my friends' favorite cocktail bar in Santa Barbara The Good Lion is one of a couple of the highest level of quality and service for cocktail bars in Santa Barbara. In addition, their prices are the same or lower than other cocktail bars, and often lower than cocktails from restaurants. The bartenders are always willing to help guide you through drinks, both on and off menu. This is great place if you are visiting Santa Barbara and want to plant yourself in downtown or experience some of the best SB has to offer. It is also a great piece of a date night, meet-up with friends, or simply for someone who wants to have the confidence their classic cocktail will be made very well. Putting 4 stars on the atmosphere only because, during peak times, it can become crowded and hard to find a place to sit due to its smaller size. Aside from that, it's great. Dimly lit with an almost speak-easy vibe.

Lauren or Laura was bartending tonight by herself and was doing an amazing job. I have no idea how she was able to keep her cool under the large amount of people that came in. there was 10 people in line before me and I was able to order a drink in less than five minutes and then my drink came out within three minutes. As somebody who used to bartend, I was thoroughly impressed. She deserves a raise.

Craft Cocktails and Speakeasy Charm at The Good Lion The Good Lion is an absolute must-visit in Santa Barbara, offering a truly exceptional craft cocktail experience in a unique, intimate speakeasy environment. It's the perfect setting, whether you’re celebrating with a small party, enjoying a sophisticated date night, or just looking for the best drink in town. The atmosphere is a highlight: dimly lit, cozy, and beautifully appointed, often allowing you to easily find a seat at the bar, a comfortable booth, or a table with a great vantage point overlooking the streets of Santa Barbara. This enclave is a genuine celebration of spirits and mixology. The cocktail menu is inventive and unique, featuring house specialties and perfectly executed classics. We were particularly impressed by their range of Old Fashioned options, which vary beautifully from sweeter profiles to complex, bitter finishes. Their talented staff can also confidently create any of your favorites on request. The service is truly on-point; the staff approaches the execution of every classic and custom cocktail with confidence, creativity, and speed. We were delighted when the establishment provided complimentary shots for our wedding party—a wonderful gesture of hospitality that we were happy to reciprocate with plenty of purchased drinks throughout the evening! Its location is incredibly convenient, situated right next to the historic Granada Theatre, making it an ideal stop for a night out. Finding it is easy, and there is plenty of covered parking directly behind the venue. We highly recommend The Good Lion for both locals and tourists seeking world-class drinks and a memorable night out.

Suzie was incredible! Even as it started getting busy due to the holiday, she was so attentive and recommend amazing drinks. She definitely made our experience here! :)

Mary Greaney

Suzie was incredible! Even as it started getting busy due to the holiday, she was so attentive and recommend amazing drinks. She definitely made our experience here! :)

Scott Sommer

Craft Cocktails and Speakeasy Charm at The Good Lion The Good Lion is an absolute must-visit in Santa Barbara, offering a truly exceptional craft cocktail experience in a unique, intimate speakeasy environment. It's the perfect setting, whether you’re celebrating with a small party, enjoying a sophisticated date night, or just looking for the best drink in town. The atmosphere is a highlight: dimly lit, cozy, and beautifully appointed, often allowing you to easily find a seat at the bar, a comfortable booth, or a table with a great vantage point overlooking the streets of Santa Barbara. This enclave is a genuine celebration of spirits and mixology. The cocktail menu is inventive and unique, featuring house specialties and perfectly executed classics. We were particularly impressed by their range of Old Fashioned options, which vary beautifully from sweeter profiles to complex, bitter finishes. Their talented staff can also confidently create any of your favorites on request. The service is truly on-point; the staff approaches the execution of every classic and custom cocktail with confidence, creativity, and speed. We were delighted when the establishment provided complimentary shots for our wedding party—a wonderful gesture of hospitality that we were happy to reciprocate with plenty of purchased drinks throughout the evening! Its location is incredibly convenient, situated right next to the historic Granada Theatre, making it an ideal stop for a night out. Finding it is easy, and there is plenty of covered parking directly behind the venue. We highly recommend The Good Lion for both locals and tourists seeking world-class drinks and a memorable night out.

Esther Park

Our bartender Megan was so amazing! She made us the best drinks and even customized a ginger beeresque drink for me!

Austin Deuel

Incredible drinks with incredible service. Cannot recommend highly enough to anyone who enjoys an excellent cocktail.

Kundai Chikowero

great service and lovely atmosphere. the bar tenders are so nice and I love going here when im craving a good conversation with people in the community. also drinks here are sooooo good too

Lawrence Eady

Mine and my friends' favorite cocktail bar in Santa Barbara The Good Lion is one of a couple of the highest level of quality and service for cocktail bars in Santa Barbara. In addition, their prices are the same or lower than other cocktail bars, and often lower than cocktails from restaurants. The bartenders are always willing to help guide you through drinks, both on and off menu. This is great place if you are visiting Santa Barbara and want to plant yourself in downtown or experience some of the best SB has to offer. It is also a great piece of a date night, meet-up with friends, or simply for someone who wants to have the confidence their classic cocktail will be made very well. Putting 4 stars on the atmosphere only because, during peak times, it can become crowded and hard to find a place to sit due to its smaller size. Aside from that, it's great. Dimly lit with an almost speak-easy vibe.

If you're searching for a cocktail experience that transcends the ordinary, The Good Lion is your sanctuary. Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this intimate bar is a masterclass in mixology, ambiance, and hospitality. The drink menu is a rotating showcase of seasonal ingredients and global inspiration. Whether you're sipping a smoky mezcal concoction or a delicate gin-based floral blend, every cocktail feels like a story told in flavor.

Kevin Siphender

If you're searching for a cocktail experience that transcends the ordinary, The Good Lion is your sanctuary. Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this intimate bar is a masterclass in mixology, ambiance, and hospitality. The drink menu is a rotating showcase of seasonal ingredients and global inspiration. Whether you're sipping a smoky mezcal concoction or a delicate gin-based floral blend, every cocktail feels like a story told in flavor.

We stopped in this bar after a visit to the museum. Bar is a cozy spot. Bartender was very pleasant and my cocktail was very nice. However, my partner was definitely disappointed with only two beer choices and two wine choices. The bartender didn’t seem to know anything about the white wine. It was not a large pour. Also wine listed as MP and turned out to be as expensive as my cocktail.

Anna Zucker

We stopped in this bar after a visit to the museum. Bar is a cozy spot. Bartender was very pleasant and my cocktail was very nice. However, my partner was definitely disappointed with only two beer choices and two wine choices. The bartender didn’t seem to know anything about the white wine. It was not a large pour. Also wine listed as MP and turned out to be as expensive as my cocktail.

The inside was great,the patrons were friendly, we didn't order any food we only did drinks and let me tell you the "Fireside Fluffer" ain't worth the 50 minute wait!!! "Coconut Nog" was good 👍🏾.

Myra A

The inside was great,the patrons were friendly, we didn't order any food we only did drinks and let me tell you the "Fireside Fluffer" ain't worth the 50 minute wait!!! "Coconut Nog" was good 👍🏾.