Chuck's of Hawaii
A Santa Barbara institution since 1967, Chuck's of Hawaii serves up classic steaks and seafood in a unique tiki-themed setting, complete with an epic ...
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Chuck's of Hawaii
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Santa Barbara institution since 1967, Chuck's of Hawaii serves up classic steaks and seafood in a unique tiki-themed setting, complete with an epic salad bar.
"Experience a taste of old-school Santa Barbara with award-winning steaks and a salad bar that keeps locals coming back."
Don't Miss the Salad Bar
The free-flowing salad bar is a visitor favorite with a great variety of fresh options.
Embrace the Mai Tai
Enjoy one of their famous Mai Tais to complement your classic steakhouse meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steakhouse, Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Steaks & Seafood
Indulge in hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, a Santa Barbara tradition since 1967.
The Legendary Salad Bar
A diverse and fresh salad bar, often cited as a highlight, included with every meal.
Tiki-Themed Ambiance
Experience a unique, dimly lit, tropical ambiance that transports you to Hawaii.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss the Salad Bar
The free-flowing salad bar is a visitor favorite with a great variety of fresh options.
Embrace the Mai Tai
Enjoy one of their famous Mai Tais to complement your classic steakhouse meal.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during non-peak times can lead to more attentive service.
Outdoor Seating Option
Opt for outdoor seating if available for a more pleasant dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Salad Bar
The free-flowing salad bar is a visitor favorite with a great variety of fresh options.
Embrace the Mai Tai
Enjoy one of their famous Mai Tais to complement your classic steakhouse meal.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during non-peak times can lead to more attentive service.
Outdoor Seating Option
Opt for outdoor seating if available for a more pleasant dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chuck's of Hawaii offers a classic steakhouse experience with a beloved salad bar and a tropical ambiance. While many praise the attentive service, fresh ingredients, and overall value, some diners find the steaks to be bland or tough for the price, and cocktails could be stronger. Despite mixed opinions on food quality consistency, its long-standing reputation and friendly atmosphere make it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
"swordfish is thick and juicy. Bread is hot and fresh (two kinds). Salad bar has great variety. Wonderful old-fashioned ambience. And great staff. devoted clientele loves this place. i’ve eaten here at least three times and not disappointed yet."
James Baumgarten
"I really wanted this place to be better. My team and I have been eyeing this establishment for weeks. We finally stopped in a week ago. The atmosphere pays homage to old school dining, dimly lit with dark accents and furnishings. The staff and service are excellent. The food and drinks, on the other hand, were not near the quality and / or flavor they should have been, especially for the price. The steak was bland and tough, and the Mai Tai wasn't the greatest. The salad bar was the best part.... Overall, we still had a great time."
Roderick B
"Great food, great value. Staff and service is exceptional . Vibe- classic and welcoming. I would give 5 stars if quality of beef was a bit higher, more robust wine list, and a few craft cocktails. We have been coming for years, and will be customers for life, luv this place"
Mike Seaver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners rave about the juicy steaks like filet mignon and teriyaki ribeye, as well as the exceptional salad bar and buttery scallops.
The vibe is casual, with guests often seen in anything from shorts to slacks. It's a relaxed atmosphere, similar to many Hawaiian restaurants.
Yes, outdoor seating is available and recommended for a pleasant dining experience.
It's a long-standing tiki-themed restaurant known for its traditional steakhouse fare with a Hawaiian twist, including a renowned salad bar and excellent service.
Yes, reservations are advised, especially for weekend visits, to ensure you get a table.
Chuck's of Hawaii is considered upscale, with main courses generally ranging from $30-$50.
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Santa Barbara Restaurants
Chuck’s of Hawaii takes great pride in our unwavering commitment to meeting each and every guest’s individual taste and exceeding expectations. We accomplish this by: Serving only the highest quality hand-cut steaks , and an array of the best local and imported seafood; Procuring the freshest produce for our salad bar; Offering an award-winning wine selection - Winner of the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, 36 years and counting; and Providing exemplary service and hospitality. Chuck’s of Hawaii—a monument of Santa Barbara’s Upper-State Street, leaving a lasting impression on the heart, mind, and palate.
Best of Santa Barbara® 2021 Eating
Delivering outstanding service every day and delicious dim sum on the weekends has put China Pavilion on Chapala Street into a class of its own when it comes to Chinese food in Santa Barbara. Their extensive lunch and dinner menu offers everything from familiar favorites like Kung Pao Chicken to Szechuan Spicy Peppercorn Hot Pot and even classic Peking Duck. There are plenty of vegetarian options, and when the dim sum menu goes into effect on Saturday morning, they add dozens of different dumplings and other small plates to the selection.
Restaurants with Amazing Wine Lists
Chuck’s Steakhouse of Hawaii, a Santa Barbara landmark since 1967, is renowned for its tropical-themed ambiance and exceptional hospitality. The steakhouse offers high-quality steaks, seafood and an extensive salad bar. Its wine list, which earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024, features a diverse selection of local and international wines.
12 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants in Santa Barbara, CA (2023)
Chuck’s has been serving steaks, seafood, and wines since 1967, located at St Street. There is a comfortable bar in the front, and they offer high-quality service for visitors. Get king crab legs, fresh ahi tuna, or Alaskan halibut from Chuck’s seafood list.
Fine Dining - Dining - Santa Barbara Life
- map - facebook - website Award Winning Steaks, Wines & Seafood since 1967 - A local favoriteLate night dining 7 days a week - 3888 State Street - (805) 687-4417Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner 27 years running!
Santa Barbara Seafood Restaurants: 10Best Restaurant Reviews
Chuck's of Hawaii is the Santa Barbara steakhouse where everybody knows your name... if you're a local, anyway. Chuck's has been serving award-winning steaks, wines and seafood in the same uptown location since 1967!
Four Local Experts on Where To Eat and Drink in Santa Barbara
Medina: “I am a big fan of going to Chuck’s, a steakhouse on Upper State Street. It’s one of the last open salad bars where you make your own salad. It’s pretty old school and low lit.
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