City: Santa Barbara, CA

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (805) 566-9800

Address: 3765 Santa Claus Ln.

Description: Packed with beachgoers in the summer, this family-­friendly eatery near Padaro Lane is ideal for an alfresco meal before or after a day in the sun. The kid’s sandbox and fenced lawn make this a paradise for parents with young kids in tow, and the setting, set off from Santa Claus Lane Beach by a fence, is a hit with everyone. There are 4 types of sandwiches, burgers, and salads to choose from, in addition to sides like onion rings and sweet potato fries. There is a full menu for kids and 8 different beers on tap for parents. After closing in December 2009, this local favorite was reopened by Habit Burger founders/brothers Brent and Bruce Reichard, who aimed at revamping the Santa Barbara staple with a more wallet-­friendly menu and an exciting atmosphere. The new Beach Grill hosts live music and serves barbecue items on weekends, and has an outdoor patio with a fire pit and beautiful views of the Santa Barbara coast. Place your order, then pick a picnic table on the lawn and relax with a glass of beer or wine while you wait for your meal. (The kitchen will buzz you on your personal pager when it’s ready). Beach Grill at Padaro is open for lunch and dinner daily in the summer. In winter the restaurant serves lunch daily. A special brunch menu is also available on weekends. Live concerts and a barbecue on Sundays add to the fun. Tip: Leashed pets are welcome on the street side of the lawn.