Welcome to Backstage Santa Barbara
Backstage Santa Barbara, nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, offers an eclectic blend of entertainment and unique flavors. With its vibrant atmosphere spread across three stories, this venue is a haven for food and drink lovers alike. Patrons rave about the delightful specialty cocktails, including the visually stunning Lavender Sparkle, and the inviting, enthusiastic staff, creating an atmosphere that feels like home. From live dueling pianos to the spacious rooftop lounge, Backstage embodies the essence of enjoyable evenings. It's more than just a bar; it’s a place to celebrate, reminisce, and relish exceptional experiences with friends.
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409 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States Hotline: +1 805-957-4111
Welcome to Backstage Santa Barbara, an exceptional bar located at 409 State St, Santa Barbara, CA. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and offering a one-of-a-kind experience, Backstage Santa Barbara has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The venue spans three floors, each providing a unique feel, from energetic live music to cozy lounges perfect for intimate gatherings.
Your experience starts with the extensive beverage menu, featuring creative cocktails like the Classic Margarita or the mouthwatering Passion Lit, which blends housemade habanero-infused vodka with delicious passion fruit puree. Drink prices are reasonable, starting around $10, ensuring you can explore and savor several options without breaking the bank. As one delighted guest, Alison Dougherty, remarked, the specialty drinks are not just tasty but also visually stunning, with cocktails like the Lavender Sparkle leaving a lasting impression.
Food isn't served directly on-site, but the policy allows patrons to bring in their favorites, creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Many guests, including the enthusiastic Andre Espinoza, have praised the friendly staff and fair prices, often indulging in a variety of snacks and beverages while soaking in the lively vibe. The establishment is famed for its dueling pianos, providing a spectacular backdrop of live entertainment that has garnered a loyal following. As Vincent Santini noted, this is regarded as the “best piano bar in the country,” thanks to its strong drinks and delightful ambiance.
Customer experiences shine a light on Backstage's dedication to service, with patrons often mentioning the welcoming atmosphere fostered by the staff. Nelson, the manager, is often highlighted for his personal touch, offering drink recommendations and even custom cocktails, ensuring that each visit feels tailored just for you. And as Gil By The Beach humorously pointed out, while service can vary on different floors, the second floor often provides quicker service, keeping the delightful experience flowing.
In summary, Backstage Santa Barbara combines an unparalleled social atmosphere with great drinks and the charm of live entertainment, making it an ideal destination for a fun night out. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out—come see what everyone is raving about and perhaps you’ll find yourself making memories that feel like a night spent on the town’s most entertaining stage!
Went in for a couple of drinks by myself recently, which could be a little awkward if the staff isn’t nice. I had the best time!!! The place wasn’t too busy, so I got a chance to chat with several staff members. They were super welcoming, and made me feel right at home. Also was really impressed with the specialty drinks - I had the Lavender Sparkle, and it’s one of the prettiest and tastiest cocktails I’ve ever had, anywhere. Looking forward to coming back with friends on a busier evening, and trying out the VIP bottle-service treatment with Nelson and his staff upstairs. This is my new go-to spot for the after-hours in downtown SB! Thanks to all the great folks who made my experience so fun!
The bar tenders on the third floor are horrible. After waiting 10 minutes they refused to sell me beer and friend wine. Went to second floor and got drink service in less than 30 sec. Place would be better off installing a vending machine on the third floor to replace the bar.
A friend and I were walking down lower State St. reminiscing about our first years living here and how so much has changed since then. As we were walking and talking about the old bars, clubs, and restaurants we used to frequent, we stumbled across the old 3 story club that was our stomping grounds for a while. We decided “why not” and grabbed a table. I wasn't expecting much as a few businesses have come and gone in that location over the years and nothing would last. But oh boy was I wrong to make assumptions. A gentlemen came over promptly and as happy as could be to great us and take our order. I had never met someone so enthusiastic about being at their job to the point that I asked if he was the owner. He said no and that he just loved his job and was happy to have people back out and about after a crazy year. He had me so hyped that we went on an ordering frenzy especially because their prices are so fair. We got a drinks, burgers, apps, shots, the whole shabang! and we were set. The drinks were an 11 and the food followed suit! Over all the experience combined with the quality of ingredients as well as quality of customer service will have me coming back quite often. I guess you could say that you can catch me hanging Backstage
The duelling pianos were amazing and so much fun! If you enjoy live music and seeing musicians in their element, go here. The pianists played straight from 8-11. As a side note, the bar doesn’t serve food but will let you bring in your own.
This is THE best piano bar in the country! My friends and I were treated extremely well by Joel and his staff. The atmosphere was amazing, drinks were strong, staff was extremely professional and attentive, and the Dueling Pianists were so fun! This is THE place to be on a Saturday night from 8pm - 11pm. I will be back every time I am in town.
This place is a hidden gem. Just outside all the hustle and bustle up the street, they have a friendly staff and surprisinly fair pricing for the quality of the food. Definitely check it out and make sure to stop on the 3rd floor.
I celebrated my 21st birthday at Backstage and had an amazing experience. The drinks are great, the service is friendly, and there is a massive selection of beverages to choose from. If you can't decide the bartender can mix something up just for you. The atmosphere is unique with three floors and a mechanical bull, and best of all, the bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.
Went out to check out some of the local businesses now that things are opening back up. My girlfriend and I decided to stop at Backstage now that they have made some changes, boy was this one of the best decisions we have made in a while. We stopped in for a drink and from the hostess, to the bartender to our server, the service was impeccable. We even got to meet the manager, Nelson, who was the nicest guy. He was able to give us recommendations on drinks and even made some off the menu secret cocktails! We only stopped in for a drink and ended up staying for dinner and the live band they had playing. A quick 30 minute drink turned into 3 hours! We learned they have an upstairs lounge with a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays, we will definitely be back this Friday to check out the lounge, probably indulge in some more of their delicious burgers too! Come check it out! You wont be disappointed!