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Santa Barbara › Santa Barbara › California Pasta Sandwich & Salads
California Pasta Sandwich & SaladsBWorth Trying
811 State St B, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
· Californian restaurant, Italian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (884 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual counter-service spot for generous, customizable pastas, salads, and sandwiches with creative sauces; great value, but add-on fees and occasional service lapses to note.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads delivers reliable casual dining with solid food quality and excellent value for generous portions in a convenient downtown location. However, inconsistent execution—occasional watery sauces and service lapses during rushes—prevents higher performance, while the limited seating and modest ambiance keep it from destination status. Strong for quick, satisfying meals but not exceptional enough for grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
On busy State Street, this counter-service nook feels casual and lively, with quick lines and a patio perfect for people-watching. Reviewers praise the friendly team and big plates, noting, "Portions were huge and the prices felt fair." However, expect added service fees, and on rare occasions orders can slip during rushes. Cooking here leans creative and comfort-driven: think tequila cream pasta, Thai-style linguine, and pesto seafood over generous noodles. The flavors are bold and satisfying rather than fussy, ideal when you want a filling, flavorful meal without a long sit-down. Most plates land well, though a few diners report watery bolognese or overly spicy takes, so choose sauces that match your heat tolerance. Families do well thanks to a full kids pasta lineup (butter-parm, mac, marinara) and simple sides like garlic bread. Zucchini noodles and vegetarian options help with varied diets, while sandwiches and salads cover picky eaters. If you need stroller space or many seats, the small dining room and patio can fill quickly.
At a Glance
- Generous portions and solid value in a prime downtown location
- Creative fusion pastas and customizable options (zucchini noodles, protein add-ons)
- Service inconsistencies during rushes; occasional lost orders or curt interactions
- Service fee (~7%) and optional employee charge reported on checks
- Some dishes run quite spicy; bolognese quality varies
What Sets It Apart
- creative_fusion_pastas
- zucchini_noodle_options
- generous_portions
- downtown_patio
What People Love
- Feeling full without overspending
- Creative sauces like tequila cream and Cajun
- Ability to swap proteins or use zucchini noodles
- Friendly counter staff and fast turnaround
- Patio seating on State Street
Points of Concern
- Pricing includes a service fee on all orders; some mention an optional employee insurance charge
- Isolated food safety complaints and a report of a fly in a salad
- Occasional long waits or lost orders without apology
- Bolognese can be watery; spice levels can overwhelm
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-$35 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Use zucchini noodles for a lighter bowl; pair with pesto or avocado sauces
- Protein add-ons (shrimp or chicken) add value to vegetarian bases
- Choose milder sauces if you prefer less heat
Perfect For
- Quick, hearty lunch between shops
- Casual post-beach carb fix
- Family meal with kid-friendly choices
- Office group takeout with big portions
Location Insights
Area: Bustling downtown State Street with heavy foot traffic, mix of tourists and locals, outdoor seating common.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit commercial corridor with steady pedestrian presence.
Nearby: Near shops, cafes, and parking structures; convenient for casual meals while shopping or sightseeing.
Downtown Santa BarbaraThe dining scene in Downtown Santa Barbara is diverse, featuring casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and cafes that cater to a broad demographic. The area is pedestrian-friendly with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, making it popular for casual dining and social gatherings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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