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Santa Barbara › Santa Barbara › Finney's Crafthouse - Santa Barbara
Finney's Crafthouse - Santa BarbaraBWorth Trying
35 State St a, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
· New American restaurant, Cocktail bar, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2106 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively waterfront gastropub with strong cocktails, crowd-pleasing bar bites, and fast service; expect waits, noise, and occasional host-stand hiccups.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Finney's Crafthouse delivers reliable gastropub dining with fast, friendly service and excellent waterfront location steps from the pier. Strong burgers, wings, and cocktails earn consistent praise, but occasional misses on temperature and seasoning prevent grade A territory. A solid neighborhood favorite for beachgoers and families seeking casual, flavorful fare in a lively sports-bar setting.
Restaurant Summary
On the Lower State waterfront, Finney’s buzzes with lively sports bar energy—TVs glowing, taps flowing, and a heated patio that pulls in beachgoers and visitors. Service often feels fast and upbeat, with many praising quick turnarounds and friendly servers. One diner summed it up: "We were slammed and still got food fast," though a few called out host-stand hiccups and seating rigidity during peak rushes. The kitchen leans American gastropub with global accents: yuzu-buffalo wings, spicy tuna crispy rice, coconut shrimp, burgers from classic to A5 Wagyu, and tacos with bright sauces. It is comfort-first and shareable, more elevated bar fare than fine dining. Strong cocktails and big beer lists anchor the experience; portions generally satisfy, but expect fries as a separate add-on with many burgers. Occasional misses pop up—overcooked patties or a flat salad—but most visits land as flavorful and easygoing. Families fit right in. There are kid-pleasing staples like tenders, pizza, sliders, burgers, fries, and simple salads, plus highchairs on hand. Note that strollers are typically patio-only, so request the patio at check-in. For total cost planning, think $32–$44 per person for a full meal before drinks; with drinks, $48–$65.
At a Glance
- Lively patio and sports-bar vibe near the pier
- Wings, burgers, and cocktails earn consistent praise
- Host and large-party seating issues reported
- Noise and waits at peak hours
- Clear gluten-free markings and solid vegetarian options
What Sets It Apart
- waterfront_proximity
- broad_beer_selection
- creative_wing_sauces
- dog_friendly_patio
What People Love
- Cold beer and balanced cocktails
- Crispy, well-sauced wings
- Burgers from classic to Wagyu
- Friendly, fast service on busy nights
- Patio seating steps from the waterfront
Points of Concern
- Host-stand rigidity and long greeting delays show up in several reviews
- Large parties (8–11) may face split tables or long waits
- Noise is high at peak; late evening is calmer
- Pricing fair overall, but fries and some sides cost extra
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-$44 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Order fries or tots alongside burgers since sides are not included
- Gluten-free diners: ask about wings and coconut shrimp prep to confirm fryer practices
Perfect For
- Casual group hang with beers and wings
- Pre- or post-beach bites near the pier
- Watching a game with shareable plates
- Family dinner with kid-friendly choices
Location Insights
Area: Bustling waterfront-adjacent strip drawing tourists and locals for beaches, bars, and casual dining.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic, well-lit tourist corridor near the beach and train station.
Nearby: Near Stearns Wharf, State Street promenade, Amtrak station; bars, hotels, and shops cluster nearby.
Downtown Santa BarbaraThe dining scene in Downtown Santa Barbara is diverse, featuring upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and bars. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a mix of locals and visitors enjoying waterfront views, boutique shopping, and entertainment venues.
State StreetState Street is the main commercial artery of Downtown Santa Barbara, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and theaters. It is a popular destination for dining and nightlife, attracting a dynamic crowd throughout the day and evening.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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