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Garrett's Old Fashioned RestaurantBWorth Trying

Name: Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant
Address: 2001 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, Santa Barbara, United States
Rating: 4.5

2001 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 · Traditional American restaurant, American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (898 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Classic Santa Barbara diner with generous breakfasts, quick friendly service, and kid-friendly options; quality is generally solid but cleanliness and consistency complaints appear in a minority of recent reviews.

Why it gets a B for overall quality

Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant delivers reliable neighborhood diner comfort with fast, friendly service and solid pancakes and country-fried steak, supported by generous portions and a welcoming kids menu. However, quality variation—cold food, weak coffee, occasional greasiness—prevents grade A territory, and the nostalgic but worn interior lacks distinctive appeal. A dependable choice for hearty breakfast when you prioritize comfort and speed over culinary distinction.

Restaurant Summary

Step inside a neighborhood spot that feels warm and bustling, complete with booths, counter seats, and the aroma of griddled potatoes. Diners describe quick, friendly servers who keep coffee topped up, saying things like, "Perfect place for breakfast—big plates and fast service." A few guests note that crowds at peak can bring short waits, and some call the room charmingly old-school while others find it a bit worn. The kitchen leans classic diner, not flashy—think fluffy pancakes, hearty omelettes, country‑fried steak with gravy, and burgers with fries included. Portions are generous and prices align with the area, making it a reliable choice when you want comfort over novelty. Most plates hit the spot, though occasional reviews cite weak coffee or a dish that arrived lukewarm. Families are welcome, and it shows: there is a dedicated kids breakfast menu with budget-friendly options like a Mickey Mouse pancake combo and half grilled cheese with fries. Simple pancakes, eggs, burgers, and fries make it easy for selective eaters, and staff are generally accommodating with high chairs or splitting seats when needed.

At a Glance

Classic retro diner vibe with fast, friendly table service
Generous portions and kid-friendly menu at moderate prices
Quality can vary—some reports of cold or greasy items and weak coffee
Space is tight for large groups; may need to split seating
One report of automatic 18% gratuity—check bills

What Sets It Apart

retro_diner_ambiance
generous_breakfast_portions
kid_menu_value

What People Love

Nostalgic diner atmosphere
Fluffy pancakes and hearty country classics
Consistently friendly servers with quick refills
Good portion value for the price

Points of Concern

Coffee quality is inconsistent, described as weak by some guests
Intermittent complaints about cleanliness and bathrooms
Reports of cold or over-greasy dishes, especially potatoes and omelettes
Review patterns are balanced with both praise and criticism; experiences may vary at peak times

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$24-34 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

For value: Traditional Breakfast at $13.95 with potatoes or pancakes
For spice lovers: Spicy Louisiana Sausage add-on $6.25
For kids: Mickey Mouse Pancake combo $6.95

Perfect For

Casual breakfast before visiting the Mission
Laid‑back weekend brunch with family
Solo counter meal with quick service
Quick, hearty lunch between errands

Location Insights

Area: Leafy, residential-meets-commercial corridor near Mission and Cottage Hospital; daytime locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked by day; standard urban considerations.

Nearby: Near Old Mission, parks, medical offices, and neighborhood shops; easy stop for breakfast or lunch.

EastsideThe Eastside neighborhood of Santa Barbara is a primarily residential area with a mix of older homes and local businesses. It has a community-oriented atmosphere and offers a variety of casual dining options, reflecting a laid-back and approachable dining scene.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday08:00–14:00 Tuesday08:00–14:00 Wednesday08:00–14:00 Thursday08:00–14:00 Friday08:00–14:00 Saturday07:30–14:00 Sunday07:30–14:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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