Buenos Aires Cafe
(805) 963-0242
1316 State St
Santa Barbara,
CA
93101
34.4247
-119.706
Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Downtown
Reviews & Ratings for Buenos Aires Cafe
2 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews
A Pleasent Surprise
by osakajohn
June 07, 2004
We happened across this place as we were out walking on State street looking for a romantic place for dinner. After checking out the inside, we opted for the courtyard, and were shown to a table for two right by the fountain. Our server was friendly and helpful and the food was great. The outdoor ambience with the fountain and the background music helped set a very romantic atmosphere. The owner is also part owner of a vineyard in Argentina, and we were recommended one of his reds. We were so impressed that we wanted to buy another bottle to take home. The owner then came out, introduced himself, and told us about his wine. After some interesting conversation we we able to buy another bottle of the same wine at half the menu price.
It couldn't have been a more wonderful, romantic evening. This place should not be missed.
- Pros: great food & service, romantic ambience, reasonable prices
Great food, HORRIBLE service by Stacey V. at InsiderPages
Contributor
June 26, 2005
It's so sad. This is one of my favorite restaurants in town as far as the food goes. There is nothing better than walking over from my office at lunch to sit on the shady patio and eat a nice salad. However, I've stopped going because the inattentive waitstaff have repeatedly caused my lunch to run over my allowed one hour.
Seriously, is there any reason ice water and a salad should take 75-90 minutes to order, serve and pay for?
Anyhow. If you have time and patience, the food is worth it. I recommend the Ensalada Buenos Aires, which is lettuce mix with white beans, artichoke hearts, avocado and tomato, and optional chicken or shrimp. I also like the entree called Silvia's New Dish which is grilled salmon served atop sauteed spinach, with a grilled portabella mushroom and mango salsa.
My absolute favorite thing there, though, is the chimichurri dipping sauce served with bread that is given to each table. Awesome!
Anyhow. I hold out hopes that Cafe Buenos Aires will hire some waitstaff and management who understand the need to pay attention to their tables, so that I can begin eating at one of my favorite restaurants again!
PROS: food is excellent
CONS: service is atrociously slow and inattentive
