The Cliff Room
About This Spot
Step inside The Cliff Room, and you’re welcomed by a warmth that feels both familiar and effortlessly inviting—a neighborhood retreat nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Mesa. It’s a spot where time slows just enough to savor the comfort of good company and easy conversations, a place defined less by its walls and more by the genuine connections that spring up around the bar.
The atmosphere hums with a relaxed energy. The lighting is soft, casting gentle shadows that mingle with the laughter and subtle clinks of pool balls on one of two well-loved billiards tables. It’s the kind of evening spot where locals from all walks of life converge, sharing stories, swapping smiles, or simply unwinding after the day’s bustle. On certain nights, the familiar joy of karaoke lifts the mood further, inviting voices and personalities to shine.
Drinks here revolve around thoughtful simplicity—classic cocktails crafted with care, each sip revealing a personal touch from bartenders who remember your name and your favorite pour. Whether it’s a quietly bright Tequila Sunrise or a custom creation poured with a hint of affection, the offerings complement the ethos of the place: approachable and heartfelt.
What makes The Cliff Room stand out is its sense of community. It’s neither flashy nor pretentious; instead, it draws you into a scene reminiscent of a timeless local corner bar where bartenders double as friends and the atmosphere is enriched by shared moments, not just the mixology. Since reopening post-pandemic, its refreshed interior subtly embraces comfort without losing the character that long-time patrons cherish.
In essence, this is where a night out feels less like an event and more like an honest pause—a chance to be part of something quietly alive, where the rhythm is set by people seeking connection rather than spectacle.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Bar games
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Karaoke
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Live performances
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Sport
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Dancing
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Spirits
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Wine
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Outside food allowed
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Groups
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Locals
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 02:00 AM | |
| Tuesday | 12:00 PM - 02:00 AM | |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 02:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 02:00 AM | |
| Friday | 12:00 PM - 02:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 02:00 AM | |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 02:00 AM |
Elena L 30 Dec 2025
Good place with, a nice atmosphere. Karaoke on Thursdays. There are billiards, 2 tables. The place is quite popular. No food would like some snacks. They don't make cocktails, no kombucha, and no cider
Lance Hayball 29 Dec 2025
It's like walking into the set of "Cheers". Except the bartenders are beautiful, but just as personable. Stop in and let a smoking red head make you one of her personal drinks. Watch out, she puts love in all her drinks. So drinkers, beware.
Jd Davis 28 Dec 2025
First time here as it just opened back up after going through the pandemic nice place friendly atmosphere will definitely go back
Brett Fraley 04 Dec 2025
A nice neighborhood bar that attracts people from all walks of life. Good pool tables (2) and karaoke three nights a week. Friendly attentive bartenders who will remember your name and what yur drinkin.
Brian Szymczak 06 Nov 2025
The Cliff Room, located at 1828 Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood, has been a cherished local bar since 1980.  Under the ownership of Scott Hail, the establishment has garnered praise for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service.  Patrons appreciate the bar’s post-COVID makeover, which has enhanced its cleanliness and comfort, making it a place where even families feel at ease.  The Cliff Room offers a variety of entertainment options, including a jukebox, pool tables, and karaoke nights on Thursdays, contributing to its lively and engaging environment.  While the bar does not serve food, its reasonable drink prices and friendly staff make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Santa Barbara experience.  Operating hours are Monday through Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM. 
Michael Montenegro 05 Nov 2025
The neighborhood bar of the Mesa Community of Santa Barbara, california. Great bartenders, a good dive in bar vibe with enough space to dance at the corner inside of the bar. Also pool is available to play! Also plenty of place near to get a bite to eat at . I recommend this place for anyone who want to experience what the locals do.
Joseph King 28 Oct 2025
Nice bar, good for a quiet beer or watching the game. Recently renovated and looks nicer but still keeps all the old charm.
Paul 15 Sep 2025
Excellent neighborhood bar out of the craziness of downtown. Friendly bartenders, good pours, reasonable prices. Two coin-op bar boxes - but these are Diamond tables that traditionally are maintained with top of the line Simonis felt, and you're apt to bump into some of the best pool players in town here. There's also a juke box and a dart board, plus cozy, intimate seating. Basic bar food but you can bring in food from outside, just make sure you're buying drinks.