Chase Restaurant and Lounge (Santa Barbara, California, United States)

Classic Italian-American restaurant on State Street in Santa Barbara. Generous portions, customisable dishes, and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. ️ Craving some Italian comfort food in Santa Barbara? Chase Restaurant & Lounge has you covered with massive portions and unbeatable flavours! #ChaseSantaBarbara

After a busy morning exploring the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, we were ready to grab a hearty meal. We had just visited the Clock Tower of Superior Court of California and wandered along the Santa Barbara Pier. By this time, we were pretty hungry, as it was already past midday when we finally started walking along State Street, the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. This street is not only home to various shops and restaurants but also offers a wonderful Mediterranean vibe, complete with wide streets, walkable paths, and easy parking.

As we strolled down State Street, we were in search of something delicious yet not overly fancy, and that’s when we came across Chase Restaurant and Lounge. It had an inviting feel, and we realised we hadn’t had Italian food in a while, so this was the perfect spot. The timing was just right, as some places were already closing after their lunch service, but Chase was open and welcoming. We opted to dine al fresco, as the weather was sunny and warm, but with a lovely breeze sweeping through the outdoor seating area. The only downside was the red tent overhead, which gave a reddish tint to my food photos—but at that point, I was so hungry, I didn’t mind.

Chase Restaurant offers a classic Italian-American menu with a few twists, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for a prime spot in downtown Santa Barbara. The servings were quite large, typical of American standards, which is always appreciated when you’re famished! We ordered a range of dishes to share, starting with the Chase Bacon Cheeseburger for US$20.00. It came with a juicy, perfectly cooked half-pound patty, topped with Ortega chilies, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion. While it’s usually served with fries, we asked if we could swap them out for onion rings, and they happily obliged. The burger was everything you want from a classic cheeseburger—juicy, flavourful, and satisfying.

Next up was the Chicken Milanese for US$19.00. This dish featured thinly pounded, breaded chicken served with a choice of fettuccine or spaghetti. We opted for spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce, which took me back to the flavours we enjoyed during a trip to Rome many years ago. The chicken portions were massive, and the sauce was reminiscent of an authentic Italian meal.

The standout dish of the day was the Red Snapper Piccata, priced at US$19.00. This delicate fish was served in a lemon, wine, and caper sauce, with a choice of fettuccine or spaghetti on the side. We chose fettuccine with Alfredo sauce, and it paired perfectly with the tender, moist snapper. The flavours were spot on, and the fish was cooked to perfection.

What really struck me about Chase Restaurant and Lounge was how customisable the meals were. You could choose your sides and pasta sauce to suit your preference, which adds a lovely, personalised touch. Not only were the portion sizes generous, but the food was rich and indulgent, packed with flavour. You won’t find overly fancy or pretentious dishes here, but you will find honest, comforting cooking that satisfies.

The atmosphere was relaxed, with a classic, jazzy vibe that complemented the old-school Italian-American cuisine. Our server was attentive and apologetic, thinking we were trying to get her attention more than we were—which was sweet and added to the charm of the place. The service, from start to finish, was warm and friendly, making the entire dining experience that much better.

In the end, Chase Restaurant and Lounge offered a satisfying and affordable meal right in the heart of Santa Barbara. If you’re looking for a place that delivers good food without the fuss, this is definitely one to try.

Chase Restaurant and Lounge
Address: 1012 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Phone: +1 805-965-4351
Website: https://www.chaserestaurant.com/