Over 21 UCSB students have a fantastic advantage when it comes to enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Isla Vista and downtown Santa Barbara. With a plethora of bars to choose from, they can experience the best of both worlds – the laid-back Isla Vista atmosphere and the energetic downtown scene. Let's dive into three fantastic options that have been fueling Santa Barbara shenanigans for years:
1. Sandbar Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar – 514 State Street
The Vibe: Some might say Sandbar gets a bit loud and wild at times, but when a place offers a dozen tequila varieties and mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, a fiesta is inevitable. From Mahi Mahi fajitas to shareable nachos, Sandbar has you covered in the bar food department.
Tequila Galore: Don Julio and Patron take the spotlight, but you'll find plenty of other tequila options to explore. Don't forget to try their house margarita, touted as "The Perfect Margarita." With generous drink and food portions, you'll always feel like you're getting your money's worth.
Sunday Funday: During football season, Sandbar transforms into a haven on Sundays. Picture Coronas, tequila, nachos, and some of Santa Barbara's most beautiful referee-waitresses serving up the fun. It's a lively atmosphere happening multiple nights a week.
2. Creekside Bar – 4444 Hollister Ave
Krazy Country Night: At Creekside Bar, Wednesday nights become Krazy Country Night, an all-out line dancing extravaganza that will set your boots on fire.
Boot-Scootin' Fun: Students flock to Creekside to learn the basics of line dancing while flaunting their most attractive Daisy Dukes, cowboy boots, or flannel shirts. Cowboy hats are the accessory of choice as dancers of all ages, from the community and the student body, come together for some square dancing fun.
Libations and Partners: Affordable beers and strong drinks flow freely at this Western-style establishment. Finding a dance partner should be your top concern here.
3. Sharkeez – 525 State Street
Time-Tested Hangout: Baja Sharkeez, one of Santa Barbara's first college hangouts, has been drawing crowds since the late 1970s and has now expanded to six Southern California locations.
Taco Tuesday Delight: Located in downtown Santa Barbara, Sharkeez's Taco Tuesday boasts a $2.25 tequila deal that attracts thrifty students. The revamped menu features mouthwatering BBQ plates alongside their famous tacos. Don't miss the surprisingly fantastic guacamole, a city favorite even in the middle of the day.
Thursday Night Fiesta: Sharkeez comes alive on Thursday nights with UCSB students dancing and making the most of the evening. While the specials sometimes end early, legendary theme parties like the Labor Day Luau and the Cinco De Mayo fiesta keep the fun going.
Conclusion
For over 21 UCSB students, the bar scene in Isla Vista and downtown Santa Barbara offers a world of entertainment and savings. Whether you're indulging in tequila and Mexican delights at Sandbar, line dancing your heart out at Creekside, or joining the legendary Thursday night fiesta at Sharkeez, these bars promise unforgettable nights for those looking to unleash their inner party-goer. So, grab your friends, hit the dance floor, and make the most of your UCSB experience with these timeless nightlife hotspots.
