Just a few blocks from the waterfront, our restaurant in Santa Barbara operates in a century-old brick building originally home to an industrial linen service for seaside hotels. While the Douglas fir floors, soaring ceilings, and glassed cupola have always been features of this historic structure, the sweeping arches facing State Street were added after much of the building crumbled during the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake.
Built in 1917, the historic building now home to our Santa Monica restaurant was once a transfer station for the narrow-gauge Red Car line, Los Angeles' first mass transit system. It was later the repair house for the world-famous Pacific Ocean Park, home to the oldest wooden roller coaster west of the Mississippi. These days, we're still a stone's throw from Venice Beach, heart of where L.A. goes to play -- and eat.
"I was recommended this place by a customer of mine. As I haven't been to Santa Barbara and would just be taking a chance at any place, I figured we'd give it a try. Glad we did. Nice employees, relaxing atmosphere, great food at reasonable prices. It looked like the bar area was fun, but not too loud. I'm sure we'll return the next time we're in Santa Barbara."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"We had a wonderful time, great food, and an awesome server. We had a large party for my boyfriend's birthday and they were totally prepared when we got there, everyone was understanding that our group was a bit smaller than planned, and they were really accommodating to different dietary needs. Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, special occasion
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"Great spot for a Mothers Day Lunch - they easily accommodated our large party and the menu options were excellent, something for everyone (they even had a special menu for the kids)! Our server was very attentive even though the restaurant was busy and full. We love Enterprise Fish Co., and will definitely be back! Oh, and the Happy Hour is awesome, both the drinks and the eats!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"GREAT place for seafood!! Food and service was excellent, even with a busy day like Mother's Day! We can't wait to go back! This is now our #1 restaurant in Santa Barbara!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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"My swordfish was overcooked but the staff were very willing to cook a new piece of fish for me but that meant my dining partner and I ate at separate times. The asparagus that I paid extra for were undercooked. The trout with almonds was excellent. Staff were friendly .The restaurant is loud making conversation difficult but it has cute sea decor and an upbeat feel."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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"If you're looking for good food and you don't mind a loud atmosphere, then this is a good place to come. Based on the menu and price of food, we dressed up a bit and when we got there we found it was a bit more casual than we expected. Food is good but a little bit overpriced for the quality. Our fish tasted good but presentation was a bit sloppy, and service was a little bit rushed. So, if you want good fish for an OK price, and a louder more casual environment then this is a good choice (e.g. if you're with a group of friends looking to eat well and talk loud). However, if you're looking for a slightly more romantic or special place to celebrate, then we recommend you look elsewhere."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"3 out of 4 meals were great, perfectly cooked fish for 2 and the steak and lobster was delicious. Unfortunately, my meal was not good at all. The seafood on my mixed skewer was dried out and over done and the baked potato was burnt on the outside and undone and hard on the inside. I left almost everything on my plate, and the waiter did not ask if everything was okay. Of course, I could have sent it back and didn't, so partly my fault. I may give this place another try since everyone else was happy with their meal."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We eat at the Enterprise often and love the food. Clam Chowder is exceptional.. fish is always fresh. Service is always excellent and friendly. Thank you!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"Seafood is not inexpensive,especially good sea food, but the Enterprise Fish Company totally makes you feel you got your money's worth. My wife and I came across this place during a family day-trip from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, and the place was packed with a wait time of about an hour. We ended eating in the bar area, but found the food amazing. As a result, this time we made a reservation and went to have dinner to celebrate our anniversay after a day of wine tasting in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. Their chowder to start the meal was very creamy and you got a clam in every spoonful. The main courses were also very good. I had a seafood medley from the favorites section of the menu, my wife a seafood pasta dish. Both were great."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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"We had a good time there. The service was very good, no complaints at all. The food was also very good. We ordered 3 different fish dishes (Mahi, Ahi, and Salmon) and a sald with added chicked and all were very good."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly
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"Extremely loud. Try or beg for a table out of the boisterous crowd. Great for the singles, 20 something crowd. Definitely NOT romantic. And don't get your heart set on lobster (go to Holder's down the street). Otherwise the food/fish selections/preparations are mediocre. There are so many good restaurants on State Street. Don't be taken in by Enterprise. However, the bar scene looks super fun."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, hot spot
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"We took my Mom for her birthday. Even though it was super crowded, our reserved table was ready for us. Our waitress, although very busy, gave great and friendly service. The food was delicious."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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"I had the seafood platter, and it was the BEST scallops every, the calimari was too chewy, but of course it always is, just thot it could have been more tender, as compared with Brophy's. Thank you for your concern! We want to come again, and will know to arrange on line reservations. Thank you, Karen"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"My wife and I had a very enjoyable dinner with excellent service and delicious seafood. The restaurant is highly recommended on Tripadvisor and it is clear, from our recent experience, that these are fully justified. The only negative would be the fairly high noise level. The restaurant was very busy on a Saturday evening so this was understandable."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"My wife and I have a fondness for this restaurant as we have been coming here regularly for 30 years (as UCSB students). We made reservations through Open Table which afforded us the best table in the place - that was really nice. I will definitely order my fish grilled with the sauce on the side. The fish itself was delicious but the sauce was over-powering."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Yummy! We happened to dine at the Enterprise 3 times this week!! It just happened, but we were glad it did. Always a wonderful meal to be had. Thanks :)"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"We love Enterprise Fish Co. The macadamia mahi mahi is amazing and the service is always friendly and prompt. The location is good and the restaurant is well laid out with a great maritime theme. The only downside is that it is a little bit noisy. I would highly recommend it. We've eaten there about 5 times now and will definitely be going back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"Food was good, unfortunately my scallops were not cooked well enough...had to send them back, twice! Kitchen was overwhelmed and I think they just were trying to get plates out. Waitress was phenomenol, she was super busy but took care of getting my scallops re-cooked. Busy hustling place...not if you are looking for a quiet, calm, relaxing dinner. No view. Good for kids, they have kids meals served in paper boats and crayons to help keep them busy."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly
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"My halibut, despite its moderately high price tag, was overcooked and somewhat mushy, as were the vegetables that were served with it. The flavors were OK if a bit bland. The portion was fairly generous, and the salad was good. My husband enjoyed his fish tacos. This restaurant may be more suitable for a casual lunch than a fine dinner."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
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"The waiter took so long to bring our drinks and food, I was so embarrassed and just ask to have it packed "to go."The clam chowder had no flavor, and was full of mostly potatoes and thicker than cottage cheese. We were new to the area and arrived 10 minutes late. The person at check in said they gave our table away as they have a "15" minute late policy. I chose not to argue with her (she was about 16 yrs old). She must have sensed my frustration as we were seated in the back row in a corner. Will not go ahead. Have heard there are many better seafood reataurants in Santa Barbara."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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"We live here in Santa Barbara and this has been one of our "go to" restaurants since they opened. You can always count on a great glass of wine to start and a really great cup of chowder with the best French Bread in town! Then on to the main course. Where to even start. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. This place is great for lunch, dinner or even happy hour! It's a little tough to find the parking lot if you aren't from here, but just ask anyone for directions. We're a friendly bunch in S.B. Have fun!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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"The last couple times we've eaten here it has been good but not great. We went for the mid week live main lobster special. It was good but not great. The lobster was overcooked. Good but when I get lobster I expect it to be cooked right. service was good until it came time to pay. then our waitress took way to long to pick up."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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