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Sly's Reviews List
Sly's
Sly’s offers a wide selection of fishes, seafood, aged hand-cut USDA prime steaks and local vegetables. Live lobster, oysters and shellfish share the limelight with Dover sole, sand dabs and abalone. Sly’s is more than just a little of Chef James Sly’s 40 years of experience in kitchens around the world. Sly’s offers many, daily, fresh and local specials –in a historic building in one of the Central Coast’s finest restaurants. From the crusty bread and rolls, to finely crafted desserts, your food is made at Sly’s. With extensive wines by the glass, Sly’s offers an extraordinary wine list of local, California, and French wines, including a reserve list of rare and notable wines. The bar focuses on classic cocktails, fresh juices, quality liquor, homemade tonic and talented bartenders. The comfortable dining room features shiny varnished Douglas Fir, exposed yellow brick, glassed-in wine room, white tablecloths and a fine collection by world-class photographer Jesse Alexander.
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59 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 59 reviews
5 stars
(41)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(43)
- fit for foodies(38)
- special occasion(34)
- notable wine list(27)
- great for brunch(19)
- great for lunch(19)
Sly's Reviews List
Review 1 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best restaurant in Carpinteria
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are regulars, SLY'S never disappoints! Sorry to learn Craig & Carlissa will be leaving, but wish them good luck in their
upcoming adventure! SLY'S staff are like family to regulars...hard to see anyone leave :("
upcoming adventure! SLY'S staff are like family to regulars...hard to see anyone leave :("
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Never lets you down! Constant and expect the best from the chef!
Very nice experience!"
Very nice experience!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I was looking for someplace
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was looking for someplace in the Santa Barbara area to take my husband to dinner for his birthday. I found Sly's on a website about restaurants in that area and chose Sly's in part because of the high marks other Open Table users had given it. I was not disappointed. The main courses are very traditional, but the appetizers and sides are inventive. Absolutely everything was delicious and perfectly prepared. The service was great and we were not rushed, which was good thing as I really needed a break before dessert. We met the owners on our way out -- lovely people. I will definitely recommend the place and would eat there again if I were in the area. One small quibble -- the lighting is a bit bright in the rear dining room."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everything was great! Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was great! Food was really good and the wait staff was excellant."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent, consistent, neighborhood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent, consistent, neighborhood spot."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 6 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband were pleasantly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband were pleasantly surprised at this great restaurant. We were especially please withour server, Izzy. He was very neat, consciencious, helpful and friendly. We both enjoyed a wonderful meal and would definetly come back again."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Special dinner with family...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great dinner with family, Grandson home from college for weekend, really appreciated James
preparing a special fried chicken dinner for us, saved me from having to get out the frying pans!!!
We always enjoy SLY'S, we live 5 minutes away, it's like a home away from home and the food
is great!!"
preparing a special fried chicken dinner for us, saved me from having to get out the frying pans!!!
We always enjoy SLY'S, we live 5 minutes away, it's like a home away from home and the food
is great!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our food was really good,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our food was really good, and the service was excellent. One of our party is a toddler, so I requested a high chair or booster, and it was in place when we arrived--along with a kid's menu. Our server brought a 'kid-friendly' water instead of the regular water glass as well. Everyone was friendly and attentive and dietary concerns were addressed with concern.
This is not my first visit to Sly's and it has been consistently good. I will certainly be back again."
This is not my first visit to Sly's and it has been consistently good. I will certainly be back again."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 9 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
thoroughly enjoyed the dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience, especially the food, the service and the attention of owners James and Annie Sly."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
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Review 10 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Special dessert...FLOATING ISLAND!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are regulars, Sly's never disappoints!
Nice treat for dessert, Floating Island, in
honor of the reopening of El Encanto,
Simply delicious!!!"
Nice treat for dessert, Floating Island, in
honor of the reopening of El Encanto,
Simply delicious!!!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Adios SLy's
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had the worst cassoulet ever. The beans ended up resembling refried beans without the flavor. I've dined there many times but never had this dish. It didn't resemble cassoulet. Steaks are good but sauces are too salty. Sly is trying to be Lucky's South, but I'd rather go for the real thing. Cost is about the same. I don't understand the lighting ambiance either. Too bright. Why not tone it down into something cozier and more appealing than lunch-counter lighting. I think I'm crossing Sly's off of my list."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
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Review 12 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Sly's Satisfies
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"An all around great experience. Servers are friendly and professional. The food was well received by all in our group. The Hama Hama oysters were outstanding as were the filets and the daily special beef stroganoff. No beef with the beef! The pasta with pesto and fried potatoes sounds odd, but is a great dish if you don't mind a few carbs. The coconut cake sent us on a nice trip to Honolulu, minus the travel time. I would like to see a few better values on the wine list, given it is a stone's throw from some of the best wine makers around, but that's my only beef. Top notch."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 13 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Five Star!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best five star restaurant in town but casual environment that makes it an awesome dining experience. Annie and Sly are amazing, kind, gracious, professional and run a first class restaurant from taking the order through dessert."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A REAL TREAT,FRESH NANTUCKET LOBSTE
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Exceptional starter, fresh Nantucket lobster cocktail, a bit pricey at $25, but large enough for two to share.
We are regulars at SLY'S & always enjoy the food, the vegetables are always superb!"
We are regulars at SLY'S & always enjoy the food, the vegetables are always superb!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Six of us had a wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Six of us had a wonderful evening at Slys' and all loved our dining choice.Two of us chose the Blue Plate which was Meatloaf.Two ordered pasta and were very happy.Service was friendly and well informed.Great choices of wine.We will definitely return next year when we return to California for our annual escape from Canadian winter."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Just love this wonderful place and its fabulous food. A first-rate find in quiet Carpenteria. I can't find a bad thing on the menu -- everything's absolutely delicious, service was quite fine and the room is casual and comfortable. Definitely worth trying!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 17 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Locals others
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed visiting carp and running into our friends. Wait staff is excellent.
Looking forward to brunch."
Looking forward to brunch."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 18 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
GREAT FOOD, FANTASTIC SERVICE
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"GREAT FOOD, FANTASTIC SERVICE BUT DON'T NEEDED SUNGLASSES FOR HOW BRIGHT IT WAS
WE ASKED THE WAITER ABOUT THE LIGHTING AT FULL BLAST AND HE SAID THAT WAS THE WAY THE CHEF LIKED IT. BUMMER AS IT PRETTY MUCH RUINED THE AMBIANCE IN AN OTHERWISE EXTREMELY NICE RESTAURANT"
WE ASKED THE WAITER ABOUT THE LIGHTING AT FULL BLAST AND HE SAID THAT WAS THE WAY THE CHEF LIKED IT. BUMMER AS IT PRETTY MUCH RUINED THE AMBIANCE IN AN OTHERWISE EXTREMELY NICE RESTAURANT"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
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Review 19 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Second time I've been and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Second time I've been and I had to go with the seafood omelet again. Outstanding!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sat at a table for four near
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sat at a table for four near door to wine cellar, this was not an ideal spot considering all the in and out going on there. Otherwise Slys is quite good, but not cheap."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
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Review 21 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food. Superb service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food. Superb service. Perfect for a romantic dinner, special birthday or small gathering with friends. We will definitely be going back."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Azmazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Awesome meal, great service (thank you Izzy) -- who could ask for more!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Sly's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pick your waitstaff
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am a fan of Sly's and have been here only a couple o times prior. This time, although the food was very good, the waiter Chris was a bit of immature. He did provide a good dining experience. He does need to learn to make sure the customer is enjoying their time their and his attitude will not allow it. Hopefully he can grow up someday to undestand what customer service is about."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sly's
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic