Page 48 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2021 REDISCOVERING CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL COAST

Joe’s Cafe traditional Italian red and white checkered table-
It was getting dark and chilly as we walked up cloths. A smiling host seated us in the welcome
State Street in search of Joe’s Cafe, where we had glow of a gas heat lamp. We newly appreciated
these warming lifesavers that kept us comfortable
reservations for dinner. Joe’s has been a Santa
Barbara landmark eatery and watering hole since and restaurants forced to serve outdoors in busi-
1929. Since then, its several owners - even two ness.
named Joe - continued the original mission of Our professional and friendly server guided us
serving excellent food at fair prices — not to men- through the extensive menu, a throwback to the
tion the stiffest drinks in town. days of comfort food diners big on homemade
Amid the crowded restaurant scene on both meatloaf, French dip sandwiches and fried chicken
sides of State Street, Joe’s stood out, with its large dinners. Specials of the day could range from
vintage neon sign and dozens of tables topped by spaghetti and meatballs to prime rib - good and af-
fordable blue collar fare.

48 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2021