Visitor Information
Car Rentals in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Restaurants

The Habit

5735 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117; Tel: 805.964.0366
Hours: M-Th 10:30am-8:30pm, F 10:30am-9pm, Sa 10:30am-8:30pm, Su 11am-8pm

McDonald's, Burger King, Carl's Jr. — be gone! The Hamburger Habit is the greatest thing to happen in fast food since McDonald's took the high road and eliminated the supersize. Locals getting off an airplane after a leave of absence from Santa Barbara often request that their first stop be no farther than The Hamburger Habit in Goleta — just a few minutes from the runway.

This is the kind of place that keeps all appetites old and young, big and small, happy. The Old Town Goleta location was established back in 1969 by two brothers (one of whom began his career as a burger flipper) and was quickly recognized as the coolest joint in town. The Habit is proud that they are not fast food but instead "fresh food fast" and they live up to their name. Their famous charburgers are charbroiled with caramelized onions and taste too good to even begin to describe. Fancier choices include the Teriyaki Char, BBQ Bacon Char, and all are made to order. All of the above are under $4 and for $2.75 you can add fries and a drink.

While this reviewer recommends sticking to the fundamentals, the more sophisticated palate can opt for a tri-tip sandwich, grilled chicken in barbeque or teriyaki sauce, or even a veggie burger — all delectable and all around the $5 mark. Health lovers fear not as habit offers garden, Caesar, barbeque chicken, and Cobb salads with a choice of healthy or creamy dressings. The salads are fresh, hand-cut, and made to customers' specifications. Kids under 10 can enjoy a burger, grilled cheese, or chicken tenders with fries or applesauce and a drink for $4US.

Make no mistake; The Habit is a Santa Barbara institution. This is homegrown goodness and an absolute must-eat of this town. Due to overwhelming popularity the Habit has expanded to include other locations. Just follow the long line of hungry locals with their mouths watering and run, don't walk. Whether at the beach or the batting cages on lower Milpas Street, antique shopping or visiting the swap meet in Old Town Goleta, or making a pit stop in Oxnard on the way out of town — run, don't walk, to some of the best food in town.

Price Range: $$
Personal Star Rating: ****
Credit Cards: Yes
Reservations: No
Handicap Access: Yes
Delivery: No
Smoking: Outside only
WiFi: No

— The Habit review by Clare Nisbet