This was easily the best-tasting, juiciest, fried chicken I have ever eaten. And believe me, I know fried chicken! The greens and black eyed peas were so good, I couldn't believe they were vegan. I never thought I would find such delicious soul food in Santa Barbara.

Great selection of southern food that's very tasty! The fried chicken is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. My son demolished the chicken sandwich, and the serving size for the chicken tenders is quite generous. LOVED the Mac and cheese, and the collard greens had a nice spicy kick! There's a parking station nearby that offers the first 75 minutes free, but since the food is made to order, be mindful of the time!

Best god damn fried chicken in sb. Full bird stylee too so you know it's authentic. I first came here right when they were opening up. Met the owner and everything and this is a family run business! They were so nice and the fried chicken was out of this world. Or at least out of this California bubble. Seriously good food, good people, good vibes. I was so bummed when the Velvet Jones closed down as that was sucha dope venue. But it made me so stoked to see that Soul Bites is keeping the dream alive serving up hella good soul food (which prior to them opening was hard to come by in SB), but they keep the music link too. Love these guys. Great food, great people, much love. Humbly yours Raymundo

My fiance & I came to Santa Barbara to eat & this was one of the spots we stopped at. The food was amazing! Every single thing we got was a 10/10. The chicken was super flavorful, the mac n cheese was amazing, the shrimp n grits were to die for. We would definitely stop by this place again if we are in the area, it was a chill vibe & the service matched the vibe, if that makes sense.

Savory, soulful Southern specialties! You'll find them on the 400 block of State Street, next to Zen Yai Thai Cuisine. There's street parking, public lots, and garages nearby. Most are free for the first seventy five minutes. They operate inside a small kitchen connected to a former nightclub/venue that has hosted musical performers like Kendrick Lamar and the Foo Fighters. Even though Velvet Jones is no longer in business, I like that Soul Bites still utilizes the space for live entertainment and community events. Seating is available on the outdoor patio, with additional tables inside. What's on the menu? Fish po'boy, shrimp 'n grits, fish 'n chips, maple brined fried chicken, several light bites, the usual fixins (mac 'n cheese, collared greens, black eyed peas, etc.) and more. They also serve several alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Whether you dine-in or take out, all food is packaged in disposable containers. Vegan Crab Cakes - pleasant plant-based rendition of a classic coastal delicacy. Exterior was satisfyingly crispy and well seasoned. Filling was flavorful and herby. Moisture content was a bit minimal, which gave the interior a firm, tough texture. Thankfully the remoulade sauce came in handy. Mac & Cheese - delightful; well prepared, slightly creamy but not runny Their kitchen is on the smaller side, I think it was only meant to handle concessions for the prior business, not for a full working restaurant. So it can take a while to get orders out. Patience is key!

Highly recommend this place especially on Thursday nights! Live Blues music from 7-10pm. The fried chicken here is so good. The potato salad was super dry and the potatoes were hard but the chicken made up for it. For the live band there is a $10 cover charge to sit inside, but you can hear it from the patio area and that's free. Super friendly staff, we will defiantly be back

This is my new favorite place. First, the staff behind the bar are adorable and super sweet. I love talking to them because they actually smile and laugh! They have hot bands rolling through there on a regular basis! The bluesy, down home feel makes me so comfortable, I'm all about it! I feel like I can dance and sing anytime anyway I want. And the food. Omg the food...the fried chicken....the cracklins (fried chicken skins), the Mac n cheese bowls. The greens are juicy and not too spicy - just the right amount. If they added a cider or seltzer to their drink menu, they'd have to start charging me rent because I would never leave and I would spend every last dime there!! Love you guys! Thanks for hosting a place in Santa Bárbara for the soulful!