It was a sad day for this native Santa Barbaran to return for a holiday visit and take the family to Harry's, a Santa Barbara Institution on the restaurant scene. Known for decades for their great burgers, steaks, generous drinks and lively, rambunctious atmosphere and wait staff with authentic ?What?ll it be honey? attitude; the place is now on life support. A party of 6 went for lunch, and although the place was not packed like days of old, we waited for 25 minutes for a table, then another 15 for our waiter, one of two for the entire room to take our order. He was flustered and struggling along and we took pity on him because his drawers were so droopy we wanted to collectively avoid further embarrassment for him! When our food arrived the burgers were still pretty good, and the fries almost hot. The blue cheese dressing was rich and creamy just as I remembered from all those years of Fiesta Rodeo parties at Harry?s. Bottom line is the food is not what it was but still good; and it feels more like any other average diner. We miss ya Harry!
Pros: Probably good for a non fast food burger
Cons: Lifeless and depressing ambiance
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