Don't sleep on this place like I have. This was easily the best fried chicken I've had. Actually, we ordered almost everything on the menu, and it was all delightful. Everything was seasoned well, from the spices in the mac to the greens (no pork, yay), to the juicy tender maple brined chicken that was still juicy reheated the next day and the vegan crab cakes. We will absolutely be back asap. Worth every penny!

Get in here already.... Hate seeing this place dead when the fried chicken goes so hard. The grits are great as well!

I was craving home style cooking, like my grandma cooked it, and soul food is exactly what I needed. The people here are kind, and it's a nice oasis in Santa Barbara. Get the fried chicken, mac n cheese, and collard greens (balanced diet is important). Take it to-go, enjoy it at the beer garden down the street. Life is good.

4 solid stars. Food was 4. Taste was good but they are serving food in to go containers instead of plates. We got the Shrimp & Grits with crab gravy, chicken cracklings (fried skin) black eye peas, and chicken Sandwhich. All were delicious. Service was good as we sat at the bar.

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!