Soul Bites is a Quick-casual, Chef driven, Soul Food restaurant. Our team has created a menu of Soul Food classics in an elevated style. Featuring great family options like, Air-chilled and brined chicken, pressure fried to perfection, Shrimp and Grits with a Crab Gravy, Mac and Cheese and smoked Turkey Greens. We also offer Vegan dishes like our Soul Sandwich (Black Eyed Pea Hummus, Collard Greens and Plant-Based meat, also Vegan Crab Cakes. Our Collard Greens and Black Eyed Peas are excellent Vegan sides. Soul Bites…When you’re here you’re home.
Based on 82 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.7 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ Delivery
Address:
423 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 869-2198
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday | 12 PM–1 AM |
| Saturday | 12 PM–1 AM |
| Sunday | 12–9 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
12–10 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | 12–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–10 PM |
| Thursday | 12 PM–1 AM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Fahad Ahmed
I first time tried the korean cuisine. Its definitely worth a try. Restaurant atmoshpere is great. However, for some reason i didn’t like the automated phone ordering system. I like to interact with the person taking my order. Specially if i am somewhere for the first time. We ended up ordering an entree without knowing the spice level and it was extremely hot. But it was good though. I suggest to go to the counter for any questions you may have. Will definitely gp again.
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Constance AG
Great spot to hang. Live comedy hosted by Ms. Kimmie Dee and live music as well Although I didn’t eat, the food ood looked great and seemed popular. There is multiple seating areas and a fabulous bar. Staff equally great. This place deserves a drop in while in Santa Barbara in the heart of Downtown.
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josh payne
The best southern comfort I have ever had, and I have been to New Orleans. This food was what I call stop me food. Every bite made me stop, close my eyes, and just enjoy what I was experiencing. I got some fried chicken, chips (or JoJos), and Mac and cheese. The chicken was crispy and juicy at the same time and the seasoning was like Cajun seasoning but on another level. The chips were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and were seasoned to perfection. The Mac and cheese was the best I had ever had. They also make their own hot sauce and it was so good I asked to get some extras to be able to take home.
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Lydia Ballantine
The food was good but the portions were very small. I ordered a small mac and cheese and the vegan crab cakes and got a very little container of Mac and cheese and only two crab cakes. With tax and tip I paid almost $25 for what I was hoping would be a meal, but was left hungry after a snack sized portion. Tasty food but unfortunately very overpriced, even for SB.
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Berlinda Blackburn
While looking for soup on a chilly night in SB, the web browser popped up Soul Bites. Not one to question fate, I took the Spirit’s prompting. I saw the shrimp and grits(my favorite) with gravy and knew it would be great. The taste exceeded my expectations, which are high. I chat with the owners who are super nice people. I love their vision and mission for their space. Santa Barbara is lucky to have them. I took the banana pudding to go and let me tell you, it is delightful. There’s a hint of something that is familiar. I will come back and try the fried chicken because the smell wafting in the space let’s me know what a treat it will be.
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Harold Champion Jr
Had the soul plate, fried chicken with collard greens, and blackeyed peas. The fried chicken is juicy with crisp skin. The collard greens are good and blackeyed peas where tasty.
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Taylor Holmes
This is some of the best food I’ve had in Santa Barbara. The chicken was sooo juicy and crispy. The Mac and cheese is correct. The black eyes peas are deeply flavorful. I’m about to be a regular. Wow!
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Viviana
Honestly I had high expectations from this place. The fried chicken was ok. 6/10. Mac and cheese was eh. 5/10 and potatoe salad I really didn’t like. 1/10 it was overpowered by the celery. Half the things on the drink menu weren’t available so updating the drink menu would be helpful. Presentation wasn’t all that great. Everything came in to gp containers. ordered a lemonade and it was served in a plastic pouch. Each plate was $20 and Honestly not worth it. Maybe SB doesn’t know much about soul food so I don’t blame them for not being good. I expect to hear some blues or jazz but the music was all over the place. Ants everywhere on the outside table. The vibe was just off and the place empty but thought I should give them the benefit of the doubt. Service could be better. When we paid the chick rudely took our card and took forever to bring it back just to come back with the machine in her hand.
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Rachel Payne
What a gem!! My husband could not stop raving about how delicious the fried chicken was throughout our entire meal and then the rest of the evening….and then the next day…and even still lol. We brought some hot sauce home because it was THAT good, too. The mac n cheese was incredible – no hint of “fake cheese” taste at all! Sterling and staff were so kind and eager to chat and help us out. It’s apparently still a relatively new spot so they are still finishing their decor and setup inside, but I’m sure when they have live music in there it must be a great spot. Give them a try, no hesitations!!
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Berlin
Soul food here is a little dressed up. The fried chicken is juicy with a crispy skin and delicious batter. Collared greens are delicious with no bitterness. I added the turkey shreds and they were good. Mac n cheese is super good. The owner mentioned there are 5 cheeses in there. I’m lactose intolerant, but it was well worth it. I will say prices are different than what you’ll find at fast food fried chicken places or even some restaurants in LA, however, you’re really paying for quality ingredients and thoughtful cooking. I’m thrilled to have soul food in SB and to pay for such delightful cooking.
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