Cocktail Corner: Le Café Stella

The bar at Le Cafe Stella (courtesy photo)

The bar at Le Cafe Stella (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

Tucked uptown near the corner of upper State Street and Las Positas across from the scenic Santa Ynez mountains and Municipal Golf Course, Le Café Stella is a charming neighborhood favorite, pairing the ambience of a European café with an American twist.

Le Cafe Stella Margarita (courtesy photo)

Le Cafe Stella Margarita (courtesy photo)

Located at 3302 McCaw Ave., it’s a great place to meet friends, especially during Happy Hour, which happens daily from 3–6 p.m. and 9–10 p.m. (I love this late night Happy Hour trend we’re seeing more and more around town these days!) Sit in the cozy Parisian style bar or outside on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy the sunset.

Cocktail specials include a Margarita (made with tequila, agave nectar and house sweet & sour), a Madras (with vodka, cranberry juice and fresh O.J.) and Pernod (Pernod on ice with a splash of water)—all at just $4 a pop. Also on special is a selections of wines by the glass ($3.50) and bottled beers that include Beck’s Sapphire, Firestone and Long Hammer IPA for $3 each, along with Corona and Sol for just $2.50.

Along with breakfast, lunch and dinner, Le Café Stella has a great menu of nibbles, including Happy Hour specials on a variety of flatbreads, as well as Cajun pork sausage brioche sliders with harissa aioli & tomato cornichon relish. Try the sautéed shrimp with an order of parmesan truffle fries—they won’t leave you hungry for dinner.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 31, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”