Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

Guinness Cocktails and Irish Whiskey at The James Joyce (photo: Bonnie Carroll)

Authentic Irish places to enjoy fine bites and sips in Santa Barbara on St. Patrick’s Day?

Oh yes. If you are Irish (or are just a devotee of good Irish fare savored with a pint of Guinness) you’ll be pleased to know that when traveling to or through California, you can enjoy some stellar Irish venues in downtown Santa Barbara.

These two venues in Santa Barbara serve delicious Irish-inspired drinks and/or food daily, where a good time enjoying all things Irish can be had.

Dargan’s in Santa Barbara was established in October 1997, but the name Dargan’s has been associated with public houses in Ireland since the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1927, Lawrence Dargan built a pub and grocery to serve the small population of Cookstown, a market town in the north of Ireland. He and his family ran a successful business, well known locally as a center of Irish traditional music and craic (Gaelic for good times).

When Lawrence retired his son Benny took over the business. The tradition has spanned three generations, with Paul Dargan, who moved from Ireland when he was 21, now the proud owner of Dargan’s in Santa Barbara.

Paul Dargan’s authentic Irish Pub on East Ortega Street in the beautiful beach city of Santa Barbara is a favorite to locals and tourists since its opening, Irish Musicians and dancers have entertained patrons. The menu includes original recipes from Paul’s mother, who was from the Belfast, Ireland, area including corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and carrots that is outstanding. They also have a venue in Ventura, CA.

The food is a bit more formal than the average run of the mill pub. The Guinness onion soup with Gruyere cheese is quite amazing. They serve a hearty lamb shank covered with homemade gravy, but also offer baked beans with bangers and a variety of entrees, sandwiches, appetizers and salads.

Dargan’s showcases an impressive collection of fine Irish whiskey, and a respectable variety of Irish and domestic beers and ales including Smithwick’s Ale from Kilkenny; Harp Lager from County Louth; Boddington’s from Manchester, England; Stella Artois from Belgium; Guinness direct from Dublin; and Manners Irish Apple Cider from Tipperary.

The atmosphere at Dargan’s is upscale Irish all the way, with a wonderful wood paneled pool hall in the back, and a cozy fireplace room for dining with friends and family, while enjoying live Irish entertainment. Irish dancing and music abound at Dargan’s on St. Patrick’s Day, but make a reservation early because everybody wishes they were Irish on St. Pat’s and the place fills up early. Visit: www.dargansb.com/eat.

Let us not forget a place considered to be the ”best Irish bar in Santa Barbara.”

The James Joyce at 513 State Street was the first Irish bar in Santa Barbara, opening in 1996. This venue is very reminiscent of bars I’ve

visited in Dublin with wooden everything, and offering favorite Irish beers and ale on tap. It's a place where people enjoy quiet conversations in the afternoon, but has been known to be very lifely as the evening goes on. There are very few places to sit down, and not unlike the Irish watering holes like Temple Bar in Ireland, people stand in crowds and order drinks, which are then passed back to them. Local musicians provide entertainment here. Check their website for schedule.

It's always a fun time watching the barternder at James Joyce pour a perfect Guinness pint or make a lovely Black Velvet (a Guiness and cider beer cocktail, known as a poor man's Black Velvet). The original Black Velvet was a cocktail made from Stout and Sparkling Wine, a perfect cocktail to toast St. Patrick's Day.

Note: Check their website for hours and dates for musical entertainment at http://www.thejamesjoyce.com/.

What you Need

2 Don Francisco’s Espresso shots (1 oz each)

1 Tbsp Half & Half

2 Tbsp Honey Lavender Vanilla Syrup

½ cup honey

½ cup coconut sugar

½ cup water

1 Tbsp dried culinary lavender

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 vanilla bean (cut in half)

How to Make

1) Make the syrup

Put ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until sugar is dissolved completely.

Turn heat to low and simmer for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain into a small container and let cool slightly.

2) Make the coffee

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add half & half to the glass and stir in the honey lavender vanilla syrup.

Stir well. Add coffee, stir and enjoy!

It's anything but vanilla

What you Need

How to Make