Rincon Brewery has closed its Santa Barbara location in the Funk Zone, ending the brewery’s presence in one of the city’s busiest food and beverage districts.
The taproom served its final customers on March 1.
The Santa Barbara outpost opened in July 2020 as the Carpinteria-based brewery expanded its presence in the region.
In a message posted on social media, the brewery described the closure as bittersweet and thanked the Santa Barbara community for its support over the years.
“We’ve loved being part of the Santa Barbara community,” the post read, adding that the space hosted gatherings, celebrations and memorable moments.
The brewery continues to operate locations in Carpinteria and Ventura.
Out at Home Plate Grill
Home Plate Grill has announced plans to permanently close later this month. The Goleta-based restaurant confirmed to the News-Press that it has been operating on a month-to-month lease at the Padre Shopping Center and has decided not to renew.
According to a message shared on the restaurant’s Facebook page, the final day of service will be March 31.
In its announcement, the owners cited challenges in the current market and thanked customers for their support over the years.
“Serving you has meant so much to us, and we are grateful for every visit, meal and memory shared here,” the message said.
Mexican restaurant La Cantina shutters
La Cantina on Turnpike Road has permanently closed.
The restaurant said in a message posted on its website that its final day of service was Feb. 28.
“Thank you to our patrons and the community for enjoying and supporting us,” the message read. “We have enjoyed serving you.”
The announcement also indicated that a new concept is expected to launch in spring 2026, though additional details have not been released.
Pizza House expanding menu with new sandwiches
Pizza House, located at 515 State St., plans to introduce a lineup of new sandwiches next week as the downtown restaurant expands its menu.
Owner and President Erin Khodabandehlou told the News-Press the restaurant expects to debut about seven sandwiches, many served on housemade breads including focaccia and panuozzo.
Pizza House is known for naming its pizzas after Santa Barbara streets and offers both traditional and deep-dish styles. Khodabandehlou hinted the sandwiches may follow the restaurant’s local naming tradition, with names inspired by cities in Santa Barbara County.
Chef Michael Tusk to headline El Encanto culinary series dinner
Michelin-starred chef Michael Tusk of San Francisco restaurants Cotogna and Quince will headline an upcoming dinner at El Encanto as part of the resort’s culinary series.
The dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel overlooking Santa Barbara. The menu will highlight Northern Italian flavors and dishes inspired by Cotogna, Tusk’s acclaimed San Francisco restaurant known for housemade pastas, wood-fired meats and seasonal ingredients.
Cotogna operates alongside Quince, the chef’s fine-dining restaurant in San Francisco. Both restaurants have earned national recognition, with Quince holding three Michelin stars.
El Encanto has been hosting a series of guest chef dinners as part of an expanded culinary program at the historic hillside resort.
Chef Amy Baer to host orchid show dinner
Chef Amy Baer of Epicurean SB and Gravesend Wine Merchant & Eatery will prepare a special dinner during the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.
The four-course “Orchid Escape Dinner” is scheduled for March 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will take place in a setting designed to highlight the show’s signature orchids, with floral arrangements by Gallup & Stribling.
The evening will feature a seasonal menu created by Baer, with optional wine pairings available through Saint K Wines.
The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is an annual event that draws orchid growers and enthusiasts from around the world.
