Entry No. 32 — the Santa Barbara file — filed under: unmarked door
The Pickle Room (Lovejoy's)
Occupying the old Jimmy's Pickle Room space next to Three Pickles Deli, this bar announces itself with nothing but a small red 'cocktails' sign -- no storefront branding, no windows advertising what's inside. Regulars call it 'speakeasy meets neighborhood bar,' and it's been voted the Independent's Best Neighborhood Bar for multiple years running.
The story
Look closely along East Canon Perdido Street or you'll walk right past it. There is no storefront logo, no window display, and no glowing neon signage beyond a tiny red box that simply reads "COCKTAILS." Pushing past the unmarked door next to Three Pickles Deli drops you into a dim, wooden sanctuary that feels less like a manufactured trendy speakeasy and more like a time capsule of old Santa Barbara.
The space carries serious local history: it originally belonged to the iconic Jimmy's Oriental Gardens before father-and-son duo Bob and Clay Lovejoy stepped in to revamp and preserve the landmark barroom in 2013. Bob Lovejoy passed away in 2018, but the atmosphere remains fiercely intact. Bar manager Willy Gilbert—who famously befriended Bob years ago over a forgotten tab—still runs the counter, keeping the neighborhood-den spirit alive.
Inside, red vinyl booths and dim ambient light set the stage for cold drinks and unexpected food pairings. The bar bridges the gap between historic dive comfort and serious mixology, drawing a dedicated crowd of regulars who come as much for the local lore as for the kitchen's legendary Reuben egg rolls.
What it's like
Arrive right around opening at 4:30 PM if you want to claim one of the coveted booth seats without waiting. The vibe inside is dark, low-key, and delightfully unpretentious. Settle in during weekday happy hour (4:30–6:30 PM) for $2 off specialty cocktails, order a plate of Reuben egg rolls, and let the noise of State Street fade away outside.
The move: Slide into a booth for happy hour ($2 off specialty drinks, 4:30-6:30pm weekdays), order a Reuben egg roll, and settle in the way regulars have since Bob Lovejoy started the place -- bar manager Willy Gilbert still tells the story of befriending him over a forgotten tab.
- 📍 Downtown Santa Barbara
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 126 E. Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Lobero Theatre — Cap off a historic evening by walking one block over to California's oldest operating theater after your nightcap.
- Spiritualist Church of the Comforter — Balance a dark booth and a strong cocktail with a quiet stop at this 1891 spiritualist church just two blocks away.
- Paradise Found — Pair an afternoon of browsing metaphysical books and crystals with a short stroll down Canon Perdido for happy hour.
- Rodeo Room — Continue your dim-lit cocktail crawl down toward the train tracks at another low-profile local haunt.
Good to know
How do I find the entrance?
Look for 126 E. Canon Perdido Street next to Three Pickles Deli. The bar has no external branding—just a small glowing red 'COCKTAILS' sign above an unmarked door.
When is happy hour?
Happy hour runs weekdays from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, featuring $2 off specialty cocktails.
What is the food specialty here?
The standout crowd favorite is the Reuben egg roll, a nod to the bar's connection with the neighboring deli.
Who were the Lovejoys?
Bob and Clay Lovejoy were the father-and-son team who took over and preserved the historic former Jimmy's space in late 2013, establishing the Pickle Room in its modern form.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: independent.com · Official site · noozhawk.com
last checked: 2026-07-20