Mels

My boyfriend and I were in the area and quickly researched a good bar to grab a beer. I’m SO happy we stopped by Mel’s. The bartender and the patrons were very welcoming and the drinks were cheap. Although Mel’s has a divey feel, it’s very clean and appears to have been remodeled recently. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in Santa Barbara.

Cool, come as you are, stiff drink pouring locals dive bar. And by Dive Bar, I mean the kind of place that prides itself on being a dive bar. Juke box, TV, low lights, attentive service. Cheers!

Decent dive in town with a jukebox and a random mix of people you wouldn’t expect to see in Santa Barbara. Could use more beer on tap though.

Great place to watch GAMES & get away from the Mundane «Playing Field»
We call #DOWNTOWN… It’s not for the COLLEGIATE Crusaders… Lol

I didn’t know that Mel’s had re-​opened.
I live in L.A. now but while I was in school (at Brooks Institute) Mel’s was a favorite hangout.
While up visiting, I texted a friend about getting a beer and he replied «I’m at Mel’s come on by!» He sent me the address and I was on my way.
Great crowd, great bartender!
The place is a bit newer and cleaner than the old spot but the spirit is still there.
Long live Mel’s!

Here is a riddle: Mel’s used to be a little dive bar on De La Guerra half a block off of State Street, then it was in the Paseo Nuevo Mall, now it is on Carrillo, yet it has only moved once… how can that be? The truth is that the Paseo Nuevo Mall built itself around Mel’s. Did anyone ever wonder why there was a dive bar in the middle of a fancy shopping center? Seemed so out-​of-​place but I was so proud of them for standing their ground!
The clientelle back in the early 80s was so different than it is today, seems like when I would walk by it was a bunch of barflys who would gravitate there after work, or maybe instead of work. Today Mel’s is in a new spot and it is kind of trendy. They still have a pool table but the electronic darts are popular and they have a very cool TV lounge which has been begging me to come for Sunday football.
The atmosphere of the place still screams «Locals Only» and even in the new location there is something very nostalgic about ordering a drink at Mel’s. It is the kind of place that begs you to order bourbon or gin rather than a shot of patron. You kind of want to drink what the barfly crowd used to drink 30 years ago.
This past Saturday my SBHS class had a class reunion (Go Dons) we went to Mel’s after the homecoming game. It seemed like the right place to be. There was a good band, a handful of fun people and two bartenders who might still remember the names of some of those barflys.
I was most amused by the sign (I posted a photo) They have a «Happy Minute» 2:59 — 3:00 every day! Well drinks are half priced!

Oh God, I love getting fucked up here. It’s like a mancave during football season. There’s a room with racing seats and too many TVs to watch every game at once. Boner.

REALLY fun dive bar! The crowd and atmosphere is lively. The drinks are strong and cheap! I only wish it was open past midnight.

Came from out of town to meet my brother early in the day. Had a great Bloody Mary. Bartender was very friendly.

I cut my teeth on the Old Mel’s. Franny and Sunny from the Old place took great care of us when we needed it the most. Fran is still there slanging drinks at us like the Pro that she is. Still a safe place to be and now they have Food!!!
Thanks Guys

A comfortable joint away from the club scene to enjoy a great cockail, hang with friends, and get simple but tasty appatizers. I recommend the sliders.