The Imperial Lounge
The Imperial Lounge
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
12 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
2
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kathy A
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Friends
Amazing every time. Drinks are always made to perfection and served with a smile. We go here more often then I'd like to admit, easily once a month.
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
Temecula, CA171 contributions
Sep 2022
The Imperial Lounge is everything you expect in a quintessential speakeasy. It’s hidden away in a nondescript strip mall behind a bike shop - definitely a destination! You won’t see “Imperial” signs guiding you there. Instead, there’s a small neon “Ba’k Dor” sign, homage to the 92-year old former owner of that bar who sold to the Imperial. The ambiance and décor are awesome; the place is dimly lit and intimate, with comfortable seating and an outdoor patio.
Things were crowded the night we were there, but we were lucky enough to get seats at the bar. The bartenders are all friendly, welcoming and most importantly, amazing mixologists! We found it best to give some guidance on what we like and let them do their magic. Such exceptionally well-crafted cocktails!
This little Goleta gem is the perfect place for date night or for a gathering of friends. The only downside is that there’s no food, other than bar nuts. So plan to eat before you go and then sit back and leisurely enjoy some after-dinner cocktails.
Things were crowded the night we were there, but we were lucky enough to get seats at the bar. The bartenders are all friendly, welcoming and most importantly, amazing mixologists! We found it best to give some guidance on what we like and let them do their magic. Such exceptionally well-crafted cocktails!
This little Goleta gem is the perfect place for date night or for a gathering of friends. The only downside is that there’s no food, other than bar nuts. So plan to eat before you go and then sit back and leisurely enjoy some after-dinner cocktails.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dgolds609
Egg Harbor Township, NJ27 contributions
Oct 2019
Whenever we travel, we are always looking for the elusive Speakeasy...blend of secret hideway, with rockin' decor and a cocktail list that is inventive! LOOK NO MORE! Well, you may have to look a little bit because we had some trouble finding it but let me tell you...go around the back of the building when you think you are there. You are but it's not visible! The inside of this joint looks like the Brady Bunch house - 70's decor mixed with a little tiki action. The drinks were great and there is a cute porch as well. The owner was our server and she was delightful! Make this a stop on your trip~you wont be disappointed!
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wpmccray
Santa Barbara, CA6 contributions
Jan 2020
I've been going here for years. It used to be the best cocktail bar in the Santa Barbara area. But it's been slipping the last few months. I don't mind spending $15 for a cuppa booze but it's gotta be good. And right now - based on my last 6 visits - it's not up to it's original standard. Either lower the prices or up the quality...you can do it!
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TSinParis
Paris, France2,200 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
I went here with friends a few weeks ago to have some drinks. Fun atmosphere, very friendly bartender and low-key vibe. It was a fun evening - I'll be back next time I am in town. You would not guess there is a cool place like this in a kind of strip mall in Goleta of all places.
Written December 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Summer fun
Goleta, CA20 contributions
May 2017
The Imperial lounge has a great atmosphere, pretty and unique furnishings and fantastic cocktails. If they have music you'll most likely be listening to some great sound. Enjoy!
Written November 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tomkK7680LT
Goleta, CA75 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Kind of a 50’s inspired tiki themed sheik drink stop, now populated with millennials. It has a nice built out patio, you can grab a smoke on a cool Goleta evening or an upscale drink with a friend. They’re serious about the drinks they mix, don’t look for a cheap beer, (a drink will cost you 12 bucks). That’s ok, but it’s still the old bak door booths, black ceiling and...... ‘smell’ .....tons of candles and obscure background music, but the eclectic patio can be a relaxing reprieve. They chase you out at midnight, closed Sunday and Monday.
Written November 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GuyShepherd2002
Gloucestershire, UK9 contributions
Aug 2017
A good hotel but breakfast could be better, fun place with nice beds and we enjoyed the pool area would stay again
Written August 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
surelygoodness
Santa Barbara, CA16 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
We drove into what appeared as a very old, small shopping mall, pretty sure we were lost. Tucked behind one of the buildings was a door with an old sign above, reading, "Bak Dor." I wasn't sure if this was an Asian spelling, or they were spelling challenged. The door, in small font, read, "The Imperial Lounge." Inside is such a surprising contrast. Like a hidden gem. It is richly lit with strange, funky lamps, lots of intimate seating clusters, with a good sized outdoor patio reminiscent of Hawaiian entertainment decor, vintage 1960's....clean and inviting. The drinks were yummy...and their bowl of nuts, excellent.
Written February 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DB-Raw
Santa Fe, NM1,145 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
When I go back to visit my hometown friends and fMily, we always go back to the Imperial Lounge. They offer really friendly service and are always up to Thebes's challenge of a new drin request. The outdoor space is my favorite. Support this locL establishment.
Written December 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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