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Goleta
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The Imperial Lounge
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The Imperial Lounge

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See all things to do
The Imperial Lounge
4.5
11 reviews
#1 of 4 Nightlife in Goleta
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35 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
2
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Sarah
Temecula, CA129 contributions
Quintessential speakeasy
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.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wpmccray
Santa Barbara, CA6 contributions
Sad...but fixable
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.
Dgolds609
Egg Harbor Township, NJ28 contributions
Speakeasy Heaven!
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.
TSinParis
Paris, France1,979 contributions
Great Venue to Chill in an Unlikely Location
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.
Summer fun
Goleta, CA18 contributions
Beautiful cocktails
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.
tomkK7680LT
Goleta, CA59 contributions
Better as the Bak Door
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.
GuyShepherd2002
Gloucestershire, UK10 contributions
Good
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.
surelygoodness
Santa Barbara, CA16 contributions
Funky Sophistication
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.
DB-Raw
Santa Fe, NM1,180 contributions
Perennial Favorite
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.
Jacob A
Santa Barbara, CA5 contributions
Best cocktail bar in town
Mar 2016 • Friends
You would never know it based on its location, but this tiki-inspired speakeasy is the BEST bar in town. The jazz LPs are playing, the bartenders are friendly and knowledgable and will create you a first-rate cocktail with fresh ingredients. Enjoy a corner booth or their funky patio. Perfect for a chill evening with friends or a date night. Sometimes they have live music, but it is always on the low-key jazz side, so it only enhances the ambiance and does not make it so you have to shout in your conversation.
Written March 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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