Business Details
41 Years
experience
Authentic Cajun & Creole Dining in Santa Barbara
Since 1985, Palace Grill has been Santa Barbara's premier destination for authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine inspired by New Orleans. Our culinary team meticulously recreates classic Louisiana specialties like Jambalaya, Crawfish touffe, and Blackened Filet Mignon while maintaining rigorous attention to spice profiles and presentation. Recognized for 36 consecutive years with 'Best Service' awards by local dining authorities, we employ a unique team service approach that earned national acclaim from Nations Restaurant News as 'an idea whose time has come.' Our staff receives immersive training through annual culinary expeditions to New Orleans, ensuring firsthand understanding of the traditions that inspire our menu. The restaurant's historic significance is underscored by visits from five U.S. presidents and culinary icons like Julia Child, with our distinctive blend of flavors and hospitality featured in Gourmet Magazine and USA Today.The festive interior and secluded courtyard transport diners to Louisiana, complemented by nightly staff-led musical tributes to Louis Armstrong and Dean Martin. We maintain culinary excellence through seasonal ingredient sourcing and recipe preservation techniques passed down through generations of Southern chefs. Our commitment to authenticity extends to accommodating dietary preferences with gluten-free options and contemporary American grill favorites alongside traditional dishes. Palace Grill remains family-operated, preserving its original mission to deliver 'cookin' with love' through both food and service.
Services
Cajun & Creole Cuisine
American Grill Favorites
Lunch Service
Dinner Service
Take-Out Orders
Delivery Service
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Award-winning service for 36 consecutive years
- Culinary staff trained in New Orleans traditions
- Nightly live musical dining experiences
- Featured in Gourmet Magazine and USA Today
- Served five U.S. presidents and celebrity chefs
What people say
Award-winning service
Authentic New Orleans flavors
Memorable musical performances
Historic significance
Beautiful courtyard
Services
Cajun & Creole Cuisine
Our kitchen specializes in authentic New Orleans recipes perfected since 1985. Dishes like Jambalaya and Crawfish touffe use traditional spice blends and preparation methods learned through staff training in Louisiana. Each plate combines heritage flavors with modern presentation techniques while maintaining gluten-free options for contemporary dietary needs.
American Grill Favorites
Complementing our Southern specialties, the menu features modern American grill dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. These contemporary offerings maintain the same culinary standards as our historic recipes while appealing to diverse palates seeking familiar flavors presented with Southern hospitality.
Lunch Service
Thursday through Sunday, we offer lunch service featuring abbreviated versions of our signature dishes. The midday menu maintains full flavor profiles while optimizing portion sizes for daytime dining preferences. Reservations available through our online system for convenient midday visits.
Take-Out Orders
Full menu available for take-out with temperature-controlled packaging ensuring food quality. Online ordering through our website enables contactless payment and real-time preparation tracking. Signature dishes specially packaged to maintain texture and presentation during transport.
Gift Cards
Electronic and physical gift cards available for any amount. Digital cards delivered instantly via email with scannable QR codes. Physical cards available through restaurant hosts, making perfect gifts for special occasions or corporate appreciation events.
Questions
What Louisiana specialties do you serve?
We feature classic Cajun and Creole dishes including Jambalaya, Crawfish Étouffée, Soft Shelled Crab, and Blackened Filet Mignon prepared using traditional New Orleans techniques.
Are take-out orders available?
Yes, our full menu is available for take-out with temperature-controlled packaging. Order directly through our website or delivery partners DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
What are your current operating hours?
We serve dinner nightly 5-9pm Monday-Wednesday, 11am-9pm Thursday, 11am-10pm Friday & Saturday, and 11am-9pm Sunday.
How can I purchase gift cards?
Electronic gift cards with instant QR codes are available online. Physical cards can be purchased at the restaurant through our host station.
What makes your service unique?
Our team service approach, nationally recognized by Nations Restaurant News, creates personalized dining experiences. Staff receive annual culinary training in New Orleans to maintain authentic hospitality traditions.
Have you hosted any notable guests?
The Palace Grill has welcomed five U.S. presidents and celebrated chefs like Julia Child and Wolfgang Puck during our 38-year history.
