Bluewater Grill in Santa Barbara delivers great seafood dishes, bring your own caught fish in too- June 2025
Bluewater Grill – Santa Barbara 
Address: 15 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 845‑5121
Website: bluewatergrill.com/
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sun 11 AM–9 PM (Happy Hour M–F, 3–6 PM)
Ambiance & Views
Tucked into the iconic lighthouse building at the base of State Street and Cabrillo Boulevard, Bluewater Grill offers three levels of dining and two bars, all boasting sweeping views. The beautifully appointed indoor dining room provides an airy, upscale-casual vibe, while the upstairs outdoor patio offers a breezy perch overlooking the beach, harbor, and Stearns Wharf—a perfect spot for sipping cocktails al fresco
Starters to Savor
- Raw sea scallops in Ponzu sauce – delightfully fresh and tangy, a must-order opener.
- Crab & avocado salad – creamy and bright, it beautifully balances the real crab.
- Clam chowder is available, but do share their shellfish cioppino—rich, flavorful, and loaded with seafood.
Not-To-Miss Entrées
- Our Favorite was the Black cod (butter fish) with miso sauce, served alongside white rice and vegetables—a beautifully balanced, melt-in-your-mouth dish.
- The Sand dabs, perfectly cooked and paired with scallops, potatoes, and spinach—truly delicious and elegant.
These dishes exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to seafood you won’t often find elsewhere.
Unique Offer: Cook Your Catch
What makes Bluewater Grill stand out locally: you can bring in fish you’ve caught on one of the nearby boat tours, and they’ll prepare and cook it for you. Several diners on Reddit confirm this unique service, calling it “so cool” and “the only place that does that here”
Service & Drinks
Managers Sarah and Jennifer, along with server/bartender Jack are warm, attentive, and hospitable—making sure you’re well looked-after throughout the meal
Don’t miss their signature drinks or curated wine list. The espresso martini with cold brew coffee is fantastic—a perfect finish or prelude to your seafood experience.
Don’t miss the brioche bread pudding with McConnells ice cream
Overall Impressions
Bluewater Grill delivers a rare combination of:
- Stunning indoor and outdoor views in a historic yet refined space
- Creative seafood dishes not commonly found elsewhere
- The novel opportunity to have your own catch prepared
- Friendly, professional service under managers Sarah and Jennyfer, with Jack keeping the good vibes flowing
- A full bar featuring local craft beers, wines, cocktails, and their own High Spot beers
Final Verdict
For a quintessential Santa Barbara seafood experience—complete with ocean breezes, inventive dishes, personalized service, and the possibility to enjoy your own catch—Bluewater Grill is a standout. Bring an appetite, a sense of adventure, and maybe even a fish to cook!
Bluewater Grill – Santa Barbara
15 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 845‑5121
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30a–9p, Fri–Sun 11a–9p; Happy Hour M–F 3–6p
bluewatergrill.com/location/