Ty Lounge - Santa Barbara

The food here is better than at Bella Vista, the resort's flagship restaurant. They have a huge TV that they were playing sports on so it was loud. Otherwise, the place looks cool and has a great vibe. I think you can also sit out on the patio. Would eat here again.

My husband Matt B. is a Santa Barbara native, and we got married at the Biltmore in 2013. We had a couple wedding planning meetings in the lounge, which I now see is called Ty Lounge, as well as post-rehearsal drinks with our guests. I mostly remember this place for the Friday night crowd of middle-aged white people getting down. They were dancing wild at like 9:00. The lounge has gotten a bit of a makeover since then, though I don't see that it needed it. The place is as grand as it always was--a breathtaking doorway, a gorgeous bar--but with gaudier embellishments, like a giant red chandelier and a pretty unforgivable leopard print curtain. We went back last time we were in Santa Barbara, walking in for a nightcap on Thanksgiving, when most other bars were closed. It was a wonderful spot for a round of cocktails, and almost empty when we dropped in. The bartender was friendly and attentive, and we enjoyed our drinks. The cocktail list was fun and expansive, with whole sections devoted to G T and Moscow Mules variations. I tried the G T Cura and it was great, made with Santa Barbara Cutler's gin, Mediterranean Fever Tree tonic, anise, rosemary, and a passion fruit apple spiced shrub. It was super refreshing, the gin served with slices of strawberry as well as the anise and rosemary. The tonic and shrub came on the side, to mix in to taste. This was kind of fun. I like the vinegary punch of shrub, so I ended up using most of it while leaving some tonic behind. Matt's 8 Barrels was a lovely whiskey cocktail made with Four Seasons Select 1927 Barrel-Aged Breaker Bourbon, maple syrup, lemon, spiced simple syrup, and nutmeg in a hand-smoked glass. A nice, smooth drink. We had a fantastic time at Ty Lounge, as well as walking around the hotel afterward, reminiscing about our wedding. I expect we'll keep coming to this bar as long as we're boozing and married.

Ty Lounge is a beautiful bar/lounge located just inside the main entrance of the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort. When you walk in your eyes are immediately drawn to the stunning backlit bar and the amazing ocean views outside on the patio. There is also a grand fireplace complete with a cozy couch to nestle in and a plethora of intimate dining tables adorned with dimly lit candles. The cocktail menu is innovate and extensive. There is also a comparable wine list. I recommend the Smoked Apricot Daiquiri. Slightly sweet, a little smokey courtesy of the chipotle spice and very much a vacation in a glass. Order appetizers from their lounge menu or nibble on complimentary bar snacks provided at your request. I tried the Buffalo Cauliflower and it was amazing! Think more along the lines of a sweet and spicy Asian inspired sauce, opposed to a traditional American buffalo sauce. This is a great place for locals or resort guests a like. I recently went in on a Thursday night and surprisingly ran into four separate locals that I know. No need to feel intimidated if you 're not staying at the resort. They have live music almost daily and significant Happy Hour specials Monday Thursday 4pm 6pm. If you 're looking to try something new, or are craving a respite from your ordinary Downtown Santa Barbara or Funk Zone experience, I highly recommend visiting the Ty Lounge!

Had a couple hours to kill and Stacie totally saved me from my boredom. Got a couple cocktails here and the calamari. Omnomnom. The calamari was freaking huge and I had to take it to go and yes I even brought it with me during our 6 hour drive back to SF. Cocktails were huge and they even let me take it in a to-go cup so I could walk around outside and enjoy the view. One of my raspberry vodka cocktails tasted a lot like tequila though for some reason and I hate tequila but I asked Stacie and she confirmed it was vodka hmmm. There was complimentary popcorn and snack mix that I munched happily on as I played on my phone. They also have a new drink every day in a giant vat and they gave me a shot of it too. Stacie didn't judge me at all when I told her to just put all my drinks in one cup. Yes I am gross and no I do not care.

When you arrive in late afternoon for the sunset, end up spending 6 hours, enjoying the view and then the fire pit, you know it's amazing. Loved the wine list, the food and the Moscow Mule-wow!