Historic Presidio Neighborhood Takes on a Fresh Look with Renewed Dining, Shopping, Culture and Character

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -

One of the oldest areas of Santa Barbara has one of the newest looks.

Artist Hugh Margerum and business owners in a two block area east of State Street and shaped in part by Canon Perdido Street and Santa Barbara Street, have claimed the area as the Presidio Neighborhood. It's also bordered by the landmark Presidio Chapel and State Historic Park.

To fully experience the food, shopping, culture and character, it takes a walking tour. Some residents might think they know the ins and outs already. The area, however has gone through a renewal, without a full blown master plan. It's just happened naturally with a trendy collection of businesses that compliment each other.

Margerum was quick to name everything around him in the first block of a stroll through the area. "Julienne, Sojourner has been here a long time, Drishti's (Yoga Clothing), Handlebars (coffee), Jimmy's which is now the Pickle Room and Three Pickles Deli and, it turns into Corazon pop-up taco bar on Sundays," he said.

An alley way has been converted into a quaint outside dining area for the coffee and lunchtime crowd. Often friends see friends and make new friends here.

"I almost run into someone every day. That's part of the cool thing, you see people you know, and do a little networking," said Margerum.

Nearby is a section of the old Chinatown in Santa Barbara with historic information on the wall. That is next to the oldest building in the city, the guard's quarters for the Presidio. El Cuartel, dates back to 1782.

A half a block away is the Lobero Theatre, with a full schedule of live performances throughout the year. It's also home to the "Sings Like Hell" music series, which is described as "The greatest music you've never heard."

Six tasting rooms, known as the Wine Collection of El Paseo are nestled into the walkways between Anacapa St. and De la Guerra Plaza. They are clustered near the Wine Cask, featuring top rated fine dining. It's complimented by the Intermezzo Bar and Cafe next door, for a more casual experience.

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Historic Presidio Neighborhood Takes on a Fresh Look with Renewed Dining, Shopping, Culture and Character