The Best BBQ is here. Literally.
Santa Barbara’s State Street is now home to Best BBQ, 716 State St., the latest restaurant from Raj Singh and his business partner, Juan Ramirez.
“Barbecue chose me,” Singh said. “I like cooking.”
Singh opened his first Best BBQ in Santa Paula nine years ago.
His cousin owns Apna Indian Kitchen, next door at 718 State St. The site was previously occupied by Mokutan.
“A closed door is an opportunity for someone else,” Singh said.
Singh said he took cooking classes in middle school and fell in love with barbecue.
He was born in India and moved with his family to Ventura when he was a year old. He lives in Santa Paula.
Restaurants are part of the family business. His parents have franchised Subways.
“My dad is in the convenience store business, and I have always helped him out,” Singh said.
The food recipes come from his business partner, and everything is made from scratch, in house. Singh’s favorite dish is the pork ribs.
“Our dry rub we put on our meat, we prepare ourselves,” Singh said. “If someone is looking for good, healthy food, we don’t use any preservatives or oils.”
The restaurant is holding its grand opening on Friday, offering $10 tri-tip sandwiches all day. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and it serves wine and beer.
A Plug for New Cookie Shop
Another new restaurant is opening on State Street.
Cookie Plug Santa Barbara is holding an official grand opening on Saturday.
The event will feature dancing, a DJ and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first 50 customers will receive free cookies and swag.
The pickup and delivery shop is set to open at 918 State St.
The designer cookies have names such as Firecracker, Nutty O.G., Bam Bam, Pixie Junkie and Good Luv.
The shop also sells keto cookies, such as the Black Magic with 4.9 grams of carbs, and the Kitt, 3.1 grams.
The End of the Road
Carpinteria’s Good Plow restaurant is closing this Saturday.
“After many amazing memories, unfortunately our beloved Plow is closing its doors on Feb. 11. Please join us during this open time to savor one last meal together. A heartfelt thank you for the love and support. Cheers to the journey we shared.
The Good Plow opened at 5205 Carpinteria Ave. in 2021.
Taco Tour Starts Friday
Taco Tour Santa Barbara is offering tours that coincide with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The tour includes five authentic tacos from five taquerias on State Street. The experience includes a 1.5-mile walking journey, “exploring the city’s scenic beauty while savoring the finest tacos at top-rated destinations.”
The tour is dog-friendly.
Visit TacoTourSantaBarbara.com for more information and various tour options.
At the conclusion of the tour, each guest will get a gift bag with more than $200 in incentive coupons to visit local businesses, restaurants and bars in town.