There are few event types that allow you to celebrate with style and sophistication quite like a cocktail reception. These glamorous private events are perfectly suited to everything from birthday parties and girls' nights to corporate functions and networking events, making them versatile occasions indeed.
And if you're searching for the best cocktail party venues in Santa Barbara, you'll find an abundance of great options to choose from with Giggster. With its fabulous climate, picturesque beaches, and abundance of things to do, the city is a place you don't want to miss.
Each Santa Barbara space in our collection brings its own distinctive charm and individual character to your event, helping to make it as memorable and enchanting as possible. So no matter what event details nature intends for your celebration, download our app for free today and start the search for your perfect venue.
Riviera Beach House stands within walking distance of the Santa Barbara boardwalk, and it's one of many popular event venues on offer in this beautiful coastal city. It's also well worth checking out the range of unique downtown Santa Barbara event venues available on the Giggster app. We can help you find special event spaces similar to this busy venue, and for an affordable price, too.
Instead of a sit-down dinner, a cocktail party in an outdoor beer garden is a great option for a unique wedding reception. Your guests will love sinking a delicious drink or two while enjoying light appetizers.
Book a Spanish-style event space. Add some delicious and authentic Spanish food to your cocktail reception with hot and cold tapas—now that will be sure to have your guests licking their lips.
How about a speakeasy art gallery? Many a great Santa Barbara venue doubles as both a neighborhood treasure and a gorgeous setting for private events. Best of all, there are Santa Barbara event venues to suit all budgets.
When you want to treat someone special in your life to a birthday party they'll cherish forever, an intimate cocktail bar by the sea is the ideal setting for unforgettable private events.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Giggster provides easy access to an eclectic selection of memorable and charming event venues. There are 34 wonderful sites to explore in the local community, and each offers its own unique style and character.
Hassle-Free Booking: It's refreshingly simple and stress-free to book Santa Barbara event venues with Giggster. Use the search filters to find suitable cocktail reception spaces, check transparent pricing and venue info straight away, and get in touch with the property owner in person if you need more details.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Sometimes plans change at the last minute. When that happens, and if you've booked at least 48 hours prior to your event date, you can cancel your booking for free within 24 hours of confirming it.
Platform Protections: Hosting private events can be an experience fraught with stress, so put your mind at ease by adding optional liability, damage, and cancellation insurance to your cocktail party venue booking.
Is downtown Santa Barbara the ideal destination for your cocktail reception, or are you better off looking elsewhere? There are a few good arguments for both sides of the equation.
Advantages
The vibrant atmosphere of downtown Santa Barbara and its picturesque views have created numerous event spaces to suit a huge variety of private events.
Exclusivity is a bonus of cocktail party venues, and there are cocktail reception venues in Santa Barbara to suit all styles of special occasions and all budget levels.
The city is no stranger to events and festivals—you can easily find great catering and entertainment in Santa Barbara for your celebration.
Disadvantages
The best Santa Barbara event venues tend to book out well in advance, so you may not be able to lock in the venue you want if you don't get in early.
Venues for private parties in this popular coastal city also tend to be quite expensive, so you may need a larger budget than first anticipated.
For a larger range of venues and vendors, you may want to move your party further along the coast to Los Angeles.
A stunning spot like The Boho Backdrop in Santa Barbara is ideal for brunch events and cocktail parties. You'll find a huge range of venue types for private events in Santa Barbara. So no matter what your gathering entails, here are some of the popular spaces worth considering.
Outdoor Spaces – Outdoor Ambiance. Whether you opt for a full patio buyout or an exclusive private patio space, an outdoor courtyard or patio can help you make the most of the beautiful Santa Barbara scenery and weather.
Beer Gardens – Sipping in the Sunshine. A sunny beer garden with plenty of craft beers on tap is perfect for private events like birthday party celebrations, bachelor parties, and holiday parties.
Warehouses – Industrial Chic. Whether you're hosting a business meeting or business dinner in a converted industrial space or entertaining private groups for a chic cocktail program, a warehouse offers a unique backdrop.
Restaurants – Intimate Dinner Party. No matter if you book a private dining space or an entire restaurant buyout, the right restaurant location can offer the ideal setting for an intimate wedding or family celebration.
Mansions – Luxury Living. A glamorous and opulent private mansion or beachfront property provides a great setting for an intimate social gathering with plenty of wow factor.
You want to break bread at a business meeting, sip cocktails at a stylish party, or just catch up with old friends, but planning a successful event is hard work. Follow the steps below to help guide you through the planning process for a standout get-together.
What's the Occasion? – From corporate events to private parties in Santa Barbara, the style of event you're hosting will dictate the venue you choose. The space you select will need to match the vibe of your event.
When, Who, and How Much? – Next, choose a date for your party, finalize your guest list, and work out how much you want to spend. Will you need to book the space for a three-hour window or a longer period?
Where Will it be? – Now it's time to compare Santa Barbara event venues and find your ideal space. Shop around for whatever features you're looking for in a cocktail party venue, such as a shared tasting room, a private patio, Pacific Ocean views, or something else. Maybe you want a Santa Ynez location or a spot on State Street, Santa Barbara's Restaurant Row. Take your time finding the right Central Coast venue for your next event.
What Will you eat and Drink? – What's on the menu for your event? Handcrafted cocktails, gin and tonic, exceptional local wines and locally sourced produce, seasonal paella expertly prepared by experienced chefs, authentic Spanish food, California barbecue cuisine, wood-fired grilled seafood, or flavors from anywhere else around the globe? Alternatively, maybe you want a venue that can accommodate brunch events based in the heart of Santa Barbara.
What About Entertainment? – How will you keep guests entertained at your Santa Barbara County event? If it's a corporate meeting, maybe you could book a guest speaker, while social occasions might be better suited to a band or DJ.
What Else do you Need? – If you need to add to the existing furniture in the space, set up interactive exhibits, or invest in extra decorations like string lights to turn your venue into a beautiful space, do so now.
Even small and intimate private events can grow into quite expensive occasions. So if you need help sticking to your Santa Barbara event budget, use the simple tips below to help keep your costs to a minimum.
Opt for a simple menu.
The cocktails are the hero at any cocktail party, so focus on them first, and don't go overboard with an overly fancy or extensive food menu. From hot and cold tapas to wood-fired grilled seafood, and simple cuisine prepared with local and seasonal ingredients, reduce costs by keeping your menu simple.
Choose the right-sized venue.
Rather than the major expense of a full restaurant buyout, look for an intimate cocktail party venue that offers just the right capacity for your guest count. This will improve the atmosphere of your event and ensure that you don't pay extra for space you don't need. Restricting your guest list will also help you avoid the cost of a large party reservation.
Look for party packages.
Numerous event spaces offer special event packages that bundle multiple services and features together into a single offering. You and your events team can shop around and compare packages from Santa Barbara event venues to find the best deals.
From a wedding reception to an intimate social gathering and even a wide range of corporate events, make your cocktail party stand out from the crowd with a show-stopping venue. Download the Giggster app today and start searching for wonderful cocktail party venues in Santa Barbara.
