Sandbar Cocina and Tequila Bar - State St. in Santa Barbara, CA

This being my first trip to Santa Barbara, which turned out to be a culinary oasis, it was quite difficult to decide which eatery would be the winner for lunch. In this case I am guilty of judging the book by its fancy cover...or shall I say the restaurant by the decor.

Pictured above: Addicting chips and salsa, patio view, chicken tacos, carne asada tacos, the lovely Wilson family, fajitas salad carbon. For complete menu check out Sandbar Menu.

• Cuisine: Mexican- tequilla bar, tacos, burritos, salads, tostadas...you get it.

• Favorite Food Items: Carne Asada Tacos, Fajitas Salad Carbon

• Price: $$- Specialty tacos come ala carte which isn't too bad at $3-5 a piece, rice/beans are an extra $1.50. Some tacos and burritos come as meals running around $8-9. Specials peak around $14. Happy hour prices apply to some food items as well which can make for a pretty good deal. Food is delicious though including the free chips and salsa so I'd say it's worth the price you pay. 

• Ambience:  The Sandbar is set up to give off a tropical beachy vibe. Both indoor and "outdoor" seating are provided. We were privileged enough to get a high top table on the patio in the shade. Views of multiple televisions, crazy spanish decorations, and unique photos spread throughout. 

• Dress Code: Trendy-Casual. With many fun events that occur nightly at this place outfit choice may vary. When grabbing a quick bite for lunch with friends you might get away with a tank top, shorts and flip flops. At night however you might feel out of place if you don't dress it up a little.

• Shell's Rating: 4 out of 5 -The atmosphere and amazing tacos would be enough to bring me back again, but I would be crazy not to return for "2 Legit Taco Tuesdays" featuring a variety of 90's themed music and great deals. I mean the entire cast of Saved by the Bell was on the promotional flyer...how much more legit can you get? Each day has a fun promotion so be sure to check out their calendar online before hitting up the Sandbar.

TAPS Fish house and Brewery -Shopes at Dos Lagos - Corona, CA

I have known about this restaurant for a few years now, I have driven past it's Brea location many times and never given it a chance, seeing as I am not a big fish fan. What drew me in this time you may ask? Their widely varied and amazingly priced happy hour menu! From small plates, to Big plates, to BIGGER plates, I would highly recommend you give it a shot too. Although this menu is only available in the bar, the main menu seemed large could be ordered from there as well.

Pictured above: Buffalo Chicken Lollipops, Warm Pretzels, Bread and Olive Oil/Balsamic Spread

For complete menu visit: Taps Fish House and Brewery

• Cuisine: Seafood, Pizzas, Share-able plates

• Favorite Food Items: Warm Pretzels and Dip, French Fries, Mushroom Pizza

• Price: $$-$$$$- Items ranged in price from $2 for some happy hour small plates, but can get pretty pricey if you are hoping to get the surf and turn for $65.99.

• Ambience: The dining hall is beautiful rich dark wood with and open kitchen to sneak a peak of the "behind the scenes" action. One open room is scattered with tables, white table clothes and high vaulted ceilings. The bar is spacious and has high-tops, small tables, and a few large comfy booths.

• Dress Code: Casual attire is more than acceptable in the bar or patio section.Business casual would be appropriate in the main dining hall, but dressing up wouldn't make you out of place either.

• Shell's Rating: 3 out of 5- given I have only tried the happy hour menu I would suggest this place if you are in the area and looking for something cheap and new to fill you up. The portions are quite large so be careful not to let your eyes get bigger than your stomach. On the upside you have could have take-out for days.