Hello dear
Welcome To Tupelo Junction Cafe
Tupelo Junction Cafe, located at 1218 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, is a delightful culinary gem that captures the essence of Southern charm. Known for its inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a diverse menu featuring pan-seared Dungeness crab cakes and pecan-crusted trout. Guests rave about the unique Cajun and Southern flavors that shine in every dish. The brunch and happy hour options are equally enticing, complemented by a vibrant bar. Customer reviews emphasize the welcoming service and cozy setting, making it an ideal spot for gatherings. Tupelo Junction Cafe promises a memorable dining experience filled with warmth and flavor.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Cheddar Cheese Hush Puppies
Bloody Mary Braised Baby Back Ribs & Cornbread Waffle
Chocolate Turtle Beignets
Bananas Foster
About
Tupelo Junction Cafe
Welcome to Tupelo Junction Cafe, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara at 1218 State St. This captivating eatery captures the essence of Southern charm and hospitality, offering a vibrant atmosphere perfect for friends and families alike. With a menu rich in Cajun and Southern-inspired dishes, it’s no wonder this cafe consistently draws in enthusiastic crowds.
The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped by a cozy, welcoming environment, punctuated by friendly service and an inviting ambiance. Whether you’re opting for a refreshing drink at happy hour or savoring a beautifully crafted dinner, Tupelo Junction Cafe promises an experience that feels both homey and special.
Let’s dive into the culinary highlights here! The Fried Chicken Salad, featuring cornbread, dried cranberries, and topped with an herb buttermilk dressing, is a delightful balance of textures and flavors, a real standout at $14. If you’re seeking a taste of Southern tradition, the Fried Green Tomato Goat Cheese Stack ($8) is a must-try, artfully combining crispy tomatoes with creamy cheese and peppery arugula. For an added touch of comfort, the Katie's Roasted Carrot & Parsnip Soup ($8) paired with a root vegetable beignet is as warming as it is satisfying.
But it doesn't stop there! The menu also features indulgent sweets like Chocolate Turtle Beignets ($8) that melt in your mouth and a Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie ($8) that promises to elevate your dessert experience. And let’s not forget the sides—homemade potato chips and thick-cut sweet potato fries with buttermilk dressing are perfect companions to any meal.
With commendations from guests highlighting not just the food but also the great service and cozy atmosphere, it's evident that Tupelo Junction Cafe has curated an exceptional dining experience. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, every visit feels like a special occasion. As one guest aptly remarked, it’s a refreshing place to gather, unwind, and enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes.
If you find yourself in Santa Barbara, make sure to stop by. The welcoming vibe, impressive menu, and delicious food make Tupelo Junction Cafe a true standout on State Street. You'll want to return again and again!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Tupelo is a great place to meet friends, relax in the welcoming, family friendly atmosphere and enjoy refreshing drinks and fresh, tasty food. You have great choices for happy hour and an amazing dinner menu. A Santa Barbara gem! ”
“ Great menu with interesting and unique dining options. Cajun and Southern themed menu. Excellent bar and cocktails. Great brunch menu. Very good service. A gem on State Street. ”
“ Awesome food and great service. Nice relaxing atmosphere on a Sunday night. Had the Mac & Cheese and BBQ pulled pork sloppy joe, both were even good as reheated leftovers the next day. Food and drinks were excellent. Servers gave us local advice on where to visit while in town. ”
“ Omg ! so we recently moved to SB and notice this place always having the longest line during the weeknds so that's always a good sign right? well we visited Monday for lunch and the cafe was cute and cozy very friendly wait staff and the food was So Freaking Delicious! I had their lobster corn cowder soup with corn bread and I didn't want the deliciousness to end! my husband had the lunch special turkey sandwich with lobster soup also very good! I highly recommend this place! would I go back? Yes! ”
“ On our road trip up north to San Fran we popped in for breakfast and it was the prefect spot to start our trip with! Just love the out door seating area!! And of course the food and hot beverages were great too. ”
“ I was welcomed very happily by the staff and was quickly seated, they bring orange juice to your table to fill up your glass which is really cool! Food came in a short matter of time and tasted amazing and fresh. Overall great experience and a lively environment to eat with great staff, would highly recommend if you're in the area. ”
“ Tupelo Junction Cafe was clutch!! I mean a true life-snatcher joy-bringer. At a time when I believed I was going to die of starvation.... This past weekend the BF and I took a trip to SB for my B-Day weekend and unfortunately it was pouring rain. The brunch spot we choose at first had a ridiculous wait time and was super small so we decided to take our chance in the rain and ran over to TJC. The restaurant was a great size split into two levels. They even had a couple of outdoor seating with heat lamps and covering from the rain. The wait was minimal even though it was packed. We waited for about 15 mins and was seated (WIN!). The menu consisted of an appetizing mix of classic brunch options and southern fare. We got the Waffle Lady's Pumpkin Oatmeal Waffle w/ Caramelized Bananas, Candied Pecans & Real Maple Syrup and Dungeness Crab Cake & Potato Hash w/ Avocado Salsa, Poached Egg, Beurre Blanc & Toast. The waffle was SOOOOOO delish, perfectly sweet with a hint of pumpkin, a certain must-try for anyone who loves sweets for breakfast. I had the Dungeness Crab Cake and was in heaven. I literally rolled my eyes in ecstasy and annoyance that this place wasn't closer to home so I could have it every weekend. The potato hash was both crispy and pillowy at the same time and seasoned ever so tastefully. The avocado salsa was a perfect addition adding a much appreciated creamy texture to the dish. The CRAB yummmmmmmmmmm so tasty! Nice and flaky but crispy...but that poached egg doe....!!! OMG one puncture sent a lava flow of oooweee delight. It enveloped the whole dish bring all the flavors together. I was even sopping up the remnants with the toast provided. Every morsel was devoured in pure and total delight! The food was without a doubt exceptional with amazing service to match. Our waitress was prompt, friendly and made excellent recommendations. Plus the food came out super quick! SO AMAZING! You really can't go wrong here. Only compliant is Its not in LA so I can go every weekend. ”
“ Best chicken and waffles!!! The crap cakes were delicious. Coffee was hot and the orange juice was freshly squeezed. The food came out quick and the service was impeccable. This is a must visit spot from now on. ”