Backstage Dueling Piano Bar
Santa Barbara
(77)
Santa Barbara
(77)
77 customer reviews
Ashley A.
Great decor, amazing food for the soul, the best company and has a GM with a smile for daays that will make sure your visit is top notch. (Look for Nelson)
Reviewed on Yelp
Franklin L.
I've had some great experiences here. Especially with bartender Matt  and bouncer Isaia. These guys help make the experience here. The music can be a hit or miss sometimes, but I just really enjoy the people that work here!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Mike S.
My first time in Santa Barbara was last week due to bringing a convertible 3-series back to its rightful owner (it was consensual, settle down! ).A treat on the trip was the chance to walk through Santa Barbara with a friend of mine who use to live there for a few years and gave me a sense of the place and the current nightlife.Though it was Thursday night in August Backstage was open, with duelling pianos, and a lovely atmosphere.  I wish I had more time to have soaked up the young and fresh atmosphere.  Next time through, I figure.If you are looking to kick up  your heels or to throw back a few, Backstage is definitely the top choice in Santa Barbara. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Sav A.
Backstage has a killer multi-floor set up, laid-back lounge decor, and great bartenders. But I'm writing this review almost exclusively because of DJ Danny Welch. DJ Danny has been throwing on firey medleys of throw-back hip-hop, trap, modern pop, and tropical beats that have the entire crowd shaking in unison. He reads the crowd perfectly. Stop by on a night DJ Danny Is spinning to kick your night up a notch. More...
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Elzian O.
recently moved Santa Barbara this past January and when I was looking for places to eat and have a great evening I came across Backstage on State and I literally found exactly what I was looking for! Beautiful hospitality, a welcoming atmosphere, 3 levels of seating and music if all kinds and its located in a very easy to get to place downtown! When you come up to backstage you will be greeted by the beautiful Christi who is an incredible hostess who is also in charge of bottle service and she will take great care of you and your party for whatever occasion you have throughout the week! Backstage also various music nights .. rock/country night and on the weekends the have college night and my roommate Danny Welch is one of the regular djs there and the mood is great and its always packed! I would highly recommend taking your family, friends or just yourself and you will have a great time! More...
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Elhanan G.
Stiff drinks, great atmosphere, live music and fresh food. And this was on a Wednesday! Possibly the friendliest staff in Santa Barbara. I'll definitely be coming back if it's always this fun. Thanks Nelson! More...
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Jorge S.
The staff is very amicable the drinks are the coldest. Best bar I've been too in awhile!
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Christina A.
BEST WINGS IN TOWN !! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Tried a few diff flavours and the honey garlic are my ultimate favourite ! Ended up here on a Wednesday night after hearing they had a local live band performing (who absolutely KILLED IT) and was told they have live music every week! PLUS DJs throughout the weekend where this amazing kitchen turns into a 3 story nightclub?! Will definitely be back ASAP to dine and dance!! Extra big S/O and thank you to my bartender/server Ashley for her amazing cocktails and service and to the entire kitchen staff for such delicious food (my only regret is eating it too fast before remembering to grab a photo! LOL!!) More...
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Kara D.
Great bottle service! Our bottle girl provided wonderful, friendly, and QUICK service. The staff member set near our table made sure our area was clear of clutter and used glasses then refreshed with clean ones at all times. Everything was taken care of and we had plenty of space to dance without a crowd! FANTASTIC experience- great staff, fun atmosphere- definitely worth the cost! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Giovanni C.
Nelson and the crew at Backstage have brought 409 State St back to the Santa Barbara Nightlife! Was great to come back and visit and see how far Nelson has come in the past 15 years. Nelson and I worked together at Q's, a former nightclub at this location, and coming back to visit him as the GM of Backstage was a great treat! Julian at the upstairs bar perfectly managed a busy night of serving while also being present and making sure to spend time connecting with his guests. Kristi hooked us up with VIP bottle service and had some tables roped off so we had a place to hang out whenever we got off the dance floor! Thanks again to Nelson and all the staff at Backstage, glad my old favorite club is back with a new look and a new great team! We will be back every trip we are in town! More...
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Iryna T.
Great fish tacos. The place is pretty cool. Excellent customer service. Clean restrooms.
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Nhan L.
I had a great time here with my friends. Dueling piano is so fun. The chicken wings and fried are so good. The hostess, Huyen is funny and friendly. I will come back here when I visit SB next time. More...
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Maria R.
Best spot in town. I like the setup good drinks good entertainment
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Lindsey P.
Came here tonight for our friend's bachelorette party and the music was great and the drinks were reasonably priced. Anthony and Nelson the security kept an eye on us girls and made sure we safe and taken care of after a little spill. Totally recommend coming here for a night out on the town! Thanks Nelson for turning our night right side up! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Lynne Lynne S.
I come here every weekend. It is always a good time highly recommend it to everyone who comes to Santa Barbara! Amazing staff and perfect to mix it up each level is it's own vibes. . perfect to meet lit ass people. Ask for Leela best bartender she shakes ass and shakes drinks! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Danny W.
Since moving here, Backstage has been the go to spot for all of my friends on the weekend! Â Great employees, solid food, and some pretty sexy djs; ) Â Both the first and third floor offer exciting dance floor options. Â Right on state, I highly recommend for a fun night out with your friends! More...
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Ernesto M.
Awesome service, great place to party and catch that Santa Barbara vibe. Â Nelson took care of all our needs and made sure we had a great time!
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Isaiah O.
Backstage is the best place for a good time and a fun staff. Great drink menu and awesome entertainment. Dueling Pianos is the best show on state.
Reviewed on Yelp
Lendin S.
We came here on Thursday and from the get go everything was so amazing. Service was great and the wings are to die for. Specifically the hostess, i think her name is Huyen and she was just lovely. If you plan to come here, please do. Wings 10/10, service 10/10 More...
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Myia P.
The drinks are awesome staff is great  music and DJ's are fire..... come out and join us on Wednesday nights country nights is where it's at 21 and over 3rd floor
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Dare H.
I can't speak to the food, but they have an awesome atmosphere and they let the old folks like myself dance to a DJ upstairs without having to go to a wedding. My wife and I have been here twice in the past month and had an absolute blast. There simply isn't another spot like it in town. I also love the building and have always loved it since it was Q's. Though I miss the pool tables on the top floor, the new set-up is great. The bartenders are also really nice. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Zachary S.
I had a fun time here. Great food and excellent service. The wings were awesome. I haven't been in this place since it was Q's in the late 90s-2000. It is cool to see how the place has changed. More...
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Cathy M.
A woman named Perla was so beautiful and sweet. Would definitely go again just to see her :)
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Sydney S.
Backstage is the best place I've been in a while! The staff there is amazing and so friendly and the drinks are perfect. The variety of all three floors is something I've never seen before and would definitely recommend going to check it out. Nelson is the most passionate and driven worker and he makes Backstage a really good environment. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Huguette Mckeon
It’s a beautiful place in town for an evening of great fun!
Reviewed on Facebook
Tin Le
Great bar and fun environment
Reviewed on Facebook
Jerome W.
10/10 recommend!Our server Nelson was attentive to our requests and dietary restrictions. Our glasses were never empty (we had a party of 8! ) and he made sure that each order was correct before bringing it our. Try the carnitas tacos paired with the tater tots and you won't have a bad time. I highly recommend backstage to anyone who has been in the area for a while or is just driving thru. Their location on state street makes it confident to access the rest of town and even head to the waterfront if you so please. Next time you're around look no further than backstage! More...
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Isaiah Adrian
Historic Building with 3 floors of fun for 21+ only
Reviewed on Facebook
Miranda B.
Had the greatest time here! Drinks were good, food was incredible and live music made it that much better. I'm not from the area but would drive up to Santa Barbara anytime just for this place
Reviewed on Yelp
Laura R.
I'm so glad my friends and I were able to find this place. We were celebrating her birthday and it was a lot of fun! The piano show was great and the service wonderful! A special thank you to the bartenders Ashley and Leela. Right off the bat they greeted us and made us feel welcomed. Oh and their drinks AMAZING! At first we didn't know what to expect, but they convinced us to stay and I'm so happy we did. I will definitely be coming back and would recommend Backstage to everyone! More...
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Ryan Bueter
The dueling pianos show is the best thing to hit Santa Barbara! Thank God for Backstage that we finally have this here!
Reviewed on Facebook
Lan A.
Drinks are strong.Ambience is great.Servers are friendly, helpful and sweet! Food was fresh. Only con is the cleanliness of the bathroom was pretty gross. That's the only reason I am taking a star off. But overall great place! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Candice J.
We enjoyed this place. We are older... 60+. It's a young crowd. But they didn't make us feel like we didn't belong. Â It was our Anniversary I requested a song they didn't know. So the did a little song with us. Very cute. Thanks for making our Anniversary fun. I'd go again and would love to take some friends. Â Loved it... More...
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Rich H.
Impressed with the service. Nelson is a passionate professional and so fun. Food is simple and delish. Cocktails are wonderful and will have you asking for more, more and more.
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Omar S.
If you're searching for a fun night in Sb definitely check out Backstage. Amazing atmosphere and great people working there!
Reviewed on Yelp
Tyler W.
best bar in town. couldn't believe the customer service. drinks are perfect and staff is gorgeous!
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Claudia D.
Had an absolutely amazing time here! Our waitress, Waverly, was so friendly and attentive!! She def made our night
Reviewed on Yelp
Erin Morgan S.
Hands down the best bar in Santa Barbara! Amazing drinks and atmosphere for a night out or a casual lunch.
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Zachary J.
This place is incredible!! The drinks and food are delicious, yet very affordable for one of the most touristy parts of Santa Barbara where prices are typically inflated. And that's not the end of it! The fact that it is 3 stories allows it to feature multiple atmospheres for whatever type of experience you are desiring. Their outdoor patio let's you enjoy Santa Barbara's famous State Street. The bottom floor features live music and on weekends: The Dueling Pianos, which are two very talented musicians that can play any song you request, while providing you with entertaining personalities that will get you out of your seat regardless if you requested the song on not. The second floor is more of a private balcony floor that gives you some exclusivity, while also giving you great views of the downstairs stage and Dueling Pianos set up. The third floor is more separated from the two and gives off more of a club yet lounge vibe that always has incredible DJs that play a great mix of music for everyone to enjoy! The staff is also incredible and you can tell how much they enjoy their job and love being there. They're all fun to talk to, provide you with service that rivals the most high end/high priced restaurants/bars in Santa Barbara, and make sure you feel so welcomed that you won't want to leave and will keep returning. The General Manager, Nelson is a class act that makes sure you have a great time, are well taken care of, and does a great job ensuring that drama and trouble doesn't enter the building so that everyone can feel safe and comfortable. Every kind of friend I've brought in here has wanted to come back because of all of these amenities that the place offers. This place is the best lounge/bar in Santa Barbara and I am 100% confident will remain that way. If you don't go, you are missing out!! More...
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Andrew E.
Amazing atmosphere and great prices on food and drinks. Definitely a place to have a few drinks at. Bonus Point for the guys they have on the piano!! They played pokemon for us.
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Nicholas L.
Epic time and meal. The wings were spicy and some Karen's would probably complain but real wing nuts will love the flavor and heat! The weekend is monumental 3rd floor with DJ and 1st and 2nd floor has dualing pianos every Friday and Sat. Gourmet comfort food is the best description of the menu. Best offerings in SB! More...
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Joe M.
Been wanting to check this place out since they changed the name and did some upgrades. I wasn't disappointed. They food is top notch and the service was great. The Manager Nelson was awesome and really made the whole experience that much better. If you get a chance do yourself a favor a check out this place. More...
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Juan G.
Terrible food and terrible service, ordered Buffalo wings and who knows what the send me, plus undercook! Careful when eating there, this guys can kill you or send you to the hospital for serving raw chicken.
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Jane N.
As a music fan, I love this place. They have really good live music every wednesday night and Dueling Piano on Friday and Saturday. I had so much fun with my friends here. The staffs are young, friendly and very nice. Highly Recommended. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Matt B.
Went out to support some of the local business, coming to Backstage after the facelift and changes was one of the best decisions I Â have made. They have a perfect covid friendly setup, everyone wearing masks and social distancing. The staff was so nice and accommodating. Nelson, the manager was attentive and made sure that we had the best time. Food and drink menu was very impressive, so simple yet so elegant. I highly recommend trying each drink on the menu because I still can't decide which one I liked the best. I'm so happy with the changes and the venue this has become. This will for sure be added to my weekly night out list. If you haven't checked out Backstage you are missing out!! Will definitely be back on a Friday or Saturday to check out the upstairs lounge and enjoy a DJ! Can't wait to be back! More...
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Tim G.
I'm so happy this place is open for indoor dining and drinks, some of the best I've had in a while! Also the best dueling pianos in town, SO MUCH fun to watch and sing along with! Â Nelson the GM has really turned this place in a great place that my friends and I want to come back to weekly! More...
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Jody M.
Stopped by last night for dueling pianos, had a blast. Â The third floor was hip-hop, Â super jams. Â They carry my favorite beer too. Â GILLY'S. !!!!@drinkgillys.
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Robbie E.
Went in last night and watched the dueling pianos and backstage, they were awesome!!!! The drinks were amazing, and the staff was really nice! I didn't have the food but I will definitely be back to try it!! More...
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Kev L.
My new favorite place to hangout when staying or passing through SB! I've known Nelson for a long time and I can attest that he and his crew will take care of you. He recommended me the food there and I gotta say it did not disappoint. Stop by and check them out if you get the chance and say hi to Nelson the Panda. More...
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Leela R.
Came here last night and it was amazing! If you're looking for for live music after a year of silence Backstage is definitely the place. The duelling pianos were some of the best I've ever heard! More...
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