The Imperial

The Imperial is Goleta's hidden cocktail lounge, tucked behind a bike shop in a quiet strip mall off Kellogg Avenue. There is no obvious sign; guests look for a small neon marker around the back, a nod to the old dive bar that once occupied the space. Inside, the room is dark and candlelit, with vintage booths, retro lamps, and a touch of tiki, and a patio out back offers more room on mild nights. The focus is on well-crafted cocktails from bartenders who like to improvise. There is no kitchen. Music is atmosphere rather than a show, making it a fit for low-volume jazz, lounge, or vinyl sets.