California - Santa Barbara Restaurant and Nightlife Suggestions?

I'll be in Santa Barbara for 3 days in mid-October for business. Looking for suggestions for nice dining and nightlife. No chains please! :cool:

Downey's Restaurant (http://downeyssb.com/)

Drive north to Santa Maria and eat at Shaw's Steakhouse. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33051-d469231-Reviews-Shaw_s_Famous_Steak_House-Santa_Maria_California.html)

Had steak there 3 times, and the 3 best steaks I've had in the US. Tri-tip is excellent as well. Pork ribs, not so good.

I used to live in Solvang, and frequented SB alot.

In terms of nice dining. http://winecask.com ALways great stuff. If you want slightly more upscale there is Bouchon: http://www.bouchonsantabarbara.com
Opal is a decent from my recollection. If you venture up to Santa Ynez Valley. Try Root 246 or for the best food in the Valley try the Ballard Inn.

In terms of Night Life.. I am not sure what is popular these days...

I definitely agree with both Downey's and Bouchon. If you want a little more interesting atmosphere, try Stella Mare and ask for a table in the greenhouse overlooking the pond.

An excellent Italian restaurant is Ca Dario, though the seating is a bit tight and it can be noisy.

For idine the two best restaurants are ca dario and stella mare. The best high end restaurants in town is Julienne, followed by plow and dove at San Ysidro ranch and then bouchon. Some other less pricey options are Brophy Bros, Zen Yai, opal, The palace and Milk and Honey.

For nightlife, I go to Madisons or Dargons. For classier nightlife Eos or Savoy are most popular.