The Funk Zone

So I read great reviews and visited the area. I guess it’s still growing, I thought it was nice and the wine taste locations we visited were friendly. It’s a nice area but not a great area yet. I’m sure as the area grows, so will its popularity.

I’m definitely the wrong demographic for this Zone. When I came of age, «funk» was a 1960’s African American musical style that still moves me. This zone doesn’t (least ways, in the same way).
This is millennial territory, with a series of hipster heavy wine bars and cutsie graffiti-​splattered store fronts that wants to be Soho and Napa and Berkeley mashed together.
Interesting. The wines were good and the small plates to go with a nice way to while away the afternoon.

I went to where my GPS told me to go and couldn’t find this place I was bummed. I really love street art but unfortunately didn’t have the luck of finding this place. Theres another Unilocaler who said the wall had been demolished :(

This is a cute little neighborhood that you must visit during your Santa Barbara day trip! Especially if you’re a wine enthusiast, this area is for you! There are a line of bungalows where various wineries and shops have set up. There are restaurants and bars on every block – just choosing where to settle is the hardest decision.
There are cute vintage shops to visit (such as the Blur Door and the Shop-​bile) and interesting wall art to admire! stop by any of the stores to pick up a free map of the funk zone. There’s a bit of construction going around the beach front and by the railroad tracks but don’t let it stop your wandering spirit.
The area is also right by the pier/​waterfront so this isn’t an area that you’d want to miss! It reminds me a bit of the artsy areas of Temescal in Oakland and the arts district of Los Angeles. It’s definitely not too big but worth a visit.

Great change of pace from state street. Mexican food was fantastic and beer at Figueroa Mountain is also very good. Worth a visit for sure.

Went looking for the graffiti and a shop owner told me they demolished the building that had the graffiti on it. Sad day for graffiti art.

It’s okay, one trip is worth it. Nice to go to the vistor center and get some coupons for wine tasting, etc.

I was ready for something besides wine tasting, and found little. The galleries were closed unless you had an appointment, and very few other places were open. Tried to find when more things would be open, but the phone number on Unilocal was wrong. Poor guy whose phone number it is…

Cool little spot in downtown Santa Barbara. Some interesting bars shops museums artwork wineries and Figueroa mountain brewery and a small distillery. Definitely come and check it out plus your two blocks from the beach.

Elevated well beyond Hip, the Funk Zone is the embodiment what is right now in Santa Barbara. Just describing it gives me sensory overload, a combination of art, history, shopping surrounded by wineries, breweries and distilleries.
Don’t let the small footprint fool you, there is so much energy bursting out of this area. The Funk Zone is like a subculture of everything I want to do on my «me time».
It is located just steps from the pier, harbor, beaches, train station and State Street, you can check it out any time you like and you may never leave.
Spend a day or two in the Funk Zone to experience Yes to the (FUNK) degree.