Question 1

What is the "Fake "Funk Zone" tasting flight upsells" scam in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

Some tasting rooms in the Funk Zone offer a tasting flight at a posted 15-25 dollar price, then upsell "reserve" pours mid-flight with prices added to the bill without explicit agreement. Some add undisclosed 20 percent service charges on what is a self-service counter. Confirm the flight price and any service charge before agreeing. Decline "reserve" upsells unless you hear the exact price. Review the bill line by line.

Question 2

What is the "Overpriced downtown restaurant "ocean view" pricing" scam in Santa Barbara?

Accepted Answer

Some State Street and waterfront restaurants charge 30-50 percent premiums for the same menu at "premium" ocean-view seating, or add undisclosed "view fees" or required bottle minimums for patio seating. Some automatically add 20-22 percent service charges that substitute for tip. Ask about any seating premium, view fee, or service charge before being seated. Sit inside if the view is not worth the premium. Tip only on pre-tax subtotal after any auto-gratuity.

Restaurant Scams in Santa Barbara

Fake "Funk Zone" tasting flight upsells

Overpriced downtown restaurant "ocean view" pricing

Experienced a scam here?