Restaurant
Unclaimed profileConvivo Restaurant & Bar
Santa Barbara, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Convivo Restaurant & Bar runs a beverage program that covers a lot of ground without losing focus. The cocktail list includes spirit-forward classics and house originals built on named producers like Cutler's gin and High West rye. Wine spans sparkling, rosé, white, red, dessert, and fortified, with County and Italian bottles. Local beer and cider fill the taps, and a dedicated zero-proof list gives non-drinkers real choices. The large patio is set up for cocktail receptions.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Convivo Dirty Martini, made with Cutler's gin, Italicus, and Oso de Oro dry vermouth. The Barrel Aged Manhattan, rested 45 days in American oak with High West rye and carpano, is a solid follow-up. For wine, the Sanguis-WhaleSong Chardonnay from Santa Rita Hills is a standout by the glass.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Guests who want a full beverage program rather than a single-focused list will find options across cocktails, wine, beer, and zero-proof drinks. The large patio is suitable for cocktail receptions, making it a fit for groups.
- When should I go?
- The large patio works for cocktail receptions, and the spirit-forward classics and zero-proof list make it a reasonable stop for an afternoon or early evening drink.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14 to $23, with the local speakeasy specialty at $23. Wines by the glass are $9 to $22. Beers and ciders are $5 to $10. Non-alcoholic cocktails and sodas are $5 to $6. Amaro is $12 and grappa is $18.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list names specific spirits and modifiers, including Cutler's gin, Italicus, and Oso de Oro dry vermouth, and offers a barrel-aged Manhattan with 45 days in American oak. The wine list moves between County producers and Italian bottles, and the beer selection stays largely local.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A named cocktail section mixes originals and classics, from spritzes and martinis to espresso martinis. Recipes specify branded spirits and modifiers like Cutler's gin, Italicus, High West rye, and Averna amaro. A barrel-aged Manhattan is listed with 45 days in American oak.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktail recipes name specific spirits and modifiers, including Cutler's gin, Italicus, Oso de Oro dry vermouth, and High West rye.
- — The list covers both spirit-forward classics and original signatures, with a barrel-aged Manhattan aged 45 days in American oak.
Standout selections
- — Convivo Dirty Martini — Cutler's gin, Italicus, Oso de Oro dry vermouth, olive, $18.
- — Barrel Aged Manhattan — 45 days in American oak, High West rye, carpano, bitters, $22.
- — East Beach Fog — pecan-wood smoke, double rye, Averna amaro, demerara syrup, $19.
Pricing: $14–$23
Wine
The wine list spans sparkling, rosé, white, red, dessert, and fortified categories by the glass and bottle. Selections include County and Italian producers such as Koehler Winery, Jaffurs, Groundwork, Sanguis, and Rivera. Dessert and fortified options include Muscato, Passito, Sauternes, and Port.
Menu strengths
- — Wine list spans sparkling, rosé, white, red, dessert, and fortified categories with regional and Italian selections.
- — Producers include County names like Koehler Winery, Jaffurs Wine Cellars, Groundwork Wines, and Sanguis, plus Italian producer Rivera.
Standout selections
- — Sanguis-WhaleSong, Santa Rita Hills, CA 2023 — Chardonnay, $22 by the glass.
- — Koehler Winery, Los Olivos 2025 — Rosé of Grenache | Cinsaut | Mourvèdre, $13.
- — Rivera, 'Pungirosa,' Castel Del Monte DOCG Puglia, Italy 2024 — Rosé of Bombino Nero, $16.
Pricing: $9–$22 by the glass
Beer
Draught and packaged beers include pilsner, Mexican lager, blonde ale, IPA, and cider. Selections are largely -area producers such as Draughtsman Aleworks, Validation Ale, M Special, and Single Fin Cider. A gluten-free IPA is listed.
Menu strengths
- — Beer list emphasizes local -area producers across lager, ale, IPA, and cider styles.
- — A gluten-free IPA, Validation Ale 'Mo Frosty,' is listed.
Standout selections
- — Draughtsman Aleworks 'Czech Please,' Santa Barbara — $8 — Pilsner.
- — Single Fin Cider, 'Oasis Outlaw,' — Prickly Pear Cider, $10.
Pricing: $5–$10
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail list includes five named zero-proof drinks: Virgin Island, Flower Child, Tankini, Fizzy Miss Lizzy, and Health Club. Tea selections include Numi Organic Tea, organic matcha latte, and herbal teasans. Non-alcoholic cocktails and sodas are priced from $5 to $6.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail list with five named zero-proof drinks.
- — Tea selections include Numi Organic Tea, organic matcha latte, and herbal teasans.
Standout selections
- — Virgin Island — coconut, strawberry, citrus, soda (non-alcoholic), $6.
- — Flower Child — elderflower, lemon, mint, soda.; Tankini — watermelon shrub, vanilla syrup, light Fever Tree tonic.
Pricing: $5–$6
Spirits
A spirits and after-dinner section includes grappa, amaro, limoncello, Calvados, Cognac, and Port. Named spirits include Hennessy VS, Normandin Mercier VSOP, Remi Martin VSOP and XO, Busnel Pays D'Auge Calvados, and Nonino. House Made Limoncello and Merlot di Monovitigno Grappa are listed.
Menu strengths
- — Spirits and after-dinner section covers grappa, amaro, limoncello, Calvados, Cognac, and Port.
- — Named spirits include Hennessy VS, Remi Martin XO, Busnel Pays D'Auge Calvados, and Nonino.
Standout selections
- — Merlot di Monovitigno Grappa — Grappa, $18.; Amaro Alpino Veneto, Italy — Amaro, $12.
Pricing: Amaro $12, grappa $18
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