Santa Barbara Inspired Cuisine & Beverage
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Emily Evans
CATERING & EVENTS MANAGER
Typically responds within 24h
Located in Santa Barbara, CA, Brass Bear is an intimate, family-owned venue for weddings and other special events. We promise newlyweds unforgettable memories of laughing and dining with their loved ones—against a backdrop of mountain views, or steps away from the Pacific Ocean. It's our mission to bring a sense of ease and excitement to your event!
Brass Bear's two locations allow couples to select which best fits their needs. Both venues capture the charm of Santa Barbara with cozy interiors, and beautiful patios. Our Funk Zone location accommodates up to 200 guests. This beautiful beer garden is in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, so you and your guests can explore all the city has to offer. On an 8 minute drive away, our Uptown location can accommodate up to 800 partygoers for a full venue buyout. At this location, we offer multiple indoor and outdoor, private or semi-private spaces.
The team at Brass Bear dedicates themselves to ensuring all of our hosts have an incredible experience, working closely with couples to bring their vision to life. We'll match your menu to your tastes, while showing off the flavors of our city, and design craft cocktails featuring the couple-to-be. Brass Bear Brewing would love to be a part of your milestone occasion.
If our venues may not be the right fit for your occasion, Brass Bear also offers full-service catering at the venue of your choice. We'll provide our signature food and drinks along with our friendly Brass Bear staff to curate a memorable event as unique as you!
Take a 360° Virtual Tour of our Funk Zone location and enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of Brass Bear today!
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Brewery & Distillery
Garden
Mountain
Restaurant
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Cupcakes
Other Desserts
Food & Catering
Service Staff
Any questions?
Meet the team
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- Emily EvansCatering & Events ManagerEmily came to Brass Bear indirectly as our son‘s teacher. When she told us she was looking for a change, we offered a server position at the Uptown location. She quickly established herself as a passionate professional expecting excellence from all of her employees. When the Event Coordinator role opened up, she spilled the beans that she had years of experience at Westmont College, her alma mater. She has been the most detail-oriented and perfection-pursuant employee to date. Events are lucky to have her coordinate them!
- Martin GomezHead Chef - UptownAs a 16-year-old, Martin immigrated to California from Oaxaca, Mexico. Martin worked at Stella Mares as a dishwasher for 6 months beginning in 1999. As a result, his passion for cooking began to blossom, and he knew he wanted to make cooking his life's work. With 15 years of experience at Estella Mare and 7 years at Cafe Stella, Chef Martin is so excited to be your head chef at Brass Bear Brewing. Martin is looking forward to providing his best to make your experience at Brass Bear Brewing as enjoyable as possible.
- Lindsay AndersonOwnerLindsay attended junior high, high school, and college here in Santa Barbara. She worked for Channel Island Surfboards during high school and college. After college, Lindsay worked her way up to the International Visual Director of Massimo Dutti in New York City. During a night out with her roommates, Lindsay met Seth and the rest is history! Lindsay bought Seth a home brewing kit for their first Christmas together and to this day they still brew from some of those recipes.
- Seth AndersonOwnerSeth is originally from Virginia, but was working in New York City for Goldman Sachs for 7 years when he met Lindsay. After home brewing together for a few years in their 500-square-foot apartment they decided to leave their jobs to travel for a year. The two set out “WWOOF” ing across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. This is where they perfected the details of their dream of one day owning a business.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.013 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Brass Bear is a charming, flexible Santa Barbara venue praised for attentive, professional staff, seamless planning, and smooth day-of coordination. Guests rave about outstanding food, drinks, and efficient bar service. The welcoming space, included amenities, and strong value make it ideal for receptions, welcome parties, and rehearsal dinners.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 7
Ploy J
Highlighted review.
5.0
3/17/2025
First off, we just want to say how wonderful the entire Brass Bear team was to us! My husband and I were planning an elopement/micro wedding and traveled all the way from Tennessee...
. Since we planned everything ourselves, we reached out to many different restaurants for our post-ceremony dinner, and we are so grateful we found Brass Bear.
They have two charming locations—Funk Zone and Uptown. Both have their own unique vibe, but we ultimately chose the Uptown location, which offered the perfect setting for our celebration. The best part— You can dress the space up however you’d like to fit your style, making it feel so personal and special.
A huge shoutout to Emily, our event coordinator! We truly can’t say enough great things about her. She was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process, communicating with us for months leading up to the big day. She made everything so smooth and stress-free, which was a huge relief while planning from out of state.
And the food—wow! The menu package was fantastic, and both we and our guests were beyond impressed with the quality of the food and drinks. Everything was delicious, beautifully presented, and exceeded our expectations. On top of that, the pricing was very reasonable, especially considering the exceptional service, food, and overall experience.
Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering, a lively celebration, or something in between, Brass Bear is the perfect venue. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the team is incredibly accommodating, and the experience is truly top-notch. We couldn’t be happier with our choice and would highly recommend them to anyone!
Glenn U
5.0
3/27/2026
We honestly cannot thank the team at Brass Bear enough for making our wedding reception a dream come true! From the very first tour to the final toast, their staff was genuinely in...
vested in our big day.
Easy & Thorough Coordination: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but Emily the coordinator made it incredibly seamless. She was proactive, responsive, and handled all logistical questions with ease.
Excellent Day-of Execution: On the wedding day, the team handled everything flawlessly. They kept the evening flowing perfectly and checked on us throughout the night to make sure we always had a drink and were happy, which meant the world to us.
Amazing Staff & Food: Our guests are still raving about the food—the menu was fresh, delicious, and way beyond standard wedding fare or what we expected. The staff was professional, kind, and so energetic, creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
A Great Value in Santa Barbara: Finding a venue with this much charm (and a great patio!) for the price felt like a truly great value. You get incredible quality, fantastic drinks, and amazing service for a truly reasonable price in the SB area.
Any questions?
Alexys W
5.0
2/05/2026
I would give more than 5 stars if I could! We hosted our wedding reception at Brass Bear, and I would go way over the character limit here if I listed everything I loved about work...
ing with them. I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire experience.
We were looking for a laid-back and unique venue, and Brass Bear absolutely delivered. From start to finish, the team (especially Emily!) went above and beyond to make our day perfect. The space itself is welcoming and full of character, while also feeling elevated and thoughtfully designed. We actually saved a lot on decor because the venue was already so beautiful on its own.
The top things that really set Brass Bear apart (aside from the space itself) were the staff and the food/drinks.
The staff — Every single person we worked with was kind, responsive, professional, and genuinely invested in making sure everything ran smoothly and that it was truly the party of our dreams. They were incredibly accommodating, handled logistics seamlessly, and anticipated needs before we even had to ask. It honestly felt like they cared about our wedding just as much as we did.
Also throughout the evening, on their own, the amazing staff checked in on me and the groom, seeing if we wanted a drink refill or a cup of water.
The food— Hands down the best menu we sampled while choosing a reception venue. We wanted a place that would have a spread guests would talk about long after the event, and for months afterward our friends and family were still bringing up the tri-tip and how good everything tasted. Not only was the main food insanely delicious, the welcome charcuterie table was put together beautifully with so many options.
The drinks — The open bar was fantastic! Brass Bear offered a great variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks as part of their open bar, the flow of guests being served at multiple bar stations stayed steady all evening with no bottlenecks, and they even helped me create a custom cocktail to match my purple hair.
I also probably emailed (literally) a thousand questions throughout the planning process, and every single one was met with a kind, thoroughly explained answer, or a “let’s see if we can make that work!” response, which made the planning feel like a breeze and really fun.
If you’re considering Brass Bear Brewery for a wedding, celebration, or any special event, do not hesitate. They helped create memories we’ll treasure forever, and we are SO grateful we chose them. Highly, highly, highly recommend. 💛
Alyson T
5.0
1/29/2026
We hosted our brunch wedding at Brass Bear Uptown for ~50 people in October. To say the least the team was fantastic to work with and Emily the events manager was one of the most c...
ommunciative and flexible contacts we worked with during the wedding process! The food was delicious as were the drinks!Thank you Brass Bear for everything!
Rebecca L
5.0
1/22/2026
We truly could not have imagined a more perfect place to celebrate our reception than at Brass Bear Uptown!
We worked with Emily, who's responsiveness and genuine sincerity that u...
ltimately led us to booking and it ended up being one of the best decisions we made! 💕 From day one, she made us feel heard, supported, and cared for. No matter how many questions I asked, how many times I changed my mind, and no matter how many ideas I had.. Emily helped me bring my vision to life. She never once seemed bothered, only kind, patient, and reassuring. Her attention to detail, quick communication, and calm presence gave us so much confidence throughout the entire planning process. She truly went above and beyond, and I will always be SO thankful for her role in making our day feel so effortless and special. ✨🎉
The food was AMAZING, the scenery is beautiful, and the entire staff was warm, friendly, and welcoming. Everything came together seamlessly, allowing us to fully relax, be present, and soak in every moment of the night! The atmosphere here is so much fun, you might even end up with wedding crashers... but in the best, most unforgettable way. 😉
If we were local, we would recommend Brass Bear to everyone and we still will, even from Minnesota. Thank you to Emily and the entire Brass Bear team for giving us a day we’ll cherish forever! 🤍
Raquel G
5.0
11/21/2025
When my fiancé and I decided to have a small wedding we knew the SB Courthouse would be the perfect place for us. We did our research and began narrowing down where we would host o...
ur reception. We met with several places but after meeting with the Brass Bear team it was no question. From our very first meeting with Emily we were met with genuine kindness and warmth. It felt like talking to a friend. The private dining space was perfect to host our 60 family and friends. After touring the space they gave us a sample of the dinner and we were SOLD! We left feeling elated!
What is wonderful about Brass Bear was how accommodating and attentive they were. It truly was a stress free experience. Food, drinks, tables, and chairs were all included. They worked with our vendors and day coordinators. We want to take a moment and highlight Emily, she responded to every email and made us feel reassured every step of the way,
On our wedding day our guests raved about the food and drinks. Everyone left well fed! They loved the wall paper in the dining room and restrooms.
We’re still so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with this team!
Abigail S
5.0
10/01/2025
We hosted both our rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Brass Bear Uptown, and it was the perfect choice. Having both events in one location kept the evening relaxed and fun - we ...
didn’t have to coordinate moving between venues, which made planning so much easier.
The private dining room was exactly what we wanted. It had plenty of space for our buffet dinner, and all of the tables and chairs were included, which simplified rentals and cost. The private bar in the room was such a great feature, giving the whole evening an exclusive feel without needing to rent out the entire restaurant. We also had signature cocktails and even a signature mocktail, which our guests love - it felt personal and elevated the experience.
Because of our guest count (around 125), we added valet service, and it was absolutely worth it. The cost was very reasonable, and it made arrival and departure seamless, giving our guests a premium, stress-free experience from the start.
Guests also loved the natural flow of the space. People could move comfortably between the patio and indoors, and the atmosphere worked perfectly for mingling, dining, and celebrating. Drinks were a huge hit, and we received so many compliments about the overall vibe of the night.
On top of the beautiful setting, the staff at Brass Bear were wonderful - professional, attentive, and incredibly friendly before, during, and after the event. Emily made the whole process so easy, and Kenzie on-site was amazing the night of. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt completely taken care of.
We couldn’t be happier with how both events turned out. The value was unmatched and they were willing to work with our budget. Brass Bear exceeded our expectations, and we would highly recommend it to any couples looking for a welcoming, flexible, and memorable space to host pre-wedding celebrations.
Madison B
5.0
9/15/2025
Brass Bear uptown was a literal dream. Emily the events manager was such a delight to work with from the very beginning planning our wedding reception. She was so responsive and al...
ways answering any questions I had throughout the whole process. They worked with every detail we wanted and it was all so perfect. The food was phenomenal and so many guests told us it was some of the best food they’ve had! The bartenders were so patient and very nice as well. Our day of coordinator Kenzie was so sweet and helped everything go so smoothly. She was constantly checking in with us making sure we were having a great time. The room is stunning as well we highly recommend the uptown location and it is a day we will never forget!!
David B
5.0
7/08/2025
We knew we were in good hands the moment we met Emily and the Brass Bear team! Guys, when we say this group is amazing, we really mean it. They worked with us, helped us create a b...
eautiful wedding reception, and made the process seem so easy. Everyone is so easy to talk to, responsive, respectful and so sweet. They have such a beautiful and workable space to help bring our vision to life. Our fav part - the food and drinks. WOW, their catering is out of this world. They even let us alter the catering menu to get French fries as our appetizers! We are so lucky to have had the chance to work with them. Shoutout to Emily for being the best event coordinator ever! We couldn’t have imagined our wedding reception any other way. You need your wedding reception here!
Lawrence E
5.0
11/18/2024
As a DJ in Santa Barbara, I’ve had the pleasure of working at Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro for several private events, including weddings, rehearsal dinners, and welcome parties. Th...
e venue offers a charming and versatile space that’s perfect for both intimate and larger celebrations. The staff is professional, organized, and attentive, making the event coordination process seamless for all of us involved.
From great food to excellent service, Brass Bear creates an unforgettable experience for guests. If you’re looking for a beautiful venue for your wedding or any private event in Santa Barbara, I highly recommend Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro!
nicki p
5.0
11/06/2024
My daughter and her fiance choose Uptown Brass Bear to hold their reception. It was an intimate occasion with appox 70 guests. From the start, Emily and the staff were amazing to w...
ork with. Always professional and kind, answering ALL our questions. Emily was very quick to respond to all emails. On the evening of the reception, all the staff was welcoming and helpful. Emily was there on site and communicated with me all evening to make sure nothing was left out.
The ambiance was better than I could have hoped for. The staff set up exactly as we asked. The lighting was perfect and the sunset over the mountains made for a romantic and fun evening.
The food was FABULOUS! We served heavy apps and they were all a big hit! I received SO many complements that evening on the food. There was not one item served that lacked flavor. Very well done!! My compliments to the chef!
We could not have ordered up a more perfect evening and I am so happy to recommend The Brass Bear to anyone who wants a beautiful celebration on any kind!
Hannah Y
5.0
10/27/2024
Brass Bear is the perfect place to host your pre wedding festivities. We had our welcome party here the night before our wedding and are so grateful we did. The service was incredi...
ble, the food is so delicious and we even had a portion of the patio reserved for our group. The team really tries hard and makes an effort to ensure everyone is taken care of a tended to. We would host our event at Brass Bear 10xs over again. They will do whatever is needed to make your day as special as possible.
Jasmine Y
5.0
10/21/2024
Had our Wedding Welcome Party at Brass Bear Brewing Funzone. From start to finish the team at Brass Bear was extremely professional and organized. They made sure they did all they ...
could to ensure that our event was perfect! All our guests raved about the food, drinks and the amazing staff. Highly recommend having your event here!
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Brass Bear Brewing
Emily Evans
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Catering & Events Manager
Typically responds within 24h
Wedding vendors in Santa Barbara
Brass Bear Brewing
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