The Spot
Εστιατόριο 389 Linden Ave, Ξυλουργική, Καλιφόρνια, 93013-2310, Ηπα
21 Photos
Features
- Υπαίθρια Καθίσματα: Yes
- Γρήγορη Τσίμπημα: Yes
- Καθίσματα: Yes
- Απογείωση: Yes
- Προσβάσιμη Με Αναπηρική Καρέκλα: Yes
Contact & Hours
389 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013-2310
Opening Hours
- Sunday: 10:00-19:00
- Monday: 10:00-18:00
- Tuesday: 10:00-19:00
- Wednesday: 10:00-19:00
- Thursday: 10:00-19:00
- Friday: 10:00-19:00
- Saturday: 10:00-19:00
Nearby Attractions
Reviews (142)
awful
The most disgusting hotdog I have had in my life. I wish I had taken a photo to add it to my review. This Spot is not worth its reputation.
This is not mexico
As a Carp resident i used to stop in and have burger now and then. No complaints. This time i was greeted by LOUD mexican national music coming from the kitchen and the latin girls taking the orders were extremely rude. Haters! I wonder if they would let a caucasion kid cook and listen to loud Metallica? I think not ! $18.50 for a burger, fries and drink? Never going there again and spreading the word of my experience through out the community!
Please make toppings on request
Pretty good fast food, the burger is very similar to Five guys. Only prob is that is the menu should be more descriptive and I order a single hamburger and it had several toppings in it. Toppings should be on request.
Awesome Little Place
This little place is always busy and so if you order something be prepared to wait. Wife and I had their breakfast burrito's she had the veggie burrito and I had the chorizo breakfast burrito. Both of the burrito's were a good size in fact my wife and I both could not eat all of our burritos we had to save the rest for later. What is nice is this place is directly across the street from a nice large park area so if you want you can get your food and walk across the street and eat in the park.
Julia Child's favorite hamburger place
Damn good hamburger stand. Julia Child's favorite. Iconic Carpinteria eatery. One must try it at least once. Bucket list meal for me. It did not disappoint.
Best Burger in Carpinteria, CA
Eating at The Spot, close to the lovely beach and boardwalk, was a great throwback experience. The menu is uncomplicated but perfect for the beach. We enjoyed a burger, fries, and a chocolate shake. The bun was lightly toasted, lettuce crisp, tomato very fresh, and the delicious burger was topped with special sauce. At lunch The Spot did a brisk business. Seating is at outside picnic tables and only cash is accepted as payment. As tourists, we sought out The Spot, but it was also packed with locals. We had a delicious meal for less than twenty dollars! We'll be back!
Best burger and fries
It looks like nothing, but the food is great, it's a funky spot, and casual is an understatement. Great prices, and their fries are the best ever. You must experience the Spot. Cash only techies, hit the atm machine
Tasty!
I enjoyed a tasty burger at the spot, but I would return for the Fries!! Hot and crispy! Great location, just a hop from the beach!
Best Burger SPOT in Town
I've been stopping by " The Spot " for many years now and it never disappoints. Steps from Carpinteria Beach on Linden Avenue, this classic and tiny beach hamburger joint showcases the traditional diner food with locals and the standard flock of teenage bikinis and surfboards (eyeballing their phones) awaiting their order. Cash Only. Check them out. It will definitely hit " The Spot ".
Summer beach stop
Little stand that my husband has memories going to as a kid on summer vacations. Have driven up from LA twice now and made a point to eat here. Clam Chowder in bread bowl, burgers, fries, shakes, fish n chips all great. Fun to sit at the outside tables and watch the occasional train. Masks are required when ordering and cash only.
Fast food
Good hamburgers. French fries were only warm and some soggy. Sandwich was good and I would go back to take out a sandwich.
Local hang out
Good burger joint... we enjoy the spot.. have come before.. never disappoints... a truly delicious burger.. an nice outside dinning
Best Food Stand in Town!!!
Any and EVERTTHING tastes great!!! Very reasonable prices. CASH ONLY place. Burgers are the best!! Will make to your request! If your at the camp grounds this place is a MUST!!!!
Hit the spot
Burgers are burgers... nope! These are very flavorful. Outside burger stand that does EVERYTHING WELL! Eating outside, great food... right by the ocean... THANKS!
Great Food- Cash Only
Right on the main street. A great place to get some burgers and fries. Pretty fairly priced. Seating is outdoor.
Yummm!
Great little dive burger joint. Food was delish. We had the fish and chips, burgers and shakes and it did not disapoint. Walking distance from beach. It's perfect place to grab a bite when spending the day at Carp beach. Food was cooked really quick.
Best Hamburgers in SB
For the price and the type of restaurant, I really believe The Spot has the best burgers and shakes in the County. This is a long time Carp institution which is just steps from the beach--I recommend the banana shake and double chesseburger!
Milkshake visit
Stopped for a milkshake and I couldn't believe how good that chocolate one was, rich, creamy, very chocolatey. Always love their food here too. Have been coming here for years when ever in town.
Awesome lunch
What a great little place for a quick bite to eat. One of the best hamburgers I've had in awhile. Everything was hot and fresh and exactly as we ordered. You get to sit outside in the wonderful CA sunshine.
Yummy burgers 🍔
Great place to eat after you hit the beach with the fam. They also have bathrooms which is awesome when your across the street at the park!
Right by the beach!
I've been going to The Spot for over 30 years and it's as good now as it was the first time I went! Great burgers!
Sheer Disappointment
Based on reviews stopped in for lunch and was sorely disappointed. I ordered a simple cheeseburger and fries. Was for some reason expecting a fresh hand packed patty. What I got was a dried out preformed patty that was only 3 / 4 the size of the bun. The fries were good, but if you want a good juicy fresh hamburger, this is not the place for you.
Last Local History Left Standing
The way I remember it, The Spot was famous for Enchiladas before their rise to Burger fame. On a recent visit I had plans to relive the past with an Enchilada; but it is not even on the menu. The backup was an Asada Chimichonga; the presentation was very well done, but too many of the small Asada cubes contained gristle; marring the overall great taste. A double cheeseburger was also purchased; again, great taste but the bun did not last long at containing the insides; fortunately, they have forks. The chocolate Shakes and Malts are still some of the best. Besides the desirable food, another reason we should continue returning to The Spot is to visit a part of history; that is left. In the 1950s and early 60s my family spent their summer vacations camping at the State Beach. During those happy times the Southern Pacific Railroad Station was just across the tracks from The Spot. The lemon packing sheds were a little east down the tracks from the Station. What a great smell; and there was a continuous supply of lemonade for us when we kids visited the packers. Across the street from The Spot on what is now the Tomol Interpretive Play Area was erected the seasonal Bingo Game. At the beach end of Linden Avenue on the same side as The Spot was the Beach Store. Out of all of these places, The Spot is the only one remaining. Maybe our patronage of the Spot will keep this bit of history in tact; and let the workers in that small building know we appreciate them.
What's all the fuss
The Spot has a hefty reputation and a varied menu, but we found the food only so so. The hamburger was dry, almost like a Lotta Burger; the beef in the tacos was dry and the serving of side salsa skimpy; the shrimp tacos turned out to be fish; and I've had better chocolate malts (which looked like the real draw) at fast-food places. Alas. If you are hungry, it will fill you up.
A no frills tasty burger
We were recommended stopping here by our surf instructor and the queue of people waiting to be served was taken as a good sign. There are no pretensions with this place and the burgers were great and good value for money.
Cash only -don't let the line scare you
If you go at peak times there will be a line. Despite the line, I got there right at noon, I decided to wait anyway. There really is something for everyone. I got two plain hamburgers, two cheese burgers, three beef tacos, chips and guac and fries. This fed 6 people for $45 and included 4 drinks. I did wait for about 10 min in line and 20 min for the food to come out but it was well worth it. It is close enough to walk up from the beach and walk back with the food. They have nice to-go cardboard boxes that make it easy to carry out. I loved the food and the history and longevity of the Spot in the Carpinteria community make this a must try!!
Great burger place
Great burger place by the beach. Great location walking distance to the beach. The kids loved the quesadillas.
Truly an Institution
Always busy and for good reason. I had the chili and a root beer float, very good. Fiends enjoyed the quesadilla and another inhaled a burger. Cash only
super tradicional e o melhor hamburguer da cidade
Ir a Carpinteira e nao comer um hambúrguer no Spot, ficara faltando algo na sua visita, acredito ser um dos lugares mais antigos da cidade, localizado bem próximo da praia, padrão de qualidade muito bom. Nao oferece serviço, ou seja voce faz o seu pedido e depois quando for chamado volta pra buscar.
Great beach front foodie
The Spot never lets you down! The burgers are fresh, fries are crisp and the Carpinteria beach is the hook!
Onion Rings To Die For
A favorite of locals and visitors to the State Beach across the street. Extremely hard to resist food once you have tasted it.
Der Stop am " spot " lohnt sich!
Ich habe auf dem Weg nach L. A. dort angehalten und einen Double Cheese Burger mit Bacon gegessen. Der hat nur 10 Dollar gekostet, war in 2 min fertig und hat richtig gut geschmeckt. Dazu hatte ich einen großen Ananas Milchshake. Seinen Burger kann man entweder dort an den Tischen im Freien essen oder in die Hand mitnehmen. Er wird praktischer Weise in einer Art Papiertasche serviert. Nach dem Essen kann man noch einen kurzen Verdauungsspaziergang vor zum 300m entfernten Strand machen, vorbei an hübschen kleinen Häusern, die an " desperate Housewifes " erinnern und in deren Vorgärten es jede Menge Kolibris gibt.
It's okay
I think that unless you grew up eating at the " Spot " after a long day at the beach (as my wife and in-laws did), the food is just average. It's not bad, but the burgers are just average as is pretty much everything else on the menu. I did try a carne asada burrito this trip and I'd have to say it was the best thing I'd ever had from the " Spot ". I'm not saying it was great, but it was better than the burgers, etc. We spend a week every year in Carp and I do my best to limit our visits to the " Spot " to one. The fool who says this place is better than " In N Out " needs to have their head checked (or pallet).
Timeless. A great take. Go here
Certainly not intended as fine dining but outstanding burgers, fries, ice cream, etc. near the beach and campground.
A local legend!
You can't come to Carpinteria without eating at the spot! The burgers are delicious! The service is quick. Great shakes, awesome onion rings. If you are hanging out on the beach and find yourself starving, it's just a short walk up the street to some excellent food!
Way better than In / Out!!
I dare anyone to compare hamburgers from these two places and not agree with me here. Take the challenge... but be prepared to become immediately addicted to this little Spot by the beach in Carp.
Still the same great burger
Was in town and decided to stop by The Spot to see if it was as good as many years ago. I was not disappointed! Great burgers and the fries are superb!. You cannot miss this place. You can actually walk to the ocean and enjoy your burger.
Proper burger bar
If you want a true American burger take-away experience, then this is it. You can buy from here and eat on the beach less than five minutes walk away. Lots of choice, great burgers, onion rings and fries and service is very fast given its popularity.
Strandhütte für Mittagessen am Strand
Perfektes Angebot für Zwischendurch am Strand: Sandwiches und Burger. Man bestellt am Tresen und kann das Essen entweder mitnehmen oder vor Ort essen
Great street side diner
Stopped off on our way down the coast, great find due to TA. Cash only but ATM inside. Very quick service, order at the window and wait for your ur number to be called. Parking at rear and plenty of seating. The chilli cup and chilli cheese fries were great
You can't not go here
This place is basically a Carpinteria landmark eatery. It's blocks from the ocean, has everything on the menu you would expect from a greasy food stand and it's all really good. The shakes are good, burgers good, fries are good, sandwiches are good, burritos are good, the clam chowder is good. Go!
Non come lo credevo
Dalla folla che aveva nel momento in cui siamo arrivati, mi aspettavo di più, i prezzi sono nella norma, gli shake nulla di eccezionale, il panino era tipo quello di Burger King, le patate erano quelle classiche surgelate, poi abbiamo preso una buona porzione di riso e fagioli ed infine in tacos di pesce, molto buoni entrambi. Personale abbastanza veloce e gentile.
Totally lives up to the hype
Long lines (20min+\-) on a summer Sat fail to deter customers as the food is worth it. An old school burger hut located near the beach and camping, they use the best ingredients for their sandwiches - good beef and fresh ingredients like iceberg lettuce. The fries are just fries but the onion rings are special. An extensive menu including tacos and burritos. Parking off Linden in the back.
What a " spot " for a good burger and fries!
So good! A must-have part of the Carpinteria experience. Can't wait to go back for another casual beachday meal. Really good burgers!
Best Burgers
Local " spot " to get great hamburgers, fries, onion rings etc. Menu has now expanded to include burritos and tacos. Must stop at the beach!
Not what it used to be!!!!
This place is a carp icon but once the original owners sold it- well it is just a wanna be burger stand with a very famous name attached to it. They changed the meat in they use and it tastes bland and too thick. The onion rings aren't what they used to be, the chili is yuck. However the tacos are pretty darn bomb! Milk shakes are still as good as ever. The price went up but flavor and quality went down. Tourist trap at most. Used to be a locals favorite now just go to rincon brew or cupcake place.
Burger Bargain
Great outdoor casual spot. Menu has a large variety, not just burgers and is just steps away from the beach. Food is good and reasonably priced. Long lines in the summer.
Fantastic little local place for ice cream!!
Looking for a great little ice cream place that serves amazing food as well in the middle of a small California beach town? If so this is the place!! The food is fantastic- burgers are hand pattied and the guacamole is fresh and delicious !!!! Totally recommend!!!
One of the best hamburgers around
The Spot serves consistently good hamburgers with fresh ingredients. This place is popular, so if you arrive on a weekend at peak lunch hour, be prepared to stand in line. The burgers are prepared to order and are worth the wait. The french fries here are also very good. There is ample outdoor seating - as well as seating in a covered area that is protected on three sides - in case the weather is cool. The Spot only takes cash - no credit cards. There is an ATM available on the property in the covered seating area. There is no drive through - only window service where you place your order and then listen for your number to be called at a pick-up window. There is no parking lot but it's usually pretty easy to find street parking close by.
Great Burger
I ordered my burger as was suggested by another Trip Advisor contributor well done with extrz sauce and it was delicious! Grest spot in downtown Carp.
Burgers, Fries & Shakes
We eat here several times a year on our annual beach trip. The food is better than " fast food " and the kids absolutely LOVE it! I don't like pink hamburgers, so I always make sure to tell them to cook them medium-well (otherwise they're often pink!) Everything here I've tried is tasty. Not fine dining, but great " great-spoon! "
Great burgers!
Joined extended family for a week in Carpinteria and have to say this was a lunch favorite! Relaxed, low key place to enjoy a burger (order extra of their special sauce) and fries. Mmmmm
Awesome beach burger takeawayy
Great Old School vibeDon't worry about the calories, just enjoy this fabulous retro burger joint. fabulous food. Remember your sun screen for summer q's.
Best Burgers In Carpinteria
This place is a must eat burger place. The second we got our food it had this home cooked burger taste and feel too it. The burgers were good and the service was great. it is basically a burger stand and has a small outdoor deck and a small inside seating area that is not attached to the restaurant. You should be ready to get up and get your food. They make it, but don't deliver it to you at your table, you have to listen for your number to be called and then you get your food.
Expect a line, but it will move quickly
The hamburger and fries I ate, and the fish and chips and banana milkshake my companion had, were all very good. I did receive a bonus cheeseburger on my tray though- my friend who picked up the tray didn't realize I had ordered only one burger. I'm not sure you should expect the same bonus if you decide to visit. The Spot has been in this spot, no pun intended, for decades. If you are going to visit Carp, visit the spot too.
Woulda been 4 stars
Very good basic burger. Fries and shake good too. Hair in chowder. Cash only. Will return when close by.
Have to visit the Spot
I had a great cheeseburger. A trip to Carp isn't complete without visiting the Spot. It was crowded but we got a place to sit and the food was fast and great.
Eat here!
This is a must stop and eat. Burgers and chicken strips are amazing. You know it is good food when you see a line at the counter of locals! Seats outside are nice, right across the street from the park. Tip- Bring cash, that is all they take.
Great place for lunch when your at the beach!
We love coming to The Spot for lunch whenever we are visiting Carpinteria. When your at the beach and get hungry for lunch it's just a few steps away. Burgers, fries, onion rings & milk shakes are good!
Great chili dog!
Stopped at the Spot in Carpinteria, during a recent drive to Santa Barbara -- what a great decision. The best chili dog and hamburger we've had in years. Excellent, fresh, diner-style food, with fabulous flavour. French fries were hot and crisp and oh-so good. Staff were courteous and happy to help. Washroom was very, very, small, but clean. Very close to one of the most beautiful beaches in California.
Leckeres Essen zum kleinen Preis
Wir sind zufällig vorbeigefahren und haben uns sofort von der lockeren Atmosphäre angesprochen gefühlt. Der Laden ist sehr klein, man bestellt an der Theke und wartet dann bis die Nummer aufgerufen wird. Nur Barzahlung möglich. Das Essen war sehr lecker und ganz frisch zubereitet. Wir können einen Besuch nur empfehlen.
What is all the excitement about
I read the reviews of the Spot before venturing out for " lunnner " (lunch / dinner). As I drove by there were families, seniors and teens on the patio so, I decided that the reviews must be accurate. Perhaps I should have ordered a burger. The fish and chips I did order were merely okay. There were 3 pieces of white fish deep fried and a slew of French fries. The fries were good but the fish was questionable. One piece was great, one mediocre and one so over-cooked that it was not edible. What was a pleasant surprise was the live music being played on the deck. There was a couple dancing and many toes were tapping, including mine. The experience was okay but, I came away from the Spot asking my self, " What is all the excitement about? ".
Best milkshakes. great eats!
Restaurant is called The Spot. The location is ideal because you can get your food and walk to the beach or the children's park across the street. My husband insisted on taking me there during our Santa Barbara vacation because he said The Spot had the best milkshakes! They were great. We ordered burgers, fish tacos and shakes. Yum! They have their own parking lot with outdoor and indoor eating areas. Please be warned that they only take cash but provide an ATM.
A Beach town Tradition
These are the best burgers for 50 miles..... Carpinteria is a perfect little beach town. The Spot is the only place for great burgers - 2 blocks from the beach..... Just go...
Delicious
My son said it was, " the best malt in the world ", and " way better than in-and-out ". I would have to agree. The burgers were thick and juicy. I even ventured out and had the grilled chicken which was huge and well cooked. Onion rings and chunky fries! What more could you want after a long day at the beach?
Convenient but eh
Hit or miss on the food. I've had it burned one trip, under-cooked the next, and just your average food when it's done right. This place should be appreciated for what it is though - convenient for beach-goers, and a slice of Carp history.
Bucket List
Was visiting the area with friends and one is a Julia Child fan. The Spot was a favorite of Julia's, so it had to be checked of our list. We all ordered burgers. Mine was a chili burger. 5 stars. Felt like a gleeful pig wallowing in the delight of unhealthy food. Yum! We each ordered shakes. Those were a watery let down. Can I give them zero stars? Service was ok. Bare minimum, outdoor beach town dining setting was expected.
Overpriced, but the food is good
Plan on a long wait and plan on spending a lot of money for an old-fashioned hamburger stand. The food here is always good, surprisingly. I usually get a hamburger, onion rings, and a pineapple shake. Makes me hungry just thinking about it! This is the closest food place to the beach in Carpinteria.
Retro Spot
Little food stand in Carpinteria close to the public beach. Great menu variety, including many Mexican items. I did not find it overpriced at all. Food is good, but the whole thing with this place is the retro look and feel, in my book. You order at a counter and they call your number when it is ready. Seating is at a couple of outside tables. I found the staff to be pleasant. It is close to the tracks and you might see the Surfliner go by.
Burn burgers & shrimp
The burger patties were burned and dry. The shrimp was over breaded and ovwe cooked. Why anyone wpuld gibe thia location more then a 3 rating is beyond me. The service was excellent. The only problem i had was tje e, ployees kids were running through tje restaurant and distirbing the customers.
Beach Hamburger Joint
This is a typical beachside hamburger place (steps from the beach). Probably the best hamburgers in Carpinteria! If you're lucky you will catch a table on the street side and watch locals and tourists as they enjoy Carp. This restaurant typifies its laid back beach community. Many more items on the menu besides hamburgers - CASH ONLY. One note and the reason I gave it an above-average rating -- the little girls who take the orders are snobby and inattentive but once you get passed ordering, you won't be disappointed. Carp Mama
A Great Spot
My husband and I just ate at Spot today for lunch during a short trip to Carpenteria. I had a cheeseburger and my husband a chili cheeseburger. We are burger lovers, and frankly, these are as good as any we have had. Yum!!! the fries were really excellent, fresh and hot. We sat outside, lucky, not a lot of seating, typical burger beach joint. Very crowded when we got there but then it thinned out around 2p. m. My only criticism is that we had to wait a long time for our orders, but then in fairness it was really crowded and some people had huge take out orders. The kitchen was small. A large menu, I noticed lots of people were getting the taquitos. Something for everybody, we shall definitely be back!!!!
It hits the SPOT!
This is a favorite beach hamburger " stand " that people go our their way to stop and eat when at the beach or passing through town. Long lines on weekends but they move fast. Good food and lots of it. Outside patio tables. Business attire to bikinis.
Old style burgers
Love the old style vibe. Really good burgers, wonderful flash back to the days before fast food chains. A beach must in Carp.
Perfect, classic burgers
Superb boardwalk burger, decent fries, cold sodee-pop, and friendly girls in the window. Definitely add the bacon, and help yourself to the jalapeños on the condiment bar. Cash Only!!
If the locals love it, you know it's good!
We had heard about The Spot from a friend, so when we were cruising the area and " spotted " this place, we had to stop for lunch. There was a long line and a local guy in front of us got a call and he told the person he couldn't talk because he was at The Spot and he sounded very excited. It took awhile for the food to come, which was a form of torture; watching everyone else enjoy their food. The burgers and fries were so delicious and tasted even better eating outside surrounded by happy people. My only regret is not taking the food down to the beach, we just couldn't wait another minute.
Ridiculously yummy food
We ate at The Spot yesterday and I'm thinking of going back tomorrow. They toast their buns and their chili reminds me of Tommy's -- I'm a fan! They do charge $.50 for soda refills though, hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
gotta love this spot
this is a little hamburger stand on the main street in carpinteria a couple blocks up from the beach.... It has good burgers, great fries and the milkshakes are terrific! it is a little bit pricier than the fast food places, but the food and beachy hamburger stand ambience make it worthwhile!