The Honey B Is Abuzz

“I kind of consider it my baby,” admits Katie Belanger of her bright new café, The Honey B, which is located on the second story of Antioch University in downtown Santa Barbara. Decorated with her own artwork, potted succulents, and hand-painted chalkboard menus and featuring all-original menu items, The Honey B is very much the product of an attentive mother. “My heart and pride are in it,” Belanger says of each of the details that make the company’s slogan, “a little kitchen with a lot of love,” ring true.

Perched above the corner of Anacapa and Cota streets amid ocean and mountain views, The Honey B offers a lot of luxury at a small price. “You can eat a very big meal for under $10,” said Belanger, whose food is also incredibly tasty, nutritious, and versatile.

A native Chicagoan who moved to California in 2013, she describes her menu of waffle sandwiches (“handhelds”), salads, bowls, and desserts as “Midwest meets West Coast,” combining the traditional comfort foods of her hometown with lighter, California cuisine. The Boat handheld, for instance, steers toward the comfort side with an irresistible combination of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, arugula, tomato, and chipotle ranch on a warm and fresh cheddar-and-chive waffle. Those with special diets can also partake wholeheartedly, as 60-70 percent of the menu is vegan, and gluten-free bread is always an option.