Labor Day weekend may signify the unofficial end of summer, but it’s also usually the start of a month of some of the best weather for al fresco, well … doing just about anything in Santa Barbara — and that certainly includes outdoor dining. The rooftop at the Kimpton Canary is a fun place to enjoy the sunshine and 360-degree views of the ocean, mountains, and downtown, but it’s only open to non-hotel guests for special events. Lucky for us, several of those take place this weekend.
On Labor Day (Mon., Sept. 4), it’s “Sun’s Out, Buns Out” time with a barbecue featuring live music from Lindsey Marie, lovely libations, and Finch & Fork Chef Nathan Lingle’s “everything in a bun” menu, which includes summer favorites such as a classic Maine lobster roll for $22, as well a number of “on a bun” options ($10-$14), including an Alle-Pia fennel sausage and pepper roll, Hebrew National hot dogs, and a special vegetarian pulled-jackfruit roll with carrot slaw and BBQ sauce. All are served with house-made potato chips, which I can personally vouch for the delicious addictiveness of! (Entrance is free, but you can reserve a spot at Eventbrite.com.)
Uncle Uncle (left) and Val-Mar Records perform on the rooftop of the Canary on September 2. | Credit: RG Photography