The S.B. Questionnaire: Peter Burnham
Talking Beer and Birds with the Founder of Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop
“I started to notice that Santa Barbara lacked a tap room and bottle shop,” says Peter Burnham about the genesis of Lama Dog, the Funk Zone craft beer hot spot that he founded in 2016. “The light bulb went on. I couldn’t believe we didn’t have one. It was around the same time that we were starting to get better food and better beer.”
The Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop, which is located inside of the Waterline development, serves 20 revolving craft beers and four wines on tap as well as more than 300 bottled/canned brews, ciders, kombuchas, and wines from around the world. The ever-bustling bar’s relaxed and approachable feel reflects Burnham’s personality, and its town-square, family-friendly feel is crucial to the experience.
It doesn’t hurt having renowned Chef Nobert Schulz serving food in The Nook just steps from the bar. “I’ve gained 20 pounds since I opened Lama Dog,” admits Burnham about his love for that food and beer.