Tasty Americana at Sambo’s in Santa Barbara

Mom and Dad were wanderers and one weekend they packed the family in the station wagon as we headed north from San Bernadino County to Santa Barbara. They often drove at night and didn't stop until my siblings and I woke up hungry for breakfast. On that trip we unloaded at a spot across from the beach - the original Sambo’s pancake house. For a suburban kid who didn't dine out a lot, it was a pretty exciting breakfast. I still remember having a huge platter of “silver dollar” pancakes with a tray full of different kinds of syrup to choose from.

Should you visit that same coastal village today, you’ll find the same restaurant, lovingly preserved, with nearly the same menu featuring specials like the Bengal Tiger and Mambo Mama Combination plates. The walls still feature bright characters from the 1921 children’s book, The Story of Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman, but surprisingly that’s not where the restaurant claimed its title.

The first Sambo’s opened in June 1957 by two partners, Sam Battistone and Newell Bohnett, known affectionately by family and friends, as Bo. Soon family members were taking orders and today Sam-bo’s is managed by the grandson of those original partners, Chad Stevens and his wife, Michelle.

In its heyday, the innovative first “coffee café” led to more than a thousand other Sambo’s in 47 states across America. Turning into a multi-million dollar enterprise took its toll, along with economic changes, and led to closing all but the original location. You can catch up on memorabilia, play with a virtual view master or watch a “newsreel” about the history of the place on their website.

Better yet, slip into a booth to enjoy a cup of coffee and pancakes. You may have to wait in line as locals join tourists daily for breakfast, lunch and dessert specials. My suggestion – unless you’re visiting with a posse of family or friends, claim a counter seat for the fastest service. Be sure to check out the backlit illustrations over the counter and eat your heart out.