A Journey of Passion and Dedication
Our journey began on September 5th, 2018, with a team of four humans and two canine companions, Tucker and Penni. We traveled over 1,500 miles by air and 2,000 miles by road to make The Cruisery a reality.
Starting in Dallas, Texas, we explored an auction, hunted for vintage bicycles, and enjoyed Texan hospitality. After some 'research' at The Tipsy Alchemist, we loaded a 26-foot U-Haul with treasures in the scorching heat. Following some Texas BBQ, we continued our 'research' in Austin’s Rainey Street and visited our dear friend, Eric Klingensmith.
Our adventure then took us to Oklahoma to welcome a new puppy, followed by Denver, where we enjoyed family visits, brewery explorations, and added more vintage bikes to our collection.
Back in Santa Barbara, we focused on creating an inventive and delectable menu for The Cruisery. With extensive menu research, drink testing, and the acquisition of antiques, we prepared to open. Finally, on October 24th, 2018, we received the keys, and after extensive cleaning and painting, we welcomed our first guests on December 5th, 2018.
Thank you for supporting our small, locally owned business. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Cruisery.
With love and gratitude,
Aron, Tucker, Penni, and The Cruisery team
Unbearable Skee Lodge: Our Fun Step-Sister
If The Cruisery is our State Street living room, Unbearable Skee Lodge is our fun step-sister out back — our spirit animal in ski-lodge boots. It takes the same love for hospitality, dogs, full-flavor food, and serious cocktails, then adds vintage Skee-Ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, Connect 4, Giant Jenga, a photo booth, and room for up to 200 people.
Unbearable is built for the nights that need more than a table and a drink. Bring the crew, bring the dog, bring the bachelorette party, the birthday, the office buyout, or the friend who swears they are only staying for one. It is Santa Barbara's adult-only playground: a little louder, a little weirder, and completely part of The Cruisery family.
Visit Unbearable Skee Lodge
501 State Street: A Tale of Transformation
Our Historic Location
Originally the Shaw House, this 3-story hotel was a Santa Barbara landmark with its wrap-around balcony. In the late 1880s, it became the New Morris Hotel. On June 29th, 1925, a devastating earthquake destroyed it, along with much of Santa Barbara. UC Santa Barbara has images showing the ruins.
Rebuilding began on July 3rd, 1928, with a permit issued to J.C. Fast of Goleta for $15,000. On August 27th, 1928, signs were installed for 'Western Auto Supply Company.' Then, on June 2nd, 1948, front windows were remodeled for 'The Pep Boys of California.'
In 1976, the building housed the 'Santa Barbara Humane Society Thrift Store.' In 1993, 'Duffy Daugherty's Gridiron Grill' opened, owned by John Scott.
The biggest change came on May 25th, 1995, with the 'Santa Barbara Brewing Company,' making 501 State Street the oldest continuously operating brewery in Santa Barbara.
On December 5th, 2018, 'The Cruisery' opened, adding a new chapter to our building's rich history. We thank everyone who has been part of this journey.
As Seen In
