The Palms

The Palms Restaurant Review:

For some restaurant patrons, a slab of raw meat is an inauspicious start to the dining experience. For others, there is The Palms. With its cook-it-yourself concept and ageless waitresses, this Carpinteria institution has changed little since opening in 1905. The grills are coated with a century-deep patina of char. Steaks, chicken, fish---it all tastes like steak after a few minutes on the grill. While your meat is cooking, serve yourself a baked potato, beans, salsa and steamy soft white bread straight out of the bag. Down-home desserts like chocolate cake are available, but nothing compares to The Palms’ donut-esque croutons---the highlight of a high-cal salad bar. Though decidedly simple, the food is addictive. This classic eatery’s old-school character, however, is what truly sets it apart.