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If you want to find a great mid-priced steakhouse in Santa Barbara that is a little under the radar, Tee-Off at 3627 State St is the place to go. Not many tourists know about it because of its off beat location and shoddy outside appearance, but inside this upper state street eatery you will find one of the premier steak houses in Santa Barbara county for its price range.

Tee-Off, unlike many steakhouses, follows a loose "golf-theme" style, complete with plaid green wallpaper and pictures of Arnold Palmer on the walls, but you don't have to be a golf fan to eat here. Whether it's the "Birdie prime rib" or their excellent selection of house martinis (which pack quite a punch), your sure to find a dish you'll enjoy. You might want to make sure before-hand that your date isn't a vegetarian, as the menu consists of mostly chicken and beef dishes (and that could definitely make for an awkward first date). All dinners come complete with a salad, soup, vegetables, and a side of mashed potato's/fries, and your sure to leave with a full stomach.

The dim lighting, small size and full bar add to the "golf-club" theme and actually add a touch of intimacy and personality into this restaurants atmosphere, making it quite a unique place to take someone out. However, its small size can also but also contribute to its long wait times. On a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to make a reservation, as this "locals-centric" steakhouse tends to get very packed quite early. Tee-Off has also raised their prices considerably in the past couple of years because of its rising popularity, but considering what most steak-houses charge in Santa Barbara for a full meal, you definitely get your money's worth. The wait staff was very courteous and attentive, and I never had to flag anyone down to get a drink, however a couple of people mentioned that the steak was a little rarer than what they asked for. All in all, Tee-Off is a wonderful place to take someone if you're looking for a small, unique, intimate setting…especially if you're trying to impress a golf-fan!

Contributing editor Andre Jordan "Sanch" Sanchez will only eat steaks while wearing plaid green golf pants