You know the feeling. You need to get out of the house but you already ate dinner and its 8 o'clock. Aside from the typical movie or coffee date, there is another option that is great for a late night outing with your friend or partner. Go out for dessert at a nice restaurant. Whenever we go out for dinner, my boyfriend and I are surrounded by tons of other couples as well as other people we don't know waiting for a table. There is no time to quietly relax after a meal and to sit and enjoy the company of your date. The dessert date is the perfect way to have a less hectic experience at a nice restaurant without having to feel rushed.
Santa Barbara is filled with great restaurants and I have found that a few have some really great desserts. I have tried the tiramisu at a good amount of restaurants and I've found that my favorite is from Arnoldi's Café on 600 Olive Street. Arnoldi's outside garden terrace is a great place to bring a date to relax and chat under the stars. Bouchon at 9 W Victoria has a very classy atmosphere and their Meyer Lemon Tart is delicious. If you want a more relaxed scene, the Chase Café has great desserts and big booths to get comfortable in. At Christmas, they load up on the lights and decorations, making you feel right at home. Even more laid back is the gelato bar at Via Maestra 42 on 3343 State Street. You can sit and eat your gelato at one of their inside or outside tables, and you can take it to go if you wish.
By far, my favorite dessert idea in Santa Barbara has been the S'mores on the Campfire at Holdren's Steaks and Seafood at 512 State Street. They bring you all the fixings for S'mores at your table and a little fire to cook them over yourself. It's like having a little camping getaway right at your table.