Joe’s Cafe in downtown Santa Barbara celebrates 90th anniversary

Joe’s Cafe in downtown Santa Barbara celebrated a big milestone this weekend. The iconic restaurant turned 90 years old on Sunday.

The steakhouse and bar has been a mainstay in the downtown corridor for dining, drinking and socializing since 1928.

People formed a line around the block to get in as the restaurant turned back the clock for the anniversary, offering its legendary French Dip sandwich for 90 cents.

Joe’s Cafe is known for its stiff drinks, good food, and welcoming atmosphere.

Gene Montesano took over ownership 16 years ago and wants to keep the restaurants legacy alive.

“It’s a special place, and you can be sitting at the bar with a sea urchin diver and a real estate mogul and you know everybody is welcome,” Montesano said.