About Us
HOLDREN'S STEAKS & SEAFOOD HAS BEEN A CULINARY LANDMARK, KNOWN FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL STEAKS, FRESH SEAFOOD, AND VINTAGE AMBIANCE. WE OFFER A DINING EXPERIENCE THAT CELEBRATES OUR HERITAGE AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.
HOLDREN'S
Holdren's Steaks & Seafood has been serving the finest steaks and freshest seafood since its inception. Our commitment to quality and our rich heritage set us apart, providing our guests with a dining experience that is both exceptional and memorable.
Owner Story — Clay Holdren
Stepping into Holdren's Steaks & Seafood is like stepping into an old-time saloon, complete with brown leather booths, a long wooden bar, and dim lighting. This unique ambiance is exactly how Santa Barbara native Clay Holdren envisioned it—a place where he could serve simple, but serious steaks with a touch of nostalgic charm.
Clay's introduction to the restaurant business began at the young age of 14 when he started working as a dishwasher at his uncle Steve's restaurant, Italia Pizzeria, in Fairview Village. Despite his uncle's warning about the immense work involved in running a restaurant, Clay was undeterred. This early experience ignited his dream of owning a restaurant, a dream that he held onto tenaciously.
Throughout college, Clay worked in various Italian restaurants, gaining valuable insights and skills. He spent his days waiting tables in Santa Barbara, where he frequently heard customers lament the lack of a good steakhouse downtown. This persistent demand sparked Clay's vision for a downtown steakhouse.
With critical support from his parents, he embarked on the ambitious project of building Holdren's Steaks & Seafood from the ground up. His father, a contractor, played a pivotal role in the construction. When his father's health issues prevented him from continuing, Clay took over the contracting responsibilities, a task that deeply moved him and solidified his determination.
In June 2003, at the age of 29, Clay's dream became a reality as Holdren's Steaks & Seafood opened its doors at 512 State Street. The restaurant was an immediate hit, drawing diners with its inviting atmosphere and exceptional service.
Clay's guiding principle is simple: "We want people to be full and happy when they leave." This commitment is reflected in the restaurant's offerings, from steaks and fresh fish to pork chops and house cioppino, all served with a first course and a side, old-school style.
Clay and his parents expanded their venture by opening a second location in Newbury Park several years ago. In October 2023, Holdren's Steaks & Seafood celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of serving the Santa Barbara community.
With a flair for steaks, a dedication to service, and a commitment to quality food and wine, Clay Holdren has created a dining experience that fills a niche in downtown Santa Barbara. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and family values, making Holdren's Steaks & Seafood not just a restaurant, but a cherished part of the community.
Head Chef — Guillermo Gil
From the day Holdren's Steaks & Seafood opened its doors, our chef has been at the heart of the kitchen, bringing a rich tapestry of culinary experience and passion to every dish he creates. Working alongside Clay Holdren for over 25 years, their partnership has been integral to the restaurant's success.
Before joining Holdren's, our chef honed his skills at Azuma, a highly-rated Japanese restaurant, for a decade. It was there that he developed an eye for beauty and precision in cooking, admiring the confident and waste-free butchery techniques of Japanese chefs.
At Holdren's, he blends his influences from Japanese and Mexican cuisines to create a unique and exquisite dining experience. He takes immense pride in the compliments he receives from guests, often moved by their direct expressions of gratitude.
Dedicated to continuous improvement, he reviews the evening's successes and guest recommendations with his staff each night. This attention to detail extends to using premium cuts for dishes like steak bites and the French dip, which have become guest favorites due to their superior quality.
Every day, our chef steps into the kitchen excited to create, inspired by the blend of flavors from his past and the joyful reactions of the guests. His story is one of passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.