A Santa Barbara Tradition

The University Club of Santa Barbara

The University Club of Santa Barbara

1332 Santa Barbara St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 
805-966-0853

Santa Barbara's Premier Private Social Club

In 1919, a group of eleven men, each representing a different alma mater, formed the University Club of Santa Barbara as a place to meet, enjoy a good meal, discuss the news of the day, shoot a game of billiards, or play a game of bridge. They originally rented a small house on Micheltorena Street in downtown Santa Barbara, but with a growing membership, quickly found the need for more space.

In 1923, the founders got together and purchased for $30,000 what was then called “Calkin’s Castle”– a private estate originally built in 1880 for James W. Calkins. Formal opening of the Club took place on March 10th, 1923. Bi-weekly member dinners were initiated with families and guests invited every other Thursday for $1.25 per person. Originally for men only, the Club offered “bachelor rooms” upstairs (now staff & member offices), which rented for $80 a month, including three meals a day. Hard-hit by WWII, the Club’s activities and membership slowed significantly but its doors never shut.

All through the years, the same traditions have held: good food and great company for both business and social occasions.advocate for changes to protect and improve the health of our communities.

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