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Fresco Cafe
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
American
Café
Family Dining
Outdoor
Fresco Cafe Description
Tucked into a small shopping mall, Fresco's doesn't look like much from the outside, but there's a reason locals line up and former UCSB students make a stop here every time they're in town. From lighter fare like salads and soups to heartier dishes such as lasagna and casseroles, the huge menu and informal atmosphere make it perfect for families where everyone wants something different. (The baked macaroni special, if they offer it, is a surefire kid-pleaser.) But the reason your kids are going to talk about this restaurant for months after you get home? The cupcakes. Huge, vanilla cupcakes layered with thick, fluffy chocolate frosting, are one of the must-haves at Fresco's, and in fact locals order them for birthday parties by the pan-ful. Fresco's caters to locals in a lunch or pre-movie rush, so it's perfect for impatient kids. You order at the counter, take a number and wait for your food, so there's no waiting for service.
Planning Notes
- Look for specials: For budget-friendly savings, pay attention to the specials and combinations; daily offerings like the pizza-salad combo or the "threesome," which is a half sandwich, salad and soup, are great deals.
- A second location: Fresco's recently opened a new location, Fresco Cafe North, in Goleta at 5940 Calle Real, which is very convenient when you're heading north out of town.
Just the Facts
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fees: Inexpensive.
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