Dining at the bar is easier than trying to get a table at the Hungry Cat in Santa Barbara. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Santa Barbara sea urchin with house-made crackers. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Steamed Canadian snow crab at the Hungry Cat. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Corn and bay scallop chowder is made with bacon and Cavolo Nero. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
The Hungry Cat’s peel and eat shrimp. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
A cucumber martini at the Santa Barbara Hungry Cat. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
Chocolate bread pudding is the one dessert that’s always on the Hungry Cat menu. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)
The dining room of the Hungry Cat in Santa Barbara. (Lawrence K. Ho / LAT)