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History of The Nugget Bar & Grill
The Nugget Bar & Grill is a cherished Summerland institution, seamlessly blending rich history with culinary excellence.
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To delve deeper into its enduring legacy and community significance, I had the pleasure of interviewing owner Bob Montgomery, whose insights illuminate the passion and tradition that have shaped The Nugget, at 2318 Lillie Ave., into the beloved restaurant it is today.
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According to Montgomery, the building dates to 1935, and became the Seabreeze Restaurant in 1960 after it was converting from Lucky’s grocery/carpentry shop.
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Around 1970, Roland Trombley started serving The Nugget’s burgers, fries and chili. The building was split at the time with two businesses: The Nugget on the kitchen side of the current building and, on the White Owl Surf Shop on the dining room side.
At the time there was a location on Coast Village Road and another on Hollister Avenue in Goleta.
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Sally and Doug Taylor bought The Nugget in 1976 and, in 1987, converted the surf shop into the dining room/bar area, creating the full restaurant as it stands today.
At the time, the Taylors owned the lot next door and had outdoor breakfast, lunch and dining on the patio.
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They sold 16-ounce T-bone steaks for $8.95 with two sides, the Gold Miner’s Hamburger for $3.10, bacon and eggs for $2.95, beer for $1.35 and Coca-Cola for 70 cents.
The décor was Western saloon style with old wagon wheels and animal mounts donated by customers. The Nugget name evokes the California gold rush, with a token prospector and mule on one of the original logos.
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The Rancheros Visitadores made The Nugget their hangout during their annual rides and they would ride their horses and wagons into town, and order drinks while their horses were tied up in front.
Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were customers and sat at what is now known as the Presidents’ Booth in the back. Clinton played a saxophone, which is still mounted on the wall.
Jonathan Winters, Brad Paisley, Bob Hope and Willie Nelson are among the scores of famous people The Nugget has served.
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Montgomery took over The Nugget in 2008 and opened the Goleta Nugget later that year in a former pizza joint. His granddaughter Kaila Cattaeno , runs the Goleta restaurant while Paul Garcia is general manager of the Summerland location.
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A third location, opened July 4th 2025 at 892 Linden Ave. in Carpinteria and is owned by Montgomery’s daughter, Cindy Cattaeno.
