The People Behind The Pour

Meet the team bringing Arnie’s to life

Our Story

Located in the heart of Carpinteria, Arnie’s Rooftop Bar was created as a place to gather, unwind, and take in the rhythm of the coast.

The vision is simple: an elevated yet approachable space where great drinks, good company, and a sense of ease come together. Our cocktail program focuses on classics with a coastal twist—fresh citrus, herbs, and subtle florals—crafted with intention but never overcomplicated.

Simple by design. Elevated by detail. Always delicious.

Meet Arnie

Arnie Sturham is a hospitality leader with decades of experience creating places people love to gather. After owning and operating a beloved bar and restaurant in the Pacific Northwest, he brought his vision to Carpinteria with a focus on great cocktails, quality ingredients, and genuine hospitality.

His approach is straightforward: create a place people want to return to; where the drinks are thoughtful, the atmosphere is easy, and everyone feels at home.

Behind The Experience

Behind the experience at Arnie’s is Trina Armitage, a Santa Barbara–based hospitality and experience consultant and owner of a cocktail catering company known for creating immersive, detail-driven events.

Arnie and Trina met at the Santa Barbara Public Market, both wearing Seahawks jerseys on a game day. What started as a quick bond over football turned into a natural collaboration, rooted in a shared approach to hospitality and creating memorable experiences.

That connection led Arnie to bring Trina on to develop the cocktail program and run the bar, shaping the experience from the first pour to the last sip.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Yes. Arnie’s is a 21+ venue. Valid government-issued ID is required for entry at all times. No children or infants permitted.

  • Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome. All dogs must remain leashed and under control at all times.

  • Bar seating and high-top tables are first come, first served.

    We accept reservations for:

    • Larger parties

    • Fireplace lounge seating

    • Glass room reservations

    • Private buyouts

    Please visit our Private Events page to inquire.

  • We focus on handcrafted cocktails and a curated wine selection. Guests are welcome to bring food from the restaurants below in Linden Square to enjoy during their visit.

    Outside beverages are not permitted.

  • Rain or shine, we’re open and ready to serve.

    Our bar is fully covered, and we have awnings and large umbrellas throughout the rooftop to keep guests comfortable.

  • Yes — we offer thoughtfully curated non-alcoholic selections alongside our cocktail, beer, and wine menu.

  • Public parking is readily available throughout Linden Square and surrounding streets.

    The Carpinteria train station parking lot is located just one block away.

  • We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and cash.

  • Coastal, relaxed, and elevated. Come comfortable, intentional, and ready to gather.

  • An automatic gratuity will be applied to parties of 6 or more.

  • Decor for reserved spaces must be approved in advance.

    For rooftop safety, confetti and loose decorative materials are not permitted.

  • Arnie’s is a non-smoking and non-vaping venue.