Arnie’s Rooftop Bar in Linden Square

I first reported on Arnie’s Rooftop Bar in November 2025 in our News Bytes section, when early buzz began circulating that restaurateur Arnie Sturham had acquired the space and was developing the concept. Sturham, who moved to the area three years ago, holds a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Washington State University.

Originally slated for a January 2026 opening, construction design and permitting delays pushed the timeline. The bar is now expected to open April 20, with a private soft opening for press and invited guests happening beforehand.

Sturham’s other business, the Treehouse Café in Washington state, has operated for more than 20 years as a pub offering pizza and live music. In contrast, the Carpinteria location – responding to neighborhood preferences – will open as a more low-key lounge aligned with the local lifestyle. Plans include television screens for sports, similar to its downstairs neighbor, Third Window Brewing.

The venue, limited to guests 21 and older, will be the only location in Linden Square permitted to serve hard liquor. Trina Vysniauskas-Armitage will lead the craft cocktail program. The bar will also offer four draft beers and a selection of approximately 20 local wines.

The ambiance features outdoor greenery and a rectangular fire pit, along with nautically inspired furnishings that include rattan bar stools and hanging “egg” chairs. Seating includes sectional couches and a mix of high- and low-top tables. The rooftop setting offers views of Carpinteria’s mountains and coastline, with a layout designed to accommodate both groups and individual visitors.

Hours are expected to be 12 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and until 11 pm on weekends.  

411: www.instagram.com/arniesrooftopbar