La Playa Azul Cafe

914 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara
(805) 966-2860

Recent Reviews

Adam H.

This place is Amazing!!! The tacos de papas are quite possibly the best thing I've ever eaten!

Kimberly T.

Our SB Amigos recommended LPAC to us when we inquired about some nearby comida Mexicana. I called and made a reservation for the 7 of us, and we were seated immediately upon arrival. We sat on the patio, and they brought over two heaters. Our Hostess was so welcoming and sweet. She heard my daughter talking about being chilly and she is the one who arranged for them to bring on the heat. It's a really cute place, and there was a lot of laughter and happy chatter outside. We were given three bowls of salsa and 2 baskets of chips, everyone was pretty hungry so were quite happy for the generous portions. Our server wasn't rude, but he wasn't exactly friendly either. Totally professional, just kind of a serious vibe. The food was excellent, I had chicken tacos. The chicken was delicious, and the rice and beans were absolute perfection! The flavor of the rice was just like home made, with enough savory tomato and very tender rice. I usually pick at the rice and beans when they're on the side. I can not deny, I devoured these! I had a guava margarita and it was wonderful as well. When our server came around again, he asked our daughter, "Are you done, Sweetie?" That was a kind gesture, and put a big smile on her face. Muchas Gracias, and we will be back the next time we're in town.

Milt K.

The food was very good, and plentiful. We had some language issues when ordering, but it was sorted out. Service was pretty good. The margaritas were so so. It was quiet for Sunday lunch, so we could visit. Have eaten here quite a few times and out of towners usually enjoy it too. Will eat here again.

Tyler Schillinger

nice santa barbara vibe restaurant. went for happy hour and food was well worth the money. my only complaint would be that they made the pina colada strong. step above

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sarah G.

Had a great first experience at La Playa. Decided to go check out their Happy Hour for both food and drinks. Right off the bat, I'll say the style and ambiance are great. The outdoor patio is adorable. The indoor space is warm, stylish, and inviting. The staff immediately greeted us, and we were sat for our reservation immediately. Overall the service was impressive throughout the entire dining experience. The Happy Hour menu does require a drink order. They are famous for their margaritas, so we tried for different ones; mango habanero, melon, hibiscus, and premium. All four were delicious! They have an extensive list of food options to pick from. We tried the nachos and quesadilla, both with chicken. They were also delicious. Based on the experience, price, and taste of the Happy Hour menu, we will definitely be back to try their regular menu items. If you've not been, check it out!

Michael H.

Love the food and costumer service is fantastic!!! Totally recommend it there service is fast and nice and it's very convenient

Sara H.

Went for the first time and ordered the chicken tacos! Food was delicious, and my waiter Mario was amazing! Will definitely be coming back.

Ruthie Tremmel

My first time there and plan on many more trips back! Outstanding food, service and comfortable surroundings.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Burrito with Beans and Rice, Santa Barbara

Maria T.

Oh! Where to start! We had the worst service ever! The waiter came around and took our order. The food came out. One specific plate came out that nobody ordered. The waiter then proceeded to argue with me that was a plate that I had ordered, which I know for a fact I did not! He stud there for a few minutes arguing with me, that I was wrong. Trust me, if I was in the wrong, i would own up to it and say it was my mistake. However, it was not! We felt discriminated! I don't believe he would have spoken to anyone else the way he spoke to us. After that, the waiter avoided coming around, and if we needed anything, we had to flag someone down. He would send someone else. He finally came around and asked if we needed anything else. He then provided us with some boxes and the bill. I noticed on the bill that he had charged us a gratuity charge. However, on the website, menu, and bill, it states that they apply that on party's of eight or more. It was my sister's birthday, so I decided I was going to call after and dispute that charge. Trust me if the service was great. I would not be disputing that charge. I would have even given more. I spoke to a very nice young lady and stated that she was one of the managers, she assured me that she would take care of that charge, she apologized, even offered a gift card of $150. However, I declined. I stated that all I wanted was my charge of that gratuity back. She said no problem. I haven't received my refund! Still waiting

anna villatoro

This place use to be great not anymore at least not for me food is tasteless service is not like it used to be I drive two hours to go here an im disappointed sorry.

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Burrito with Beans and Rice, Chips and Salsa

Kristina M.

Fantastic place for happy hour! The guava margaritas are so delicious and I love the apps that come with the happy hour deal. My friends got the chicken and steak quesadilla, taquitos chiquitos, and nachos; while I got the Tacos de Papas. I love a potato taco and these were just filling enough, not too heavy. The staff are so friendly, they even helped us add an extra table on when we had another friend join us. It's a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating - I love when the lights come on outside, it's gorgeous at night.

Chris N.

I've been coming to this restaurant for 40 years. I'm very sad to say the service has really fallen off. The waiter got the order wrong and then completely disappeared. Every time we wanted anything we had to get up and find someone to help. Oh well, off to find another Mexican restaurant in SB.

CandV B.

Wow! But not in a good way. We had three different servers and not one of them did a nice job. I think they didn't know who was supposed to be serving us. We asked to be seated outside and they said no. Inside was very loud with an obnoxiously couple of party groups nearby. We asked for a few exceptions on our food (no pico, no cheese), and those requests were ignored. After eating our so-so food, we noticed there was still plenty of seating available outside. At any point had any of the servers apologized for the forgetful service that would have made a huge difference in our satisfaction.

Danny N.

I asked for quick service and they delivered. I was in a bit of a rush but their margaritas and scallops were amazing! I would definitely come back and recommend to anyone. Thank you!

Mark F.

Cute Patio Lovely Family Great Happy Hour Start your night off at La Playa This is a place where old friends gather on the weight picket fenced in patio, around deep red salsa, rimmed adult beverage, and talk about their day while shaded from the Santa Barbara sun by big'ol trees. This is place where the family run business knows you and you ask about their kids. This is a place that serves up a solid dish with good cocktails. La Playa is a place that should become a staple in your Happy Hour line up or for lunch and dinner. Usually busy with reservations highly recommended for Fridays or Saturdays during the summer. I suggest the patio to take in fresh air and sun SB is known for. And as you know me, I'm looking for the deals which are Tuesday - Sunday: 3 to 6 from an extensive Happy Hour list of eats and drinks. I regularly enjoy the Grilled Steak Quesadillas $10 and will reluctantly share their deliciousness with the table along with the Rajas con Queso $9, and Tostaditas w/ chicken $10. Keep the Premium Margaritas $11.50 or Casa Margaritas $8 flowing! Off the Happy Hour menu I recommend their Steak Ranchero or Carne Asada both at $22.50 or their Chile Verde for $21. I don't recall ever being disappointed with my selection. Come early and stay late. I just might see you in the patio!

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