50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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“good portions in the tacos. very tasty and fast service. the line seems overwhelming at first but moves fast. Will definitely be back, when in the area.“

“Parking can be a struggle, but it's totally worth it. One of, if not, the best places to eat in town.“

“Ensaladas y mariscos en realidad todo está riquísimo“

“Maiz Picante catered our wedding recently and did a phenomenal job! Not only were they professional, but the food was outstanding. We got nonstop praises about the food and service. I will definitely be using them again when we have another event. Otherwise, I try and support them whenever we are in town. They are friendly, professional, and know their food!“

“Hello Page Administrator, We regret to inform you that your page is scheduled for permanent deletion due to violations of our trademark rights. This decision has been made after careful consideration and in compliance with our user protection policies. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or wish to contest this decision, please contact us through our page: Mike be Best regards, Mike_bee“

“I eat a lot of Mexican food and this was genuinely one of the best Mexican meals I have ever eaten. Everything completely fresh and scratch made from the chips to the tortillas to the sauces. So flavorful and authentic. Just visiting the Santa Barbara area for a few days but would be a regular here if I lived closer. Definitely a must-try even with the abundance of Mexican options around.“

“Delicious Margaritas - Amazing food and service. 5 ⭐️“

“Great food at great prices.“

“Casual eatery serving upwell-portioned, comfort Mexican food in a comfortable setting. Protein selection is extensive, featuring multiple options for pork, chicken and beef.

Sopes come highly recommended. Carnitas is crispy and the al pastor has a sweet note.

Being only a couple of blocks off the 101 highway makes it a convenient stop while traveling through the area.“

“Everything I’ve tried on the menu is outstanding. Fresh ingredients and creative combinations of flavors, herbs, spices. They make their tacos on site, and all portions are substantial. I love the al pastor tacos with chunks of pineapple on top. The Colima ceviche is sublime perfection, and the plátanos are the perfect sweet compliment. The mango margarita with tajin on the rim was delicious.“

“I have never been a huge fan of torta's...everytime I get one I always wished I had just gotten a burrito...because who doesn't LOVE tortillas, right? ....but...

I just had the best torta of my life! The Cubana Torta from El Sitio is FUEGO. You know when you order a sandwich and you get drips of sauce falling out the back? This thing drips huge chunks of amazingly flavored meats all over....in fact half of the meat they give you doesn't even FIT in the sandwich... you get a whole other sandwich's worth of meat wrapped up in the foil!

Hands down. Best Torta of my life.

On top of that. they have an amazing all-female kitchen staff, who are sweet as anything and make amazing food. I can't forget Pepe, who is the son of the man who started this business. He is always in-store (I am sure he rotates stores) helping out with operations, taking orders, answering phones, etc. When I first moved here a year or so ago, he was such a bright and helpful face in this new area for me. Which as anyone who lives in SB knows, can sometimes feel a bit stuck up, and unwelcoming. I saw Pepe today and once again he helped me however he could (including selling me a roll of quarters I needed for laundry, lifesaver!) which is what brought me into google maps to send back my gratitude for this business and hope this review will help support them because 1. they deserve it. and 2. it really is the best mexican, or really some of the best food in town! and I do NOT say that lightly. Hope this helps ya'll Cheers. BTW everything I have tried here is great.....but please....consider ordering the Cubana Torta....wow. just....wow.“

“Fantastic place for authentic SoCal Mexican food as well as fresh meats, tortillas, chips, and other cooking necessities. Cash, credit/debit card payments accepted. Outdoor seating both covered and more open air (under umbrellas).

Very popular - and for good reason! parking is a problem so avoid driving here if you can. Fresh and delicious Mexican dishes. The Super Nachos are packed full of deliciousness including a generous portion of guacamole. Burritos are massive and delicious - the shrimp burritos are definitely memorable. Soft drinks and agua frescas available for drinks.

Also a carniceria with a small selection of fresh meats, plus a variety of other meal needs - spices, seasonings, tortillas, chips, etc. Service is friendly. Definitely would come back here again!“

“the best tacos I’ve had in santa barbara they passed the vibe check fs The meat is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and packed with flavor. The tortillas taste fresh, and every bite is delicious. The portions are generous, the service is friendly love“

“great tacos! highly recommended.“

“great food ...get in and try it..“

“Little Alex's is a family owned gem! The food is great and the atmosphere is mellow and friendly. At any Mexican restaurant, my first judgement is always about the chips and salsa. They seriously have THE best chips in town. Their salsas are all made in house and run from a very mild but tasty base salsa to a hot that tastes great while simultaneously stripping paint! My personal favorite is their medium roasted salsa, Baja salsa, which has lots of flavor and a fair bit of kick. I or my family have eaten most of their menu here and everyone always finds something to love.

Whether you are a Chiliophile or you like completely non-spicy food, you will find something that makes you happy!“

“Awesome spot. The bar has an amazing happy hour. Of course you have to get the Paloma. Grab a few Palomas and the nuts and pickles and you have yourself an awesome time. Everything is high quality, I can imagine the restaurant to amazing. Great place to grab a drink before walking the Main Street.“

“The place is very nice and the tacos are great! It’s at the heart of the beautiful city of Santa Barbara Ca. I took a picture with one of the owners of Casa Comal. He knows hospitality!“

“We have we our company holiday lunch the attention was excellent as the service all the staff is super friendly el señor the Manager Marciano is awesome 👏 Felipe as well I highly recommended this place and the food and drinks just awesome 👏👏👏👏was a great time“

“good Mexican food.. burrito's n tacos off the chain!!!“

“I have this the perfect place for happy hour i order the soft steak tacos it was deelish cozy patio, super friendly staff, tasty pineapple margarita, so refreshing, gotta luv chips and guac. Follow your taste buds i highly recommend you give this restaurant a whirl.“

“Great food great service will be back soon need to taste some more tacos 🌮“

“A very good dining experience. Large plates with leftovers to take with you.“

“Tonight for delicious dinner, great specials,great service!👍🌈“

“Back patio is the best, cozy and warm, excellent choice for date night. Food was fresh and presented beautifully. Taquitos were perfect, so was guacamole. Margaritas were strong and fajitas were sizzling hot. The evening does not get better than this!!“

“Buenos tacos ...........!!“

“Love every meal I've had at El Zarape!“

“Didn’t want to wait in line at Super-Rica so dropped in here after a local recommended it. Super fast service and everything was really tasty. Fresh salsa, big burritos and the Jamaica was delicious. I had the shrimp burrito and it was super yummy. Can’t wait to come back!“

“Del Pueblo Cafe is a family-run Mexican restaurant with a real neighborhood feeling, complemented by an impressive collection of traditional and modern Mexican art. Total attention to quality and detail on everything they serve. Giselle and her crew provide warm and welcoming service. All the food is very fresh and lovingly prepared. Menu highlights include the super tasty Pollo Enlechado, amazingly creatively flavored seasonal coffee drinks, and simply the best Chile Relleno I have had anywhere! A hidden treasure in Santa Barbara.“

“Great food, great location and not a long wait.“

“Best place for good food!“

“I went around 9 with my family and ordered 5 tacos and 2 burritos. The meat was excellent, flavorful and cooked perfectly. The wait time was also much better compared to other food trucks around Milpas, which made the experience even better. Overall, great food and great service.“

“Ordered fish tacos from the specials menu, and while they weren't what I expected, it was a delicious plate of food! Fish was cooked perfectly and veggies were well seasoned. Needed to eat with a knife and fork, no picking up these tacos! Really yummy, and would recommend this casual little taqueria!“

“Outstanding! I can’t say enough about this place first time here on our travels Great Food Great Service we even met the owner and he took the time to chat with us & gave us some history on the restaurant & it’s excellent menudo only regret…. Is that it wasn’t closer to us This place is a must when in Santa Barbara, Ca.“

“First Time customer today 04/25/2025 and after trying 5 different Mexican restaurants in 9 months in Santa Barbara I have now found PERFECTION!!!
This place is unbelievable on every level in quality, taste & customer service. From my first bite of a carne asada burrito (rice, cheese cilantro & onions added) to the last each bite continued being better than the last. Do yourself a favor and don't pass up the opportunity to taste the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara because you will not be disappointed...Treat Yourself!!!“

“Please help local businesses. El Rincon Bohemio is Open for take out orders!! Weekdays 11am-8pm and weekends 8am-8pm!“

“I would definitely recommend Mayos Taqueria Carniceria. Food is delicious authentic salsas sides as well. Botanas available Chicaron Buches Carnitas typed with Onion Tomatoes Cilantro pickled Jalapeños. Also Fresh Meat Vegetables Spices Cheese Seafood also. Try it out you won't be disappointed. Also A Regional Guadalajara Torta Ahogada is served which is very tasty. Thank You Much From Johnny Huerta J.R Y Familia.“

“As a restaurant owner, I know quality when I see it. In my opinion, La Tolteca Tortilla Factory has the best tortillas in all of Santa Barbara. Outstanding quality, fair prices, and service that is always professional. Luis is a great businessman, El Flaco is fantastic, and the entire team works hard every day to deliver an exceptional product. We’ve been doing business with them for a long time, and they’ve always been consistent. Highly recommended!“

“Best ever day or nights. From. Aaron“

“10 out of 10 experience. We’ve been looking for a mariscos spot in SB and we finally found it. Staff was super friendly and attentive. Food was delicious/fresh. 🤌🏽“

“Love the food, but they screw up my take out order ever time!! I always ask for regular salsa and the quacamole salsa. .. They give me plain red sauce? and Verde salsa... Grrr.. I'm not sure if it's Rudy's or the driver... dozens of orders they have never gotten it right! Not once!! Super frustrating!“

“Warm and inviting staff, nice ambiance, delicious Mexican food. The owner is also very kind & welcoming!!! Great stopping point when on-the-go as they are fast and courteous, or dine-in of course as well.“

“Attention to detail and fresh look“

“This place is great. Really enjoyed the experience for burger week. We have been in a few times for the Taco Tuesday special and have gotten to go burritos a few times. Always good.

One word of warning, it's not fast. Not a great option if you're in a rush.“

“Очень вкусно!!!! Дружелюбный персонал. I love it❤️“

“Rudy's provides excellent value - this is the only Rudy's that has Taco Tuesday special rates. Food is plentiful, Steven is a caring employee, the refried beans are excellent - without lard. Prices are good. Am told the hamburgers are good, haven't tried them. The rellenos are excellent, just wish the sauces were labeled. Kudos to the owners and staff for providing a reliable variety of offerings.“

“We got takeout breakfast tacos. It’s in the Public Market but pretty much everything else in the market is closed in the mornings - so not much to comment on the atmosphere. The breakfast tacos were good and average size. We got the steak taco and a birria taco. They were good, only issue was the birria taco was extremely messy and hard to eat. This isn’t something you want with takeout and eating on the go. Relatively fast service but it is cooked to order so expect a bit of a wait.“

“(Translated by Google) Excellent ? place..The food with a good seasoning and delicious ?.It's just that it's very hot inside at noon...Above all. They are friendly and good vibes(Original)Excelente ? lugar..La comida con un buen sazón y delicioso ?.Solamente que adentro hace mucho calor al medio día...Sobre todo. Son amables y buena onda“

“Love it! Little place with great food and HOT salsa!! Love it! The owners are a sweet hard working couple! Go try it!“