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.“

“Ensaladas y mariscos en realidad todo está riquísimo“

“EVERYTHING!!!! Amazing food, super amazing staff, clean….and ABSOLUTELY delicious!!!! 🤗“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“Attention to detail and fresh look“

“We enjoyed an excellent vegan meal at La Paloma. Delicious homemade tacos stuffed with a potato-zucchini mash on a bed of flavorful black beans. Served hot, it really hit the spot. Also ordered marinated portobello mushrooms and lentils infused with honey, ginger, and truffle. Original and satisfying. Thanks for the great service too, Beth.“

“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!“

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

“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“

“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“

“I was craving Mexican food so badly 🌮🔥 and I’m SO happy this place did not disappoint! 😍👏

I got a mixed plate so I could try a little bit of everything—and it was all so good 🤤💯. The mole had just a tiny kick 🌶️, the beans were perfect 🫘, and the avocado was exactly how I like it—not too many onions, just right and nice and limey 🥑🍋.

The meat was super tender, and the flavors and sauces brought everything together beautifully 🍖🌮💥.

Absolutely hit the spot. Can’t wait to come back! 🙌🇲🇽“

“Stars
Absolutely incredible tacos! The food was super fresh, full of flavor, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. You can really taste the difference. The staff was friendly and the service was quick, even during the lunch rush. This taco truck is a hidden gem—can’t wait to come back for more!“

“Great food at great prices.“

“It’s great to see a dedicated vegan section of the menu. The person on the phone was friendly and helpful when I called ahead for my to-go order. I opted for the Vegan Burrito with Soya Pastor, and it was alright—sizable and made better with the included red and green salsas (one of each). Parking seems limited. I didn’t explore a lot, but there are two spaces right in front and I got lucky one was open. There are tables under a covered patio and then a couple more tables under umbrellas. Updated from previous review on 2024-11-23“

“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.“

“This place is really cute and cozy. The servers are super friendly and the food is amazing. The salsas have good flavor, the chips are warm and crispy, the drinks a super good. I got the mariscos enchiladas and my bf had the carnitas and they were both great. This is a place I would totally come back to. 10/10 would recommend.“

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

“I love the shredded beef tacos it's the only thing I get with the exception of an agua de jaimica, the tacos are so fat & the meat is seasoned well so delicious.
The customer service could be better the woman on the phone is a tad rude & in person.
The restaurant is always clean Inside.“

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

“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.“

“Vuena comida y vuena vevidas y lovueno ke los trabajadores humilde mi raza al 💯🍾🇲🇽“

“Great service and outstanding food.“

“We went to happy our at Little Alex's yesterday and were very happy with the whole experience. Very reasonable prices, good happy hour food and drink options, large beer selection compared to similar places, tasty salsas and bean dip, and a nice dog-friendly patio that doesn't face a busy street. Multiple vegetarian-friendly options.“

“I’ve consistently had a fantastic experience at this restaurant. The staff are always friendly, and the food is consistently well-prepared. I love the variety of affordable and delicious options they offer. The strawberry shake is perfectly balanced—just the right amount of sweetness. The enchiladas verdes are tasty and has a great spice to them. I also highly recommend the chorizo sopes. Their online ordering system is quick and user-friendly, and over the past two years, I’ve never encountered issues with my food, wait times, or service.“

“You’re missing the best breakfast in town. The owner is an expert barista. I had an almond latte with cinnamon and the scramble with nopales (opuntia cactus) and California chiles (not spicy). Also try horchata with a shot of espresso for lunch.

The portion was enormous and the flavors were fresh and exciting! The potatoes were so crispy. I used to frequent this restaurant years ago for their healthy soups. I’m so pleased that this is now a woman-owned local restaurant.

This is a must visit for specialty Mexican breakfasts and coffee brews. Also a great spot for gluten-free options.

Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free“

“Buenos tacos ...........!!“

“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!!!“

“Sabor, Sabor y Sabor. Jesus Would have eaten here himself, that good. Just fresh tasty perfection with super amiable service. We had 5 different meals, all tasty, we even got a tray of refried beans because I showed interest in the recipe. The salsas are great, lots of cilantro taste. The Jamaica and ochada drinks were heavenly too. And the food had great spicyness to it. I have no comparison to similar food but would go back without thinking. Gracias!“

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

“The food was okay. They need to be more specific of what ingredients are added. My food had chipotle sauce which I'm not to fond of , and five little shrimp for that price is a bit ridiculous. It was just okay. I didn't like the fact that a bunch of guys go in there just to eat and drink. And talk really loud, so it's not a very relaxing place or family oriented where you could have children around or young lady's when men are drinking.“

“Best place for good food!“

“We had a large group of about 20 and you wouldn't have known it. Service and food were timely and the quality was not sacrificed. Sometimes hard to pull off with such a large group. Bravo to the owner for making our evening very enjoyable.“

“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.“

“great tacos! highly recommended.“

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

“Best ever day or nights. From. Aaron“

“The past few times I have eaten at Rudy's, the food was not hot ! I picked up a combo plate, the enchilada was cold, and the cheese was unmelted. Also , the taco in the box was unwrapped on the rice and beans, and the taco was a mess just fell apart . Wrap the taco and leave it out of the box.
Even the 3 min drive with a hard shell taco out of the box can be pushing it . Wrap the Taco ?‍♂️“

“Perfect spot for a quick bite to get you going in the morning. The breakfast tacos on blue corn tortillas were amazing. We tried the Tejano, Del Chef, and the Ranchero. Each one was layered with flavor making each bite better than the last. We washed it all down with a Cafe de Olla and a Churro Latte. Delicious!!!“

“They have tortillas in different sizes, chips, organic products, chiles, dry spices and masa for tamales. You can call and place an order over the phone or pick up. Nice and friendly owners that treat everyone like family. The products are delicious and amazing quality!“

“Awesome little Taco shop! The Cheese Enchalada was amazing and a must try! Get the carnitas on whatever you order, it was the best choice! Also the Three Crispy Tacos are an awesome deal! The portions are huge and delicious, Service is friendly, atmosphere is a little bare minimum. Definitely recommend!“

“(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“

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

“Great food, great staff. They serve menudo on weekends and it's the best around.“

“The food is freaking bangging!! And having M Special brewery withint the same place made this place so good. I felt right at home. I wanted to take a nap after finishing my food and drinking my cider!

I approve this massage!

Thank you!“

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

“We ordered shrimp tacos, huge portions for 17 dollars, lunch and dinner were abundantly satisfied with their portions. Takeaway provided with inrestaurant meal.
There is a salsa bar, with a selection of otc drinks, mineral water included.
The parking was convenient within walking distance to downtown attractions, public shopping and parks.
The atmosphere is comfortable, cozy and of course authentically Mexican flavor, with open door seating. Delightful restauranteur.“

“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.“