26 Best Mexican Restaurants near Isla Vista

Restaurantji presents Isla Vista's standout Mexican dining destinations.

1
Zocalo

Zocalo Mexican • $
901 Embarcadero del Mar #101, Isla Vista

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito
Quesobirria Tacos
Pozole

“I love an excuse to go into IV and was excited to try a new taco spot! Zocalo is delish. It's a bit pricey for IV but the food is really tasty. I wish chips and salsa were included with the meal. I paid extra for them because that's my favorite part of going out for Mexican food. I had to ask to get them before our food came out though, which was a little annoying. They do offer unlimited salsa, which I appreciate. You order at the register and then food is announced when it's ready at the counter. They do not have parking but there is a lot across the street that you can pay to park at or try to find street parking.“

4.8 Superb101 Reviews
Freebirds Burrito • $
879 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista

Customers` Favorites

Onions Cilantro Guacamole Lettuce Pico De Gallo Cabbage
Quesarito Half Quesadilla Half Burrito
Nachos Stake Tacos & Burrito
Chicken Monster Burrito
Regular Burrito Chicken
Monster Burrito Deluxe
Regular Veggie Burrito
Quesadilla with Steak
Veggie Burrito Bowl
Carne Asada Nachos

“I just love getting my money’s worth and having a satisfying experience from beginning to end!! This place is one million percent worth the hype and it’s so good you’ll find yourself stopping on the way to and from LA. Love love love freebirds MONSTER VEGGIE FOR LIFE!!“

4.5 Superb76 Reviews
Super Cuca's Mexican • $
6527 Madrid Rd, Isla Vista

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito
Taquitos De Papa
Protein Burrito
Super Burrito

“Stopped by with my daughter, a UCSB alum, as we drove through SB. She had to swing by Super Cuca's to get her favorite breakfast burrito.We were curious about what she had lived on during her days here. We thoroughly enjoyed the Rancheros Breakfast Burrito - just delicious and quite filling.I'm glad they have good food for the students.“

3.9 Good50 Reviews
Maiz Picante Taqueria Mexican •
2714 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara - 7.88 miles

Customers` Favorites

Papa Rell - Vegan Beyond Pastor
Al Pastor Burrito
Jarritos Mandarin
Burrito Al Pastor
Breakfast Burrito
Quesa Birria
Vegan Crispy
Tacos Plate
Chardonaay
Salsa

“My friend and I went here after having coffee, at Handlebar. We walked in and were immediately welcomed in. They have excellent food, servers and most importantly great customer service! They truly care about the display & presentation of the food on the plate they serve you..., and about your overall experience here.“

4.7 Superb113 Reviews
Lilly's Taqueria Mexican • $
290 D, Storke Rd, Goleta - 1.14 miles

Customers` Favorites

Tacos De Lengua Y Cachete
Cabeza - Beef Head
Chicken Fajita
Marinated Pork
Steamed Beef
Soft Tacos
Salsa Bar
Adobada

“I absolutely love this place. The staff is always friendly and patient, the food is phenomenal, and the restaurant is very clean. Yes it's just tacos, but they are damn-good tacos. My favorites are the asada, adobada, and cachete. Pro-tip, get an asada taco and a cachete taco and then mix the two meats together. The fatty, tender cachete blends amazingly well with the perfectly cooked asada. The salsa bar isn't anything fancy, but it doesn't need to be. The line does get long sometimes but it's worth the wait. I make it a point to swing by here whenever I'm in the area.“

4.7 Superb77 Reviews
Los Agaves Mexican • $$
2911 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara - 7.8 miles

Customers` Favorites

Enchilada a La Carte and a Side of Rice
Nachos with Beef and Chicken
Enchiladas De Mole Poblano
Enchiladas Guadalajara
Chile Verde Burrito
Los Agaves Salad
Agaves Enchiladas
Fish Taco Carte
Tomatillo Salsa
Mole Enchiladas

“: Authentic Mexican Cuisine at Its Best** If you're craving a taste of Mexico in Santa Barbara, look no further than Los Agaves. From the moment you step through the door, the aroma of sizzling spices and freshly made tortillas transports you south of the border. The menu boasts a delightful array of traditional Mexican dishes, each bursting with flavor and authenticity. Whether you're indulging in savory tacos, zesty enchiladas, or hearty burritos, every bite is a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to genuine Mexican cuisine. But it's not just the food that keeps patrons coming back for more. The friendly staff and impeccable service make dining at Los Agave's a true pleasure. Whether you're dining in or ordering catering for your next event, you can expect nothing short of excellence. In a city known for its culinary prowess, Los Agaves stands out as a shining example of Mexican gastronomy done right. Highly recommended to anyone seeking a taste of Mexico in the heart of Santa Barbara. ---“

4.6 Superb98 Reviews
Los Altos Restaurant, Goleta Mexican • $
5892 Hollister Ave, Goleta - 2.41 miles

Customers` Favorites

Complimentary Chips and Salsas
Breaded Fish Fillet
Torta Con Asada
Chile Verde
Taco Plate

“Ambiance and service is good. Loved the shrimp soup they served us. Shrimp diablas was spicy but good. Great and refreshing aguas frescas, they have a good portion too. Only critique I have is on the ceviche mixto. The flavor was just not there - maybe just a bad day. Overall good dining experience! I will be coming back on for their taco deals.“

4.6 Superb53 Reviews
Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch Chicken • $
2618 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara - 7.92 miles

Customers` Favorites

Combo Plate and Burrito
Salsa and Condiments
Half Chicken Plate
Tri-Tip Quesadilla
Marinated Onions
Rice and Beans
Tri-Tip Plate
Combo Burrito
Tortillas
Sandwich

“Food is great their is just a heavy set cashier that seems a littleIndifferent to me. Her tone of voice is a little stand offish and body language and I observed her with other custermers right after me which she was super friendly and animated with so it’s just me she appears to not like.Been coming her 18 years“

4.4 Superb79 Reviews
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant Mexican • $$
254 Orange Ave, Goleta - 2.38 miles

Customers` Favorites

A La Carte Chile Relleno and a Chicken Tamale
Dos Tacos De Carne Asada
Small Chips and Salsa
Chile Verde Bean Dip
Chicken Fajita
Chimichanga
Quesadilla
Enchilada
Guacamole
Carnitas

“Pepe's is the best Mexican food in Goleta, hands down.My family has eaten Pepe's for over 49 years ...I can remember eating Pepe's when i was a small child. Now i take my daughter, and she loves it .It hasn't changed much over the years other than the addition of the outside patio, a new bar area, and a few remodels over the years .Same great food and same great service !!“

4.4 Superb63 Reviews
La Guerrerita Mexican Food Mexican • $
5698 Hollister Ave, Goleta - 2.66 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Pollo Enchiladas in Red Sauce
Tortas and Tacos Dorados
Costillas En Chile Rojo
Breakfast Burrito
La Guerrerita
La Cubana
Tortillas

“Food was good. Got 2 tacos one of chorizo and one of pastor. We also got 2 tortas de milanesa, flavor and size of food was good. Wish they had a little bit more variety of salsa. We added beans to our tortas which for us always makes them better. The tacos had hand-made tortillas which we really liked. The place could use some music for a nicer atmosphere so it’s not so quiet. Besides that we would go there again.“

4.4 Superb49 Reviews
Domingo's Cafe Breakfast • $
5782 Hollister Ave, Goleta - 2.53 miles

Customers` Favorites

Cheese Enchiladas with Eggs
Sacramento Mish Mash
French Toast 2 Eggs
Breakfast Burrito
Huevos Rancheros
Pancakes

“Where to begin with Domingo's... this place is the absolute best. It's 100% my favorite spot in town and I have nothing bad to say. The staff are wonderful, kind, and helpful, the food is delicious, it's incredibly homey and comfortable, and has become my happy place. My girlfriend and I go minimum once a week and love it. I always feel like I'm back in my small hometown in the best way. Highly advise going here!“

4.4 Superb48 Reviews
Del Pueblo Cafe Mexican • $
5134 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara - 3.67 miles

Customers` Favorites

Cheese Enchilada and Chile Relleno
Bacon Breakfast Burrito
Chicken Taquitos
Chips and Salsa
Mole Enchiladas
Green Pozole
Guacamole

“What a great dinner we had!! This place has totally changed for the better! I picked up dinner for my family of 4 and we were all very impressed. I had the chicken enchiladas and they were delicious! Kids had wet burritos with the best verde sauce I have had in town. All the food was fresh, hot and well-prepared. Great job Del Pueblo, we will be back.“

4.4 Superb34 Reviews
Pueblo del Pollo Halal • $
6578 Trigo Rd, Goleta - 0.23 miles

Customers` Favorites

2 Pieces Fire-Grilled Chicken Meal
Classic Chicken Tostada Salad
Double Crunch Taquito Nachos
8 Pieces of Chicken Only
Chipotle Chicken Burrito
Chicken Avocado Burrito
2 Leg & Side Kids Meal
Chicken Taco Kids Meal
Double Chicken Nachos
Chicken Tortilla Soup

“The food there was so good! I got their Aloo Palak, Basmati Rice & Garlic Naan. They have a really good looking breakfast menu so I'm going to have to try that soon. It's all very flavorful and hoping they become a main stay in IV. Can't wait to try different dishes from this place!“

4.4 Superb32 Reviews
Elubia's Kitchen Latin American • $
325 Rutherford St Suite D, Goleta - 2.49 miles

Customers` Favorites

Potato Taquitos Plate with Casamiento
Dobladitas Plate
Pupusas Plate
Grande Meal 1
Street Tacos
Combo Plate
Wet Burrito
Garnachas
Nachos
Salsa

“As someone who has to eat gluten free, I am so thankful for Elubias! The papusas are all great. We tried a wide variety and liked them all! The nachos were great also. The gluten free burrito was great! The tortilla was amazing for a gluten free option. My one complaint was that it was a lot of beans in comparison to everything else but I still enjoyed it.“

4.3 Superb41 Reviews
Pollofino's Mexican • $
6831 Hollister Ave # K, Goleta - 1.16 miles

Customers` Favorites

Burrito

“The best. Period. For a healthy option, try the chicken salad. The Flying Burritos are so full of flavor, you're gonna want to slap your mama. The salsas at the salsa bar are on point. This place is at the top of my regular Goleta rotation!“

4.3 Superb40 Reviews
Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's Mexican • $
2704 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara - 7.89 miles

Customers` Favorites

Carnitas and Adobada Tacos
Chile Relleno
Taco Plate
Taquitos
Birria
Pollo

“Excellent tostada, tacos and burrito for our first time trying this place. Very friendly staff even though I arrived within half an hour of closing. Fresh and delicious chicken, carne asada and salsas. Can't wait to go back and try more dishes - it won't be long!“

4.6 Superb18 Reviews
Taqueria La Unica Tacos • $$
3771 State St, Santa Barbara - 6.82 miles

Customers` Favorites

Enamorado - Lengua Burrito
Taco Al Pastor Y Mulitas
Burrito Loco - Picana
An El Pastor Variant
Alambre- la Unica
Quesabirria Tacos
Chips and Salsa
Taco De Suadero
Al Pastor Taco
Milanesa Torta

“This place is amazing. I love their weekly specials which keep me coming back over and over again. I love the taste of their al pastor and their salsas. I'm a huge fan of Mexican restaurants if they make a good salsa and this place has many great tasting salsas. I really love getting their al pastor burritos and tacos but also love their que me vez alhambres. Can I also just comment on how friendly and kind all their employees are!? They are so kind! They make me want to keep coming back. There are other places in SB that sell food delicious like this but I stopped going because basic service lacks. that's not the case here. I highly recommend this place. I love it!“

3.9 Good105 Reviews
Los Agaves Mexican • $
7024 Market Pl Dr, Goleta - 1.29 miles

Customers` Favorites

Rice and Beans
Chips & Salsa
Shrimp Taco
Salsa Bar
Nachos

“These Birthday Churros totally take the cake! (Pun alert). Best churros in town, crunchy on the outside, perfection in the center- and they threw in strawberries and dulce de leche to boot! The establishment is in a convenient location with lots of parking. Store was clean, staff friendly and helpful. It was quite popular and busy, but extremely efficient. Says a lot about the food & reputation! I highly recommend it. Forget the Birthday Cake and head to Los Agaves for the best birthday churros in town!“

4.1 Good87 Reviews
Cal Taco Mexican • $
7320 Hollister Ave, Goleta - 1.7 miles

Customers` Favorites

Double Burger with Ranch Dressing
Veggie Burger
Char Burger
Onion Rings
Steak Taco
Salsa Bar
Burgers
Salsa
Fries

“Why do I love Cal Taco?Ever noticed that when you buy a burger from a fast food restaurant, the marketing photos of their burgers look nothing like what they hand you to eat?Here is a picture of my Cal Taco burger. No enhancements, no special handling, just a fresh and delicious, "home-made" burger, with an amazing Char-Burger flavor.○ Friendly staff○ Clean restaurant○ Great food.You have to try this place. ?“

4.1 Good67 Reviews
Altamirano’s Mexican Grill Mexican • $
5838 Hollister Ave, Goleta - 2.47 miles

Customers` Favorites

Quesadilla Con Adobada Marinated Pork
Quesadilla Con Lengua Beef Tongue
Taco Altamirano
Chips and Salsa
Mole Enchiladas
Chicken Mole
Burritos
Pozole

“This place is great. Everything tastes fresh, and has great flavor.We order take out from here often for breakfast, everything we have had has been delicious. The salsas do lack a little flavor sometimes but by and large their selection is great.“

4.2 Good35 Reviews
Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch Chicken • $
149 N Fairview Ave #2304, Goleta - 2.54 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chicken and Tri Tip Burrito
Kids Cheese Quesadilla
Chicken Tri-Tip Combo
Chicken or Tri-Tip
Half Chicken Plate
Tri Tip Sandwich
Chicken Burrito
Tri-Tip Burrito
Side Tortillas
Tri-Tip Plate

“I had the half chicken which was delicious ! The seasoning was just right, the skin was crispy and the meat was moist and flavorful. They've got a great selection of salsas to choose from as well. The beans and rice were ok but nothing exceptional. They do have beers as well which I didn't see on their website. They offer great food at reasonable prices, would definitely go back next time I'm in the area and would recommend to anyone looking for some great chicken“

4.1 Good41 Reviews
Rose Cafe Mexican • $
1816 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara - 8.02 miles

Customers` Favorites

Chile Relleno and Cheese Enchilada
Chicken Enchilada Verde
Zucchini Omelette
Cheese Quesadilla
Salsa and Chips
Steak Ranchero
Guacamole

“The food was good, the menudo was very delicious. Place has a good atmosphere. Their menus are digital, so make sure to bring a phone.Parking: There is a side lane we're you parallel park. It can be difficult to find parking because of busy it is. There are multiple stores that use the same parking. I would estimate about 20 to 30 parking spots available.“

4.1 Good40 Reviews
Goleta Bakery Bakery • $
5784 Hollister Ave, Goleta - 2.53 miles

Customers` Favorites

Refried Beans Torta
Chorizo Burrito

“Bottom Line: A great little local bakeryEvery town needs to have a little local spot like this where people make and serve baked goods.They always have tons of different things in here for you to try - you just have to get down here to try them!I'm lucky enough to have this spot on the way to work, so I can drop in a pick up some goodies pretty much any time.Come check it out!“

4.2 Good23 Reviews
Super Cuca's Taqueria Mexican • $
2030 Cliff Dr #1a, Santa Barbara - 7.82 miles

Customers` Favorites

Bird’S Eye View of Carnitas Super Torta
California Burrito
Chips and Salsa
Al Pastor Torta
Taquitos Plate
Super Burrito
Super Taco
Salsa Bar

“This is my go-to spot since childhood. I would walk home with friends from school and stop here, my mom would bring home a super plate and add extra tortillas and we would share as a family, and when I was a student in grad school I would binge eat on the burritos. My daughter now is obsessed with the kid quesadilla option! My favorite item is the chile relleno burrito with carne asada. Sit outside or simply grab to-go; you just can't go wrong. The only down side is that parking isn't great. The family that owns and operates Cuca's are so friendly and actively involved in the community. Bonus tip, always ask for extra salsa and enjoy it your leftovers.“

4 Good58 Reviews
El Sitio Restaurant - De La Vina Mexican • $
2830 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara - 7.87 miles

Customers` Favorites

Burrito de Carnitas

“Fantastic no-frills Mexican restaurant featuring Mixteco favorites. Lunchtimes are packed and finding a plastic chair & table inside or outside will be challenging. Call ahead and pick it up to go if you don't want to wait but the food is worth the hassle. Breakfast burritos are hearty and loaded. Their torta is one of the best in town even though very simple. And their street tacos are incredible and they offer at least a half-dozen different meat options. Freshly grilled jalapenos generally available to augment your meal and their horchata is respectable. If you want good solid Mexican food at reasonable prices and you're in a hurry or not trying to impress a date, this is a wonderful little place to visit.Kid-friendliness: If you can find a place for them to sit, children will be no problem here. Very relaxed and family-friendly vibe.Parking: Parking lot but spaces close to the restaurant are often taken. Be patient and you'll find something though and it will be worth the walk if necessary.“

4 Good33 Reviews
Palapa Restaurant Mexican • $
4123 State St, Santa Barbara - 6.02 miles

Customers` Favorites

Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo Con Arroz Verde
Hard Shell Chicken Tacos
Chile Relleno Plate
Chicken Enchiladas
Shrimp Enchiladas
Chili Relleno
Mojarra Frita
Wet Burrito
Chile Verde
Fish Tacos

“Tasty food and great service. I've been here multiple times with family and each time the food is 10/10 delicious! We typically order the parillada, which is perfect because it has a little bit of everything. You can choose from an all seafood, all meats, or mixed parillada and between a smaller one (enough for 2-3 people) or bigger one (enough for 4-6 people). I recommend the mixed parillada. You can also substitute items based on your preferences which is nice. Along with amazing food, the staff is super friendly and are consistently checking in on you. The restaurant is also very nice. There is plently of indoor and outdoor space with colorful decor. The one thing i'm not crazy about here is their drinks. I've tried both non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks such as their horchata, winerita, sunset and michelada and was not impressed.“

3.9 Good93 Reviews
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