Carlitos Café y Cantina

Lovely spot with lots of outdoor seating right on State Street. Food was great. We got both fish tacos, beer battered and grilled halibut. The guacamole was huge and really good, and the tacos were well portioned and delicious. This place is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

delicious food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

The food had so much flavor and the presentation of our plates were beautiful. The salmon was cooked to perfection. Moist and not over cooked or dry. Being anglers ourselves and preparing salmon at home in Seattle this was fantastic. Great job Carlito’s Cantina.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A Valentines day to remember...This salmon dish at Carlitos Café y Cantina in Santa Barbara is a vibrant celebration of coastal Mexican flavors.
The centerpiece is a perfectly seared salmon fillet—crisp and golden on the outside while remaining tender and succulent within. It is elevated by a bright mango compote, which brings a refreshing, tropical sweetness that beautifully balances the richness of the fish.
The dish is further enhanced by a side of colorful, seared peppers and vegetables that add a satisfying char and earthy depth to every bite. Whether enjoyed on the sun-drenched patio overlooking State Street or in the lively dining room, this plate is a masterclass in fresh, seasonal ingredients and expert preparation

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food!! Amazing service amd atmosphere and the best margaritas

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent location, but the food was meh. Not actually bad at all. But nothing impressed. With so many better Mexican around, we would be unlikely to eat at Carlitos again.

Great atmosphere and seating. The food was good, I enjoyed the raw shrimp, soft tacos, except for the fact the taco fell apart towards the because of how much toppings it had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Rock Shrimp Tacos

Very good and honestly great people working!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I first ate at Carlitos over 30 years ago, and I can honestly say it is just as incredible today as it was back then. Very few places can deliver that kind of consistency across decades and Carlitos does it effortlessly.
The Carlitos Combo was absolutely outstanding, packed with flavor, perfectly prepared, and a reminder of why this place has such a loyal following. The chips and salsa were fresh, addictive, and the perfect way to start the meal. The kind you keep reaching for long after you tell yourself you’re done.
What truly completed the experience, though, was the service. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, it made the visit feel special rather than routine. It’s no wonder Carlitos has been for 45 years. This is what happens when quality, tradition, and genuine hospitality come together.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and service! Not thing you'd come for, but I really liked the music too :D

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent atmosphere and service. Menu and food were excellent. Many unique items and excellent flavor combos. Cheese in the enchiladas and quesadillas were a bit chewy. other than that, everything was excellent. Sit outside on the weekend when the guitarist is playing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely lovely spot toward the end of State Street, but still in the heart of the action. Carlito's is tucked off the main road with a gorgeous patio and dining room. The bathrooms are very tiny. Heaping bowls of homemade guacamole and corn tortilla chips were an excellent starter. They made a delicious paloma mocktail and I enjoyed the salmon over chipotle mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Great food and ambiance!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and customer service, affordable prices.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

We arrived at 9:10. They close at 10. They refused to seat us and said they were closed.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Great martinis and the food is awesome!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5