50 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara

“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!“

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

“I visited this restaurant and absolutely loved it! They offer authentic Mexican food which is very delicious and at a great price. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful. The manager takes the time to come to the table and ensure that everything is going well and the place is extremely clean. I highly recommend it!“

“Great food at great prices.“

“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 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!“

“My most favorite place to enjoy authentic, delicious food!
I truly recommend their carne asada. The meat is never dry. It's super juicy and flavorful! Tortas, gorditas, sopes,tacos, I could go on and on. Top it off with a good salsa and a refreshing, ice cold squirt!“

“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.“

“Taqueria Mena is one my favorite food trucks here in sb, it’s one of those spots that feels really authentic. The food tastes amazing and the portions are solid for the price. The meat is flavorful and good. Everything comes out fresh and hot. The atmosphere is kinda sketchy tbh, but that’s part of the charm. The staff is friendly and the they work pretty fast even when it’s busy.“

“great food ...get in and try it..“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“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 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 place, super inconsistent but good food. I wish they more consistently had menu items and portion control. Burritos can be Huge or tiny depending on who makes them. I don't care if it's one or the other just want consistency and balance. GREAT food tho“

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

“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!!“

“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!“

“great tacos! highly recommended.“

“If you’re anywhere near Del Pueblo Cafe, do yourself a favor and stop in, this place always delivers.

I tried the California burrito, and it was easily one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Everything was spot-on: perfectly seasoned, generously filled, and just the right balance of flavors without feeling overly heavy. The quesabirria was just as impressive: rich, savory, and packed with that slow-cooked depth you hope for but don’t always get.

What really surprised me, though, was the drinks. Their coffee is excellent (not just an afterthought like at a lot of spots), and the matcha is genuinely good—smooth, not overly sweet, and clearly made with care and in house.

Overall, it’s one of those rare places where everything you get is good—from the food to the drinks— I wish it was just a little further from my work so I wouldn’t be so tempted all the time.“

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

“Buenos tacos ...........!!“

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

“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.“

“Best place for good food!“

“Popular taco shop recommended by our Airbnb host. Great, fresh chicken taquitos with lots of chicken and a tasty breakfast burrito. There was a constant stream of food delivery drivers coming and going, so they're obviously doing a good business.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Best ever day or nights. From. Aaron“

“Attention to detail and fresh look“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“(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“

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

“Hay mucha variedad de comida 🥘 y muy deliciosa“