Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch

Cannot recommend this place enough. The food is absolutely delicious, the service super efficient.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Every time we come to Santa Barbara we have to stop at the chicken ranch it's one of our favorite places the burritos are so big we always share

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Combo Burrito, Rice and Beans, Tri-Tip, Salsa, Tri-Tip Burrito

Cute little place tucked off the main drag! The food was great, especially the Mac n cheese. Service was quick and super friendly!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I’m 33 and have been going to Chicken Ranch since I was a kid. Still the same great food, great staff and reasonable prices. Whenever I visit SB, it’s always my first stop and I never miss eating there!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a terrific lunch! Great prices and good portions. The chicken and tri-tip steak were wonderful. Had a small salsa bar that was fun experimenting with different flavors. Service was friendly and helpful. Restaurant was very clean. Definitely recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place. Never had a bad meal. Whenever I’m exhausted and starving I come here and it hits the spot every time.

I always enjoy their food here, especially the flavor of the chicken! The combo plate is a good choice if you want some chicken and tri-tip, otherwise you can order different sizes of either meat as a meal, or meat only.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

No frills eatery. The simple menu offers great value with some of the tastiest chicken and tritip imaginable. If that's what you're craving, this is the place.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Great food and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Probably the most mediocre restaurant chicken I've had. El Pollo Loco is in a different league compared to SBCR. Chicken is so mildly flavored it's almost imperceivable. Tri tip is dry and tough. You have a 50/50 chance of getting undercooked beans and the rice is about on par with taco bell.

Not really worth paying for but is adequate if it's a free lunch from a catered event. If you're in town for a short time and want to experience Santa Barbara's expansive cuisine options, drop the chicken ranch from your list and try some other places.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

I've been coming here for years and I have never been disappointed. Fantastic food, great service, and fun atmosphere!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We’ve ordered from this place many times and have generally had a good experience. However, this time was different — it was my son’s birthday, and we decided to order from here again. Since I was busy with the party, my father went to pick up the order, which was placed under my sister’s name through the app.

My father is 65 years old and arrived around 6 PM on 5/29/2025. Unfortunately, he was treated very rudely by the front staff. When he told them he was picking up an order under my sister’s name, they refused to give it to him and insisted that she had to come in person — something we’ve never been told before in any previous orders.

The way the staff spoke to him was dismissive and disrespectful. They showed no patience or courtesy, especially toward an older customer. It was upsetting and disappointing, and honestly, it left such a bad impression that I didn’t even feel like eating the food afterward.

This experience was unacceptable, and I hope management addresses how their staff interacts with customers, particularly with seniors.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Always the best takeout chicken in town!🐔

This was some of the best food I've had in a long time. The chicken was tender and seasoned perfectly. I wasn't the biggest fan of the Tri-tip as much the chicken, but it was still delicious. The sides you get pair perfectly with the meal, I was surprised the salsa. It was delicious and was a great size for being included with the meal. I will definitely be back in the future. PS watch out the chiles are really hot

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The combo burrito is my goto for lunch. Delicious food at a grat price!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4