The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara

The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, known for its stunning coastline and vibrant culinary scene, offers a diverse array of dining options for food enthusiasts. Among its many culinary delights, Mexican cuisine holds a special place, with its rich flavors, vibrant spices, and colorful presentations. We present to you the 10 best Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara, where you can indulge in authentic Mexican dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Mexico.

Read more on: Finger Licking: 30 Famous Mexican Foods You Want to Taste Once in your Life.

1. Los Agaves

Image by ALFONSO CHARLES from Pixabay

Los Agaves is a renowned Mexican restaurant located in downtown Santa Barbara, California. It has gained a reputation as a local favourite for its authentic Mexican cuisine and warm ambience. The restaurant showcases a menu that highlights traditional dishes from various regions of Mexico, providing a culinary journey for diners.

One of the highlights at Los Agaves is their succulent carne asada, which is grilled to perfection and served with flavorful accompaniments. The tender and juicy meat, combined with the restaurant’s signature marinade, creates a truly memorable dish. Another popular item on the menu is their enchiladas, which come in various delicious fillings, such as cheese, chicken, or beef, all smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce.

Los Agaves also offers fresh and vibrant seafood options. Their ceviche, prepared with a mix of fresh fish or shrimp, lime juice, cilantro, and spices, is a refreshing and tangy delight. Additionally, the restaurant serves delightful seafood dishes like shrimp tacos, grilled fish, and seafood fajitas, all bursting with flavours that will transport you to the Mexican coast.

The warm and inviting atmosphere at Los Agaves adds to the overall dining experience. The décor incorporates vibrant colours and Mexican-inspired elements, creating a lively and festive ambience. The friendly and attentive staff ensures that guests feel welcomed and attended to throughout their meal.

The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients result in dishes that truly capture the essence of Mexican flavours.

Why people love this restaurant:
TravellingTrio720, Must Try in SB, (Google Review, June 2023): Not much curb appeal, you walk in to order at a counter, get a number and find a seat. But you come here for the food, not the decor – which is not bad at all. The food is excellent and fast service with a friendly staff. Would always come back. Def a hidden gem for us!

Address: 600 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Call: (805) 564-2626

Open: 11 am to 9 pm daily

WEBSITE

2. La Super-Rica Taqueria

Image by MacourtMediaSolutions from Pixabay

La Super-Rica Taqueria is a legendary Mexican eatery nestled in Santa Barbara, California, that has achieved iconic status among locals and visitors alike. This charming taqueria has gained fame for its mouthwatering and authentic street-style Mexican food, capturing the essence of traditional flavours and culinary craftsmanship.

What sets La Super-Rica Taqueria apart is its commitment to simplicity and quality. The menu features a delightful selection of tacos, tamales, and homemade salsas that are prepared with care and precision. Each dish is crafted using fresh ingredients, and the flavours are a testament to the expertise of the kitchen.

Tacos are the stars of the show at La Super-Rica. Served on handmade corn tortillas, they come in a variety of options to satisfy every palate. Whether you prefer succulent carne asada, tender marinated pork al pastor, flavorful chorizo, or vegetarian fillings like grilled vegetables or cheese, there is a taco to suit every taste. Each bite is a burst of authentic Mexican flavours that will transport you to the streets of Mexico.

See also; The Top 10 Taco Spots in Santa Barbara.

In addition to its mouthwatering tacos, La Super-Rica Taqueria offers traditional tamales that are a true delight. These steamed corn masa pockets are filled with savoury ingredients such as tender chicken, spicy pork, or cheese and jalapeños. The tamales are wrapped in corn husks and cooked to perfection, resulting in a comforting and flavorful experience.

To enhance the flavours of their dishes, La Super-Rica Taqueria provides an array of homemade salsas and condiments. From the tangy and spicy salsa verde to the smoky and rich salsa roja, these accompaniments add an extra layer of complexity to each bite, allowing you to personalize your culinary adventure.

The popularity of La Super-Rica Taqueria has led to long lines, but the wait is well worth it. The casual and vibrant atmosphere adds to the overall experience, as you can witness the skilled cooks preparing your food right before your eyes. The no-frills setting and communal seating create a convivial environment where locals and visitors can come together to enjoy fantastic Mexican fare.

Why people love this restaurant:
RafaelF991, best tacos in town(TripAdvisor August 2023): Well, the queue in front of it is the best way to describe this place. It looks familiar, it is freshly prepared and it is good.

3. Los Arroyos

Image by JaimeAP from Pixabay

Los Arroyos is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that has become a beloved establishment in Santa Barbara, California. With multiple locations throughout the city, Los Arroyos captures the essence of Mexican cuisine and offers a delightful dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

At Los Arroyos, the menu showcases a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes, each prepared with care and attention to detail. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be greeted by the enticing aromas of sizzling meats, flavorful spices, and freshly made tortillas.

One of the outstanding dishes at Los Arroyos is their mouthwatering chiles rellenos. These roasted and stuffed poblano peppers are filled with a delectable combination of cheese, meat, or vegetables and then lightly battered and fried to perfection. Served with a tangy tomato sauce and accompanied by rice and beans, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Another popular item on the menu is their savoury mole. Los Arroyos takes pride in preparing this complex sauce, which blends various spices, chillies, and chocolate to create a rich and flavorful accompaniment to their tender meats. Whether you choose the chicken mole or the mole enchiladas, each bite is a celebration of authentic Mexican flavours.

Los Arroyos also offers fresh and vibrant guacamole that perfectly complements their dishes. Made with ripe avocados, onions, tomatoes, and a hint of lime juice, it’s the ideal appetizer to start your meal. Pair it with their homemade tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch and an explosion of flavours.

Beyond the exceptional food, Los Arroyos creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere. The vibrant décor, featuring colourful Mexican artwork and traditional elements, adds to the festive ambience. The friendly staff members ensure that guests feel right at home and are attentive to their dining needs. The combination of authentic dishes, warm hospitality, and a welcoming environment make this family-owned restaurant a go-to destination for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts in Santa Barbara.

Why people love this restaurant: 
Tom, Google Review, September 2023): Los Arroyos is a gem of a Mexican restaurant – a fantastic hole in the wall with no frills, yet it doesn’t need any. The food was absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend checking out their salsa bar. They offer a wide variety of sauces to try, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Address: 14 W Figueroa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

Call:  +1 805-962-5541

Open: Monday-Friday 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am to 9 pm,

WEBSITE

4.Mony’s Mexican Food

Image by ebaalparra from Pixabay

Conveniently located in the city’s lively Funk Zone district, Mony’s Mexican Food is a locals’ staple for traditional Mexican fare. The family-owned restaurant has been in operation since 2015, serving up delicious treats to both locals and visitors.

With an unwavering commitment to freshness and authenticity,  the establishment uses the freshest ingredients, most locally sourced, to curate tasty dishes. From the meats to the house-made tortillas,  the fresh taste is a delight for everyone who orders a meal here.

Tacos come in as many taste preferences as you can imagine, and it’s up to you to choose your favourite.  The wide range of fillings includes asada  (grilled steak), pollo (chicken), tripitas (tripe) and so much more!

But that’s not all there is, because Mony’s salsa bar will blow your mind as well. With over a dozen homemade salsas, your spicy taste buds will be impressed. Other Mexican delicacies included burritos, tortillas, and quesadillas, just to mention a few. 

Mony’s colourful, graffiti-style walls add to the artistic atmosphere, and the ambience is casual and laid-back.  The open kitchen creates a unique dining experience as well. Drinks are in plenty too, including beers, soda and their tasty horchata drink.

Why people love this restaurant:
Jessica Tripp, (Google Review, June 2023): This was absolutely delicious! The fish tacos, chicken mole, and barbacoa was unbelievable! The tortillas were soft and homemade, and the salsa was perfect! The rice and beans were also very good! I would eat here every day if I could! Must try!

Address: 217 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

Call:  +1 805-895-2978

Open: Monday-Saturday 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, Thursday-Saturday 4.30 pm to 8 pm

WEBSITE

5. Santo Mezcal

Image by ALFONSO CHARLES from Pixabay

Santo Mezcal is a trendy Mexican eatery located in Santa Barbara, California, that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Oaxaca. With its fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and contemporary culinary techniques, Santo Mezcal offers a unique and memorable dining experience.

The menu at Santo Mezcal showcases an array of authentic dishes inspired by the flavours of Oaxaca, a region known for its rich culinary heritage. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, incorporating traditional ingredients and cooking methods that highlight the distinct flavours of the region.

Read also; 15 Places for Delicious Burgers in Santa Barbara.

One of the outstanding dishes at Santo Mezcal is their tlayudas, a popular Oaxacan dish. A tlayuda is a large, thin, crispy tortilla topped with flavorful ingredients such as grilled meats, beans, cheese, and salsa. The combination of textures and flavours creates a satisfying and delicious culinary experience.

Another must-try dish at Santo Mezcal is their mole, a traditional Mexican sauce made with a complex blend of spices, chillies, and other ingredients. Santo Mezcal offers a variety of mole options, each with its unique character and depth of flavours. Whether you choose the classic mole negro or the rich mole rojo, the sauces at Santo Mezcal are a true testament to the artistry of Mexican cuisine.

To accompany the exquisite food, Santo Mezcal boasts an extensive selection of mezcal and tequila. Mezcal, a spirit derived from agave plants, is a staple in Oaxacan culture and adds a distinctive smoky and earthy flavour to cocktails. The knowledgeable staff at Santo Mezcal can guide you through the different varieties and help you find the perfect pairing for your meal.

The ambience at Santo Mezcal is stylish and modern, reflecting the restaurant’s contemporary approach to Mexican cuisine. The chic decor, with its vibrant colours and Mexican-inspired elements, creates an energetic and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s dedication to showcasing the flavours of Oaxaca, combined with its stylish ambience and extensive drink offerings, makes it a standout establishment in the city’s culinary scene.

Why people love this restaurant:
Jerry Ibarra (Google Review, September 2023): We love Mexican food but this one was like wow. We ordered shrimp empanadas, my girlfriend ordered salmon tropical and I ordered the filete costeño. Every bite was so delicious, the presentation nailed it. Highly recommended 😁
Great drinks with a big selection of mezcales. If you like and would like to try it, this is the place.

Address: 119 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

Call: +1 805-883-3593

Open: Mon-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat:  8am – 10pm, Sun: 8am – 9pm 

WEBSITE

6. Carlitos Café y Cantina

Image by tarheelgarden from Pixabay

Carlitos Café y Cantina is a beloved Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, California. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and vibrant Mexican decor, Carlitos has been a favourite dining destination for locals and visitors for over three decades.

The menu at Carlitos Café y Cantina offers a diverse selection of Mexican dishes that showcase the vibrant flavours of the country’s cuisine. From traditional favourites to creative culinary innovations, there is something to satisfy every palate.

One of the highlights at Carlitos is their flavorful and tender carne asada. This classic Mexican dish features grilled marinated steak that is perfectly seasoned and accompanied by sides like rice, beans, and fresh salsa. The combination of smoky flavours and juicy meat makes it a go-to choice for many diners.

Another crowd-pleaser at Carlitos is their mouthwatering enchiladas. Whether you prefer cheese, chicken, beef, or seafood fillings, each enchilada is generously smothered in a flavorful sauce and topped with melted cheese. Served with rice and beans, this dish is a comforting and satisfying choice.

Carlitos also offers a variety of fresh seafood options, including ceviche, shrimp dishes, and fish tacos. The seafood is sourced locally, ensuring the freshest ingredients and flavours that transport you to the Mexican coast.

Read more on; 10 Things You Didn’t Know about the Santa Barbara Public Market.

To accompany the delectable cuisine, Carlitos features a full bar with an extensive selection of tequilas, margaritas, and other refreshing cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic margarita on the rocks or a creative speciality drink, the bar at Carlitos has something to quench your thirst and enhance your dining experience.

The ambience at Carlitos Café y Cantina is cosy and welcoming, with its rustic Mexican decor, vibrant colours, and festive atmosphere. With its delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and genuine hospitality, Carlitos promises an authentic and enjoyable dining experience that captures the essence of Mexican flavours and hospitality.

Why people love this restaurant:
Sabrina M., (Google Review, May 2023): Happy Cinco de Mayo! If you are in Santa Barbara, you have to check out the Margaritas at Carlitos! They are so GOOD! My friend got the Blood Orange Margaritas and I got the Cadillac. Both are very good. I do miss the big saucer-type glasses though. I had the Sizzling Steak Fajitas, yum! My friend had Halibut Tacos. The service was a little slow, and the waiter didn’t check on us. But the quality of the food and drink made things pretty enjoyable.

Parking: There is free street parking. There is a small parking lot in front of the restaurant, but it seems as though it’s always full.

Address: 1324 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

Call:  +1 805-962-7117

Open: 11 am to 10 pm daily

WEBSITE

7. Sandbar

Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography – Pexels. 

Conveniently located along the bustling State Street, Sandbar is a great pick for breakfast, brunch or dinner whenever you’re in the area. It has gained popularity for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic location with amazing street views, and of course, tasty Mexican fare! The menu is extensive, including a wide variety of tacos, enchiladas, savoury chilli rellenos,  and spicy salsa to go with almost anything. 

It has both indoor and outdoor seating areas, so you can sit by the sidewalk off State Street as you munch on your enchiladas and savour the views, people watch and unwind.

Besides the creative dishes, this joint is also popular for its happy hour drinks and lively music DJs in the evenings. The kitchen closes at 10.30 pm.  If you’re looking for that kind of atmosphere for your night out, this is your place.  There are lots of TV’s too to catch up on sports games. 

There is plenty of parking outside, and its convenient location means you can explore several parking options as well. Although the joint is popular, wait time is relatively short as service is quick.  Reservations are recommended.

Why people love this restaurant:
Michele Martin (Google Review, September 2023): Good drinks, good food, good service. Been here many times, but going to lunch was much more enjoyable due to it not being packed. Every time I go to Santa Barbara I somehow end up here.

Address: 514 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States

call: +1 805-966-1388

open: Monday-Friday 11 am to 2 am, Saturday-Sunday 9 am to 2 am

WEBSITE

8. El Paseo Restaurant

Image by Pilar Fernandez from Pixabay

El Paseo Restaurant is a historic Mexican eatery located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, California. Housed in the iconic El Paseo complex, which dates back to the 1920s, this restaurant combines old-world charm with delicious Mexican cuisine to offer a truly unique dining experience.

The menu at El Paseo Restaurant showcases a range of Mexican dishes that highlight the flavours and culinary traditions of the region. From classic favourites to innovative creations, each dish is prepared with a focus on quality and authenticity.

One of the highlights at El Paseo is their flavorful and tender carne asada. This traditional Mexican dish features marinated and grilled steak that is expertly seasoned and served with sides such as rice, beans, and handmade tortillas. The combination of smoky flavours and succulent meat makes it a popular choice among diners.

Another must-try dish at El Paseo is their enchiladas. Whether you opt for the cheese, chicken, beef, or seafood fillings, each enchilada is generously smothered in a rich and savoury sauce and topped with melted cheese. Served with rice and beans, this dish is a comforting and satisfying choice that exemplifies Mexican comfort food.

El Paseo also offers a variety of seafood options, including fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and shrimp dishes. The seafood is sourced locally and prepared with care, ensuring a delightful dining experience for seafood lovers.

In addition to the delectable food, El Paseo Restaurant features a charming and historic ambience. The restaurant is located within the El Paseo complex, which is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, tranquil courtyards, and beautiful gardens. The setting provides a romantic and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion or a memorable night out.

Why people love this restaurant:
Sara Estella Varela (SaraMera)(Google Review, September 2023): Brunch is amazing here, you can expect delicious food and excellent service! The buffet has a wonderful assortment of popular breakfast favourites, traditional Mexican dishes, and fruit, and I can’t forget to mention the chocolate fountain with ready-made strawberries and marshmallows on a stick. Yum! Located in the heart of downtown, it’s perfect to take a much-needed stroll after such an amazing meal.

address: 10 El Paseo Santa Barbara, CA

Call: + 1 805-962-6050

open: Mon-Sat 4pm – 9pm / Sun 10:30am – 8pm

WEBSITE

9. Super Cucas Taqueria

Burritos! Everything burritos, and then some more. Supa Cucas Taqueria has crafted a name for itself with its creative and tasty breakfast burritos in the city. It’s been around for over two decades!  If you’re looking for street-food-style Mexican fare this side of the city, check-in and see what the hype is all about.

Burritos come in large, delicious portions and a decent variety for your liking. There are vegetarian options too. Yet burritos are not all there is here, the menu includes more Mexican treats too such as nachos, tortas, tacos and enchiladas.

The atmosphere is casual, easy and perfect for brunch with friends. You can order takeaway too and stroll to the beach as you munch on your treat. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.

Read also; Where to Find Mexican Food in Paris.

Why people love this restaurant:
Leire Pinto (Google Review, September 2023):Their vegan nachos with soy beef are AMAZING!! I highly recommend them, they’re delicious and the size is huge!

Address: 2030 Cliff Dr #1a, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States

call: +1 805-966-3863

open: 7 am to 10 pm daily

WEBSITE

10. Palapa Restaurant

Tacos meal serving. Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

Palapa has been around since 2004, serving authentic Mexican fare in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s relatively small and unassuming, but it’s usually the hidden joints that often surprise you!

The menu is quite extensive, with dishes ranging from the chile verde to tacos,  fish, enchiladas, burritos, name it! It’s reasonably priced, but expect some wait time during peak hours.

Have your favourite taco for just $2.50 on Taco Tuesdays! Then there are the hard-to-turn-down happy hour offers from Monday to Friday 3 to 6 pm. They have a Mariachi band on Friday evenings, usually from 6 to 9 p.m. 

The casual joint has a great patio, and indoor seating as well. They have a takeout window too just in case you prefer to order and eat at home. 

Why people love this restaurant:
Charlene Hunt (Google Review, September 2023): Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. My favourites are the chicken enchiladas and the wet burritos. The tacos are excellent as well. Another option is to try a combo plate. Those are always delicious. Cool spot. Definitely a hidden gem in SB cause of it’s weird location. They have plenty of outdoor seating and also a walk-up counter.
Parking: Plenty of parking, but It’s a little difficult to get to the restaurant because of how it intersects 154 and State Street. Very congested area.

Address: 4123 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, United States

call:  +1 805-683-3074

open: Monday-Friday 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 7 am to 9 pm

WEBSITE

Santa Barbara’s Mexican restaurant scene is a delightful culinary landscape, offering a variety of flavours and dining experiences. Whether you’re in search of traditional street-style tacos, innovative fusion dishes, or a sophisticated tequila bar, Santa Barbara has something to satisfy every craving. These 10 Mexican restaurants mentioned above promise a memorable journey through the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican cuisine.