Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover Mexican dining in Santa Barbara—authentic tacos, fresh salsas, grilled meats, and handmade tortillas await your taste buds.

Street-Style Tacos

Crisp corn tortillas filled with marinated meats, fresh salsa, and toppings.

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📍 Modern Mexican Small-Plate Cantina in the Highlands

Alma Fonda Fina in the Highlands reimagines Mexican street eats as chef-driven small plates—wood-fired sope, charred octopus tostada, and tender lamb tacos served in a colorful, hand-tiled dining room. Pair vibrant ceviches and mole-glazed creations with tamarind margaritas or smoky mezcal cocktails, all delivered with warm hospitality around communal tables for an unforgettable night out.

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Grilled Meats & Skewers

Charcoal-grilled cuts served with smoky spices and traditional sides.

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Handmade Tortillas

Freshly pressed flour and corn tortillas crafted daily for authentic textures.

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🍽️ Browse by Price Range

milk & honey

milk & honey

$

$$

🥘 Spanish

Santa Barbara

4.6
ah juice organic cafe (100 % organic cafe & pressed juice)

ah juice organic cafe (100 % organic cafe & pressed juice)

$

$$

🥗 Health

Santa Barbara

4.3
Zocalo

Zocalo

$

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

4.8
Zaytoon

Zaytoon

$

$$

🥙 Mediterranean

Santa Barbara

4.6
Zapp Thai food truck

Zapp Thai food truck

$

$$

🍜 Thai

Goleta

4.9
ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi

$

$$

🍣 Sushi

Goleta

None
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Burger Express

Burger Express

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.2
Casual Westside spot serving fast Mexican and burger combos with fast service for lunch and dinner.
Santa Barbara Food Connection

Santa Barbara Food Connection

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual spot serving fresh tacos, burgers, and burritos with fast service and handmade tortillas in Santa Barbara’s Lower Riviera.
Tacos Sánchez

Tacos Sánchez

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

None
Classic Mexican eats with a focus on fresh, flavorful tacos served fast in a casual setting in Santa Barbara's West Beach.
Tacos Pipeye

Tacos Pipeye

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual taco spot revered for fast service, local specialties, and a vibrant salsa bar with handmade tortillas and authentic flavors.
El Zarape Mexican Restaurant

El Zarape Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Authentic Mexican eats with robust flavors, generous portions, and a casual vibe in Santa Barbara’s Westside neighborhood.
Corazón Comedor

Corazón Comedor

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine with a vibrant salsa bar and casual, trendy vibes. Locals rave for breakfast tacos and mole specialties in Santa Barbara.
Super Cuca's

Super Cuca's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.4
Laid-back Mexican spot known for large burritos, vegetarian options, and a student-friendly vibe in Isla Vista.
Sandbar Cocina y Tequila

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.2
Festive Mexican eatery with vibrant cocktails, happy hour 3–6:30 PM, fire pits, and a casual lively vibe in Santa Barbara’s Lower State.
Lito's Mexican Restaurant

Lito's Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Popular Santa Barbara spot for Mexican take-out with limited seating, known for enchiladas, tacos, and hearty breakfast burritos.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.4
Established Mexican eatery with patio, buffet on select days, and a lively bar featuring televised sports and great drink selections.
Paloma

Paloma

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Easygoing spot serving local fare with a Mexican twist, unique cocktails, and inviting outdoor seating in Santa Barbara.
Corazón Comedor

Corazón Comedor

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Fresh, flavorful Mexican dishes with a lively salsa bar and casual, trendy vibe. Taco and cocktail lovers find a vibrant spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.3
Casual Mexican spot known for customizable burritos, tacos, and bowls with fresh, quick service and a lively atmosphere.
Alma Fonda Fina

Alma Fonda Fina

$$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Trendy Montecito eatery serving inspired Mexican cuisine, great cocktails, and cozy casual vibes with quick service and fresh ingredients.
Del Valle Grill

Del Valle Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.2
Casual Mexican eatery offering fast service with popular lunch and dinner options including burritos, fajitas, and refreshing small plates.
Cesar's Place

Cesar's Place

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual Mexican spot in Santa Barbara known for fresh salsa, big burritos, seafood, and fast service with a cozy, trendy vibe.
Santo Mezcal

Santo Mezcal

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Hip, lively Mexican spot with a seafood-centric modern twist and an extensive tequila list in Santa Barbara.
Lilly's Taqueria

Lilly's Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Counter-serve Mexican eatery famous for tacos packed with premium cuts like beef cheek & tripe, blending authentic flavors and quick service.
Carlitos Café y Cantina

Carlitos Café y Cantina

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Classic Mexican eats and margaritas served indoors or on patio with colorful umbrellas and a delightful fountain vibe.
Los Agaves

Los Agaves

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual Mexican restaurant known for enchiladas, chile rellenos, and generous portions in a relaxed, roomy setting.
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina

Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Chic Mexican dining with a spacious patio and heated fireplace, serving fresh mole, creative tacos, and cocktails in Santa Barbara’s vibrant scene.
Taquería Rincón Alteño

Taquería Rincón Alteño

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Casual Mexican spot serving authentic tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with fresh ingredients and fast service in Santa Barbara’s Lower State neighborhood.
El Sitio Restaurant - De La Vina

El Sitio Restaurant - De La Vina

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual Mexican spot known for quick service, authentic dishes like tacos and burritos, with a cozy vibe and outdoor seating in Santa Barbara.
Taste of California

Taste of California

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

None
Casual Mexican restaurant offering quick, comforting bites with fast service in Santa Barbara. Great for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
Lilly's Taqueria

Lilly's Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.7
No-frills counter-serve spot known for authentic street-style tacos, fresh salsas, and fast service in Goleta.
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant

Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Local chainlet serving Mexican comfort food & margaritas amid south-of-the-border decor.
Tacos El Triunfo

Tacos El Triunfo

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

5
Casual Mexican spot famed for authentic tacos and a vibrant night scene, serving Santa Barbara locals from evening to late night.
East Beach Tacos

East Beach Tacos

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Casual spot with covered patio serving inventive tacos, fish, and more in Santa Barbara. Quick service and a fun beach vibe attract locals and tourists alike.
La Super-Rica Taqueria

La Super-Rica Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Iconic Mexican taqueria known for fresh tortillas, fish tacos, tamales, and casual outdoor patio seating in Santa Barbara.
Taqueria Santa Barbara

Taqueria Santa Barbara

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Casual taco spot with fresh, flavorful offerings including tacos, burritos, and vegetarian options in lively Santa Barbara Downtown.
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant

La Cantina Bar & Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Casual Mexican spot in Santa Barbara offers inventive dishes, strong cocktails, and a lively bar with plenty of TVs for sports fans.
Taqueria El Bajio

Taqueria El Bajio

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Enduring Mexican counter-serve spot known for hearty tacos, burritos, and authentic local flavors in Santa Barbara.
Rosarito Mexican Grill

Rosarito Mexican Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.0
Rosarito Mexican Grill serves hearty, late-night Mexican comfort food with vegan and vegetarian options, all in a wheelchair accessible Isla Vista spot.
Maria's Tacos

Maria's Tacos

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.7
Authentic taco spot serving homemade tortillas and fresh fillings with friendly service in casual Isla Vista surroundings.
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.2
Authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and fast service in a cozy, casual setting in Goleta.
Fonda Smash-Burgers & Pancake House

Fonda Smash-Burgers & Pancake House

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Cozy, casual Mexican spot known for all-day breakfast, smash-style burgers, and live mariachi music with a courtyard view.
Taqueria Mena

Taqueria Mena

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.8
Casual taco spot known for fresh, authentic quesabirria and bold flavors, plus quick service and ample parking on Santa Barbara's Westside.
Rudy's Restaurant Upper State

Rudy's Restaurant Upper State

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual Mexican joint known for burritos, quesadillas, generous portions, and friendly, attentive service in Santa Barbara.
Los Arroyos Montecito Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

Los Arroyos Montecito Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

$$

🌮 Mexican

Montecito

Montecito

4.4
Mexican comfort food and margaritas served in a casual, vibrant setting with south-of-the-border decor and a local Montecito vibe.
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Lively Mexican spot in Santa Barbara serving hearty burritos, menudo, and tacos with fresh salsas, offering fast, bilingual service and casual vibes.
Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant Presidio

Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant Presidio

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Cafeteria-style Mexican fare with brisket, ribs & sides in a casual, no-frills spot with indoor picnic tables in Santa Barbara.
Los Altos Restaurant

Los Altos Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.6
Authentic Mexican eats from breakfast through dinner, featuring fast service, local flavors, and a vibrant salsa bar in Goleta.
Palapa Restaurant

Palapa Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Upbeat Mexican spot with housemade salsa, seafood specials, and a large patio featuring weekly mariachi shows.
Little Alex's

Little Alex's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Cozy Mexican eatery in Santa Barbara offering fresh made chips, fish tacos, and homemade salsas with a quiet, family-friendly patio atmosphere.
Cal Taco

Cal Taco

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Casual Mexican spot serving made-to-order tacos and burgers with a fresh salsa bar, popular for quick bites and filling monkey bowls.

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