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

Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

$

$$

🍔 American

Goleta

4.6
Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

Three Pickles Subs & Sandwiches

$

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

4.5
Third Window Brewing Santa Barbara

Third Window Brewing Santa Barbara

$

$$

🍻 Brewpub

Santa Barbara

4.7
The Upham

The Upham

$

$$$

Santa Barbara

4.4
The Stow House

The Stow House

$

$

Goleta

4.7
The Stonehouse Restaurant

The Stonehouse Restaurant

$

$$$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

4.6
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Shoreline Cafe

Shoreline Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Eco-minded cafe serving Mexican and seafood dishes with beachfront sand seating and laid-back coastal vibes.
Los Altos Restaurant

Los Altos Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Family-owned spot delivering traditional Mexican dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere with fast service and a salsa bar.
Yona Redz

Yona Redz

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual Mexican eatery known for top-notch birria tacos, queso tacos, and quick service with a welcoming atmosphere in Santa Barbara.
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 Tapatia #3

La Tapatia #3

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

3.7
Casual and cozy Mexican spot known for authentic dishes, homemade tortillas, and fast service in Goleta with full dine-in and takeout options.
Augie's of Santa Barbara

Augie's of Santa Barbara

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Trendy Mexican spot with fresh flavors, artisanal cocktails, and a lively vibe in Santa Barbara’s Lower State district.
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.
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.
Rascal's

Rascal's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Creative vegan Mexican fare with fresh, bold flavors and casual vibes. Known for house-made tortillas, crunchwraps, and vibrant tostadas in Santa Barbara.
FB Isla Vista

FB Isla Vista

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.6
Counter-serve burrito chain with a natural-foods focus; offers build-your-own burritos, tacos, salads in a casual, college-friendly vibe.
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.
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.
Little Heart Cafecito

Little Heart Cafecito

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Trendy Mexican café serving breakfast burritos, tacos, and specialty coffee in a cozy market setting. Known for fast service and vibrant flavor combinations.
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.
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.
Antojitos La Paloma

Antojitos La Paloma

$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.6
Casual Mexican eatery offering quick bites like antojitos and desserts with fresh fruit and savory flavors in Isla Vista.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Super Cucas

Super Cucas

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Casual Mexican eatery renowned for generous, authentic burritos, vibrant vegan options, and fast, friendly service in Santa Barbara.
El Sitio Restaurant - Calle Real

El Sitio Restaurant - Calle Real

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.4
Authentic Mexican comfort food served fast with friendly staff and generous portions in casual Goleta spot with outdoor seating.
Corazon Cocina

Corazon Cocina

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Mexican counter at Santa Barbara Public Market delivering bold tacos, ceviches, and quesadillas with quick service and vibrant atmosphere.
Rudy's Mexican Restaurant

Rudy's Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Informal Mexican eatery known for burritos, quesadillas, and a lively salsa bar, serving locals and tourists alike.
Los Agaves Restaurant

Los Agaves Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual Mexican spot with enchiladas, chile rellenos & a vibrant salsa bar. Generous portions, fast service, and a lively atmosphere in Santa Barbara.
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.
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.
Pollofino's

Pollofino's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.6
Casual Mexican spot known for generous burritos, fresh salsas, and speedy service in Goleta, perfect for lunch or dinner cravings.
La Guerrerita Mexican Food

La Guerrerita Mexican Food

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.5
Authentic Mexican fare with fresh tortillas, fast service, and a casual vibe. Friendly owners bring homemade flavor in Goleta’s laid-back setting.
La Playa Azul Cafe

La Playa Azul Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Mexican seafood dishes and potent margaritas in a sleek spot with white walls and palm fronds for a coastal vibe.
Rose Cafe

Rose Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Rose Cafe serves authentic Mexican and breakfast dishes in a casual, cozy setting with friendly service and outdoor seating.
Los Agaves

Los Agaves

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.5
Casual, roomy space offering enchiladas, chile rellenos, and premium Mexican fare with fast service and a great beer selection.
Super Cuca's Taqueria

Super Cuca's Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Authentic Mexican taqueria offering large portions, fresh salsas, and vegan options in a casual setting with quick service.
Rosales Mexican Restaurant

Rosales Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Mexican counter serving classics, street eats, menudo, seafood & breakfast with a lively salsa bar atmosphere in Santa Barbara.
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 Pueblo Cafe

Del Pueblo Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Casual Mexican cafe blending vibrant art with authentic dishes like mole and chile rellenos in a cozy Santa Barbara spot.
Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

3.2
Casual spot for Mexican bites with build-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls, serving up quick flavorful meals in Goleta.
El Rincon Bohemio

El Rincon Bohemio

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Authentic Mexican eats with standout menudo and chile rellenos, fast service, and a cozy, casual vibe in Santa Barbara.
Taqueria Tesoro

Taqueria Tesoro

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

5
Authentic Mexican flavors shine with perfectly cooked meats in tacos, burritos, and fresh dishes served in a cozy Santa Barbara spot.
Roger’s Tacos

Roger’s Tacos

$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

None
Casual taco spot known for simple, authentic flavors served in a relaxed Isla Vista setting.
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.
Ana’s Taco Bar

Ana’s Taco Bar

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.0
Affordable Mexican street food featuring fresh fish and carne asada tacos, micheladas, and vegetarian options in a casual, vibrant Santa Barbara spot.
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.

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