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

The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

$

$$

Santa Barbara

3.6
The Shop Brunch

The Shop Brunch

$

$$

🥞 Brunch

Santa Barbara

4.5
The Set

The Set

$

$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

3.5
The Revere Room

The Revere Room

$

$$$$

🍴 Contemporary

Montecito

4.5
The Red Piano

The Red Piano

$

$$

Santa Barbara

4.6
The Presidio

The Presidio

$

$$

Santa Barbara

4.0
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Goleta Bakery

Goleta Bakery

$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Classic Mexican bakery with fresh pan dulce, warm gorditas, and robust coffee in Goleta. Family-run spot blending tradition and flavor daily.
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas

El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Authentic Mexican eats with fast service, classic tacos, burritos, and a vibrant salsa bar in Santa Barbara's Eastside neighborhood.
Don Paco's Taco Truck

Don Paco's Taco Truck

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Casual Mexican eatery serving quick bites and small plates from a popular taco truck, ideal for lunch, dinner, and solo diners.
Milpas Taqueria

Milpas Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Authentic Mexican fare with fast service, cozy casual vibe, and dishes like tacos, burritos, and green enchiladas in Santa Barbara.
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.
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.
El Paseo Restaurant

El Paseo Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Bustling spot serving classic Mexican fare with handmade tortillas and tableside guacamole in a lively, trendy atmosphere.
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 Pastorcito Food Truck

El Pastorcito Food Truck

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Authentic Mexican street food with fast service, outdoor seating, and standout al pastor tacos in casual Santa Barbara setting.
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.
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.
Mony's Mexican Food

Mony's Mexican Food

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Chill Mexican spot serving traditional dishes with a wide range of salsas in casual, cozy surroundings.
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.
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.
Maiz Picante Taqueria

Maiz Picante Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Maiz Picante serves fresh, authentic tacos with vegan options and lively salsa variety in Santa Barbara’s casual neighborhood spot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flor De Maiz

Flor De Maiz

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Classic Mexican dishes and cocktails served in a laid-back spot with outdoor seating and vibrant ambiance.
Tortilla Beach Santa Barbara

Tortilla Beach Santa Barbara

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

None
Casual Mexican spot offering quick bites, comfort food, and fresh tacos with outdoor seating and friendly service in Santa Barbara.
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.
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.
Tacos La Bendición

Tacos La Bendición

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual taco spot delivering flavorful chicken and chorizo burritos with friendly staff and quick service near East Beach.
Altamirano’s Mexican Grill

Altamirano’s Mexican Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Classic Mexican spot serving fresh tortillas, flavorful meats, and robust salsas in a cozy, casual atmosphere with great beer and cocktails.
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.
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 La Unica

Taqueria La Unica

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Vibrant Mexican eatery known for authentic tacos, generous portions, fast service, and a popular salsa bar in Santa Barbara’s North State district.
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.
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.
Baja Sharkeez

Baja Sharkeez

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

3.9
Casual Mexican restaurant with lively tiki vibes, sports TVs, and a menu of pub fare and cocktails 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.
Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's

Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.2
Classic Mexican flavors served fast at this Santa Barbara favorite. Known for carnitas, tacos, and a casual, welcoming vibe.
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.
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.
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.
Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual spot specializing in authentic Mexican street tacos and comfort food, known for fresh flavors and a laid-back vibe in Santa Barbara.
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.
Zocalo

Zocalo

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.8
Casual, cozy Mexican spot known for authentic quesabirria, tasty tacos, and signature horchata lattes in Isla Vista.
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.
Los Arroyos Goleta Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

Los Arroyos Goleta Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Casual Mexican spot serving classic comfort dishes, margaritas, and local specialties in a lively, family-friendly setting 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.
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.
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.

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