Corazon Cocina serves inventive Mexican street food focusing on fresh seafood, house-made tortillas, and traditional flavors with creative twists. Guests enjoy a vibrant counter-service experience with a menu featuring braised meats, seasonal quesadillas, and a craft bar with cocktails and local brews.
What to Expect:
🌮 Signature tacos like Norteño skirt steak and Al Pastor
🥑 Fresh guacamole and ceviches made daily
🍹 A bar serving classic cocktails, margaritas, and beers
🎉 Casual, trendy vibe inside Santa Barbara Public Market
Important Information:
Service: Counter-service with pagers
Outdoor seating available
Payment: Credit/debit and mobile NFC accepted
Walk-ins welcome, no reservations
Prepare for occasional waits during busy lunch and dinner hours; perfect for solo diners and groups alike.
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🌮 Indispensable Norteño Taco: Fans recommend trying the skirt steak taco, often cited as the best dish served.
🍹 Hibiscus Margarita Must-Try: The hibiscus margarita is a popular, refreshing cocktail unique to this spot.
⏰ Timing the Visit: Visit just before or after peak lunch (12–2 PM) and dinner (5–7 PM) to avoid long waits and lineups.
🍴 Mix and Match: The counter-order setup encourages sampling varied tacos and ceviches, perfect for sharing small plates.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Corazon Cocina is praised for its fresh, flavorful Mexican dishes, especially tacos and ceviches, and a lively casual atmosphere. Quick service and friendly staff shine, though some reviews mention wait times and occasional service dips during peak hours. Pricing is viewed as a bit high but justified by quality and location.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
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The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Tacos (Norteño Skirt Steak, Al Pastor, Shrimp), Quesadillas, Ceviches, Guacamole, Birria, Panela Cheese, Queso Fundido with Chorizo, Horchata, Margaritas, Beer, Cocktails
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating ensure inclusive access for all guests.
