4.6
(
1605
)
Loquita Santa Barbara offers a vibrant dining experience featuring farm-fresh Spanish tapas paired with craft cocktails in a cozy, trendy setting with an inviting patio.
Reservations are recommended due to its popularity; attentive service complements notable dishes like paella varieties and specialties like beef carpaccio and churros, making it a staple in Santa Barbara's food scene.
What to Expect:
🍤 Varied Spanish tapas and paella selections
🍹 Creative craft cocktails and extensive wine list
🔥 Cozy, romantic, and trendy ambiance with fireplace
🌿 Outdoor patio seating with space heaters
Important Information:
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
Shared seating options including indoor, patio, and bar counter
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating
Arrive early or reserve ahead to avoid waits at this bustling local favorite.
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
🌿 Patio Ambiance: The outdoor patio offers a charming experience with heating lamps for warmth, perfect for cooler evenings.
🍤 Paella Choices: Try the various paella options, especially seafood and meat varieties, frequently highlighted as must-orders.
🥂 Cocktail Recommendations: The gin and tonics and specialty cocktails receive consistent praise; ask staff for their craft suggestions.
📅 Reservations Essential: Reservation is highly recommended, particularly on weekends and holidays, to avoid waits and secure preferred seating.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
👉 Best For
Tapas lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, romantic dinners, groups
Loquita Santa Barbara
202 State St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93101
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Loquita Santa Barbara impresses with delicious Spanish tapas, expertly crafted paella, and a cozy, vibrant ambiance. Diners praise the attentive staff, inventive cocktails, and beautiful patio seating. Some reviews note service can occasionally slow during busy times and table allocation issues, but the majority agree the food and atmosphere make reservations worthwhile.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Go For
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Seafood Paella, Chicken Paella, Beef Carpaccio, Croqueta De Seta, Pulpo A La Gallega, Mariscos Paella, Basque Cheesecake, Patatas Bravas, Gambas Al Ajillo, Tuna Crudo, Churros, Gin and Tonics, Sangria, Craft Cocktails
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit weekdays between 5 and 7 PM for a quieter experience; weekends 6–8 PM are busiest; reserving is advised, especially Fri–Sat evenings.
Accessibility
Loquita offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests with mobility needs.
Reservation Policy
Reservations recommended; walk-ins accepted but likely to wait
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✅ Cancellation Policy
No explicit cancellation policy provided; reservations recommended well in advance
