Rosales Mexican Restaurant

Open

Closed

$

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

counter-service

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

$

$$

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counter-service

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Rosales Mexican Restaurant

Santa Barbara

$

Discover classic Mexican dishes with fast service and a lively salsa bar at Rosales Mexican Restaurant in Santa Barbara.

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About
4.4
(
397
)

Rosales Mexican Restaurant offers an authentic, casual-dining experience with fast service and a focus on traditional Mexican plates like menudo, seafood, and breakfast dishes. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating along with a vibrant salsa bar, making it a go-to spot for locals and solo diners alike.

What to Expect:

    🌮 Classic Mexican favorites and street eats
    ☕ Breakfast through dinner service
    🌶️ Popular salsa bar with spicy options
    🍽️ Indoor and outdoor seating

Important Information:

    Service style: Counter-service with fast turnover
    Accepts credit, debit, and mobile payments
    Free parking available onsite and street parking
    Reservations not accepted; walk-ins only

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
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📍 Local Insights

🌮 Best for Breakfast Fans: Early visitors rave about the robust menudo and breakfast burritos—arrive before 11 AM for peak freshness.

🌶️ Salsa Bar Variety: Explore the salsa bar to customize heat and flavor; locals recommend trying multiple sauces per visit.

🚗 Parking Tips: Free parking is usually ample in the lot beside the restaurant; street parking is available but can fill up midday.

🍽️ Family-Friendly Casual: The casual setting and outdoor seating make it a favorite for families and groups seeking a laid-back meal.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM–8:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM–8:30 PM

👉 Best For

Breakfast lovers, families, casual dining, solo dining, groups

Rosales Mexican Restaurant

827 E Montecito St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93103

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Rosales Mexican Restaurant is beloved for its authentic Mexican flavors, speedy service, and welcoming casual vibe. Guests consistently praise the menudo, salsa variety, and breakfast options. Some critiques mention occasional slow service and variable portion sizes, but the overall sentiment remains highly positive.

Last updated on

January 9th, 2026

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

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The Selection

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Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Menudo, Carne Asada, Tamales, Shrimp, Rice and Beans, Breakfast Burrito, Chicken Enchilada, Fajitas, Veggie Quesadilla, Camarones Rancheros, Molcajete, Salsa bar

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit weekday mornings 9–11 AM for lighter crowds and fresh breakfast. Lunch peak is 11 AM–1 PM; late afternoons are quieter. Avoid weekend lunch rushes.
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