Santa Barbara Food Connection offers a casual dining experience focused on quality comfort food like birria tacos, burgers, and tri-tip fries. Handmade tortillas, a variety of sauces, and friendly fast service highlight the menu and atmosphere.
Guests enjoy a blend of dine-in, takeout, and delivery options with outdoor seating available, appealing especially to locals, tourists, and families alike.
What to Expect:
🌮 Handcrafted tacos and burritos
🍔 Specialty burgers with unique toppings
🍟 Loaded fries featuring tri-tip and asada
🥗 Fresh salads with customizable dressings
Important Information:
Hours: Monday to Friday, mainly lunchtime service with early Friday opening
Seating: Limited indoor and outdoor seating
Dietary: Gluten-free tacos and lettuce wrap burgers available
Payments: Credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments accepted
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
🌮 Sauce Variety Upgrade: Guests are encouraged to try the tomatillo and spicy peanut sauces for a flavor boost.
🍟 Tri-tip Fries Are a Must: The loaded fries with tri-tip are a local favorite and highly recommended.
🕒 Lunch Focused Hours: Best to visit weekdays between 11 AM and 2 PM; Fridays open an hour earlier at 10 AM.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Patio: Outdoor seating welcomes pets, making it ideal for visitors with dogs.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Santa Barbara Food Connection is praised for its fresh, flavorful tacos, quality burgers, and friendly service. Customers love the handmade tortillas and diverse sauce options. The casual atmosphere attracts families and locals, though some note limited parking and small portion sizes on sides like tater tots.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
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What You'll Find
Birria Tacos, SBFC Burger, Tri-tip Fries, Asada Nachos, California Burrito, Chicken Tenders, Greek Salad, Handmade Tortillas, Queso Birria Tacos, Loaded Nachos, Salsa Bar
