Santo Mezcal offers a hip, vibrant Mexican dining experience focused on seafood with a contemporary flair. Guests can enjoy a broad tequila selection alongside carefully crafted dishes in a trendy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.
What to Expect:
🦐 Seafood-forward Mexican cuisine
🍹 Extensive tequila and cocktail menu
🌟 Trendy, lively ambiance with indoor/outdoor seating
🕒 Seating is first-come, first-served with no traditional reservations
Important Information:
Parking: Street parking available but can be challenging
Service: Fast and attentive when busy
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking
Allergy: Uses a QR code for allergy info but some guests report issues
Best to arrive early or mid-afternoon to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends.
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
⌚ Arrive Early or Late for Quieter Times: Weekday afternoons before 2 PM or after 7 PM are less crowded; weekends get busy around lunch and early dinner.
🌮 Must-Try Dishes: Order the Octopus, Ribeye Tacos, and Crab Enchiladas for top-reviewed flavors by regulars.
🍸 Explore Tequila Flights: Although not officially offered, ask the bar team for tasting suggestions beyond the cocktail menu for an agave adventure.
🛑 Allergy Caution: Use the QR code to check allergen info but confirm with staff due to mixed reports on kitchen communication.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Santo Mezcal impresses diners with fresh, flavorful Mexican dishes and a standout tequila program. Guests praise the Ribeye Tacos, seafood specials, and attentive service. Atmosphere is lively and trendy, though some find it noisy and busy at peak times. A few reviews highlight crowded seating and occasional service lapses, along with concerns about allergy accommodations. Overall, it is considered a top choice for modern Mexican dining in Santa Barbara.
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
Octopus, Ribeye Tacos, Crab Enchiladas, Salmon Tacos, Paloma Cocktail, Mezcal Margarita, Queso Fundido, Halibut Ceviche, Ceviche Verde
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible with accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms ensuring comfortable access for mobility needs.
