Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

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$

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

casual-dining

4.3
Lively Mexican spot in Santa Barbara serving hearty burritos, menudo, and tacos with fresh salsas, offering fast, bilingual service and casual vibes.

$

$$

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casual-dining

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Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

Santa Barbara

$

Lively Santa Barbara taqueria serving hearty burritos, tacos, menudo, and fresh salsas with fast, bilingual service in a casual setting.

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About
4.3
(
437
)

Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo delivers authentic Mexican flavors with standout carnitas burritos, Al Pastor super burritos, fresh menudo, and rich caldo de res.

The family-run taqueria offers quick, friendly bilingual service and a salsa bar that enhances every dish, welcoming diners for breakfast through dinner with casual, cozy seating and outdoor options.

What to Expect:

    🌮 Generous meat-filled burritos and tacos
    🔥 Traditional local specialties including menudo and caldo de res
    🌶️ Salsa bar with jalapeños, limes, and radishes
    🏡 Casual, family-friendly atmosphere with fast service

Important Information:

    Parking: Free lot and street parking, though it can be busy
    Reservations: Accepted
    Payments: Credit/debit cards and mobile NFC supported
    Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restrooms, and parking

Come for authentic Mexican comfort food with local flair and great service in Santa Barbara’s Laguna neighborhood.

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

🌞 Early Bird Breakfast: Try their breakfast burritos and menudo early for the freshest experience and less crowd.

🌮 Salsa Bar Advantage: Don’t skip the salsa bar with homemade sauces and fresh jalapeños to elevate your meal.

🅿️ Parking Tips: The free parking lot shares spots with nearby stores and can fill quickly; street parking is also an option.

📞 Phone Orders: They accept phone orders, great for quick takeout without waiting in line.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM

👉 Best For

Family meals, casual dining, Mexican food lovers, solo diners

Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

836 N Milpas St
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93103

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Taqueria El Buen Gusto is celebrated for its authentic, flavorful Mexican dishes, especially carnitas and Al Pastor burritos, with a welcoming bilingual staff and quick service. Customers appreciate the salsa bar and filling portions. While most praise the food, some reviews mention occasional issues with outdated decor, cleanliness, and inconsistent service.

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

Carnitas Burrito, Al Pastor Super Burrito, Menudo, Caldo de Res, Tacos Al Pastor, Lengua Tacos, Super Nachos, Huevos Rancheros, Guacamole, Enchiladas Combo

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit mid-morning to early afternoon for popular breakfast and lunch items; avoid late lunch rush around 11 AM to 1 PM; weekends get busy until early afternoon.
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