Taqueria Mena serves up authentic Mexican tacos with standout quesabirria, pastor, and asada prepared fresh in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Located inside Foodland Market parking lot, it offers dine-in and takeout options with a focus on quality ingredients and speedy service, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night craving.
What to Expect:
🌮 Signature quesabirria tacos and variety of meats
🍹 Selection of refreshing drinks
🚗 Ample free parking including lot and street options
🕔 Open late with extended weekend hours
Important Information:
No reservations; outdoor seating in a casual food truck setting
Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and parking
Highly recommended for authentic Mexican flavors in Santa Barbara’s taco scene.
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
🌙 Late-Night Favorite: Open late especially Fri–Sun till midnight, great for satisfying late cravings.
🚗 Ample Parking: Free parking garage and lot with street options make access easier than typical busy taco trucks.
🌱 Vegetarian Options: Large selection with clearly labeled vegetarian dishes including nopales and mushroom tacos.
📞 Phone Ahead Recommended: Due to small team and busy evenings, calling ahead can minimize wait times.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Taqueria Mena is highly praised for its authentic, fresh Mexican tacos, particularly quesabirria, with customers lauding the bold flavors, quality ingredients, and friendly service. The casual setting and ample parking add to the appeal. A rare negative review mentions a single food poisoning incident, but the overwhelming majority highlight consistency and excellence.
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
Quesabirria Tacos, Suadero, Asada, Pastor, Torta de Carnitas, Fish Tacos, Nopales Tacos, Huaraches, Quesadillas, Jamaica Drink
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and parking lot provide ease of access for all guests. The food truck layout accommodates mobility needs.
