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Best of Goleta

Mexican lunch spots

You want a midday break that centers on Mexican food without having to settle for a rushed experience.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cristino’s Bakery image 1
Cristino’s Bakery image 2
Cristino’s Bakery image 3
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Take-out only bakery offers Mexican pastries and hearty burritos with a homey atmosphere. It draws a crowd for affordable tamales and Birria tacos made fresh daily. Small outdoor bench provides limited seating while the bakery closes mid-afternoon.

A solid spot for lunch in an industrial area, offering a terrific meal and a chance to grab something quick. It also works well for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Adobada tacos and tamales with perfect filling stand out here. The chilaquiles rank among the best, and street tacos use fresh ingredients served quickly. Specials like Pozole on Fridays add variety.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and flavorful."

"I thought the Birria tacos were to die for."

"I thought the burritos here were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Cristino’s Bakery is take-out only with no seating available.

2

They’re open until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

The bakery only serves drip coffee and does not offer milk alternatives.

02
Los Altos Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open airy space with high ceilings and bright, clean design creates a casual, comfortable vibe. Music plays at a fast, fun pace while the atmosphere stays quiet and friendly. Small bar seating and a self-service salsa bar add unique touches to the Mexican dining experience.

Lunch features an $8 Thursday special torta and a burrito lunch special. Quality stays amazing during lunch hours with options for late breakfast and early lunch.

Carnival tortas and fresh tortillas stand out alongside sweet, sesame-rich mole. Tacos come with great sauces, and drinks include Cadillac margaritas and horchata.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the mole and tacos, is fantastic."

"The Happy Hour specials here are outstanding and a great value."

"I loved the lunch special tortas; they were unbeatable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great drink specials and half-off appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesdays feature special pricing on all tacos.

3

Wednesdays offer $10 burritos, a great deal for lunch.

03
Domingo's Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Old building with historic character and simple, slightly worn decor creates a homey, family diner atmosphere. Walls display community photos and local history, fostering a strong sense of community. Patio out back offers a casual spot where dogs are welcome, enhancing the local, welcoming vibe.

Offers breakfast and lunch options with a menu suited for multiple meals. Serves food consistently during morning and lunch hours.

Tacos and enchiladas stand out with house-made salsa that adds flavor without much heat. Breakfast options include Huevos Rancheros with chile verde and breakfast burritos with chorizo, all served with sourdough toast and salsa verde.

People are saying

"I found the food here really good and a great value."

"The waffles here are the best, especially with whipped cream."

"Their breakfast burrito is really good Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the restaurant and on Hollister with reverse/slant spots.

2

Expect minimal wait times during most visits.

3

The cafe offers a simple menu with affordable prices.

04
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with historic yet fresh atmosphere and charming wooden bar imported from Mexico. Offers indoor and dog-friendly outdoor patio seating with a full bar and live music. Atmosphere suits families and romantic outings, quiet and relaxing for conversation.

Lunch specials offer good value with just the right portions. Drinks come at great prices all day, making it a solid spot for midday meals.

Mexican food here features traditional dishes like shredded beef chimichanga served hot and crispy, and chicken enchiladas made a la carte. Complimentary tortilla chips and amazing Salsa Verde come with friendly service.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the guacamole and enchiladas, is delicious."

"Parking Available is abundant, with a lot across the street."

"The lunch specials here are a great value."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 4 pm and ends at 5:30 pm.

2

Parking is available in a free lot across the street.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of $9 happy hour specials.

05
Santa Barbara Sunshine Cafe image 1

Spacious dining area with an open industrial interior creates a roomy setting. Atmosphere blends warm, home-style vibe with a mellow, soothing energy despite some noise. Offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options that attract a busy crowd.

Wide variety of breakfast and lunch items makes it a solid spot for midday meals. It serves as a reliable choice for both breakfast and lunch.

Huevos rancheros Verdes stand out with a fresh, vibrant flavor. The chilaquiles and menudo also deliver strong, authentic tastes that highlight traditional Mexican breakfast dishes.

People are saying

"I loved the excellent breakfast options and fresh fruit."

"The food at this lunch spot is excellent."

"I considered this my favorite breakfast spot in town."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and readily available near the cafe.

2

The average price per person is around $20.

3

Cinnamon rolls are priced at $8.50 each.

06
Finney's Crafthouse - Goleta image 1

Sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs and loud music creates a lively, energetic atmosphere. Spacious, industrial interior includes a garage window and an outdoor patio with heat lamps. Wide beer selection and unique flavors complement the fun, casual vibe.

Offers a great spot for lunch with a casual vibe. Also suits sports events and group gatherings.

Tacos stand out as a go-to menu item along with lettuce wraps and sandwiches. Steak taquitos and loaded tots add variety, while carnitas nachos have very little meat and mostly chips.

People are saying

"The food here is solid, especially the tacos and sandwiches."

"I found it to be a great lunch spot."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-5 pm with discounted items.

2

There is plenty of free parking available.

3

Kid meals include a drink and side, offering great value.

07
Cal Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a casual atmosphere and a chill vibe that varies with the crowd. Offers fresh, flavorful food including standout burgers and large breakfast burritos. Features a free salsa bar and a patio for outdoor seating.

Crowds gather here on Saturdays despite its location off the main path. Lunch prices run over $40 for two, which is high for a fast food spot.

Breakfast burritos come large and full of flavor, offering good value. Tacos like Carne Asada, fish, and adobbada pack strong, fresh flavors with real beans and rice on the side.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here tasted like they used to, really great."

"The Mexican food here is bursting with flavor, especially the tacos."

"I found the food here to be good."

Good to know

1

A service fee of over $0.50 is added to credit card payments.

2

Expect to pay over $7 for each taco, including tax.

3

Fries and fountain drinks are sold separately from meals.

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