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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Authentic Mexican food spots

Mexican food that honors the tradition of the recipe instead of prioritizing the convenience of the assembly line.

Based on 776 Opinions
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01
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant image 1
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Unassuming Mexican restaurant with open dining area and lively salsa bar offering a wide variety of sauces. Atmosphere ranges from quiet to crowded and loud depending on the number of people. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly parklet.

Food tastes fresh with authentic Mexican flavor. Everything is homemade and offers a modern take on Mexican classics.

Tremendous authentic Mexican food shines with tender, flavorful carne asada tacos and savory beef and chicken crispy tacos. The salsa bar offers fresh, tasty choices, and dishes like crab enchiladas, taquitos, fajitas, and pozole stand out for their rich flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the Arroyo Molcajete was the best Mexican food I ever had."

"I loved the authentic food; it tasted like home."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is dog friendly if you sit in the parklet dining area.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

3

The paid parking lot is the best option for parking.

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Vintage carniceria style blends with covered outdoor seating that includes heated areas and views of hills. The atmosphere feels authentic and comfortable, drawing a crowded, local crowd with a strong reputation for phenomenal burritos and a dedicated vegan menu.

Food serves authentic Mexican cuisine with large burritos and veggie options. The restaurant feels comfortable and genuine with consistently great flavors.

Burritos stand out with Al pastor, California burrito, and breakfast burritos all highly praised. Carnitas tacos, tortas, and aguas frescas add variety, while the green salsa complements the superburritos well.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is perfection, especially the burritos."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Super Cucas has a dedicated vegan menu, including vegan cheese and vegan chorizo.

2

Parking is limited, so expect a packed lot during peak hours.

3

Super Cucas is popular among locals and often crowded.

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Large patio with picnic tables and indoor seating creates a cozy atmosphere with friendly service. Outdoor area features a DJ and salsa bar offering unique salsas for taco customization. Neighborhood spot attracts a diverse crowd and maintains an authentic, comfortable vibe.

Rich, flavorful dishes like mole enchiladas and goat birria showcase genuine Mexican flavors. Staples such as adobada burritos, shrimp cocktails, and pasole offer a truly authentic taste experience.

Salsas come in a variety with a standout salsa Verde. Dishes include quesobirria tacos with rich jus, mole enchiladas, goat birria, and a large Tlayuda made for two but often finished solo.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The mole enchiladas and goat birria were rich, flavorful, and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough on the weekends.

2

The restaurant attracts people of all ages.

3

You can customize tacos with salsa from their salsa bar.

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Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana image 1
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Small restaurant with an open kitchen and authentic Mexican decor creates a chill atmosphere. Outdoor seating is pleasant but limited to a few groups. Tacos and margaritas stand out as flavorful highlights.

Mexican food here has an authentic feel that recalls traditional home cooking. The guacamole stands out as very authentic and flavorful.

Authentic Mexican food shines with fresh handmade corn tortillas and tasty street tacos. Birria tacos, Taco Norteño, and Chicken Mole stand out alongside excellent margaritas.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; they're the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so authentic, it reminded me of tacos in Mexico City."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos, making it a popular event.

2

Street parking is available near the restaurant, but can be limited.

3

Menu items may be unavailable during lunch hours, so check ahead.

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Small, clean Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and loud street traffic outside. Many locals dine here, enjoying fresh salsa and flavorful dishes like huevos rancheros and shrimp broth. Portions tend to be small, and prices are on the higher side.

Food offers simple and authentic Mexican flavors at a reasonable price. Dishes maintain a genuine taste true to traditional recipes.

Grilled chicken burritos and carne asada burritos offer bold flavors and a satisfying taste. The menudo and huevos rancheros stand out as authentic Mexican dishes, complemented by a salsa bar with salsas that have a good kick.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best in Santa Barbara."

"I found the food to be simple and authentic."

Good to know

1

Prices may differ from those listed on the website.

2

Expect small portions relative to the high prices.

3

The restaurant does not offer its own delivery service.

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Outdoor patio and backyard seating create a cozy, charming atmosphere with a chill vibe. Handmade tortillas and a salsa bar highlight authentic Mexican flavors. The menu offers generous portions with a wide variety including meat, seafood, and greens.

Authentic tacos come with a salsa bar that adds fresh flavor. Tortillas are made traditionally using a wood board and roller early each morning. Everything feels cleaner and more genuine here.

Authentic Mexican food shines with handmade tortillas and a flavorful salsa bar. The fish tacos and birria stand out, with fresh ingredients and traditional preparation.

People are saying

"The tacos and salsa bar here are incredible."

"These authentic burritos are so heavy and tightly wrapped."

Good to know

1

Tortas cost $7 on Thursdays.

2

Daily specials include oysters on weekends.

3

Happy hour offers exceptional values on select items.

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Outdoor seating defines the small, casual space with humble surroundings. The atmosphere reflects cultural roots through simple, authentic Mexican vibes. Large, flavorful burritos and a notable salsa bar attract those seeking authentic Mexican food and generous portions.

Offers authentic Mexican food with a focus on healthy and affordable options.

Mexican food here is authentic and affordable with large, flavorful burritos and tacos. The salsa bar offers a variety of options including mild green salsa, hot red salsa, and pico de gallo with a strong cilantro taste.

People are saying

"I tried some of the best tasting Mexican food tacos I've had."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a little tight sometimes.

2

The restaurant has limited seating and is more of a takeout place.

3

The total cost for three burritos is about $50.

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Mexican restaurant with authentic casual atmosphere and outdoor seating that feels like dining in Cancún. The vibe is family friendly and friendly, with a mix of local regulars and visitors. The space combines intimate indoor areas and a lively patio near the road.

Mexican food tastes authentic and comes with fresh salsa at the table. The atmosphere feels casual and genuine.

Breakfast burritos stand out with their authentic Mexican flavors and come with chips and salsa that are among the best in town. The flan offers a creamy, delicious finish to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I loved the delicious, authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm on weekdays with great deals on drinks.

2

The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options to cater to different tastes.

3

Palapa Restaurant has a pet-friendly patio area for dining with pets.

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Mexican restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with amazing breakfast and great burritos. Atmosphere includes free Wi-Fi for guests. Prices tend to be on the higher side compared to other local options.

Mexican food here is authentic and true to traditional flavors. The menu focuses on classic dishes that represent genuine Mexican cuisine.

Authentic Mexican food shines with green enchiladas and incredible carne asada. Burritos stand out as great and flavorful.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Mexican food here."

"I recommended coming here for authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Wi-Fi is free for guests at Milpas Taqueria.

2

Expect higher prices compared to other local Mexican restaurants.

3

Takeout options are available for those in a hurry.

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Open air patio overlooks a busy street with palm tree roof feature and beautiful bar. Atmosphere blends upscale fun with a local vibe, energized by music that evokes Mexico. Known for an exceptional tequila selection and handcrafted cocktails, it attracts those seeking a lively yet classy setting.

Unique, authentic Mexican food and atmosphere stand out here. The cuisine and drinks are delicious and well presented.

Mexican dishes feature authentic flavors with highlights like chicken poblano mole enchiladas. Drinks include amazing margaritas and chips with salsa.

People are saying

"Hector was the best server for our Mexican food."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and well presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekends.

3

The restaurant opens at 11:00 AM daily, but check for holiday hours.

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