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Guide to Santa Barbara

Burritos and tacos

You know exactly what you want in a tortilla, and you are not interested in places that try to overcomplicate the basics.

Based on 665 Opinions
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01
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Outdoor seating with stunning beach views and sun umbrellas creates a casual, friendly atmosphere. The space is small but not crowded, featuring games like corn hole and a sand pit for entertainment. Music plays loudly, adding energy to the otherwise relaxed vibe near the pier.

Breakfast burritos come with mac and cheese inside, creating a rich and unexpected flavor. Options for protein vary, and the carnitas burrito offers a tasty, satisfying choice.

Tacos feature cabbage, sauce, and sliced jalapenos that stand out. Options like Gokuchan Bao Tacos and gochujang tacos offer bold, unique flavors. Fish and carnitas tacos come highly recommended and deliver excellent taste.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas tacos here to be extremely delicious."

"You have to try the breakfast burrito with mac and cheese."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating and a kid’s menu.

3

Parking is limited, but a parking deck is two blocks away.

02
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Bright, intimate space with fun decor and patio dining options creates a lively atmosphere. Loud energy fills both inside and outside areas, welcoming diners and dogs alike. Focus on high-quality Mexican cuisine with thoughtful ingredient choices sets it apart from typical offerings.

Breakfast burrito stands out as flavorful and satisfying. The Alma burrito surprises with rich taste, far from basic. Burritos here earn strong praise for taste and quality.

Carrot tacos and suadero tacos stand out with excellent flavor. Waygu brisket and duck tacos offer unique options beyond typical choices like quesabirria or al pastor.

People are saying

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

"I thought the breakfast burrito was tasty and the best I had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to ensure a table.

2

The menu is limited but features high-quality, fresh ingredients.

3

Expect a unique twist on traditional Mexican dishes, not typical tacos or burritos.

03
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Food truck offers Mexican street food with al pastor tacos featuring fresh pineapple and a salsa station with multiple salsas and limes. Outdoor seating includes heaters to stay warm while enjoying the ocean breeze. The spot is clean, convenient, and popular for catering large events.

Burritos here stand out for their delicious flavor and variety. Options like the veggie burrito and asada burrito offer satisfying choices with fresh ingredients.

Al pastor tacos stand out with fresh pineapple and bold flavor. Crispy tripe tacos add a unique twist, and a buy 2 get 1 free deal on Tuesdays makes them even better.

People are saying

"These tacos al pastor are the best I've ever had."

"I thought the burritos were delicious."

Good to know

1

They have buy 2 get 1 free on their al pastor tacos on Tuesdays.

2

There is plenty of parking shared with Tri-County produce.

3

The area around the food truck is safe and spacious.

04
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Mexican restaurant with simple setup and lots of indoor seating offers large portions of fresh, flavorful burritos and tacos. Food comes out quickly, and payment is cash only. Salsas provide notable heat and freshness, enhancing the authentic experience.

Breakfast burritos come in a perfect size with a fresh mix of eggs, cheese, potatoes, and chorizo. The spicy flavor and salsa verde add a delicious kick, making them a standout choice for a hearty start.

Crispy tacos stand out with their hard shell and quick service. Al Pastor and tacos dorados offer authentic flavors that many find delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"This burrito is the best I ever had."

"I found the crispy tacos here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

The place is cash only, so bring cash to pay.

2

The bowl of menudo costs $20, the highest price for a bowl.

3

The burrito costs $17, so expect reasonable prices.

05
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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.

Burritos come in large sizes and include options like steak in the arroyo burrito or fajita fillings. The burrito mojado is smothered in cheese, and meals often come with a wonderful salad on the side.

Tacos come in large portions with a variety of fillings like carne asada, tender steak, crispy chicken, and shrimp. Flavors range from smoky and well-seasoned to savory and topped with fresh onions and cilantro.

People are saying

"The carne asada tacos are flavorful, tender, and smoky."

"I loved the hearty Arroyo Burrito with steak."

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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Counter-order setup with a basic dining area creates a casual atmosphere. Large portions and a variety of salsas define the food experience, with standout items like wet mole burritos and homemade soft corn tortillas. Pricing is slightly lower than local spots, and the place draws those seeking classic gringo Mexican flavors.

Mole burritos stand out with a wet mole sauce that many find delicious. Breakfast burritos come fast and taste great, with options like the three friends burrito offering a large, satisfying portion.

Shrimp tacos come with soft rice and beans and have incredibly flavorful shrimp. Beef and chicken tacos, especially the crunchy and crispy varieties, are large and filling, often enough for one person.

People are saying

"I believed the Rudy's Beef Taco was the only taco I needed."

"I found the breakfast burritos here delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect larger food portions than average at Rudy's.

2

A $1.50 surcharge applies to meals containing eggs.

3

Chips are no longer included with meals; expect to pay extra.

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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.

Burritos come heavy and tightly wrapped, especially the breakfast burrito with a great balance of guacamole, cheese, bacon, egg, and potato. Options include Chile relleno burritos alongside fish and shrimp ceviche.

Fish tacos feature house made shells and come with a salsa bar for added flavor. Menudo and tacos de cabeza also stand out as authentic Mexican options.

People are saying

"The tacos here are incredible, especially with the salsa bar."

"I loved the breakfast burrito with its great balance of ingredients."

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.

08
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Brewery with live music, board games, and multiple big screen TVs creates a chill, social atmosphere. Regulars enjoy locally brewed beers and casual food options like tacos and nachos. Outdoor seating offers a great street view and pet-friendly space.

Burritos take about 40 minutes to arrive and have a mediocre quality. Mexican dishes like quesadillas are also available and generally good.

Mushroom tacos stand out with their unique flavor and vegetarian-friendly options. Tacos come alongside tortas and birria grilled cheese for variety.

People are saying

"I thought their local beers were very good."

"I found the mushroom taco tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

Craft pints are available for $5 on selected beers.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The venue is dog friendly, allowing pets in outdoor areas.

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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.

Burritos include options like chorizo, adobada, birria, and chile relleno. Some burritos contain mostly rice and beans without meat, which can affect their texture and appearance.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas and fillings like adobada, cabeza, asada, and carnitas. Weekend-only quesobirria tacos feature a rich jus, and a salsa bar lets you customize flavors.

People are saying

"The quesabirria tacos were rich with a wonderful jus."

"I tried the delicious chorizo burrito."

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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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.

Breakfast burritos feature small, hard chicken and sometimes scraps as filling. Some burritos lack flavor and can feel overpriced. Occasionally, foreign objects like plastic appear inside.

Tacos come crispy and huge, with a crunchy fish option that stands out. Some tacos are hard and lack flavor, but many are tasty and satisfying.

People are saying

"The tacos here are huge and super tasty."

"I enjoyed the breakfast burritos 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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Rustic Mexican restaurant offers classic dishes like carnitas and menudo with house-made tortillas. Atmosphere feels basic and somewhat outdated, with bilingual staff serving a wide variety of food. Portions are generous and prices reasonable for the area.

Super burritos come packed full of meat and are perfectly seasoned. The regular burrito includes pico de gallo, adding fresh flavor to the dish.

Tacos come packed full of meat with tongue and crispy mashed potato options standing out. The lengua tacos deliver a rich, top shelf flavor.

People are saying

"I loved their carnitas burrito; it was the best I've had."

"I found the carnitas tacos here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Menudo is available on weekends only.

2

The restaurant is located in a small shopping center with limited parking.

3

Prices are on the higher side for a casual eatery.

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