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New Yorkers 1st Choice
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 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Happy Cat Eats image 1
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American restaurant

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 loved the outdoor seating right across from the beach."

"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
Alma Fonda Fina image 1
Restaurant

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

"The Mexican food here is incredible, especially the tacos."

"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
Tacos Pipeye image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco spot with handmade tortillas and a great salsa bar creates a relaxed, funky vibe. Seating includes limited tables and counter stools inside and outside, with many ordering to-go. The crowd is mostly Latino, enjoying well-priced tacos and cold beer in a casual setting.

Breakfast burritos come huge and delicious with a nice mix of ingredients. Barbacoa, stewed beef, veggie, and shrimp burritos all offer great flavors and generous portions.

Tacos come with homemade corn tortillas and fresh salsa. Options like Al pastor, barbacoa, and chorizo with papas stand out for their flavor. Prices stay reasonable, with specials like three tacos for $11.

People are saying

"The handmade tortillas make this Mexican food a standout."

"The salsa bar here has a great variety, from mild to spicy."

"These tacos are just incredible, especially the barbacoa."

Good to know

1

They offer a 3 taco special for $11, which is great for lunch.

2

The 4x12 deal provides excellent value for tacos.

3

There are limited tables, so most people order to-go.

04
El Pastorcito Food Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"The food trucks here serve tacos that are the best I've ever had."

"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.

05
Maiz Picante Taqueria image 1
Taco restaurant

Small, clean space with a modern, simple design echoes trendy Mexican taquerias. Loud, hype music sets an energetic vibe while the dining area feels tight and warm. Known for authentic tacos, vegan options, and notable margaritas, it offers a focused, no-frills experience.

Burritos here stay firm and not too wet, making them easy to take on a plane. The carnitas and carne al pastor burritos stand out, along with a vegan and vegetarian option that impresses.

People are saying

"These tacos are seriously delicious and flavorful."

"I loved the variety of salsas, especially the green avocado one."

"I found the burritos here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building via Alamar.

2

The restaurant is open late for takeout but not for dine-in after 9 PM.

3

The menu includes great vegan and vegetarian options.

06
Little Alex's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean space with ample outdoor seating and a heated dog-friendly patio offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere away from busy streets. Indoor area features a small bar and large TVs showing sports, creating a lively vibe that can get loud. Frequented for fresh, local Mexican food with standout dishes like fish tacos and specialty meats.

Breakfast burritos come with steak and eggs or regular fillings, both packed with meaty goodness. Sizes fit well with a beer, making them a solid choice for a hearty meal.

Fish tacos stand out as a favorite, especially during happy hour. Both hard shell beef and chicken tacos offer solid, tasty options. The rajas taco delivers a distinct flavor that evokes a Cabo vibe.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here tastes so fresh, especially the tacos."

"I loved the fish tacos, they were the best dish."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs every day from 3-6pm with good food and drink options.

2

There is plenty of free parking available at the new location.

3

The new location offers both indoor and outdoor seating for guests.

07
Rudy's Restaurant Upper State image 1

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

"The food here is generally good and the portions are huge."

"I loved their salsa bar with so many options."

"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.

08
Taquería Rincón Alteño image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"I craved their piping hot menudo to start my day."

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

"This burrito is the best I ever had."

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.

09
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant image 1

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."

"The salsa bar has so many fresh, tasty choices."

"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.

10
Taqueria La Unica image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers lively, festive atmosphere with bright colors and traditional music. Seating includes cozy outdoor areas with a fireplace and heat lamps. A large, fresh salsa bar adds to the vibrant dining experience.

Burritos come with fillings like suadero, al pastor, birria, and quesabirria. The Fire Pastor burrito offers a spicy and flavorful kick. Many burritos are grilled on the outside for added texture.

Tacos feature tender, flavorful meats and perfectly grilled onions with unique flavors that stand out. The vampiro taco and all fish tacos offer distinct tastes, paired well with fresh craft beer for a solid meal value.

People are saying

"The salsa bar here is fresh and offers a great range of heat and flavor."

"I thought the tacos here were absolutely delicious."

"I found the al pastor and birria burritos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2.95 tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during weekdays.

3

The restaurant is very clean, even during busy hours.

11
Sazón Latino & Catering image 1
Family restaurant

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 outdoor seating is great for enjoying flavorful food and fantastic salsas."

"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.

12
El Sitio Restaurant - De La Vina image 1

Mexican restaurant offers lively atmosphere with authentic street tacos and a salsa bar. The space fills quickly at lunchtime, creating a bustling vibe. Menu includes Mixteco favorites and hearty portions with a variety of meat options.

Carne asada burritos come with rice, cheese, cilantro, and onions and deliver solid flavor. Breakfast burritos are hearty and loaded, with cheese included at no extra cost, but extras like rice may add to the price.

Street tacos come with at least a half-dozen different meat options including choriqueso, adobada, and carnitas. Tacos taste authentic and often arrive loaded with Lengua.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was simply marvelous."

"I found the carne asada burrito here to be my favorite."

"You have to try their choriqueso, adobada, and carnitas tacos."

Good to know

1

A burrito now costs $16.

2

Lunchtimes are packed, making seating challenging.

3

The menu offers a variety of options, including vegetarian choices.

13
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas image 1

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.

Burritos come in large sizes with fillings like rice, beans, ham, egg, and steak. Prices are high, with some burritos costing around $20 each.

Tacos come in huge portions with generous amounts of meat. Options like lengua and al pastor stand out for flavor, though some meats lack taste. Pricing runs around $4.00 each.

People are saying

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

"I tried some of the best tasting tacos I've had in a long time."

"I thought their burrito was the best in town."

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.

14
Taqueria El Bajio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a casual atmosphere and simple setting offers handmade tortillas and rich menudo. Tacos and tortas stand out for quality and flavor, with birria de chivo available on weekends. The place maintains a large menu and avoids deep frying or institutional ingredients.

Large burritos come with fillings like bacon and chorizo or pollo bajio. Some find the burritos tasty and satisfying, while others note the quality does not match the price.

Tacos come with pico de gallo, carrots, and salsa fresca with jalapeños. The tacos dorados carnitas stand out as next level. Tortillas are good and tacos offer a good size for the price.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I thought the tacos here were some of the best I've ever had."

"I had a tasty breakfast burrito that really hit the spot."

Good to know

1

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to previous years.

2

Prices have increased significantly over the past few years.

3

The menu offers a variety of options.

15
Yona Redz image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with live music and an extensive menu featuring traditional and fusion dishes. Outdoor patio seating includes heat lamps for comfort. The vibe suits late-night dining with a relaxed energy and flavorful options.

Burrito preparation takes about 30 minutes, ensuring fresh and carefully made ingredients. The burrito offers a delicious flavor profile that stands out among other options.

Birria tacos stand out with juicy shredded beef and rich broth. Queso tacos and street-style options offer bold, delicious flavors at affordable prices.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here have such a good beef broth flavor."

"The birria tacos here are outstanding and top-notch."

"I considered the burrito here the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The lunch special with 2 tacos, consomme, rice, beans, and chips with salsa for $14 is a great deal.

2

Parking at Yona Redz is limited; expect to walk a few blocks.

3

Street tacos cost $2.50 each during Taco Tuesday.

16
M Special Brewing Company - Downtown image 1

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 enjoyed the unique and good beer selection here."

"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.

17
Taqueria Cuernavaca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a quiet, spacious dining area and a busy counter focused on takeout. Offers a self-serve salsa bar with fresh toppings and multiple salsas. Known for authentic Mexican dishes, including vegetarian tacos and standout items like gorditas and burritos.

Stellar burritos stand out here with rich flavors and satisfying portions. Tacos and burritos rank among the best in Santa Barbara, making them a clear highlight.

Tacos feature amazing tortillas that perfectly complement fillings like chorizo, suadero, and asado. Options include vegetarian tacos with generous servings and flavorful, simple preparations.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, were delicious."

"The salsa here is flavorful and complements the juicy carne asada."

"The tacos here have amazing tortillas and great fillings."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is small and mostly caters to takeout orders.

2

Limited parking is available, so plan accordingly.

3

The online ordering system is quick and user-friendly.

18
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo image 1

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

"The salsa here is amazing, especially the pico de gallo."

"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.

19
Palapa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

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

"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.

20
Taqueria Santa Barbara image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers affordable tacos with a varied selection including vegetarian options like rajas and nopales. Atmosphere suits casual dining with sticky tables and a focus on fresh meat in tacos and tortas. Salsa, especially pineapple salsa, adds a flavorful touch to meals.

Burritos come with great deals every day and include options like wet carnitas with Mole and shrimp with guacamole. Veggie burritos and tacos offer solid variety, while breakfast burritos feature crispy bacon.

Tacos come with fresh ingredients and generous piles of meat. Options include papas y rajas, suadero, and fish, with affordable prices around $2.50 to $3.50 each.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is piled high with meat."

"I thought the tacos were delicious and good-sized."

"I had the best burrito I've had in a long time."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $2.50 each for carnitas or chicken.

2

Daily specials offer great deals on tacos and burritos.

3

The building is very clean and well-maintained.

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