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Mexican lunch spots in Santa Barbara

A midday break for Mexican food is the only way to reset during a busy afternoon.

Based on 641 Opinions
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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.

Food impresses enough to return for lunch. Many make it a weekly lunch and dinner spot.

High-end Mexican food features blue corn tortillas, Waygu brisket tacos, and duck tacos. Dishes like the Carne Asada Steak come with smoked pureed eggplant and queso, while the house chicken enchiladas evoke traditional flavors.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here excellent and made it my weekly lunch spot."

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.

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Colorful, cozy Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating under air-plants and succulents creates a relaxed vibe. Atmosphere feels like a sunny Cantina and Grotto, lively yet comfortable. Popular for traditional family recipes and dog-friendly environment.

Outdoor seating offers a nice open air setting for lunch. Lunch hours are low key with no waiting.

Street tacos offer a great deal with carnitas and pollo standing out for flavor. Enchiladas and huevos rancheros rank among the best, paired well with spicy margaritas and flavorful salsas served with care.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is great, and the service is always friendly."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is fast and friendly."

Good to know

1

Rose Cafe retains outdoor seating options from COVID.

2

Seating can be cramped when it's busy.

3

During lunch time, there is usually no waiting.

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Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with a cozy and charming atmosphere. Familiar faces work behind the counter, creating a warm, family-run vibe. Big screen TV, authentic cuisine, and limited seating define the space.

Lunch features solid specials like chicken enchiladas and grilled veggie burritos. Expect a busy lunch rush with possible waits or the option to order to go.

Breakfast burritos stand out with chorizo and sausage options. Carnitas come freshly prepared and are a favorite for take-home. Menudo offers a spicy, flavorful hangover cure. Taquitos served with guacamole make a popular special.

People are saying

"You have to try the breakfast burritos; they're surprisingly large."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are huge and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is small with limited seating.

2

During the lunch rush, there might be a wait for a table or the need to order to go.

3

The daily specials at Lito's come with rice, beans, and a drink.

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Outdoor courtyard offers beautiful patio with propane heaters and romantic lighting, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. A large bar complements the modern, elegant design. Margaritas and cocktail flights stand out as popular drink choices.

Lunch offers a gorgeous outdoor dining area that stands out. Meals suit both casual day-offs and special occasions with a consistently great all-around experience.

Mole stands out as a perfectly made, on-site specialty. Tacos with salmon and cauliflower offer impressive, delicious flavors. Drinks include refreshing Margaritas that pair well with grilled octopus and other dishes.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is served in a beautiful, charming outdoor courtyard."

"The presentation of the food at this Lunch Spot is stunning."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $10 for bottled water and $10 for tostadas.

2

Expect an additional $15 charge on your card without explanation.

3

The menu offers vegetarian options and local vegetables.

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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.

Mexican dishes define the lunch menu with consistent quality. Service runs a bit slow, so plan for a relaxed lunch pace rather than a quick stop.

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."

"The food here is outstanding with good portions and reasonable prices."

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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Mexican restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating and multiple TVs showing football creates a lively, sports-friendly atmosphere. The space combines heated patios and a cool bar vibe, attracting families and sports fans alike. Fresh, welcoming environment features beautiful decor and a casual, local cantina feel.

Lunch service runs with just a waiter and manager on Saturdays, which makes it slow. Plans exist to return for both lunch and dinner.

Asada tacos stand out as a must-try with authentic, flavorful taste. The mole and red sauce chicken enchiladas offer rich, memorable flavors. Fresh ceviche, guacamole, and salsas complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is great, and the staff are super friendly."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was friendly and good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is daily from 3:00-5:30 pm with a special menu.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options, but check with staff for preparation.

3

Parking is available in the Vons shopping center lot.

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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.

Tacos stand out as a tasty and inexpensive lunch option. The spot stays fairly quiet during lunch hours, making it a convenient downtown stop.

Tacos come with a super selection including papas y rajas, suadero, and fish, all priced affordably around $2.50 to $3.50. The Torta Cubana and wet carnitas burrito with mole offer rich flavors, with mole balancing chocolate and spice perfectly. Fresh aguas frescas like horchata de fresa and Jamaica complement the tasty salsa and veggie options served as tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.

People are saying

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

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot are delicious and a good size."

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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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.

Lunch here offers a wonderful meal experience with a special occasion vibe. Reservations are available for afternoon times like 2:00 PM on weekdays.

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."

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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