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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Mexican food and tortillas

Made for those who recognize that a truly authentic Mexican meal is defined by the quality of the corn or flour tortillas served alongside it.

Based on 739 Opinions
+736
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Updated May 2026
01
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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.

Tacos come with handmade corn tortillas that stay intact through each bite. These tortillas taste fresh and remind of traditional recipes, pairing well with the meat and salsa.

Tacos come with homemade corn tortillas and fresh salsa, offering super flavorful bites like Pastor, barbacoa, and chorizo with papas. Dishes like mole poblano and chilaquiles show authentic Mexican cuisine with great value specials like the 3 taco lunch deal.

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 handmade tortillas are fresh and hold up so well."

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.

02
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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.

Blue corn and house-made tortillas stand out with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Flour tortillas served with Ribeye Chicharron are handmade and exceptional.

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 thought this was something special, a truly magical dinner spot."

"I felt the tortillas were something special."

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
Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana image 1

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.

Homemade tortillas stand out for their freshness and quality. The handmade corn tortillas add a hearty, delicious base that elevates the dishes.

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

People are saying

"The octopus taco is the best I've ever had."

"This Mexican food is so authentic, it reminds me of home."

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

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.

04
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.

Freshly made tortillas come in a perfect size and thickness, neither too thin nor thick. Corn tortillas serve as the base for tacos with fresh ingredients and in-house salsas.

Tacos stand out with authentic Tijuana style and varied fillings like asada, pastor, lengua, birria, and shrimp. Vegan and vegetarian options exist alongside fresh, high-quality tortillas.

People are saying

"These tacos are seriously delicious and flavorful."

"I loved their delicious and flavorful tacos."

"The pastor tortillas are the best, even for vegans."

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.

05
Sazรณn Latino & Catering image 1

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.

Handmade tortillas come with several dishes, including chicken tacos and huevos a la mexicana. These homemade tortillas pair well with flavorful salsas and sides like refried beans and home potatoes.

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

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

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

"The tortillas here are handmade and taste amazing."

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.

06
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.

Handmade tortillas come fresh from the back where abuelita makes them by hand. Some tortillas arrive warm and soft, but others can be raw or not heated enough, affecting the taco experience.

Handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican flavors stand out here. The carnitas torta and menudo are rich and highly recommended, with tacos topped by fresh pico de gallo and salsa fresca.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

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

"The handmade tortillas are worth the price."

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.

07
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.

Tortillas vary here, with some tacos featuring amazing tortillas that match fillings well, while others have a poor dough texture that detracts from the dish.

Tacos feature generous servings with fillings like carnitas, al pastor, chorizo, suadero, and asado, all paired with amazing tortillas. Vegetarian tacos and a variety of amazing salsas, including tomatillo, complement dishes like gorditas, burritos, enchiladas verdes, and tortas.

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 tortillas here are amazing and complement the fillings perfectly."

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.

08
Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with fun salsa bar and huge portion sizes. Locals favor the spot for flavorful chicken and tri-tip, and it stays busy especially at lunchtime. Free parking and simple menu add to its straightforward appeal.

Tortillas come fresh and great with meals. Some combos include small sides, so the amount of tortillas can feel limited.

Chicken burritos stand out with large size and rich flavor, sometimes falling apart but still tasty. Plates come with beans, rice, salsa, and tortillas, and the menu stays simple with options like tri-tip, chicken, and bowls.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food's chicken was the best I've had in a while."

"The chicken and tri-tip food here is so flavorful and juicy."

"The chicken here is so juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a simple menu with grilled chicken and beef options.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it a good value for the portion sizes.

3

Expect long wait times during busy lunch hours.

09
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.

Soft, fresh tortillas come in both corn and flour varieties, with flour options accommodating allergies. Tacos feature generous servings on bursting corn tortillas, while burritos get a grilled exterior for added texture.

Tacos feature tender, flavorful meats and perfectly grilled onions with a unique taste. Fresh tortillas and a salsa bar complement dishes like the Tacos Unica and torta pastor, with options accommodating corn allergies.

People are saying

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

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

"The tortillas here are served with incredibly friendly and speedy service."

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.

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Santa Barbara, California

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