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Top picks in Santa Barbara

Salsa dancing with outdoor space

You want to find a place to dance salsa that also provides an outdoor space to catch your breath.

Based on 825 Opinions
+822
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Updated May 2026
01
La Playa Azul Cafe image 1
La Playa Azul Cafe image 2
La Playa Azul Cafe image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with fairy lights and heaters that soften street noise. The space fills with great energy from a mostly local crowd, creating a lively yet friendly vibe. Premium margaritas and generous portions complement the comfortable Mexican setting.

Chips come with fresh, homemade salsa that stands out for its great taste. The salsa arrives quickly and is consistently well-liked by salsa enthusiasts.

A beautiful patio offers a welcoming and comfortable outdoor dining spot. The space works well for Happy Hour with margaritas and a fun vibe.

People are saying

"I found the happy hour food to be well worth the money."

"The patio is beautiful, comfortable, and perfect for outdoor dining."

"I loved their homemade salsa because it was so fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Street parking is available, but it can be limited during busy times.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

02
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.

A great salsa bar offers a variety of salsas, including a notably good salsa Verde. Complementary chips come with flavorful salsas, and tacos can be customized with selections from the salsa bar.

A large patio with picnic tables offers plenty of outdoor seating. A DJ often plays on the patio, adding to the quaint atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here have great flavor and variety."

"The outdoor patio is nice, with picnic tables and a DJ."

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.

03
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.

An amazing salsa bar offers a delicious variety of salsas including pico de Gallo and piquin salsa. The salsa bar stays clean and well-stocked with napkins and utensils.

Outdoor seating features a fireplace that pumps serious heat and adds ambiance. Large healthy plants grow outside, and a cozy fire pit with barstools creates a pretty atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating is amazing with a warm fireplace."

"The outdoor space has a cozy fire pit and lots of plants."

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.

04
Augie's of Santa Barbara image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Chips and salsa come fresh daily with three different salsas to choose from, including a spicy habanero and a popular green salsa. The chips are crispy and pair well with the salsa and guacamole.

Open air patio offers direct views onto State Street for people watching. The space features a cut patio with plants in front and a comfortable vibe among guests.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa tasted so fresh, I couldn't get enough."

"You've got to grab a patio seat overlooking State Street."

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.

05
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.

Salsas here taste very fresh with a mild Baja blend that hints at sweet and savory. Meals come with two salsa options and a warm basket of tortilla chips that pair well with the salsas and bean dip.

Plenty of covered outdoor seating and a heated patio make the space comfortable year-round. The dog-friendly patio is quiet and spacious, ideal for larger groups.

People are saying

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

"You can enjoy the quiet, relaxing outdoor patio seating."

"I thought the chips and salsa were very good."

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.

06
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Fresh, homemade chips and salsa come with meals. Several great salsas complement dishes like ceviche and sopas.

Heated patio offers comfortable outdoor seating with a nice indoor/outdoor vibe. Covered patios and beautiful decor create a pleasant ambiance for dining with a dog or sitting inside.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are beautiful and taste amazing."

"The outdoor space has lovely covered patios."

"The salsa here is great and homemade."

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.

07
Rose Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Salsa here is incredibly flavorful and served with a spoon on the rim of the bowl. Chips and salsa get eaten quickly, showing how delicious the salsa is.

Outdoor seating offers a nice open-air spot for meals. Tables accommodate dogs and keep the COVID seating setup intact.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I loved dining outside in the open air."

"I thought their salsa was great and flavorful."

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.

08
Palapa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic casual atmosphere and outdoor seating that feels like dining in Cancรบn. 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.

Chips come with bright, fresh salsa that has a complex flavor without too much spice. The salsa complements the authentic Mexican food well and is often praised alongside the chips.

Outdoor seating includes a pet-friendly patio that captures a Mexican atmosphere. The space offers a nice dining area outside.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious, especially the carnitas and fish."

"I loved the fresh salsa flavor, it was excellent."

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.

09
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.

Salsas come freshly made and are served with chips while waiting. Green salsa stands out as very yummy, complementing tender meat and fresh tortillas.

Outside seating offers a pleasant dining area but fits no more than three groups comfortably due to its small size.

People are saying

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

"I loved their salsa; it was delicious and yummy."

"The outdoor space is pleasant for dining."

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.

10
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.

Salsa offerings include mild green salsa, hot red salsa, and pico de gallo with a strong cilantro flavor. Cleanliness issues affect the overall salsa experience.

Outdoor seating defines the space with a small dining area that sits entirely outside. The outside area feels cool and sets the tone for dining.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor space here is really cool."

"The Salsa here is so fresh and tasty."

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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