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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Salsa dancing

The right salsa can completely change the meal.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
Maiz Picante Taqueria image 1
Maiz Picante Taqueria image 2
Maiz Picante Taqueria image 3
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Taco restaurant

Small, clean spot with authentic tacos and a modern vibe. Four tasty salsas shine, especially the orange salsa and green avocado salsa. Energetic music and tight seating create a warm, lively atmosphere.

Salsas come with tacos in four tasty options, including a standout orange salsa and a green avocado salsa that pairs well with chicken. Plates often include pickled radishes and a variety of excellent salsa choices.

People are saying

"These tacos are seriously delicious and flavorful."

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

"I found the chicken enchiladas with green sauce to be really good and unique."

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.

02
Luna's Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Cozy cafe shines with fresh salsa that balances spice and flavor. Classic breakfast dishes like chilaquiles and pancakes taste great here. Friendly vibe and ample seating make it perfect for casual meals.

Freshness stands out with every serving of salsa. It offers a juicy, flavorful taste balanced with reasonable spiciness suitable for many palates.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are spot on, truly delicious Mexican food."

"I had delicious Huevos Rancheros with chile verde."

"The salsa here is fresh, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of seating available at the cafe.

2

Street parking is easy to find nearby.

3

The cafe offers a menu with a Mexican flair for breakfast.

03
Sazón Latino & Catering image 1
Family restaurant

Large patio with picnic tables and indoor seating offers a cozy vibe and friendly service. Salsa bar features salsa Verde and unique options for taco customization. Outdoor DJ adds lively energy, making it a great neighborhood spot with an authentic feel.

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.

People are saying

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

"The mole enchiladas with spicy peanut sauce were rich and flavorful."

"The salsas here have great flavor and variety."

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.

04
Tacos Pipeye image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco spot shines with handmade tortillas and a peanut salsa that offers rich, unique flavor. Casual vibe with limited seating suits those who enjoy well-priced tacos and a great salsa bar. Crowd loves cold beer and fresh toppings in a funky setting.

A peanut salsa stands out with a rich, unique flavor. The salsa bar offers a range from mild to spicy with fresh, well-made toppings that complement the handmade tortillas perfectly.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought it had the best breakfast burrito in town."

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.

05
Rudy's Restaurant Upper State image 1

Counter-order setup and basic dining create a casual vibe. Large portions and wet mole burritos shine alongside a well-stocked salsa bar featuring tasty red salsa. Prices are lower than local spots, attracting fans of classic gringo Mexican flavors.

Several options of salsa Roja and verde sit at a well-stocked salsa bar. The red salsa stands out as quite tasty. Lime, cilantro, and onions often accompany the salsa on dishes like shrimp tacos.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

06
Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana image 1

Small spot with authentic Mexican decor and an open kitchen offers a chill vibe. Fresh green salsa shines with tender meat and fresh tortillas. Outdoor seating is cozy but limited, perfect for enjoying flavorful tacos and margaritas.

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

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

07
La Playa Azul Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio shines with cozy atmosphere and fairy lights that create a lively vibe. Chips come with fresh homemade salsa loved by salsa fans. Premium margaritas and generous portions add to the comfortable Mexican setting enjoyed by locals.

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.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating is beautiful, comfortable, and fun."

"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.

08
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant image 1

Unassuming Mexican spot shines with a lively salsa bar featuring fresh, tasty options. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly parklet, perfect for pet owners. Atmosphere shifts from quiet to crowded and loud, matching the crowd's energy.

Freshly made ingredients fill the salsa bar with lots of choices. Both the salsa and guacamole taste delicious and offer a great variety.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the Arroyo Molcajete was the best Mexican food I ever had."

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.

09
Taqueria La Unica image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with a lively atmosphere and bright colors. Cozy outdoor seating features a fireplace and heat lamps. Guests love the amazing salsa bar with fresh, varied salsas like pico de Gallo and piquin.

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.

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 food here is fresh, delicious, and truly authentic."

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.

10
Palapa Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes in a family-friendly setting with both cozy indoor and lively outdoor seating. Chips come with bright, fresh salsa that perfectly complements the food. The atmosphere feels like dining in Cancún, blending locals and visitors.

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.

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.

11
Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch image 1
Chicken restaurant

Casual spot serves flavorful chicken and tri-tip with huge portions. Enjoy a fun salsa bar featuring a tasty piney twang and fire salsa verde. Free parking and a simple menu make it easy to visit, especially at lunchtime.

Salsa comes with meals in a great size and features a tasty piney twang. A small salsa bar offers a chance to experiment with different flavors, including a fire salsa verde.

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 tender and seasoned perfectly."

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.

12
Augie's of Santa Barbara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open air patio with a palm tree roof sets a lively, upscale vibe. Enjoy fresh chips and salsa, including spicy habanero and green options. Sip on an exceptional tequila selection while music brings a true Mexican feel to the scene.

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.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the delicious, hand-crafted cocktails."

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

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.

13
Taqueria Santa Barbara image 1
Taco restaurant

Affordable tacos shine with vegetarian options like rajas and nopales. Casual vibe with sticky tables fits quick bites. Pineapple salsa adds a sweet, spicy kick that lifts every meal.

Salsas here have a tasty flavor with the pineapple salsa standing out as a great complement to meals. Some salsas bring a bit more heat than expected, adding a nice kick.

People are saying

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

"I thought the shrimp burrito with guacamole was worth the extra cost."

"The pineapple salsa here is a great complement to any meal."

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.

14
Taqueria Cuernavaca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers a quiet, spacious dining area and a busy takeout counter. Enjoy authentic dishes like vegetarian tacos and gorditas. The self-serve salsa bar features a vivid tomatillo salsa and fresh toppings that enhance every meal.

Salsas here stand out for their high quality and variety. The tomatillo salsa offers a unique, vivid flavor, and the salsa bar provides several great options to complement dishes like tacos with carnitas and al pastor.

People are saying

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

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

"I had one of the best burritos I've ever eaten."

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.

15
Little Alex's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean space offers heated dog-friendly patio and lively indoor bar with large TVs. Fresh, local Mexican food shines with fish tacos and specialty meats. Salsas are fresh with a mild Baja blend, served alongside warm tortilla chips and bean dip.

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.

People are saying

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

"The patio is quiet and relaxing, perfect for lunch."

"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.

16
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers a lively vibe with heated patios and multiple TVs for sports fans. Fresh, homemade chips and salsa pair well with dishes like ceviche. Casual, local cantina feel welcomes families and friends alike.

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

People are saying

"The cocktails here are beautiful and taste amazing."

"The seafood enchiladas were the highlight of the meal."

"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.

17
Yona Redz image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic salsa bar featuring unlimited servings and a cozy patio with heat lamps. Live music adds to the casual vibe perfect for late-night dining. Menu blends traditional and fusion dishes for bold, flavorful bites.

A salsa bar offers 5 or 6 authentic Mexican salsas with unlimited servings. The salsas pair well with chips and dishes like the veggie quesadilla with tomatillo salsa.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the birria ramen; it's worth the trip."

"The birria tacos with juicy shredded beef and flavorful salsa are a must-try."

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.

18
El Pastorcito Food Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican street food shines with al pastor tacos topped with fresh pineapple. A salsa station offers vibrant choices and quick service. Outdoor seating features heaters, perfect for enjoying the ocean breeze in comfort.

Fresh, vibrant salsas come from a dedicated salsa station with limes. Staff at the salsa stand offer quick, helpful service when needed.

People are saying

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

"I've never had better al pastor tacos; they're the best I've ever tasted."

"The salsa here is fresh, vibrant, and unforgettable."

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.

19
Super Cucas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vintage carniceria style meets heated outdoor seating with hill views. Burritos shine with charred green salsa from a diverse salsa bar. A dedicated vegan menu draws locals to an authentic, comfortable spot.

Charred green salsa stands out with its perfectly balanced flavor and easy digestion. The salsa bar offers a variety of excellent salsas that complement burritos well.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were the best I've ever had."

"They have a dedicated vegan menu with great options like vegan chorizo."

"The salsa here is off the chart good."

Good to know

1

Super Cucas has a dedicated vegan menu, including vegan cheese and vegan chorizo.

2

Parking is limited, so expect a packed lot during peak hours.

3

Super Cucas is popular among locals and often crowded.

20
Lito's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers fresh salsas in spicy red and tasty green. Cozy, family-run vibe shines through familiar faces and limited seating. Big screen TV adds to the charming atmosphere.

Fresh, tasty salsas come in spicy red and very tasty green varieties. Chips arrive with delicious salsa that complements meals well.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos here are huge and delicious."

"I thought the food here was delicious and excellent."

"I tried the breakfast burrito with spicy red salsa; it was life-changing."

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.

21
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo image 1

Rustic Mexican spot serves house-made tortillas and classic dishes like carnitas. Salsa bar shines with jalapeños and radishes, offering unique flavors. Staff is bilingual, portions are generous, and prices stay reasonable.

Salsa bar includes jalapeños, limes, and radishes, items rarely found elsewhere. Offers a variety of salsas and chips with a good selection of flavors.

People are saying

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

"I love their Mexican food, especially the burritos packed full of meat."

"I love that the menudo is available on the weekends."

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.

22
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas image 1

Outdoor seating creates a casual vibe with authentic Mexican roots. Large burritos satisfy hunger while the salsa bar offers mild green, hot red, and cilantro-rich pico de gallo. Some cleanliness issues affect the salsa experience but flavors remain strong.

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.

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.

23
Rose Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican spot shines with flavorful salsa served uniquely on the bowl's rim. Outdoor seating under air-plants and succulents adds a relaxed vibe. Welcoming to dogs, it feels like a sunny Cantina with lively yet comfortable energy.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

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

"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.

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