Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Salsa dancing

The right salsa can completely change the meal.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated
01
Sazón Latino & Catering image 1
Sazón Latino & Catering image 2
Sazón Latino & Catering image 3
View all

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 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.

02
Los Altos Restaurant image 1
Los Altos Restaurant image 2
Los Altos Restaurant image 3
View all

Outdoor patio and backyard seating create a cozy atmosphere with a chill vibe. Handmade tortillas and a salsa bar offer authentic Mexican flavors and fresh, customizable options. Generous portions include meat, seafood, and greens for a wide variety.

Salsas offer authentic flavor and add a zing to dishes. A salsa bar lets you customize your tacos with fresh, flavorful options.

People are saying

"The salsa bar here is fabulous and flavorful."

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.

03
Rudy's Restaurant Upper State image 1
Rudy's Restaurant Upper State image 2
Rudy's Restaurant Upper State image 3
View all

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

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

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.

04
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 1
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 2
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 3
View all

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 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.

05
Taqueria Santa Barbara image 1
Taqueria Santa Barbara image 2
Taqueria Santa Barbara image 3
View all

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 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.

06
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant image 1
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant image 2
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant image 3
View all

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 salsa bar has so many fresh, tasty choices."

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.

07
La Playa Azul Cafe image 1
La Playa Azul Cafe image 2
La Playa Azul Cafe image 3
View all

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 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
Augie's of Santa Barbara image 1
Augie's of Santa Barbara image 2
Augie's of Santa Barbara image 3
View all

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

"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.

09
Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana image 1
Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana image 2
Casa Comal Cocina Tradicional Mexicana image 3
View all

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

"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.

10
Super Cucas image 1
Super Cucas image 2
Super Cucas image 3
View all

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

"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.

11
Rose Cafe image 1
Rose Cafe image 2
Rose Cafe image 3
View all

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

"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.

12
Lito's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Lito's Mexican Restaurant image 2
Lito's Mexican Restaurant image 3
View all

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

"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.

13
El Pastorcito Food Truck image 1
El Pastorcito Food Truck image 2
El Pastorcito Food Truck image 3
View all

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 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.

14
Alma Fonda Fina image 1
Alma Fonda Fina image 2
Alma Fonda Fina image 3
View all

Bright, intimate space buzzes with loud energy and patio dining. Mexican dishes shine with high-quality ingredients and come with red chili crunch salsa that’s unbelievably amazing. Dogs are welcome, adding to the lively, fun vibe.

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.

15
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo image 1
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo image 2
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo image 3
View all

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."

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.

16
Taquería Rincón Alteño image 1
Taquería Rincón Alteño image 2
Taquería Rincón Alteño image 3
View all

Mexican spot serves large portions of fresh burritos and tacos with quick service in a simple, indoor setting. Salsa verde adds a fresh, spicy kick, though some refrigerated salsas may taste off after days. Cash only keeps things straightforward.

Salsas come with a nice heat and a delicious salsa verde pairs well with burritos. Extra salsa is served on request, but some refrigerated salsa can taste sour or spoiled after a few days.

People are saying

"I really liked the nice salsa they served."

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.

17
Palapa Restaurant image 1
Palapa Restaurant image 2
Palapa Restaurant image 3
View all

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 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.

18
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas image 1
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas image 2
El Sitio Restaurant - Salinas image 3
View all

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

"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.

Discover more

Santa Barbara, California

Area guide