Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Tacos in Santa Barbara

Made for those who treat finding the right taco as a serious, daily pursuit.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated
01
Happy Cat Eats image 1
Happy Cat Eats image 2
Happy Cat Eats image 3
View all

Outdoor seating with stunning beach views and sun umbrellas sets a casual vibe. Tacos shine with bold flavors like gochujang and sliced jalapenos. Games like corn hole add fun, while loud music keeps energy high near the pier.

Tacos feature cabbage, sauce, and sliced jalapenos that stand out. Options like Gokuchan Bao Tacos and gochujang tacos offer bold, unique flavors. Fish and carnitas tacos come highly recommended and deliver excellent taste.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas tacos here to be extremely delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating and a kid’s menu.

3

Parking is limited, but a parking deck is two blocks away.

02
Sazón Latino & Catering image 1
Sazón Latino & Catering image 2
Sazón Latino & Catering image 3
View all

Large patio and indoor seating offer a cozy vibe with friendly service. Tacos feature homemade tortillas and fillings like adobada and carnitas, with a salsa bar for custom flavors. Outdoor DJ and salsa bar create a lively atmosphere for a diverse crowd.

Tacos come with homemade tortillas and fillings like adobada, cabeza, asada, and carnitas. Weekend-only quesobirria tacos feature a rich jus, and a salsa bar lets you customize flavors.

People are saying

"The quesabirria tacos were rich with a wonderful jus."

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
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. Unique Waygu brisket tacos and carrot tacos showcase high-quality Mexican flavors. Welcomes diners and dogs, blending lively atmosphere with thoughtful ingredients.

Carrot tacos and suadero tacos stand out with excellent flavor. Waygu brisket and duck tacos offer unique options beyond typical choices like quesabirria or al pastor.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

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.

04
M Special Brewing Company - Downtown image 1
M Special Brewing Company - Downtown image 2
M Special Brewing Company - Downtown image 3
View all

Brewery offers a chill atmosphere with live music and big screen TVs. Mushroom tacos provide a unique flavor and vegetarian choice. Outdoor seating is pet-friendly, perfect for socializing with friends.

Mushroom tacos stand out with their unique flavor and vegetarian-friendly options. Tacos come alongside tortas and birria grilled cheese for variety.

People are saying

"I found the mushroom taco tasty and delicious."

Good to know

1

Craft pints are available for $5 on selected beers.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The venue is dog friendly, allowing pets in outdoor areas.

05
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. Shrimp tacos with flavorful shrimp come with soft rice and beans. Large portions and variety of salsas highlight the food, with wet mole burritos and homemade soft corn tortillas standing out.

Shrimp tacos come with soft rice and beans and have incredibly flavorful shrimp. Beef and chicken tacos, especially the crunchy and crispy varieties, are large and filling, often enough for one person.

People are saying

"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
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 featuring fresh pineapple and a salsa station with multiple salsas. Outdoor seating with heaters offers comfort by the ocean breeze. Popular for catering, the spot is clean and convenient, with a buy 2 get 1 free taco deal on Tuesdays.

Al pastor tacos stand out with fresh pineapple and bold flavor. Crispy tripe tacos add a unique twist, and a buy 2 get 1 free deal on Tuesdays makes them even better.

People are saying

"These tacos al pastor are the best I've ever had."

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.

07
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. Birria tacos and Baja fish taco deliver rich, fresh flavors. Outdoor seating is limited but pleasant, perfect for enjoying flavorful margaritas.

Birria tacos and Baja fish taco stand out with rich flavors. Soft carnitas tacos and campechana tacos offer excellent variety and freshness.

People are saying

"The octopus taco is 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.

08
Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's image 1
Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's image 2
Taqueria y Carniceria Mayo's image 3
View all

Small Mexican market serves authentic tacos with fresh, affordable ingredients. Friendly staff guide choices, enhancing the taco experience. A meat counter offers fresh cuts, while the unchanged atmosphere adds a hidden gem vibe.

Tacos come authentic and fresh with options like torta asada and Asad. Staff offers friendly help to pick the best ones, and prices stay reasonable.

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable and affordable for most dishes.

2

Portions served are huge, making it great for sharing.

3

There are many types of salsas and sauces to choose from.

09
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 yet classy mood. Tacos shine with fresh fish and bold rib eye steak. Exceptional tequila selection fuels an upscale fun vibe with local energy.

Tacos come with a variety of fillings like rib eye steak, octopus, and baja shrimp. The fish tacos stay fresh and the queso fundido with chorizo adds a flavorful touch.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here are so fresh and flavorful."

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.

10
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 crispy tacos with authentic Al Pastor flavor. Quick service and cash only payment keep things simple. Salsas add notable heat for a true taste experience.

Crispy tacos stand out with their hard shell and quick service. Al Pastor and tacos dorados offer authentic flavors that many find delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the crispy tacos here to be excellent."

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.

11
Baja Sharkeez image 1
Baja Sharkeez image 2
Baja Sharkeez image 3
View all

Outdoor seating with heat lamps and multiple TVs sets a lively sports bar vibe. Huge, flavorful tacos like Birria and Carne asada shine, especially on Taco Tuesday with $5 deals. Colorful decor and a live DJ keep the fun going for casual dining and game watching.

Tacos come in huge portions with options like fish, shrimp, Carne asada steak, and Birria. Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $5, and the Birria tacos pair well with drinks like margaritas.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 8pm with great drink deals.

2

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $5 each.

3

Karaoke night is every Wednesday starting at 10pm.

12
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 offers large tacos with fillings like carne asada and shrimp. Enjoy a lively salsa bar with wide sauce variety. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly parklet, making it great for casual dining and pet lovers.

Tacos come in large portions with a variety of fillings like carne asada, tender steak, crispy chicken, and shrimp. Flavors range from smoky and well-seasoned to savory and topped with fresh onions and cilantro.

People are saying

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

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.

13
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 1
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 2
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant image 3
View all

Mexican spot buzzes with heated patios and multiple TVs for sports fans. Pescado Tacos shine with cilantro lime Tajin aioli, while Asada offers bold flavor and Aguacate suits vegetarians. Casual vibe suits families and locals alike.

Pescado Tacos come wrapped in warm, pillowy corn tortillas with a zesty cilantro lime Tajin aioli. Asada tacos stand out for their flavor, and Aguacate tacos serve as a solid vegetarian option.

People are saying

"The chicken tacos here are delicious and packed with chicken."

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.

14
Rose Cafe image 1
Rose Cafe image 2
Rose Cafe image 3
View all

Cozy Mexican spot offers street tacos like carnitas with flavorful salsas. Outdoor seating under air-plants creates a relaxed vibe. Dog-friendly space feels like a sunny Cantina and Grotto.

Street tacos come in a great deal with options like carnitas and pollo. Salsas served alongside are incredibly flavorful and enhance the tacos.

People are saying

"The street tacos are a great deal."

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.

15
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. Fish tacos with house made shells shine alongside menudo and tacos de cabeza, showcasing authentic Mexican flavors. Generous portions cover meat, seafood, and greens for a wide variety.

Fish tacos feature house made shells and come with a salsa bar for added flavor. Menudo and tacos de cabeza also stand out as authentic Mexican options.

People are saying

"The tacos here are incredible, especially with the salsa bar."

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.

16
La Playa Azul Cafe image 1
La Playa Azul Cafe image 2
La Playa Azul Cafe image 3
View all

Outdoor patio shines with fairy lights and heaters, creating a cozy vibe. Shrimp and fish tacos impress with fresh cabbage and grilled fish, paired with complimentary chips and salsa. Premium margaritas add to the lively, local crowd energy in a comfortable Mexican setting.

Shrimp and fish tacos stand out with fresh cabbage and perfectly grilled fish. Tacos come with complimentary chips and salsa, though tortillas are not made in house.

People are saying

"The fish tacos are delicious and grilled perfectly."

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.

17
Taco Bell image 1
Taco Bell image 2
Taco Bell image 3
View all

Space feels quiet and clean with friendly staff creating a calm vibe. Tacos come in large portions but taste mild. Location is convenient and spacious, perfect for families and kids.

Good to know

1

The Taco Bell is conveniently located for easy access.

2

The restaurant maintains a high level of cleanliness.

3

Taco Bell offers large portion sizes suitable for families.

18
Palapa Restaurant image 1
Palapa Restaurant image 2
Palapa Restaurant image 3
View all

Mexican spot offers authentic casual vibe with lively patio seating. Tacos are crispy and huge, featuring a standout crunchy fish option. Family friendly atmosphere blends locals and visitors for a warm, inviting meal.

Tacos come crispy and huge, with a crunchy fish option that stands out. Some tacos are hard and lack flavor, but many are tasty and satisfying.

People are saying

"The tacos here are huge and super tasty."

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.

19
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 generous portions at fair prices. Tacos shine with rich lengua and crispy mashed potato fillings. Atmosphere is basic but staff are bilingual and friendly.

Tacos come packed full of meat with tongue and crispy mashed potato options standing out. The lengua tacos deliver a rich, top shelf flavor.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas tacos here to be amazing."

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.

20
El Sitio Restaurant - De La Vina image 1
El Sitio Restaurant - De La Vina image 2
El Sitio Restaurant - De La Vina image 3
View all

Lively Mexican spot shines with authentic street tacos featuring meats like choriqueso and carnitas. Bustling lunchtime vibe complements hearty Mixteco dishes. Salsa bar adds a fresh, spicy kick to every meal.

Street tacos come with at least a half-dozen different meat options including choriqueso, adobada, and carnitas. Tacos taste authentic and often arrive loaded with Lengua.

People are saying

"You have to try their choriqueso, adobada, and carnitas tacos."

Good to know

1

A burrito now costs $16.

2

Lunchtimes are packed, making seating challenging.

3

The menu offers a variety of options, including vegetarian choices.

Discover more

Santa Barbara, California

Area guide