Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara

Discover Mexican dining in Santa Barbara—authentic tacos, fresh salsas, grilled meats, and handmade tortillas await your taste buds.

Street-Style Tacos

Crisp corn tortillas filled with marinated meats, fresh salsa, and toppings.

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📍 Modern Mexican Small-Plate Cantina in the Highlands

Alma Fonda Fina in the Highlands reimagines Mexican street eats as chef-driven small plates—wood-fired sope, charred octopus tostada, and tender lamb tacos served in a colorful, hand-tiled dining room. Pair vibrant ceviches and mole-glazed creations with tamarind margaritas or smoky mezcal cocktails, all delivered with warm hospitality around communal tables for an unforgettable night out.

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Grilled Meats & Skewers

Charcoal-grilled cuts served with smoky spices and traditional sides.

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Handmade Tortillas

Freshly pressed flour and corn tortillas crafted daily for authentic textures.

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🍽️ Browse by Price Range

The Stow House

The Stow House

$

$

Goleta

4.7
The Stonehouse Restaurant

The Stonehouse Restaurant

$

$$$$

🍔 American

Santa Barbara

4.6
The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

$

$$

Santa Barbara

3.6
The Speakeasy

The Speakeasy

$

$$

Montecito

4.4
The Society: State & Mason

The Society: State & Mason

$

$$

Santa Barbara

4.9
The Shop Brunch

The Shop Brunch

$

$$

🥞 Brunch

Santa Barbara

4.5
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Super Cucas

Super Cucas

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Casual Mexican eatery renowned for generous, authentic burritos, vibrant vegan options, and fast, friendly service in Santa Barbara.
Lito's Mexican Restaurant

Lito's Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Popular Santa Barbara spot for Mexican take-out with limited seating, known for enchiladas, tacos, and hearty breakfast burritos.
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina

Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Chic Mexican dining with a spacious patio and heated fireplace, serving fresh mole, creative tacos, and cocktails in Santa Barbara’s vibrant scene.
Super Cuca's

Super Cuca's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.4
Laid-back Mexican spot known for large burritos, vegetarian options, and a student-friendly vibe in Isla Vista.
Zocalo

Zocalo

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.8
Casual, cozy Mexican spot known for authentic quesabirria, tasty tacos, and signature horchata lattes in Isla Vista.
Flor De Maiz

Flor De Maiz

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Classic Mexican dishes and cocktails served in a laid-back spot with outdoor seating and vibrant ambiance.
Taqueria Tesoro

Taqueria Tesoro

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

5
Authentic Mexican flavors shine with perfectly cooked meats in tacos, burritos, and fresh dishes served in a cozy Santa Barbara spot.
Cal Taco

Cal Taco

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Casual Mexican spot serving made-to-order tacos and burgers with a fresh salsa bar, popular for quick bites and filling monkey bowls.
Paloma

Paloma

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Easygoing spot serving local fare with a Mexican twist, unique cocktails, and inviting outdoor seating in Santa Barbara.
Cesar's Place

Cesar's Place

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual Mexican spot in Santa Barbara known for fresh salsa, big burritos, seafood, and fast service with a cozy, trendy vibe.
Los Agaves

Los Agaves

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual Mexican restaurant known for enchiladas, chile rellenos, and generous portions in a relaxed, roomy setting.
Los Altos Restaurant

Los Altos Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Family-owned spot delivering traditional Mexican dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere with fast service and a salsa bar.
La Super-Rica Taqueria

La Super-Rica Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Iconic Mexican taqueria known for fresh tortillas, fish tacos, tamales, and casual outdoor patio seating in Santa Barbara.
Texas Tacos IV

Texas Tacos IV

$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

5
Casual breakfast spot offering great tacos and friendly service in Isla Vista, known for affordable, welcoming vibes and delicious meals.
La Tapatia #3

La Tapatia #3

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

3.7
Casual and cozy Mexican spot known for authentic dishes, homemade tortillas, and fast service in Goleta with full dine-in and takeout options.
Don Paco's Taco Truck

Don Paco's Taco Truck

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Casual Mexican eatery serving quick bites and small plates from a popular taco truck, ideal for lunch, dinner, and solo diners.
Del Pueblo Cafe

Del Pueblo Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Casual Mexican cafe blending vibrant art with authentic dishes like mole and chile rellenos in a cozy Santa Barbara spot.
Mony's Mexican Food

Mony's Mexican Food

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Chill Mexican spot serving traditional dishes with a wide range of salsas in casual, cozy surroundings.
Santa Barbara Food Connection

Santa Barbara Food Connection

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual spot serving fresh tacos, burgers, and burritos with fast service and handmade tortillas in Santa Barbara’s Lower Riviera.
Taquería Rincón Alteño

Taquería Rincón Alteño

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Casual Mexican spot serving authentic tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with fresh ingredients and fast service in Santa Barbara’s Lower State neighborhood.
Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.6
Casual spot specializing in authentic Mexican street tacos and comfort food, known for fresh flavors and a laid-back vibe in Santa Barbara.
La Cantina Bar & Restaurant

La Cantina Bar & Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Casual Mexican spot in Santa Barbara offers inventive dishes, strong cocktails, and a lively bar with plenty of TVs for sports fans.
Taste of California

Taste of California

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

None
Casual Mexican restaurant offering quick, comforting bites with fast service in Santa Barbara. Great for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
Rudy's Mexican Restaurant

Rudy's Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Informal Mexican eatery known for burritos, quesadillas, and a lively salsa bar, serving locals and tourists alike.
Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant Presidio

Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant Presidio

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Cafeteria-style Mexican fare with brisket, ribs & sides in a casual, no-frills spot with indoor picnic tables in Santa Barbara.
Goleta Bakery

Goleta Bakery

$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.3
Classic Mexican bakery with fresh pan dulce, warm gorditas, and robust coffee in Goleta. Family-run spot blending tradition and flavor daily.
Santo Mezcal

Santo Mezcal

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Hip, lively Mexican spot with a seafood-centric modern twist and an extensive tequila list in Santa Barbara.
Rosarito Mexican Grill

Rosarito Mexican Grill

$$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

4.0
Rosarito Mexican Grill serves hearty, late-night Mexican comfort food with vegan and vegetarian options, all in a wheelchair accessible Isla Vista spot.
El Paseo Restaurant

El Paseo Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Bustling spot serving classic Mexican fare with handmade tortillas and tableside guacamole in a lively, trendy atmosphere.
Rosales Mexican Restaurant

Rosales Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Mexican counter serving classics, street eats, menudo, seafood & breakfast with a lively salsa bar atmosphere in Santa Barbara.
Tacos Sánchez

Tacos Sánchez

$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

None
Classic Mexican eats with a focus on fresh, flavorful tacos served fast in a casual setting in Santa Barbara's West Beach.
Fonda Smash-Burgers & Pancake House

Fonda Smash-Burgers & Pancake House

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Cozy, casual Mexican spot known for all-day breakfast, smash-style burgers, and live mariachi music with a courtyard view.
Taqueria Santa Barbara

Taqueria Santa Barbara

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.1
Casual taco spot with fresh, flavorful offerings including tacos, burritos, and vegetarian options in lively Santa Barbara Downtown.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Goleta

Goleta

4.4
Established Mexican eatery with patio, buffet on select days, and a lively bar featuring televised sports and great drink selections.
Roger’s Tacos

Roger’s Tacos

$

🌮 Mexican

Isla Vista

Isla Vista

None
Casual taco spot known for simple, authentic flavors served in a relaxed Isla Vista setting.
Augie's of Santa Barbara

Augie's of Santa Barbara

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Trendy Mexican spot with fresh flavors, artisanal cocktails, and a lively vibe in Santa Barbara’s Lower State district.
Rascal's

Rascal's

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.7
Creative vegan Mexican fare with fresh, bold flavors and casual vibes. Known for house-made tortillas, crunchwraps, and vibrant tostadas in Santa Barbara.
El Zarape Mexican Restaurant

El Zarape Mexican Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Authentic Mexican eats with robust flavors, generous portions, and a casual vibe in Santa Barbara’s Westside neighborhood.
Los Arroyos Montecito Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

Los Arroyos Montecito Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

$$

🌮 Mexican

Montecito

Montecito

4.4
Mexican comfort food and margaritas served in a casual, vibrant setting with south-of-the-border decor and a local Montecito vibe.
Sandbar Cocina y Tequila

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.2
Festive Mexican eatery with vibrant cocktails, happy hour 3–6:30 PM, fire pits, and a casual lively vibe in Santa Barbara’s Lower State.
Rudy's Restaurant Upper State

Rudy's Restaurant Upper State

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Casual Mexican joint known for burritos, quesadillas, generous portions, and friendly, attentive service in Santa Barbara.
Super Cuca's Taqueria

Super Cuca's Taqueria

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.4
Authentic Mexican taqueria offering large portions, fresh salsas, and vegan options in a casual setting with quick service.
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Lively Mexican spot in Santa Barbara serving hearty burritos, menudo, and tacos with fresh salsas, offering fast, bilingual service and casual vibes.
Palapa Restaurant

Palapa Restaurant

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.3
Upbeat Mexican spot with housemade salsa, seafood specials, and a large patio featuring weekly mariachi shows.
La Playa Azul Cafe

La Playa Azul Cafe

$$

🌮 Mexican

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

4.5
Mexican seafood dishes and potent margaritas in a sleek spot with white walls and palm fronds for a coastal vibe.

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