4.7
(
70
)
Alma Fonda Fina serves elevated Mexican dishes blending Mexico City's flair with coastal influences in a cozy yet trendy setting. Guests enjoy fast service, handcrafted cocktails, and a menu featuring standout items like ribeye chicharron, ceviche, and house-made tortillas.
Reservations are accepted, food is served family style, and there's indoor and outdoor seating with free parking. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly for dogs outside.
What to Expect:
🌮 Creative Mexican specialties like tacos suadero and chicken enchiladas Alma
🍸 Well-crafted cocktails including the popular pineapple ginger margarita
🍽️ Cozy, casual atmosphere with indoor dining and an outdoor patio
✅ Fast and friendly service with attentive staff
Important Information:
Reservation recommended for dinner; walk-ins welcome
Accepts credit, debit, and NFC payments
Free parking lot with usually ample spaces
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and seating
Expect a vibrant, authentic dining experience notable for fresh, high-quality ingredients and exceptional flavor.
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🌮 Share Family Style: Dishes arrive family style, perfect for sampling a variety and sharing among the table.
🍹 Sip the Signature Cocktails: The pineapple ginger margarita is a guest favorite and worth trying with your meal.
🌞 Weekends Start Early: Breakfast service opens at 8 AM Saturdays and Sundays, with brunch items like standout breakfast burritos.
🅿️ Parking Ease: Plenty of free parking is available, though weekdays might get busier; early arrival recommended for prime spots.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
👉 Best For
Dinner, brunch, casual groups, cocktail lovers
Alma Fonda Fina
1024 Coast Village Rd Ste. A
,
Santa Barbara
,
CA
93108
Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Alma Fonda Fina earns high praise for its inventive Mexican dishes, fresh ingredients, and excellent cocktails. Reviewers rave about the ribeye chicharron, tacos, and ceviche in an intimate yet trendy atmosphere. Service is generally fast and friendly, though some note occasional slow kitchen periods. Takeout has received mixed feedback, while dine-in experiences are highly recommended.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Go For
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Waygu Brisket Taco, Breakfast Burrito, Chicken Enchiladas Alma, Ribeye Chicharron, Ceviche, Branzino, Tuna Tostada, Taco Suadero, Queso Fundido, Arroz con Leche dessert, Pineapple Ginger Margarita
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit weekday lunch or early dinner for quieter service; weekends fill up by 6 PM, breakfast starts 8 AM Sat–Sun with popular brunch dishes.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. Outdoor patio likely accommodates some wheelchairs; indoor seating is somewhat limited but overall decently accessible.
Reservation Policy
Reservations recommended for dinner; walk-ins accepted
Join the Crew
The best of the Catskills, delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Trusted by over 40,000 locals, weekenders, and wanderers.
Join for Free
Similar
Goleta Sushi House
$
Goleta
•
$$
🍣 Sushi
–
•
Heading
4.4
Comfy neighborhood staple since 2006 serving hearty sushi rolls and classic Japanese bites with fresh fish and a cozy atmosphere.
Java Station
$
Santa Barbara
•
$
☕ Coffee Shop
–
•
Heading
4.5
Cozy, trendy coffee shop serving excellent Klatch coffee, fresh sandwiches and baked goods with fast service and outdoor seating in Santa Barbara.
Sachi | Ramen & Robata Bar
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🍚 Asian Fusion
–
•
Heading
4.3
Casual ramen and robata bar with fast service, rooftop seating, and diverse Japanese and Vietnamese dishes in Santa Barbara.
Shoreline Cafe
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🌮 Mexican
–
•
Heading
4.4
Eco-minded cafe serving Mexican and seafood dishes with beachfront sand seating and laid-back coastal vibes.
IV Bagel Cafe
$
Isla Vista
•
$
🥐 Café & Bakery
–
•
Heading
4.3
Popular daytime spot in Isla Vista serving New York–style bagels, sandwiches, and cream cheese spreads with fast, friendly service.
Noodle City
$
Goleta
•
$$
🍲 Vietnamese
–
•
Heading
4.3
No-frills Vietnamese spot serving quick, authentic pho and staples with fast service in a casual strip mall setting.
Starbucks
$
Santa Barbara
•
$
☕ Coffee Shop
–
•
Heading
4.1
Seattle-based coffeehouse offering signature roasts, light bites, and convenient Wi-Fi access in a casual, cozy setting.
Super Cuca's
$
Isla Vista
•
$$
🌮 Mexican
–
•
Heading
4.4
Laid-back Mexican spot known for large burritos, vegetarian options, and a student-friendly vibe in Isla Vista.
Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🌮 Mexican
–
•
Heading
4.3
Lively Mexican spot in Santa Barbara serving hearty burritos, menudo, and tacos with fresh salsas, offering fast, bilingual service and casual vibes.
Oat Bakery - Downtown
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
🥐 Café & Bakery
–
•
Heading
4.8
Charming bakery known for fresh, artisanal breads including sesame charcoal sourdough and unique vegan spreads, with a focus on quality and plant-based options.
Topa Topa Brewing Co.
$
Santa Barbara
•
$$
–
•
Heading
4.7
Airy brewery with a lively mix of craft beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe, boasting a spacious patio and friendly service.
Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito
$
Montecito
•
$$$
🦪 Oysters
–
•
Heading
4.5
Coastal seafood and fresh oysters served in a vibrant, casual setting with cocktails and a local wine list in Montecito.
Back to Restaurants
✅ Cancellation Policy
No specific policy listed; standard restaurant cancellation practices apply
