Palapa Restaurant offers a lively Mexican dining experience with fresh housemade salsas, seafood dishes, and a large outdoor patio that hosts weekly mariachi bands.
The fast, friendly service complements a varied menu featuring traditional and local specialties, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reservations are accepted, and ample parking is available.
What to Expect:
🌮 Authentic Mexican cuisine
🌶 Housemade salsas and specialty seafood
🎶 Weekly mariachi band performances
🌞 Spacious outdoor patio seating
Important Information:
Service options: Dine-in, takeout, delivery available
Outdoor seating with dog-friendly policy
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entry, parking, seating, and restrooms
Booking: Reservations accepted, recommended during peak hours
Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with traditional Mexican flavors in Santa Barbara.
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
🌮 Happy Hour Gold: Weekdays 3–6 PM bring great deals on drinks and small plates—perfect for casual gatherings.
🎶 Patio Vibes: The large outdoor seating area with weekly mariachi enhances dining ambiance, especially in evenings.
🚗 Parking Perks: Free parking lot and generally plentiful street parking ease visits.
🍤 Seafood Standouts: Shrimp cocktails and ceviche are highly recommended by locals seeking fresh seafood flavors.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Palapa Restaurant is praised for authentic Mexican flavors, fresh salsas, and lively patio vibes with mariachi bands; guests also enjoy fast service and reasonable prices. Some reviews highlight inconsistent service and occasional quality dips, but the overall sentiment is positive, noting good value and accommodating atmosphere.
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
Ceviche, Chile Relleno & Enchilada, Carnitas, Shrimp Cocktail, Street Tacos, Tostada De Ceviche De Camaron, Mole, Menudo, Octopus, Black Beans
Accessibility
The venue offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms, ensuring comfortable access for guests with mobility needs.
