Who says no tacos? It is not merely a dish but a delectable fair of flavors that will lift your spirits. About fantastic food, locals and visitors love to try something authentic while traveling, and Santa Barbara will not disappoint you.
You can enjoy everything from freshly charred street-style tacos with a mixture of crunchy fresh toppings to unique tacos that shatter the boundaries of traditional Mexican meals.
We’ve got the best taco places in Santa Barbara, so you’ll surely find your new favorite restaurant. Look at below some of the city’s most perfect taco joints.
Taco Places in Downtown Santa Barbara
Corazon Cocina
Ever dream of sinking your teeth into world-class street food-style tacos that send your tastebuds on a trip straight to Mexico City? Look no further than Corazon Cocina.
Located in the Santa Barbara Public Market, this is the place to try every stripe of taco and ceviche.
If you can, envision biting into a taco with the goodness of cauliflower, butternut squash, or shrimp. And their lemon chia fresca? A taste of refreshment one never thought you needed.
The venue brings all the fun and hip vibes with it that makes it an ideal one for a casual hangout. With plant-based options galore, Corazon Cocina is a haven for taco lovers seeking quality and creativity.
Lilly’s Taqueria
Lilly’s Taqueria is truly a gem hidden on the corner of Chapala Street and Parker Way. This place speaks authenticity with great flavor from the best-tasting tacos that you can grab around this place.
Imagine walking into a cafeteria setup without any frills, purely focused on the food. It is the kind of place seemingly intimate that has so much to offer—a true hole in the wall and not to be forgotten.
Ever tried those tripa tacos? They serve only the best when it comes to those beef tripe tacos, crispy above the rest, available exclusively on Friday through Sunday.
But that’s not all; their menu includes different kinds of fillings for those who want a taco, such as juicy carne (steak), spicy adobada (marinated pork), and tender lengua (beef tongue), which, for sure, will tantalize every fan of tacos.
Next time, that you go hunting for some of the best taco places in Santa Barbara, do make sure that Lilly’s Taqueria is on your list.
La Playa Azul Cafe
Located at 914 Santa Barbara Street, La Playa Azul is equal parts visual and gustatory pleasure. Firstly, you can notice a charmingly outdoor patio with twinkling lights and umbrellas.
Ever heard of Tacos de Papas or Camarones Borrachos? Here are some unique taco options bound to tempt your taste buds.
But their drinks are a big deal here, from fiery to sweet, and even virgin margaritas for those who prefer them.
And if you couple that with their offers on happy hours, it’s a jackpot. It’s a place that holds something special for meat lovers and, at the same time, for vegetarians.
And all that friendly service is dished up in a fun atmosphere that makes every visit memorable and proves why La Playa Azul is one of the best tacos in Santa Barbara.
Taqueria Cuernavaca
Do you want to try authentic Mexican street tacos? Stop by the Taqueria Cuernavaca. Located at 201 W Carrillo Street, this Santa Barbra taco place is the only place you need to go to experience the real Mexico and the charm of a simple restaurant.
If you’re a vegan lover, enjoy the unique taste of a veggie taco stuffed with potato, Chile pasilla, and yummy jack cheese. If mushrooms are more your style, they have another veggie choice that will make your mouth water.
Not only does this gem have great food, but it’s also a great time. The large sitting area at Taqueria Cuernavaca makes it a great place to get together with family or friends without feeling crowded.
What’s not to love? The service is quick, and the prices are fair. Some people come from LA to dine there. The Taqueria Cuernavaca is a great place to eat whether you like tacos or kind of Mexican dishes.
Carlitos Cafe y Cantina
Carlitos is another taco spot located right at Arlington Plaza, Santa Barbara. Sip on a cool watermelon margarita outside on their lovely patio, wondering whether to eat a grilled chicken taco or go all-out with a steak enchilada.
Carlitos offers a complete menu, from a lively atmosphere to standout service, with some staff still serving two decades on. Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer vegetarian and vegan options, they have something for you.
Do make sure to come during their happy hour, and just in case you have arrived with more people in tow, always keep in mind that they make reservations for six or more. So much more than just a meal; it is an experience at Carlitos.
Corazon Comedor
Situated between Ca’Dario and the Wise Guys Barbershop in downtown Santa Barbara, you can experience tacos and burritos at Corazon Comedor.
Serving freshly prepared, homemade food, this traditional Mexican restaurant offers Californians a taste of Latin America.
Are you a morning person? Start the day with the breakfast tacos or burritos. Dive into a plate of Matahambre or Machaca tacos or savor the unique horchata latte for a twist on your usual coffee.
Both the flavors and ambiance at Corazon Comedor are sure to char many, and one doesn’t need a reservation—bring your appetite!
Taco Places Beyond Downtown Santa Barbara
East Beach Tacos
East Beach gives one an experience in which every visitor can sit outside with the Santa Barbara breeze and take a bite of that tasty taco.
Located at 226 S Milpas St, this spot has become a favorite for those who crave seafood tacos with a twist. The menu even listed creative tacos like the Gangnam Style (Korean-style marinated steak), tuna poke, and grilled shrimp.
And don’t forget to take advantage of their Triple Play deal: three tacos and chips for $11. Wash it down with some refreshing, cold beer or some sake as you’re seated at their dog-friendly outdoor seating.
The atmosphere is fun and casual, with big tables under the umbrellas, and the service is fast and friendly.
Though the effort in parking sometimes causes challenges, it’s no doubt, that East Beach is one of the best taco places in Santa Barbara.
Tacos Pipeye
Situated on 217 N Milpas Street, just a 6-minute drive from you, Tacos Pipeye is the definition of family-run and contaminated.
Between the lovely decor and the salsa bar, where everything you need to top your tacos to perfection is in your hands, it sounds like a dream.
Order handmade corn tortillas brimming with either juicy carne asada or zingy shrimp, all reasonably priced. For just $10, you may enjoy four flavorful tacos at Tacos Pipeye.
And how could we overlook pointing out their signature peanut salsa and lime agua fresca? No wonder Tacos Pipeye is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara.
Tacos Pipeye covers whether you need a late-night taco fix from their food truck or a sit-down dinner in their dining room.
La Super-Rica Taqueria
This legendary taqueria is situated at 622 N Milpas Street, offering minimalist design and vibrant color. La Super-Rica has fresh ingredients and large portions for the whole family.
With flavors like the Rajas tacos, chorizo tacos, and horchata, every bite and drink tell a story. If you love tacos, waiting in line and paying cash is worth it.
This isn’t a restaurant, it’s a culinary adventure wrapped up in a paper wrapper; it’s history on a chip. No matter if you’re a local or a tourist, La Super-Rica will reveal the heart of Mexican cuisine.
Taqueria La Unica
Taqueria La Unica has become one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara, not just for the experience of being in a taqueria.
In addition to the fact that you can see and take photos with the tromba in the kitchen, you can taste every Mexican dish.
The interior of the restaurant is spacious and clean, and the staff is friendly. You can choose from a different taco, such as veggie al pastor, Lip and Chorizo, and you can also enjoy an excellent variety of salsas at the salsa bar.
Their birria menu is another reason why customers like it, and you should definitely try the birria torta available. The range of menus and values make Taqueria La Unica one of the best taco places in Santa Barbara.
Santo Mezcal
Inside the Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara by IHG is the modern Mexican-style restaurant Santo, which is quite popular. You can find a cool and stylish environment to hang out for a casual or classy night out.
Chef Ricardo Garcia offers a menu that celebrates Mexican flavors and traditions while incorporating local ingredients.
Unique options include crispy chicken and shrimp tacos, all the local favorites, served alongside cocktails such as the mezcal martini.
From boozy weekend brunch to just a little late-night bite with friends, Santo Mezcal is perfectly primed with happy hour specials, free chips and salsa, and plenty of parking.
And if you find yourself in need of the best Santa Barbara tacos during your day trip, then you’ll want to find yourself right here at Santo.
Maiz Picante
Maiz Picante is a charming Mexican street food restaurant that sells freshly made tacos and high-quality local ingredients.
The restaurant makes authentic nixtamal tortillas and serves Impossible veggie meat and plant-based tacos to meet everyone’s dietary preferences.
Maiz Picante has a light, airy interior that lets you feel right at home while enjoying your meal.
Plus, each table has a selection of salsas and hot sauces for you to try. Tacos are best served with a refreshing selection of Agua frescas, margaritas, or michelada.
With many taco accolades and a rear building that provides simple street parking, Maiz Picante is plainly one of the best taco spots in Santa Barbara.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(Q1). Are there any taco places open late in Santa Barbara?
Most are open pretty late. For example, Tacos Pipeye closes most nights at 9:30 pm, which is pretty convenient if you’ve got a real hankering for tacos well into the night.
(Q2). Can I find vegetarian or vegan taco places in Santa Barbara?
You’re in luck because many taco shops in the city provide a variety of plant-based fillings and toppings.
(Q3). Are there any seafood taco options available?
Yes, most taco places offer seafood now, but East Beach Tacos has made quite a name for its creative seafood tacos. You could try their tuna poke or grilled shrimp. There’s also tangy shrimp on offer at Tacos Pipeye.
(Q4). Are there any seafood taco options available?
East Beach Tacos has a reputation for its seafood tacos, including tuna poke and grilled shrimp. Tacos Pipeye is a great choice for their zingy shrimp tacos.
(Q5). Which Santa Barbara taco places are family-friendly?
Most of the places to get tacos in the post are family-friendly. For example, Taqueria Cuernavaca has enough sitting space and can serve quite well when it comes to family reunions. Santo Mezcal has a really relaxed and stylish atmosphere suitable for most kinds of events.
(Q6). Which taco places offer happy hour specials or deals?
A number of the places referred to in the blog post have happy hours or specials. La Playa Azul Cafe has a happy hour, while East Beach Tacos does a Triple Play with three tacos and chips for $11. Santo Mezcal also features happy hour specials and free chips and salsa.
References
Note: Business statuses can change. We recommend verifying any establishment’s current location and operational hours before planning your visit.