El Sitio

The food is so amazing! I have some food limitations, but it's not a problem here. The staff are so…read morekind and friendly when I tell them and it is always correct when I get my order! It's so good, it's usually packed so we generally get our food to go.

always wanted to try this place when we're in town. the portions were very good. the habanero…read moresalsa was amazing. both in spiciness and flavor. has the tacos and the al pastor quesadillas. great food here. the service was a bit of a challenge but overall a good experience

Salsa bar!

Burrito CaliforniaCalifornia

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Agaves Burrito

Zocalo

4.8(179 reviews)

2.1 mi

Simplemente delicioso!!! Pedí unas enchiladas con huevos y…read moreagregué carnitas, y fue una muy buena combinación!! Mi esposo pidió unos huevos rancheros y también estaba deliciosos!! El arroz con leche, el chocolate abuelita también estaba deliciosos, Todo es una explosión de sabor!! Claro que volveremos a este lugar!!

I have never heard of a birria bagel so naturally I was intrigued. We visited el Zocalo on a…read morerecommendation and since we were in IV, decided to try it out. We ordered a breakfast burrito and the BBB bagel. My husband really enjoyed the breakfast burrito and salsas they provided. The birria bagel with consomé was a unique combination that oddly worked. The bagel soaked up the consomé nicely and although really hard to eat, the flavors of the birria, fried egg, and cream cheese went very well together. I got a couple of pieces of inedible fat in my birria unfortunately but the flavor was really good. I wouldn't get this again as it was way too filling for me and instead would opt out for the taco or quesabirria next time. Service was friendly and quick. I really enjoyed the vibe in there and understand why it's a recommended spot.

Clean. Well laid out

Chicken Quesadilla

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Interior

Lilly's Tacos

4.4(719 reviews)

1.0 mi

This is my 2nd time at Lily's and this taco shops does it right…read more All they do are tacos so you know they know what they are good at. And their tacos are good i usually get the veggie and family gets asada, pollo, lena and pork we are greeted warmly at the counter and since it's a simple menu easy to order. lots of tables for seating and there's a great condiment bar stocked with fresh limes, radishes, salsas (3 types) and onions. Tacos come out quickly for pick up and time to eat. the lengua is good it and tender and i liked the chicken it was grilled but stewed and not dry if u are in IV area and craving tacos give Lilly a try.

They serve one item - small street tacos…read more The taco's come with a basic small corn tortilla, and it's on you to top it at their bar which basically only includes cilantro, onions, radish, and 3 choices of hot sauce. If that's what you want, you're in luck, but they were a bit expensive for what you received, and I'd rather have a fat flour tortilla burrito or authentic crunchy taco with cheese. The inside of the restaurant feels cold. Just a bunch of tables that you find and seat yourself to while you're waiting for your food to be made.

Seating area

Salsa bar well stocked with 3 types of salsas, lime, radish and cilantro

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Classic cold glass coke and tacos combo

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

4.2(94 reviews)

3.3 mi

Hector V. Of santa cruz market brings his family here al the time. He say it the best. U should by…read morehis market and ask him his positve thoughts. He might share or just not say anything.

The food is amazing. The service is excellent and comes with a smile! We started with chips and…read moresalsa, from the salsa bar. My dad ate the chilaquiles with steak and it was delicious. The Menudo was outstanding. I got all the fixings and my MIL got it with limes. The old world charm, on a Sunday morning... perfection! To the cook, thank you!

Bar area

Enchiladas

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2 crispy tacos combination, one of carnitas and shredded beef beans & rice.

Altamiranos

4.0(154 reviews)

3.3 mi

A decent place for Mexican food in Goleta…read more We got their Vegetarian Enchiladas (verdes): 3/5 was alright, nothing extraordinary Vegetarian Quesadilla: 4/5 was quite good, especially when we added the salsas to it. Great salsa and seasoning bar. Complimentary chips and salsa. Quick service: we went at 8:45 pm and there were still quite a few people there. Our orders were brought out very quickly Ambience is nice. I liked their decor. Parking: street or in lots nearby (90 min) Go here if you need a quick fix of Mexican food.

Probably the best chicken alambre and cheese enchiladas I've ever had. One of my favorite Mexican…read morerestaurants in Goleta that serves traditional cuisine using amazing ingredients. Parking is a little difficult but it's worth the struggle. Service is very nice and getting your food is easy. I'm looking forward to my next visit!

You can order tacos outside and then dine at a table or at the bar. The bar is great when I'm alone.

Mojarra Frita (Fried Mojarra Fish)

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Quesadilla con Adobada (Marinated Pork)

Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Take Out

3.6(174 reviews)

3.4 mi

Brunch at Los Arroyos in Goleta with the fam and we definitely ordered like we were starving…read more Short stacks, breakfast enchiladas, chilaquiles, carne asada and eggs... no regrets Everything was solid but those handmade tortillas were the star, super fresh and worth it alone Good food, big portions, easy spot to just hang out and eat with the family.

The block is NOT hot. Omg I've been coming here for YEARS, and I order the same thing every time…read more.. over the weekend I went with my friend for her birthday and the server should not have served my chile relleno. There was an unmelted block of cheese inside my the chile. The manager did not admit that anything was wrong he said "the cheese doesn't melt" doesn't the cheese melt in a chile relleno? I'm sorry! That like my chile relleno this business is crumbling, but standards need to be held. Continuity with product is key in the town, that is saturated with amazing Mexican food. Step up or step aside. My business is going to Corazon from here on out

Outside

Shrimp tacos

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Havana Margarita. Gracias Jesus.

La Guerrerita Mexican Food

4.2(219 reviews)

3.5 mi

Cozy atmosphere, i've been wanting to try this spot for some time now . I went at 6 pm on a…read morethursday and it wasn't very packed , Inside / outside seating . Both with natural sunlight . Wow the food in phenomenal, truly taste authentic like i am back at my grandmas in texas , Friendly quick service . Coffee bar was closed at this time so it will give me a reason to come back ! Carne was so juicy and well seasoned , paired with the beer it was a perfectly comforting meal after a long day. Got a breakfast burrito to go for later , which i couldn't resist trying some + the chips that were included. This may be the best breakfast burrito i have ever tried . It's perfect, i got the bacon option . That one bite refueled all my hunger it was delicious and perfectly balanced . will be coming back :)!

1) Restaurant feels like it hasn't been cleaned in 30 years. There were a few tables there but NOT…read moresomething you'd ever want to take your kids or anyone you care about. 2) My carne asada burrito was filled with something hard... I ate while driving and had to launch giant chunks of something super hard out the window over and over. 3) The carne asada tasted like soft philly cheesecake meet... not meaty grilled steak. 4) I was convinced I was going to be sick that evening on the thrown but luckily avoided it. Avoid... disgusting Mexican food.

Interior

Breakfast Burrito

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Interior

Pollofino's

4.2(176 reviews)

1.0 mi

I love the chicken burritos and rib burritos here! Their food is so flavorful without feeling too…read moreheavy, and their salsas are amazing! Highly recommend.

Was craving chicken, drove past here. Went inside ordered chicken when I got back to my hotel and…read moreopened my food, I did not get chicken. The guy gave me ribs. 2 big fatty ribs. The guy who took my order was not friendly at all. The other man who gave me my food was nice. I was very disappointed in my order. I guess I should've look at my order before I left but how do you confuse chicken with ribs. Pay attention Mr Rude guy taking orders.

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Menu

FB Isla Vista

4.1(1.5k reviews)

2.2 mi

born and raised santa barbara so there are certain things you learn early…read more you drive down the 101, take that turn toward isla vista, and something shifts. air changes a little. priorities adjust. time becomes more of a suggestion and then there's freebirds the original one on embarcadero del norte sitting there like it's seen everything because it has i've walked in there wearing flip flops, still sandy, hair doing whatever the ocean decided, salt drying on my face, no shower, no plan, just following the internal signal that says burrito and that's when it works best these burritos operate differently in that state. they're bigger. warmer. more correct. like the whole system is calibrated specifically for post-surf decision making line is long. always has been. mix of people who know exactly what they're doing and people about to learn something important foil everywhere. tortillas moving fast. someone at the front making a choice that will define the next hour of their life guy behind the counter was dialed. didn't catch the name but i'm pretty sure it was barron sawyer. had that calm confidence like he's built a few thousand of these and understands the assignment at a deeper level you step up and it's muscle memory rice, beans, meat, things start stacking, someone folds it like it's a practiced skill passed down over time and then you walk out sun still out. flip flops still on. burrito in hand like a completed mission you take that first bite and everything aligns for a second this place has been around 30 years and it makes sense because it isn't trying to be anything else it already figured it out five stars if you know you know

I used to come to freebirds all the time in highschool - nearly 15 years ago- and it was the best,…read moresuper tasty and always hit the spot. I recently returned and got exactly what I used to get and was disappointed in the lack of seasoning/flavor in general. I saw someone else comment that chipotle has more flavor and I'm inclined to agree-especially when it comes to the chicken. Service is always friendly and fast and I always want to support a local business over a national chain, but I'm sad to say I don't know if I'll be returning after spending $25 for a bland experience.

Chicken Nachos

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Interior

Los Altos Restaurant

4.2(60 reviews)

3.2 mi

Very good Mexican food with a great price. Service was also amazing. Highly recommend coming here…read moreif you want cracked Mexican food.

Would have given 5 stars, except when I didn't see the salsa cups, I used a water cup to get some…read moresalsa, which apparently they don't like. I used it all up in restaurant, I didn't waste any or take it to go, I would have used the same amount whether I used the little salsa cups vs the water cup, it was a totally honest mistake, but they charged me extra for that... I would understand if I wasted it or taken it out of restaurant but come on, I only used it in restaurant. Otherwise food was good, really good portions.

The bar

La Tiny

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Exterior

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5 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Doina F.

2

4

0

14 years ago

When I am in doubt what to eat, and feel like Mexican, I go to El Sitio. Best Chile Relleno Burito ever!!! Not to mention Taco Adobado, Brocheta de Bistec or Torta Cubana. I will not share the menu here, but everything taste wonderful. Never wait more than 10 min. Everything is made to order right then and there. Keep it up, guys!!! read more

Melissa E.

0

35

7

9 years ago

No es el pior lugar pero lo que no me gusta es que la gente que trabaja aqui siempre tienen cara de fuchi!! Las señoras se miran molestas por que hay clientes esperando en linia y la verdad nomas se cambian de actitud cuando es un hombre en la linia dandoles atencion. La verdad ya no voy a regresar. Voy en onde aprecian mi negosio. read more

Jorge H.

Elite 26

109

138

79

2 years ago

I recently visited El Sitio and ordered an Asada Burrito, but I was disappointed with what I got. For almost $15, I expected a lot more meat. Instead, it felt like I paid for a rice and bean burrito with a few pieces of meat thrown in. Definitely not worth the price. read more

Luis D.

0

3

0

4 years ago

Overpriced food as well as just poor quality. Also one of the workers was a pervert and stared too much. I would not recommend. Go find some place more down south like Ventura or Oxnard to find some real Mexican food read more

D D.

0

33

0

1 year ago

So good. We had #20 and #6. Oh so good. Loads of onions on #6. Folks there a truly lovely read more

El Sitio - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Mayo's Carniceria & Tacos

3.5

(42 reviews)

We've been going to Mayo's for years, and they always have the best Carnitas in town!…read moreAlso, very friendly and helpful staff, with the main butcher trimming and cutting up a whole pork leg for us, which made cooking our pork stew much easier!

Our party was sick with salmonella after eating the carnitas. Will NEVER eat here again nor…read morerecommend it to ANYONE.

Super Cucas Restaurant

4.0

(414 reviews)

Our go-to place when visiting SB! The veggie tacos are my fav! As long as you ask to leave off…read morethe cheese, they are vegan. The assorted veggies are so good...celery (yum), peppers, onions, mushrooms... There are other vegan options, including their rice and beans. Plenty of patio seating. Very small parking lot, but it's a neighborhood favorite so I usually see people walking or biking over.

Food The portions are massive so you will be splitting with…read moresomeone or getting a to go box. Even my partner with a massive appetite could not finish their burrito. Love the massive menu and the different options. They have an entirely vegan menu option and bring their meat in from Rascal's. The best option from that was the Rascal's asada burrito and it was filled with meat, rice, and beans. So much flavor and the meat was so crispy in a good way. The two salsas they give you are both smoky and really good. The red is on the slightly spicy side, but nothing too crazy. Also got the vegan chorizo burrito and appreciated the chunks of potato that was added as well. We also got the three hardshell tacos and that was the best deal by far. The tacos were massive and came with plenty of lettuce and a huge dollop of guac. The guac was really good and for $8 it was crazy how much food you got. Truly the best deal and you could mix the meat that you had in each taco. Service You walk into the outdoor seating area and there are booths and tables that you can pick. You order at a counter and on one side there is a fresh meat market and small Mexican grocery store. They have fresh produce and plenty of traditional goods. On the right side, there is the counter with all of the menu above the counter. The menu is massive and broken out to each base you are looking for. The staff was super nice and worked the short line quickly. They did not stop and were helpful with getting us to go supplies when you need it. There is a place where you bus your dishes at the end. Ambiance It is a casual place for sure. No indoor seating and a full counter service where you bus your own table at the end. The bathroom is on the back side so you need to get the key from the counter. There is a pretty good sized parking lot, which is always a nice thing in Santa Barbara.

Lilly's Tacos

4.4

(719 reviews)

This is my 2nd time at Lily's and this taco shops does it right…read more All they do are tacos so you know they know what they are good at. And their tacos are good i usually get the veggie and family gets asada, pollo, lena and pork we are greeted warmly at the counter and since it's a simple menu easy to order. lots of tables for seating and there's a great condiment bar stocked with fresh limes, radishes, salsas (3 types) and onions. Tacos come out quickly for pick up and time to eat. the lengua is good it and tender and i liked the chicken it was grilled but stewed and not dry if u are in IV area and craving tacos give Lilly a try.

They serve one item - small street tacos…read more The taco's come with a basic small corn tortilla, and it's on you to top it at their bar which basically only includes cilantro, onions, radish, and 3 choices of hot sauce. If that's what you want, you're in luck, but they were a bit expensive for what you received, and I'd rather have a fat flour tortilla burrito or authentic crunchy taco with cheese. The inside of the restaurant feels cold. Just a bunch of tables that you find and seat yourself to while you're waiting for your food to be made.

Family Tacos Irapuato

5.0

(10 reviews)

Service was great. Food was ready quickly. Everything was delicious and tasted fresh. We ordered a…read moreregular burrito with carbs asada, inside includes rice and beans. The super burrito includes all the fixings. We also got a plate of tacos: carne asada, adobada and rajas poblanas con queso. I'd love to try their breakfast! They're open early for the working crowd. They only serve aguas frescas, if you want water or soda, you have to get it at the liquor store next door. I'm guessing they have an agreement with them for using their parking lot. I definitely recommend this place!

Amazing food!!! Used Yelp to find them as they were five stars. If I could six stars, I would…read more Best Carnitas tacos, beans and rice I've ever had.

Taqueria Cuernavaca

4.5

(489 reviews)

Don't get the asada it literally tastes like dog food My…read moregirl had a veggie taco and loved it but got an asada taco as well which was as bad as my burrito.. the green sauce is good if you like it on the sweeter side. My burrito was made well and put together well but the meat was something else and I mean that in the worst way possible.. no flavor and a weird texture to it buttt on a lighter note the pineapple drink was delicious and I am pleased to say the lady behind the counter didn't fill it with ice she added what I would say was the perfect amount

Food is delicious very fresh spicy salsa was great too…read more Chicharrone taco yum n carnita burrito

Maíz Picante

4.7

(328 reviews)

I just wanted to take the time and leave a review for this amazing company! They catered for my…read morewedding reception in Santa Barbara by the beach. Their service was absolutely amazing, as well as their communication and timeliness. The food was delicious so much so that all of my friends and family praised how tasteful it was. The drinks are yummy too! I couldn't be more happy with how everything went. I was already a customer previously before my wedding, and I really enjoy their tacos and burritos! If you're wondering if you should use them as a vendor for your upcoming event, definitely do it!

We stopped by about 20 minutes before closing because of all the great reviews, but unfortunately…read morethe customer service was really disappointing. As soon as we walked in, the woman working the register seemed visibly annoyed that we had come in before closing and rolled her eyes at us. She immediately said, "Umm, we're closing, so you want to take it to go?" We were already planning on taking our food to go, so the attitude felt completely unnecessary. While we were waiting for our order, another customer walked up to ask her a question, and she continued staring down at her phone and completely ignored her. The woman actually had to say, "Excuse me?" just to get her attention. I completely understand wanting to wrap things up at the end of a shift, but if a business is still open, customers shouldn't be made to feel unwelcome for coming in during posted business hours. We specifically chose this place because of the great reviews, so this was a really disappointing first impression.

FB Isla Vista

4.1

(1.5k reviews)

born and raised santa barbara so there are certain things you learn early…read more you drive down the 101, take that turn toward isla vista, and something shifts. air changes a little. priorities adjust. time becomes more of a suggestion and then there's freebirds the original one on embarcadero del norte sitting there like it's seen everything because it has i've walked in there wearing flip flops, still sandy, hair doing whatever the ocean decided, salt drying on my face, no shower, no plan, just following the internal signal that says burrito and that's when it works best these burritos operate differently in that state. they're bigger. warmer. more correct. like the whole system is calibrated specifically for post-surf decision making line is long. always has been. mix of people who know exactly what they're doing and people about to learn something important foil everywhere. tortillas moving fast. someone at the front making a choice that will define the next hour of their life guy behind the counter was dialed. didn't catch the name but i'm pretty sure it was barron sawyer. had that calm confidence like he's built a few thousand of these and understands the assignment at a deeper level you step up and it's muscle memory rice, beans, meat, things start stacking, someone folds it like it's a practiced skill passed down over time and then you walk out sun still out. flip flops still on. burrito in hand like a completed mission you take that first bite and everything aligns for a second this place has been around 30 years and it makes sense because it isn't trying to be anything else it already figured it out five stars if you know you know

I used to come to freebirds all the time in highschool - nearly 15 years ago- and it was the best,…read moresuper tasty and always hit the spot. I recently returned and got exactly what I used to get and was disappointed in the lack of seasoning/flavor in general. I saw someone else comment that chipotle has more flavor and I'm inclined to agree-especially when it comes to the chicken. Service is always friendly and fast and I always want to support a local business over a national chain, but I'm sad to say I don't know if I'll be returning after spending $25 for a bland experience.

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