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    Palapa

    3.9 (343 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Palapa Takeout or Delivery

    Palapa Photos

    PALAPA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Palapa

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    Reviews With Photos

    Paige G.

    This is such a slept on restaurant in Santa Barbara! I used to come here at least 2x a month in college and recently went back. Staff are always very nice, quick, and efficient. I get the palapa burrito with carnitas and make it supreme. It's really large and usually can get leftovers! There's something about their rice that makes it better than any other rice I've had. Anyways, this is a must try for casual dinner!

    Palapa Burrito
    Johnnie C.

    Mexican place on State Street. Basic design and next to Hyatt on State Street. We ordered carne asada tacos, chips and dip and a Palapa burrito with steak. The food was delicious and tasted great!! They have green and red salsa that are very good also. The food tastes authentic Mexican. We got a large salsa between us two And it was more than enough. The service was good and to the point. All was good here.

    Palapa chile verde burrito "wet"
    M L.

    Palapa is a favorite stop when we're in Santa Barbara. Conveniently located as an extra bonus, and the mountain views are gorgeous. We usually dined outdoors though when weather is unfavorable, we enjoy the decorations indoors. Love the salsa and theyre good at keeping it coming. The staff is always friendly and we even enjoy a few inside jokes. Haven't had a dish I disliked yet. The chile verde palapa burrito is my go-to & never disappoints. And when youre in the mood for an ice cream finish, you'll definitely smile. Drop in and enjoy this spot. You won't regret it.

    2 item combo Beef taco & Chicken Enchilada -grilled veggies (really good) - rice

    Good service, friendly staff. Food was good. Beans were pretty good, even my grandma liked them (she's Mexican and makes her own beans and will judge others) Rice wasn't to my liking but not bad. Good portions! Enchilada sauce was decent. I would go back and try other things on the menu.

    Carne asada tacos
    Cheryl C.

    Decided to check this spot out since we were staying at the Hyatt next door. Everything about this restaurant seems pretty authentic from the decor and the food. We ordered carne asada tacos, steak burrito, and chips and salsas. Portions are generous and the red salsa was spicy. The meal took a while, but worth it as it tasted very fresh. Seems to be a pretty popular place. Lots of patrons. Food is delicious!

    Cheese Enchiladas with cilantro rice
    Erika V.

    The service was wonderful, but the food left something to be desired. It was very simple with not a lot of taste and the rice was dry. The chicken enchiladas were cooked perfectly though. The place was clean and welcoming.

    Large Combo Parrillada
    Viviana G.

    Tasty food and great service. I've been here multiple times with family and each time the food is 10/10 delicious! We typically order the parillada, which is perfect because it has a little bit of everything. You can choose from an all seafood, all meats, or mixed parillada and between a smaller one (enough for 2-3 people) or bigger one (enough for 4-6 people). I recommend the mixed parillada. You can also substitute items based on your preferences which is nice. Along with amazing food, the staff is super friendly and are consistently checking in on you. The restaurant is also very nice. There is plently of indoor and outdoor space with colorful decor. The one thing i'm not crazy about here is their drinks. I've tried both non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks such as their horchata, winerita, sunset and michelada and was not impressed.

    Shrimp Tostada Ceviche - Chile Relleno Plate
    Metzli T.

    Was passing through Santa Barbara and stumbled upon this authentic Mexican restaurant. The food was delicious and filling. I loved how the patio was filled with chatter and laughter. There was also an option to sit indoors which was much more quiet even with lively music.

    Palapa dinner
    Myra M.

    Both dishes were perfectly marinated in lemon and salt and bursting with flavor. The agua chilles are spicy but addicting. If you love ceviche I highly suggest you try both dishes. Total price $55. Including two drinks (agua Frescas are extremely concentrated and sweet! I took the drink home and I made a big pitcher)

    Two item combo with shredded crispy taco, cheese enchilada, rice and beans.

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    8 months ago

    Next to the hotel we were staying at. Easy to order outside. Didn't eat there but they gave us free chips and salsa.

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    4 months ago

    Amazing food, fast service, a local favorite. The patio area is inviting and perfect in the summer!

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Really good carnitas and is one of our go-to burrito spots! Affordable (for SB) and good portions

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    1 year ago

    Fabulous Chile rellano plate. Different salsas a great added touched. Great service and prompt.

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    8 months ago

    Good service and good restaurant the food was good the best was the cocktail de marisco

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    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Leonardo J.

    Leonardo J.

    Thank you Debra! We hope to see you again soon!

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Watering hole, food is meeeh and decor could use an updated. Service is standard but nothing special

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    5 years ago

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    Page 1 of 9

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    La Super-Rica Taqueria - Tamal De Pescado

    La Super-Rica Taqueria

    4.0(2.1k reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    grew up in santa barbara so la super rica isn't a "recommendation" it's more of a situation you…read moreeventually find yourself in usually involves milpas, a line, and a decision you're not fully prepared to make walked up and yeah line out the door like it's been since the 90s. moves just fast enough that you stay committed but slow enough that you start overthinking the menu which is written on a chalkboard like it's still figuring itself out place is small. bright blue. kitchen right there. tortillas getting pressed by hand like that part was never up for negotiation you get to the front and order fast or you become a problem i went with the usual direction tacos de bistec, something adobado, and the chorizo especial which is less a taco and more a situation involving melted cheese and decisions food comes out and it's exactly what it's supposed to be no extra explanation no garnish strategy just meat, tortillas, salsa, done correctly the steak tacos are simple but hit in a way that makes you realize simplicity was the whole plan. adobado has that sweet heat thing going where you don't need salsa because it already solved itself and the tortillas matter. you can tell immediately. soft, fresh, actually part of the meal not just holding it together crowd is mixed in the right way. locals, families, people who clearly drove here because someone told them to, and a few who look like they've been coming long enough to ignore the line entirely sat down, ate most of it before really thinking about it guy at the register moved things along perfectly. didn't catch the name but i think it was barron sawyer. kept the whole front end from collapsing which is more important than people realize this place has been around forever. julia child used to come here which makes sense because once you eat it you understand why nobody really argues about it walked out and the line was longer than when i got there which is also part of the system five stars this is not where you go to try tacos this is where tacos already figured it out

    Hmmm..... Where to start!?!…read more It was cool watching all the cooks in the open kitchen, the staff looked happy and I was so impressed with the scale of business coming out of such a small kitchen. I did notice that workers were going back and forth to a house nextdoor picking up stuff-- cooked food, veggies and such... The restaurant itself is pretty cute-- open seating inside, nice outdoor seating. The older gent who took my order was sweet and kind. I was looking so forward to this place. But sadly, it simply wasn't worth the wait or cost. This is a picture the remaining portions---yes we ate most of it because we chose to not eat ANYTHING before getting there and the hungry anticipation took over--- we really tried to like the food, but it was just not great. #1 beef taco-- on the white plate--dry dry dry. No flavor. Just dried out beef jerky shavings on a tortilla. Didn't eat it. #18 Julia child's favorite --on Black plates- weird pork meat with crunchy peppers, and globs of melted cheese-- not great. Over-hyped. No flavor, no sauce, pork was soft, had no chew- it was strange. We had a special tamale item on the banana leaf. Chicken mole-- way too sweet, no sauce on top, and somehow it was super wet-- moist and too soft. We ordered a chili releno, but the guy didn't hear, so we didn't taste that-- I asked for some of the crema that comes with it and was charged 75¢ for a small 1oz portion-- tasted like hot cream. Watery and lacking body. No flavor. Cinnamon coffee was served in tiny cups-- super hot, no cream. Asked for cream-- and one of the guys said " no cream" was rude and wasn't interested in helping ---we only got one lid, so I mentioned that there is no way to carry scalding hot coffee with no lid-- someone finally brought the smallest amount of milk. Old coffee with cinnamon stick flavor-- not even good. Guacamole was really sad. Super whipped smooth shinny avocado with tons of pico in it. No citrus, no salt, just crunchy pico-- zero avocado chunks or flavor. The avocado is served on and with fresh tortillas -- the tortillas were great, but they are served with everything, so it felt like a waste. NO LIMES!! The salsas were decent. But NO LIMES!!! Negro Modelo especial beers were ice cold, refreshing and delicious-- the beers had limes. We paid $68 for the food and drinks- I left $10 for a tip. I don't really feel like this was authentic Mexican food at all. I am not sure what to call it. It seemed like it has been "gringo'ed" down-- no heat, no chiles, no spice, no flavor, no limes, no love. Glad I can mark this joint off the list.

    Photos
    La Super-Rica Taqueria
    La Super-Rica Taqueria
    La Super-Rica Taqueria - Menu and counter to order December 2025

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    Menu and counter to order December 2025

    Flor De Maiz - Scallops chiltepin

    Flor De Maiz

    4.1(1k reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$$

    A Must-Visit in Santa Barbara If you're visiting Flor de…read moreMaiz, you absolutely cannot skip this place. We ordered the pulpo and the chicken mole, and both dishes were incredible. The pulpo was perfectly cooked--tender with a great char and packed with flavor. The chicken mole was rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying, with that classic complex mole flavor that keeps you going back for another bite. What really stood out, though, was the service. It was phenomenal from start to finish--attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming without ever feeling rushed. The staff clearly care about the experience they're giving guests. The food, the atmosphere, and the service all came together for a great meal. If you're in Santa Barbara, make sure this spot is on your list. Highly recommend.

    Server was super nice and attentive and food was absolutely delicious. Only flaw was after not…read morereceiving our order for a while. The waitress came back and asked what we had ordered. The food then came out 15 minutes later however one of the five items was the wrong entrée, and the rest of the items did not have.the right modifications. I believe the order wasn't put in at the time we ordered. We did not mention the modifications and were also missing a item that we did not tell the server about the second time around which is why I think the order wasn't placed originally:/ they did comp a dessert, but we were so full from the delicious food that we didn't eat it. Overall I would go. Back. Staff was friendly, and food was good, mistakes happen. Side note there was some "partying" happening in the restroom so if you go with your family don't let them go unattended.

    Photos
    Flor De Maiz - Romantic lit candles along steps

    Romantic lit candles along steps

    Flor De Maiz - MOLE NEGRO   Jidori chicken| black mole | rice | fried plantains | sesame seeds | tortillas

    MOLE NEGRO Jidori chicken| black mole | rice | fried plantains | sesame seeds | tortillas

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    Loquita - Gambas Al Ajillo

    Loquita

    4.4(1.7k reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$$

    Visited Loquita on 04/11/26 for a birthday celebration and let me tell you I was blown away by the…read moreentire Loquita experience! From the food to the service to the ambience, all of it was truly an amazing experience. Food - We got the patatas bravas and the paella verde. Both were phenomenal. I have tried ~4 other vegan paellas and was originally skeptical going into this, but Loquita's paella was by far the best vegan paella I've ever had! The attention to detail is what made the dish shine. It had perfectly tender mushrooms and artichokes as well as the delicious vegan cream on top. They were able to make the dish smoky and delicious. Dessert - We got the crème brûlée and the pistachio ice cream. Both were truly wonderful, when I go back I will order both of these again! Vibe and Staff - Super cute and romantic vibe, perfect for a nice date. The staff was super attentive and even gave me a little postcard for my birthday! Definitely worth the visit :)

    This place is hyped as a date place…read more It's in a fancy location near the beach, nice patio. It is good food but overhyped IMO. $16 for patatas bravas is a bit on the silly end. lts also one of thoses places that defaults to 20% tip on the low end. I have no problem with paying a 20% tip but the service was poor on my visit. We gave one instructions/request that were just completely disregarded. Very little in terms of service other than attempts to upsell with more Tapas when we were done. Sorry, just being honest.

    Photos
    Loquita - Cake table set up by staffers.

    Cake table set up by staffers.

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    Loquita - CROQUETA DE JAMÓN 3 FOR $16  paprika aioli, crispy potato nest with  Add truffle manchego $5

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    Palapa - mexican - Updated May 2026

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