Cancel

Open app

Search

Pollofino's

4.2 (172 reviews)
InexpensiveMexican
Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Pollofino's Photos

POLLOFINO'S ATMOSPHERE

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

You might also consider

More like Pollofino's

Recommended Reviews - Pollofino's

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Charchick Burrito
Monica W.

Ambiance is typical walk up and order taqueria. No comments on service since we were leaving Santa Barbara and heading back to the Bay Area so we wanted to grab something (other than fast food) that we could eat in the car. The burritos were generously big and tasty, but mostly rice and beans. It was a good grab for a road trip and everybody was satisfied. So, while nothing to rave about solid 3 stars for just good food.

Sarah T.

Ordered the chicken tostada. The chicken is tasty. Staff were friendly. Love the self serve salsa bar. Looks like many locals come here as I saw a few customers pick up orders and were greeted by staff as if they knew each other quite well. Plenty of parking. There's indoor seating. It's not super fancy or nice but a decent place to get some tasty chicken.

Combo 1
Mark Y.

Friendly place, not cheap but in this case you get what you pay for. This ain't a fast food place. Kind of reminds me of SB Chicken Ranch, but with a larger menu selection. I ordered Combo 1, which was one quarter bird and one quarter tri tip with rice and beans. The chicken was very good, but the tri tip was just okay. I do want to try the ribs next time.

Chicken quesadilla
Angela R.

This spot is my go to when I'm in the area. The nachos are delicious! I can tell the beans are homemade and they totally remind me of how my great grandmother used to make hers. On my latest visit I tried their flying burrito with charred steak. It was filled with rice, beans, cheese, and plenty of meat! Usually burritos lack meat but not this one. I've also had their chicken quesadilla but It wasn't as good. I was expecting the chicken to have that charred flavor but it was pretty bland to me. I would order the steak instead next time. The salsas are delicious! If you want a spicy salsa then be sure to ask for it. They only give you the milder ones unless you specifically ask for hotter salsa. There is limited seating inside and a few tables outside. Customer service here is quick and to the point. Overall a good spot to pick up some quick and delicious food!

a coffee shop with a gold counter
Brian F.

Love this place! Chicken is amazing. There is a wonderful flavor and sabor with the chicken. Best chicken in town. The salsas and pico de gallo are so good. Great amount of heat and flavor. Tried the ribs tonight for first time. They are beef ribs with a savory rub, not a bbq sauce southern style rib, but still really good. Tasty tasty!! I will use those bones for my beef bone broth. Overall great place to get a burrito, have a beer while you wait and watch some futbol!

Jerry's from the good old UCSB days in the 90's!
William C.

Back when I was a gaucho in the 90's Jerry's Pollofino was the bomb. It was an incredible deal, and the food was excellent. We came back with our children (all teens) to show them the campus and to reminisce about our younger life together. The place has changed a bit, and I don't know if "Jerry" is still there, but the food is fantastic. Back in the day, it was only chicken but has now expanded to include tritip and ribs. Along with those changes, the prices have increased as they should have, and I still think it's a great value for what you get. I didn't give the fifth star due to a couple of reasons. First, my meal was a combo with chicken and tritip. The chicken quarter was really small and the amount of tritip was not what I expected. Additionally, the prices as stated on yelp are vastly understated and need to be updated. For an establishment to be true to itself, weather the storms of business, and to survive for three decades is nearly a miracle, and I hope it's around in 30 more. I will be back the next time I am in town and you should visit as well!

Tried tip and chicken combo

See all

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Overpriced, but the ribs are decent. I've been enough times to feel like if you're not Mexican, the owner could carless about you.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

My favorite burrito in Goleta! Fast and friendly service and great salsa bar! Always friendly service

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Tee N.
0
11
4

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

They serve authentic Mexican food here. Large portions. The service was excellent. The restaurant itself is small but they have tasty food.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 104
Thanks 0
Love this 99
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Pollofinos is the BEST! Food AMAZING staff super friendly. Best ribs ever!!!!10 out of 10

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

best beef ribs around by far. worth the price and friendly service. looking forward to coming again.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Been stopping by here for years... hands down the best chicken burro in town! Always a treat, always great service!

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of James D.
33
79
10

3 years ago

Adequate. Good enough. Lacking a depth of flavor. I won't be back. Workers were friendly and attentive.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Amazing staff and food is always delicious . Many years and never a disappointed meal!

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Quick service, tasty chicken, kid-approved quesadillas. Great stop for us after the beach.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Classic ambiance, service was great and to the point, and the food is incredible! Will absolutely be coming back!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 5

Ask the Community - Pollofino's

You might also consider

Los Agaves

Los Agaves

(631 reviews)

$$

Los Agaves is a Santa Barbara staple and I've never had a bad meal here. It's a casual but not too…read morecasual place with lots of outdoor seating and situated in the courtyard of Camino Real. The line always moves fast and the food comes out quickly too. What compelled me to write this review was because I had a delicious pescado a la diabla, which was a daily special. The fish was a huge portion -- a whole filet with a delicious spicy sauce, perfectly cooked and flaky. The rice and beans are always great, perfectly seasoned and cooked. I also had a passionfruit margarita which was big and well balanced. The salsa bar is very good; the habanero salsa is really tasty but their old version without cream was one of the best salsa I ever had and I'm so sad they don't offer it anymore. It was legitimately spicy. I always love coming here with my friends after a movie so we can discuss the flick over some great mexican food.

Los agaves is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Goleta. The service is always quick and…read morefriendly, you order up at the counter and then sit with your table number and your food is brought to you. The inside has a classic Santa Barbara feel to it and is warm and inviting. They also have a very organized take-out system, and their online ordering is really easy and convenient. The guacamole is fresh and while it's a little pricey, the portion os generous. The steak nachos had toppings spread throughout the chips, not just sitting on top which has been my experience at some other restaurants. The quesabirria special is my go to dish here, the meat is so tender and flavorful!

Lilly's Tacos - $2.99 tacos are the best!

Lilly's Tacos

(704 reviews)

$

Wanted to grab a bite to eat for Dinner and we were craving pizza but ended up having some of the…read moreBEST tacos we've had in this area. A server from a restaurant recommended this place and well here we go. It was a pretty big space with lots of tables and the concept is easy and fast. You order Tacos and then enjoy the Tacos. Their meat selection is great and right after you order you get them like 2 min after they call out your number. They have a small space to serve yourself salsa, radishes and cilantro and onions. Their salsas are very flavorful and they have a kick so taste before you add to your tacos. Their best meat for me was their Lengua my goodness prolly the best I've ever had. Their asada was great as well. Over all amazing tacos and when we come back to this area we def have to come back but if you're in the area I def recommend this place. Like I said their seating area is big so if you come with friends and family ya'll will sit together love that it's spacious, clean and simple concept and amazing tacos! Gracias!

This place is your no frills street taco option in the area. The food is affordable and the meat is…read moreall perfectly cooked and seasoned. My go to is the lengua and the tripas which they only have in Fridays and the weekend. There is always a huge line at lunch so get there early or off peak hours. Their salsa is nothing to write home about but they do have a red and green option along with fresh onions and cilantro. Their salsa is what is holding me back from 5 stars.

Pollofino's - mexican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...