The Best Tacos 🌮 in Santa Barbara

There are countless tacos 🌮  in Santa Barbara—truly, a lot. Santa Barbara is well-known, and one of its best-known features is its amazing tacos. I made this list and love all these spots, and I probably even left some out because there are just so many great taco places in SB. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfect taco: crispy or soft, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

So many taco spots in Santa Barbara…

Sometimes making a choice can be tough, but we’ve got you covered. While we all know taste buds are subjective, we’ve rounded up about eleven of our favorite local taco joints you can’t miss when you’re in town.

Corazón Cocina – Downtown

Tucked inside the Santa Barbara Public Market, Corazón Cocina serves some of the best gourmet tacos in town. From Al Pastor

 tacos to Butternut Squash tacos and non-taco items, every taco here is an explosion of fresh flavors and top-notch ingredients. Corazón is the perfect place to grab a quick and beautiful bite.

📍 38 W Victoria St

🌐 https://corazoncocinasb.com/

Corazón is led by Chef Ramon Velazquez, a local favorite who’s made a serious mark on Santa Barbara’s culinary scene. He’s not only the talent behind Corazón Cocina but also several other food ventures across the land—each with its own vibe. Chef Ramon’s story and culinary empire are so impressive that we could (and probably will) write a whole blog post about them.

Monys Tacos – Funk Zone

Monys Mexican Food offers delicious, no-fuss tacos with all the authentic flavors you crave. They have a multitude of salsas to choose from. The small, casual setting makes it even more enjoyable. They also have a food truck.

📍 821 E Cota St

🌐 https://monyssb.com/

Yona Redz – Downtown

Yona Redz is quickly becoming a fan favorite for its queso birria tacos. It occasionally offers traditional goat meat (I prefer the beef). And OMG, the potato taquitos are my favorite. I just tried the fish tacos (same building, different register from below), and wow.

📍 110 Anacapa St

🌐 https://yonaredz.com/

Santa Playa Mariscos – Downtown

Brought to you by the same creator of Yona Redz, and actually in the same building, is the much-needed Santa Playa Mariscos. Founded by Jonathan “Yona” Estrada, also known for Yona Redz (above), this spot brings bold Baja flavors to the heart of downtown. The menu features standouts, from fish tacos to the amazing ceviche mixto tostada, loaded with flavor. They are committed to sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients from local fishermen. Santa Playa Mariscos offers a seafood experience that is both authentic and innovative.

📍 1230 State St, Suite C

🌐 https://santaplayasb.com/

Lily’s Tacos – Multiple Locations

Once a hidden gem in Santa Barbara, Lily’s Tacos now serves traditional street-style tacos from two locations (downtown and Goleta). You can savor amazing street tacos here. Traditional meats and veggies, like their carne asada tacos, are perfectly grilled, and the al pastor is marinated and seasoned just right. They also offer beef tongue, Ojo, and much more. And their homemade salsa? Chef’s kiss!

📍 1300 N Milpas St

🌐 https://lillystacos.com/

Taqueria Santa Barbara – Downtown

BEST pineapple 🍍 salsa in all the land. That’s it. That’s the pitch. It’s fresh, tangy, and takes every taco up a notch. Great selection 

of tacos with classic flavors and a casual vibe. Oh and potato tacos I want to rub on my body. Now, that is the pitch.

📍 1213 State St

🌐 https://taqueriasb.com/

Los Arroyos – Multiple Locations

A local favorite with several locations, Los Arroyos consistently serves flavorful tacos with fresh ingredients and classic flavors. Their handmade tortillas and salsas add an extra level of authenticity. Raja’s con queso is hands down my favorite taco, and I don’t even like peppers. And don’t even get me started on the horchata.

📍 14 W Figueroa St (Downtown) + others

🌐 https://losarroyos.net/

East Beach Tacos – East Beach

For a laid-back taco experience, East Beach Tacos is located just blocks from the beach and near the batting cages. Yes, I said batting fields. This fun and delicious place is the spot to be. It’s perfect for a nice day, and since you are there, you might as well do some batting at the cages.

📍 1118 E Cabrillo Blvd

🌐 https://www.elbajioca.com/

Taqueria El Bajio – Milpas

Taqueria El Bajio is so good. Their asada tacos are a favorite but have plenty of options, including tongue. And you know how much I love salsa choices—they have that, too.

📍 1500 State St

🌐 https://taquerialaunica.com/

Tacos El Unico

Unico delivers authenticity and flavor, opening in a part of town that needs more taco options. The space is small, so you should order ahead and take it home. I also hear Unico is owned by our friends at Los Agaves (who I love but prefer for their burritos rather than their tacos). The salsa is amazing!

📍 2902 State St

🌐 https://taquerialaunica.com/

La Superica – Milpas Street

Last but not least, we can’t forget La Superica. It has been a true Santa Barbara institution since 1985 when Julia Child mentioned it on The Today Show. La Superica is beloved by locals and visitors alike. It has small but mighty bites, so you can order a variety. They only accepted cash for a long time, but after years, they got smart and installed an ATM. There is always a line, and they are closed on Wednesdays. They are really fantastic.

📍 209 N Milpas St

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/lasuperricataqueria

Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant – Multiple Locations

A true Santa Barbara staple, Rudy’s has been serving the community since 1976, making it one of the longest-running Mexican restaurants in town. Known for its casual, family-friendly vibe and comforting, no-frills flavors, Rudy’s has built a loyal following across generations.

Enough about the history, I have to talk about their crispy taco. Crunchy heaven. The crunchy shell might be legendary. Stuffed with seasoned beef or chicken or veggie, topped with shredded lettuce, cheese, and their homemade salsa—it’s the kind of satisfying taco that just does you right. It’s done just perfect, the old-school way.

📍 Various locations, including downtown, upper state, west side, and maybe carp?

🌐 https://www.rudysmexicanrestaurant.com

To Wrap Things Up:

I am sure I have missed some of my favorite taco spots, TBH. If I think about every single taco I have ever had in SB, I might never finish this post. There are clearly a lot. Whether you’re craving authentic Mexican street tacos or something with more flair, these spots will satisfy your taco cravings. Tacos are a genuine local favorite in Santa Barbara. While we’ve highlighted some of our fave 🌮 specific plates, there are so many more and so many more things to eat, so stay tuned for a deeper dive into some other food…

Calling all taco lovers, take a TACO TOUR and all of our tours!

OH, AND speaking of Julia Child (remember when I mentioned her 100 years ago?)—don’t forget to check out the special SB

 Culinary Tours we’re doing in May. We are offering three special tours! 

May 13, 2025

The Happiest Hour Potato Taco Tour – created exclusively for Santa Barbara Culinary Experience

May 13, 2025 – For more info and tickets, click here.

Latin & Mexican Food & Drink Tour – created exclusively for Santa Barbara Culinary Experience

May 14, 2025 – Thinks Tacos – For more info and to get tickets, click HERE – PRESS ME!!!

Drink & Bites Tour – created exclusively for Santa Barbara Culinary Experience

May 15, 2025 in the later afternoon. For more info and tickets click RIGHT HERE!