Santa BarbaraRestaurants

Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara

  1. A

    La Super Rica

    This low-slung, unmarked shack - the one with the happy hordes spilling out the door - was culinary guru Julia Child's favorite Mexican restaurant. Who are we to argue? Make your choice from the 20 meals written on the board overhead, order from the window, then join local families at the picnic-style tables for authentic south-of-the-border cooking. Avoid peak meal times, when the place gets packed and searching for a seat is an Olympic sport.

    Try one of their creative daily specials, or on Friday or Saturday get their famous tamales. One downer: vegetarians won't starve, but options are slim.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Los Arroyos

    For lunch, nab a spot on the red-tile patio at Los Arroyos and enjoy neatly prepared Mexican dishes (alas, chips and salsa are around US$3) and watch the ritzy stroll past.

    reviewed