La Super-Rica Taqueria ★ 4.3
Cash-only Milpas taco counter since 1980. Julia Child's favourite Mexican restaurant in the US. Daily blackboard, hand-pressed corn tortillas.
Try: Hand-pressed corn tortilla tacos at $3-4 each
Eat well in Santa Barbara for under €15 a plate: the places locals on a budget actually use.
Cheap eats worth seeking out
Super Cuca's ★ 3.2
Counter-service taqueria on Micheltorena Street. Generous burritos, breakfast burritos, menudo, caldo. One of the longest-running taquerias in Santa Barbara.
Try: Burritos and tacos
Corazon Cocina ★ 3.8
Michelin Bib Gourmand Mexican counter in the Santa Barbara Public Market. Hand-pressed tortillas, regional guisados, horchata. No advance reservation needed.
Try: Street tacos and ceviches
D'Angelo Bread ★ 3.6
Long-running downtown bakery serving European-style breads and breakfast with strong espresso. Neighbourhood anchor on a residential side street.
Try: Fresh-baked bread and breakfast plates
Santa Barbara Roasting Company ★ 3.6
Santa Barbara's first roaster since 1989, nicknamed RoCo. Over 70 varieties roasted on-site in 50-pound batches. Espresso, cold brew, a dozen beans to buy.
Try: Espresso drinks, cold brew, light cafe fare