23 editor picks in Santa Barbara.
23 cheap eats places in Santa Barbara, editor-picked. the best low-budget spots in Santa Barbara: the places editors actually return to. All Santa Barbara food.
Cash-only counter on Milpas since 1980. Julia Child's favourite Mexican restaurant in the US. Daily blackboard, hand-pressed corn tortilla tacos.
OrderHand-pressed corn tortilla tacos, Roasted pasilla chiles, Lomito suizo
Cash-only Milpas counter since 1980. Julia Child's favourite Mexican restaurant in the US. Daily blackboard of corn tortilla tacos and roasted chiles.
OrderCorn tortilla tacos, pasilla chiles, lomito suizo
Cash-only Milpas taco counter since 1980. Julia Child's favourite Mexican restaurant in the US. Daily blackboard, hand-pressed corn tortillas.
OrderHand-pressed corn tortilla tacos at $3-4 each
Founded by former professional cyclists in 2011. Small-batch roasts from Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya. Two cafes, precise single-origin brews.
Funk Zone roastery with organic fair-trade beans from small-lot indigenous farmers. A portion of every sale goes to the Yanonali Street Artist Fund.
Founded by professional cyclists in 2011. Small-lot beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya. Two cafes, subscription service, ethical sourcing.
Funk Zone roastery by Dr. David Dart. Organic fair-trade beans from small-lot indigenous farmers. A share of every sale funds the Yanonali Street Artist Fund.
Funk Zone roastery sourcing organic fair-trade beans from small-lot indigenous farmers. A share of every sale supports the Yanonali Street Artist Fund.
TipOrder whatever the roaster opened that morning. The single-origin pour-overs change with each roast batch and the staff can explain the farmer behind it.
Michelin Bib Gourmand counter in the Santa Barbara Public Market. Street food tacos, ceviches, and regional Mexican dishes from fresh local ingredients.
OrderStreet food tacos, Regional ceviches, Mexican street snacks
Santa Barbara specialty coffee anchor since 2009. State Street flagship serves espresso, pour-overs, and seasonal single-origins in a bright downtown space.
Santa Barbara specialty roaster since 2009. State Street flagship serves espresso, pour-overs, seasonal single-origins from 07:00. Multiple city locations.
Michelin Bib Gourmand counter in the Santa Barbara Public Market. Street food tacos, ceviches, and regional Mexican dishes from fresh local ingredients.
OrderStreet food tacos, ceviche, regional Mexican snacks
Michelin Bib Gourmand Mexican counter in the Santa Barbara Public Market. Hand-pressed tortillas, regional guisados, horchata. No advance reservation needed.
OrderStreet tacos and ceviches
Long-running downtown bakery serving European-style breads, pastries, and breakfast with strong espresso. A neighbourhood anchor at pre-Instagram prices.
Santa Barbara's original roaster since 1989, nicknamed RoCo. Over 70 bean varieties roasted on-site. Espresso and cold brew near the Funk Zone.
Santa Barbara's first roaster since 1989, nicknamed RoCo. Over 70 bean varieties on-site in 50-pound batches. Espresso and cold brew near the Funk Zone.
Downtown bakery on a residential side street serving European sourdough and pastries. Pre-Instagram pricing, locals-only crowd, cash-friendly counter.
TipArrive before 09:00 for the best bread selection. The outdoor seating fills with local regulars and the espresso is strong.
Long-running downtown bakery serving European-style breads and breakfast with strong espresso. Neighbourhood anchor on a residential side street.
OrderFresh-baked bread and breakfast plates
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.
OrderEspresso drinks, cold brew, light cafe fare
English-style pub on Ortega Street open until 02:00. The go-to for Premier League football in Santa Barbara. Dog-friendly, no-frills, genuine local crowd.
Counter-service taqueria on Micheltorena open 06:00 to 22:00 daily. Generous burritos, breakfast tacos, and carne asada. Vegetarian options throughout.
OrderBurritos, breakfast tacos, carne asada tacos
Long-running English-style pub on Ortega Street open until 02:00. The go-to for Premier League football in Santa Barbara. Dog-friendly, no-frills.
OrderBar snacks
Counter-service taqueria on Micheltorena Street. Generous burritos, breakfast burritos, menudo, caldo. One of the longest-running taquerias in Santa Barbara.
OrderBurritos and tacos
Guided tour · 3 hours
Feast your way through Santa Barbara's award-winning Funk Zone neighborhood while you learn about local history, discover local street art, and pick up a few easy food...
Day trip · 6 hours
Join the group as we explore wines from boutique, family-owned wineries. We give you the full wine tasting experience by visiting a mixture of vineyards and small prod...
Day trip · 7 hours
Experience the Santa Barbara Wine Country in the most immersive way possible, via e-bike. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at a winery, and savor a flight of five wines at...