My brother is in town and wants some good Mexican food. Any suggestions?
COMMENT 149978
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2011-03-01 02:49 PM |
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You need to be more specific as to what type do you want (American Mexican v. more authentic Mexican). Also is there a particular dish that you are looking for- fish, albondigas, chile relleno, etc.
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COMMENT 149981P
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2011-03-01 02:56 PM |
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Rose Cafe on the Mesa! I love that place.
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COMMENT 149982
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2011-03-01 02:59 PM |
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Playa Azul !
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COMMENT 149983
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2011-03-01 02:59 PM |
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Palapa
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COMMENT 149984
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2011-03-01 03:01 PM |
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Rose is the closest to where I came from. . . AZ. On the gourmet side, I hear great things about Los Agaves but have not been there.
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COMMENT 149985
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2011-03-01 03:02 PM |
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El Bajio on Milpas makes the bestest Tortas (huge and super tasty), Supercucas on Micheltorena makes delicious food, and Los Gallos on De La Vina makes great food with a to-die-for avocado salsa
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COMMENT 149989
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2011-03-01 03:11 PM |
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La Super Rica !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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COMMENT 149990
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2011-03-01 03:12 PM |
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LOS AGAVES
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COMMENT 149991
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2011-03-01 03:13 PM |
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Atmosphere and food - Playa Azul Food only - Los Gallos, Super Rica, Altamirano Atmosphere only - El Paseo Street tacos - Lily's
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COMMENT 149992
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2011-03-01 03:13 PM |
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El Rincon Bohemo in El Mercado Plaza or Pepe's in Goleta
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COMMENT 149994
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2011-03-01 03:18 PM |
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taco bell on de la vina
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COMMENT 149995P
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2011-03-01 03:23 PM |
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Any market/taco stand or liquor store/taco stand in Carp. Muy authentico.
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COMMENT 150001
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2011-03-01 03:27 PM |
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I second Playa Azul. I think that part of town is really special and fun for tourists to see. They're so nice there too.
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COMMENT 150003
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2011-03-01 03:28 PM |
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I agree- for a nice lunch/dinner with tourists Playa Azul is very good.
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COMMENT 150008
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2011-03-01 03:36 PM |
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Taco Bell
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COMMENT 150009
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2011-03-01 03:41 PM |
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Los Gallos on De La Vina: good, plentiful and not expensive.
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COMMENT 150013
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2011-03-01 03:48 PM |
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Make that two for Palapa!
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COMMENT 150016
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2011-03-01 03:49 PM |
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Palapa
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COMMENT 150018
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2011-03-01 03:51 PM |
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El Sitio is authentic, affordable and tasty! Gotta love the Gil family!
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COMMENT 150024
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2011-03-01 04:02 PM |
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Santa Barbara has nothing at all that is Good Mexican Food except for Supper Cuca's on the Westside. Head north to Lompoc and go to a Carniceria that has tables. Killer Burritos. Just bout any of them are good in Lompoc
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COMMENT 150025
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2011-03-01 04:04 PM |
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Love Los Agaves! Chiles Nortenos and the Moltajecas are amazing! Los Arroyos also excellent. El Bahio makes THE best Caldos (soups) in the city - be sure to try Caldo de Cameron.
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COMMENT 150026
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2011-03-01 04:06 PM |
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Rose Cafe on Haley
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COMMENT 150032
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2011-03-01 04:19 PM |
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Palapa /El Sitio/Altamiranos for Mole !/Del Valle Old Town Goleta
Tacos at La Colmena on Milpas
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COMMENT 150034
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2011-03-01 04:25 PM |
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Litos on Haley is so good!!! yummy
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COMMENT 150037P
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2011-03-01 04:38 PM |
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La Caretta by kmart
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COMMENT 150044P
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2011-03-01 04:48 PM |
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Los Arroyos!!!!!!!!! Also, El Sitio is good.
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AQUAHOLIC
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2011-03-01 04:49 PM |
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I love most of the suggestions and have one more...Los Arroyos, either downtown or better still for out of town guests, Coast Village Road. Decent food , good margs, awesome chips and salsa bar.
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COMMENT 150046
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2011-03-01 04:53 PM |
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Get the Chiles Rellenos at El Bajio on Milpas, half block north of McDonalds. The best, BY FAR, in SB. Rice, beans, corn tortillas supplied. Not cheap (over $12). If it's tortas you are looking for, you can't beat the carnitas torta at El Sitio. Make sure you add some of their pico de gallo and salsa. El Sitio just raised their torta price to $7. And for the love of god do not go to La Superica. Unless eating overhyped food with a bunch of other no-nothing gringos is your cup of tea.
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COMMENT 150051P
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2011-03-01 05:10 PM |
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Del Pueblo in Magnolia Shopping center. They have amazing enchiladas with mole sauce.
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PATRICK
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2011-03-01 06:12 PM |
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Dang, it's my turn to cook and I was planning on making risotto with wilted spinach, but now I am craving Mexican food! Darn you commenters. Del Pueblo Cafe is our 'go to' favorite.
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COMMENT 150068P
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2011-03-01 06:26 PM |
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Del Valle - not in my opinion. I love Altamirano's mole! And my favorite torta con pollo is at Goleta Bakery on Hollister. No kidding. ;-) And Pepe's? Nuh uh. No way Jeff. ;-) Too American to even say "Jose".
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COMMENT 150079
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2011-03-01 06:52 PM |
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As far as Super Rica goes. You have to stay away from the plain tacos and go for the specials. Although I can never stray from getting a number 14...it's like candy. Arturo's down by the Habit is great and not a madhouse like Las Agaves or Super Rica.
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COMMENT 150080
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2011-03-01 06:53 PM |
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I just had los arroyos!! thats my fav mex joint
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COMMENT 150084
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2011-03-01 07:10 PM |
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Hey, I have always like Pepe's. Good food, good service. So what if they serve combo plates? There are many choices.
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COMMENT 150088
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2011-03-01 07:16 PM |
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If you really want original Mexican dishes go to El Bajio on Milpas the tortas are the best along with the shrimp quesadilla. They offer the very best of what Santa Barbara has to offer. As for their pricing you get what you pay for, just like good ole SB.
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COMMENT 150089P
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2011-03-01 07:17 PM |
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El Rincon at La Mircada.
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COMMENT 150091
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2011-03-01 07:19 PM |
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This is slightly off topic, but if you want the best Mexican food and can travel East, try these. Anita's in Wickenburg, AZ. Teepee Tap Room in Phoenix, and La Fonda in Tempe, AZ. If you are in San Antonio, Mi Tierra, open 24 hours a day. Google or Yelp any of them. There are some good restaurants in SB, but remember these if you get out of town.
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COMMENT 150095
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2011-03-01 07:27 PM |
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Taco Bell!
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AQUAHOLIC
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2011-03-01 07:31 PM |
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One place not mentioned that's really good is Villarreal Market on Haley St. This was a favorite haunt of Julia Child. The last time I went by there, the name had changed...not sure if they still make tacos in back.
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COMMENT 150099
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2011-03-01 07:59 PM |
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Los Agaves...for a taqueria Fresh Mex on the Mesa...great fish tacos
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COMMENT 150101
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2011-03-01 08:02 PM |
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Los Agaves and Fresh Mex on the Mesa
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COMMENT 150104
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2011-03-01 08:16 PM |
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Cukas on Micheltorena and San Andreas, El Zarape crossed the street from Cukas is good too.
Lily's tacos at the end of Chapala towards the freeway.
Rudy's on Montecito st. is good also.
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COMMENT 150125
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2011-03-02 06:21 AM |
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Rose Cafe (Mesa) Cliff Drive; Pepe's in Goleta (Orange Ave); Carlitos on State St (across from Arlington); Cava in Montecito (Coast Village Road - pricey). My favorite enchilada and chili releno is at the Cafe del Sol (across from the Bird Refuge) - they also have a wide selection of other type foods as well. They will make tacos (not on the menu), they have nachos (not on the menu) - they are very accomodating and popular. All of the above have 'atmosphere' as well.
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PETER
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2011-03-02 06:37 AM |
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Del Pueblo in the Magnolia Center. Went there last night!
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COMMENT 150131
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2011-03-02 06:41 AM |
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Don Paco TRUCK at San Andreas and Micheltorena every night unless its raining.
This real regional mexican food, the sopes and any tostada are delicious, fresh and affordable...definitely the BETTER not more philosophy.
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COMMENT 150162P
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2011-03-02 07:51 AM |
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My friend from LA (who knows Mexico and Mexican food) wanted to eat Mexican when she visited some months back. I don't know SB that well myself and we went to Cafe del Sol, mostly because of the location. Menu was a mix of American/Mexican food - we both ordered Mexican and were very, very disappointed in the meal - and the service. Do appreciate the other suggestions coz that experience made me wary of trying anything else.
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RAINE5360
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2011-03-02 07:59 AM |
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Only went to CARLITO'S once but it was the best I ever had. For a quick bite, though, Rudy's is nice. Of course they are way different.
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COMMENT 150167
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2011-03-02 08:00 AM |
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I haven't been to any Mexican restaurants that are that great in SB, but for really outstanding Mexican food, try Olas in Old Town Camarillo. Their food is absolutely delicious, the portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable. Their carnitas are the best I've ever had - succulent, tender meat, slightly crisp on the outside..... I make excuses to be in that area at dinner time.
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COMMENT 150170
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2011-03-02 08:08 AM |
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Los Agaves on Milpas. Order the special.
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COMMENT 150183
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2011-03-02 08:28 AM |
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PALAPA
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COMMENT 150190P
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2011-03-02 08:45 AM |
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Another vote for Palapa
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ZEUSTHEGOOSE
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2011-03-02 08:54 AM |
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another vote for lilly's in santa barbara and la caretta in goleta.
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GRANNYFRANNY
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2011-03-02 09:08 AM |
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I see our locals in the know, know El Bajio; please leave one table for me and my querido!
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SLIPROCK9
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2011-03-02 09:11 AM |
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I have to go with Carlitos. A little more expensive, but worth it. Of course, all of the others are good too!
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COMMENT 150215
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2011-03-02 09:13 AM |
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Playa Azul on 900 block of Santa Barbara St - always fresh and always good! Also, could it be the oldest continuosly operating Mexican restaurant??
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COMMENT 150218
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2011-03-02 09:18 AM |
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I have found Los Arroyos on Figueroa to be the best. The food is always fresh and I have never had a bad meal there.
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COMMENT 150220
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2011-03-02 09:19 AM |
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Mexican food is regional in Mexico, made with what is available in the area. The comment about no real Mexican food in SB is not accurate. Mexican food may differ amoung resturants depending what region in Mexico the owners/cooks or their ancestors are from, different styles but authentic in many places here.
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COMMENT 150221
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2011-03-02 09:25 AM |
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I agree that we don't have great Mexican food restaurants. But for what we have: La Super Rica =Guadalajara flavors, one of chef Julia Childs favorite SB restaurants. Los Agaves, Los Arroyos. El Paseo for atmosphere and the new chef is supposed to be good.
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COMMENT 150225
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2011-03-02 09:32 AM |
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We love the great food to take out at Super Cucas at the Mesa/Albertson's Shopping Center...the Super Taco is the BEST! It is also reasonably priced, and the large portions give you two meals!
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COMMENT 150226
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2011-03-02 09:33 AM |
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In case you're passing through Carp: Taqueria Rincon Alteno, 4414 Via Real (for take-out/eat on beach at Santa Claus). Doesn't look like much, but that place's food is insane. I'm a regular. Delgados, 4401 Carpinteria Avenue (cute, yummy, sit-down). Good margaritas, what more do you need?
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COMMENT 150228
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2011-03-02 09:34 AM |
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super rica is way over rated and arrogant. Los agaves, palapa (friday evenings w/ Mariachis) playa azulk is yummy and nice atmosphere. believe it or not El Paseo restaurant has greatly improved with Alex Castillo in charge of the kitchen... sad is that the owner is an a%%@#$%^.
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COMMENT 150235
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2011-03-02 09:38 AM |
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I finally figured out that this Referral Forum that has been popping up lately is a cheep and inexpensive way to advertise. Say I owned a auto body shop..."can anyone recommend a good auto body repair in SB". Hey ED your loosing good ad revenue
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COMMENT 150236
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2011-03-02 09:38 AM |
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RUDY'S. Best mex in town! Free chips, amazing salsa..and inexpensive. I go at least once a week or I start to get withdrawals
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COMMENT 150241
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2011-03-02 09:43 AM |
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One more vote for Palapa. Good Breakfast, too. Unreal machcha
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ANDY
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2011-03-02 09:50 AM |
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La Super Rica is my favorite. Order the specials. I have been eating there since Isadoro opened the place. Muy sabroso.
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COMMENT 150252
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2011-03-02 09:55 AM |
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Lito's
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COMMENT 150300
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2011-03-02 11:04 AM |
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El Bajio for gorditas and overall high quality taqueria food
Lily's for Tacos de Cabeza, Lengua, Cachete
Super Cucas for Nachos, Breakfast Burritos, and other gut busters
Don Paco's Truck for sopes, beef and poato burritos, chile verde, it's all good
Reyes Market for carnitas, fresh tortillas, shrimp cocktails, ceviche, etc.
Playa Azul for chips/salsa/Americanized, nice setting, lounge and have a margarita type experience
Carlitos for the same as above but more $$$$ La Super Rica for standing in a line with yuppies and tourons that frequent Yelp for overhyped, bland, and underwhelming food. Bonus you get to listen to yuppie gringos gush about how "great" it is and even observe them bringing in dinnerware sets and linens for the table making for a cringeworthy experience.
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COMMENT 150309
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2011-03-02 11:24 AM |
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Have you tried the El Paseo lately? It is not only beautiful inside but Alex Castillo is doing the cooking....awesome food at a great price!
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AQUAHOLIC
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2011-03-02 11:34 AM |
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Wow, SB and it's environs have some PASSION about their Mexican food...LOVE it! @300 re: La Super Rica..hahaha, funny I've always loved the El Paseo...thanks 309 and others, I'm putting it on my short list.
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COMMENT 150366
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2011-03-02 02:19 PM |
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SB Downtown=Los Arroyos
Goleta=Del Pueblo
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COMMENT 150389
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2011-03-02 03:42 PM |
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Playa Azul or Los Arroyos!!!!
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EDHATBARBARA
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2011-03-03 11:52 AM |
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Donde estate La Palapa?
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AQUAHOLIC
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2011-03-03 12:39 PM |
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EDHATBARBARA....La Palapa is at the bottom of 154 on State St.
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SPARKEY
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2011-03-03 08:00 PM |
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del pueblo. Fantastic food and decent prices.
El Sitio for burritos. The burritos next door to the batting cages on Milpas are tasty as well.
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COMMENT 186759
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2011-06-24 07:35 PM |
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I was going through the referrals page and realized i asked the question but never came back to put one of my favorite places to eat (Mexican or otherwise). Baja Grill has the best tortas and guacamole anywhere but they are more casual dining then playa azul, which can be nice since the price also reflects it.
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