Carlito's has been top notch for over 30 years. I used to go there in the early 90s and have been back since. The food is consistently great and the Tequila drinks are off the chain. Great service and dining outside is the best! read more

Nice outdoor seating options and beautiful setting. Fast and friendly service. Yummy blackberry jalapeño margarita and chicken nachos. Reasonable priced menu. Definitely coming back. read more

Tasteless halibut tacos al carbon. Service was rude, careless and they told us the only table available was the one by the door... But then a younger couple came in and they gave them the cute table with umbrella on the patio. Would not recommend if you want to experience a real Mexican food and *service read more

After quietly mourning the loss for the past two years of Carlitos Cafe's sister restaurant in Montecito, CAVA, we fiiiiinally made our way to Carlitos Cafe to see if we could resurrect the same great food since they are owned by the same person/company. Let me just say that CAVA was our absolute favorite Mexican restaurant ANYWHERE, and we would travel from Los Angeles up to Montecito frequently to eat there. When we learned of their closing about two years ago, we never got over the loss. I'm not kidding. It was bad, and we still don't understand why it closed. Anyway, I found out the owner of CAVA maintained his OTHER restaurant, Carlitos Cafe, so we decided to give them a try. It just took us two years to do it. So the bottom line is that it was really good. Perfect like CAVA? No... but it was pretty darn good. My husband and I decided we'd definitely return because there was a lot that we really liked. The chips, salsa and guac were right on par with CAVA. The salsa had great flavor and was ultra thick... just how we like it. The guac was fresh and flavorful and again, just how I like it. (Hubby doesn't like guac.) Great start. BUT.... the entrees, which were the mariscos enchiladas for both of us, were not on par. They were good, but they were definitely missing something in the spices. I'm not exactly sure what it was, but it was not what I remembered. They were packed full of shrimp and scallops just like I remember, but something was not quite right with the flavors. My husband said the same thing, soooooo I don't know. It wasn't bad; it just wasn't amazing, knock our socks off great. As an aside, they have a lovely patio area for dining outdoors. The restaurant itself is on the smallish side, but still attractive, and at least when we went on a Saturday for lunch, we had an easy time choosing if we wanted to dine indoors or out. The next time we return, and we will... we won't be ordering the mariscos enchiladas as our entree. We'll definitely try something else, but at least we found a suitable alternative to our Mexican food cravings in Santa Barbara. And yes, I still wish CAVA didn't close. read more

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The ambiance was the best part of this restaurant! The staff were just " okay" the best staff were the ones picking up the food and cleaning up . One of the bathrooms was super dirty- the food was okay a bit bland for our taste but not that bad to say much more . read more

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It is a great vibrant place with very tasty food and drink . You can sit at the bar inside or outside near the fountain . They have heaters as well . No matter where you sit you are going to enjoy the food and good drinks . Service is fast and caring . Santa Barbara has so many options to eat and it is hard to go everyplace but put this one in your list read more

Excellent ambience only to be beaten by the quality of the Carlitos Margarita and excellent food!

Great location. Extensive menu. Good bar menu and proven margaritas and mojito's. Large portion and reasonable prices. The service is 5*'s alone. The outdoor and indoor dining is fitting and comfortable. Consider splitting as portions are not only good but huge. The spicy bbq ribs are amazing. The guacamole is the best! Ask for spicy salsa is the table versus is not hot enough. read more

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The service and food was amazing. We went for dinner on Mother's Day and the ambiance was great. read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Carlitos Combo Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Excellent service, great ambience with views of the night sky and the famous Arlington theater! We come here by weekly for our favorite Albondigas soup and Pork Pozole. The margaritas are perfection, and the food is wonderful. Some additional favorites- Gambas Al Ajillo, Grilled Chicken Quesadilla, Wild Salmon w/ Papaya, Chile Relleno, The Paloma cocktail, Carlitos Cadillac, Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita and on. You can't go wrong with anything you order. Enjoy! read more

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Since I'm new to the area I have decided to use yelp in finding new favorite spots! I searched for brunch around me and this place popped up. We came in Sunday at around 11 and it wasn't too busy, we got a table right away, few minutes after sitting they came asking to take our order drinks, and with a basket of chips and salsa. I will say the corn bean salsa was very good! We sample different dishes so today we shared The chilaquiles and combination platter with enchilada and Chile rellrno. They were pretty good, but the chilaquiles a bit too spicy for us, and the chili relleno could have used more sauce and maybe less egg, there was a thick layer of it. Taste overall was fairly good, service was really good, attentive server and busboy. and actually prices were pretty fair. Eventually will go back after I try other Mexican brunch places in town. read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Combination Plate - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Love this Carlitos . Excellent Food served by Marco . Good Ambience and nice place area in Santabarbara 5star read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This is the second time we've come to Carlito's Cafe y Cantina. The first time we came was the last time we visited Santa Barbara and we liked it so much we wanted to come back. Well this time didn't disappoint either! It's a short walk from the public parking structure. We were greeted right away and chose to sit inside even though the outside set up is beautiful. We ordered Jamaicas to drink cause they make it so good here! Their chips and salsa are top notch and they ended up offering to bring us seconds since me and my family devoured the first batch haha. The chips are warm and crispy and salted perfectly. This is the only place I've been to where they bring out a variety of dipping items (two salsa and some corn and beans). One salsa was spicy (my favorite), the other salsa was fresh and mild, and the corn and beans had a sweetness to it. All three items were delicious! For the entree we ordered the Bohemia Fish Tacos, Carne Asada A LA Tampiqueña (comes with homemade corn tortillas+++), Carlito's Combo (with rice and black beans, cheese enchilada, and crispy chicken taco), and a Huarache with Steak (mine). My huarache put a smile on my face; the tortilla part was thick yet crispy and tender, the meat tasted like the good meat if you know what I mean, and all the extras on it added so much flavor including the touch of chipotle in the beans. We all really enjoyed our plates. We finished off our meal with an order of freshly made churros to share. It had 6 pieces, a chocolate dipping sauce, and caramel dipping sauce which also tasted homemade. Our server/ waiter was fantastic, friendly, and made sure we were taken care of. This place is a gem and we look forward to coming back! read more

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I went to Carlitos last night with my rock band prior to our show at Soho. I was AMAZED at how fast the service was as it was busy. I think our waiter was named Adrian. The food was great too. We had ceviche, fish tacos and quesadillas. I was really impressed. read more

Visited before leaving Santa Barbara. Got there right when they opened for lunch. Our server was nice and the soups were delicious. I just have a problem with a server not being transparent about how much sides are going to cost. I requested a small side of shredded cheese and was charged $4. $5 for three tortillas? $10 for a very small side of rice and beans?? I find that to be unreasonable. At least list the prices on the menu. read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We had drinks and dinner. Margaritas were good but some used mix which we didn't love. I had mango and it was good but felt light handed in tequila. Next got a chilada which I had never heard of and loved. To eat got the Bohemia fish tacos which were fabulous! Loved it. The mole chicken tacos were not as good just chicken and mole on a tortilla. The sauce was good but the taco itself could have used some more stuff to it. Overalll enjoyed the meal and they fit a large group of 15 of us. read more

I have gone to this restaurant many times, and every time is exceptional! It's my favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara, I recommend getting the steak nachos, the grilled chicken quesadilla, and the grilled Anaheim chiles. The flavors are incredible and the portions are perfect. I dined here this afternoon around 1pm, and our server was so incredibly sweet and happy to help us. If I were to be picky about our lunch today, the black beans in the salsa and nachos were hard and crunchy, almost as if they weren't cooked all the way through. The cheese in our quesadilla and on our nachos was not very melted, could definitely have spent a little more time under some heat! Regardless of the little hiccups, we had a very awesome, filling and delicious lunch. Can not wait to come back! read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Carlitos! Says it all. One of Santa Barbara's premier restaurants, such great food drinks, and awesome service. Our server has worked there for 27 years. He remembered me from my days driving the MTD State Street shuttle back in the day. I would get ice tea and use the bathroom. They were so kind and generous. Today I met my friend Lisa Jean for lunch. We started out with Margaretas guacamole and chips. My Combo of Taco Chili Regenio was amazing. What a Wonderful day with my dear Friend. The Ambience was perfect for having a beautiful conversation. They gave me a sample of the Albondigas soup, which made my day. Thanks Carlitos for the wonderful experience. Ronnie S read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Albondigas! Simply amazing - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Walking in Santa Barbara we decided to give Carlito's a try for a late lunch. Nice dining area and pleasant attentive servers. We were presented with chips and salsa, along with a corn salsa, prior to our meal arriving. The chips were fresh, crisp and tasty. The salsa's were passe. Really nothing special. Our meals were both nice. The presentation was very good in both dishes. Both of our dishes included grilled chicken and, in both cases, had good flavor but was a little dry. I'd like to believe that the quality of our meals was impacted by the fact that we were a very late lunch and before the dinner crew had arrived. We'll give it another try on our next trip. read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Walking on State Street on a hot summer day looking for a spot for a quick lunch and a beer. Carlitos had been recommended to us by a local. Patio seemed inviting so we gave it a try. Marco, our server, came by right away and brought us some ice water, chips and dips. Disappointed that they had no beers on tap, only some bottled Mexican brands. For lunch we shared a quesadilla ($18). Toppings included quac, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a very spicy sauce. Lovely patio, good service, and tasty quesadilla at a fair price. read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - View from our table on the patio - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

On Sunday 3-15-26 we stop by 8:45 pm and they don't want to take us anymore because they closed early do to 'slow night' but they supposed to close at 10pm, then we went back on Monday and drinks food was not as before, drinks horrible, food no taste and service not the best. read more

The food was excellent and the ambiance also great as we sat outside on a beautiful evening. Our waitress did mess up our order in three ways, however. Nothing earth shattering but nonetheless we didn't get what we asked for: 1) no tomatoes on top of our guac and we got tomatoes, 2) spicy margaritas (they came regular), and 3) pinto beans - I got refried black beans. Since she didn't come around much to check on us, the issues didn't really get remedied. I'd give the food a 5 and the service a 2.5. read more

Nice dining area. 3 of us ordered the Carlitos combination was alright, nothing special. My taco was beef and I couldn't chew the beef so tough. Food wasn't hot. Did even melt the cheese. Plus it was burnt. Salad nothing special. Our group won't go back. read more

The crispy chicken tacos and rice and beans are always amazing. Always excellent service and ambience we always eat outside. And can't forget about the chips and salsa they're amazing also. read more

We had my birthday dinner at Carlitos and it was awesome. The atmosphere out on the patio was great, the servers were friendly and attentive and the food was delicious. Get the guacamole - it is AMAZING! read more

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Always amazing! Great food drinks and service! Outdoor patio is pet friendly! Always a must visit when in Santa Barbara! read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Grilled Chicken Quesadilla Botana and Carlitos Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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best food and most attentive service. We are from So Cal but will make the trip up often read more

We always come to Carlitos when we are in the area. They have very good margaritas, the chips and salsa are very good and the best Sopes I have ever had. read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - The best Sopes ever. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Just what the Dr. Ordered! I ordered the Pozole.. which is the bomb! Top it off with the blended margaritas! Best Stop to cool off during the Summer Solstice! Enjoy! read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Came here for an early-ish dinner during the weekend. Got a table fast and the service was even faster. I ordered the enchiladas verdes vegetarian). The enchiladas were great. I strategically went through the enchiladas first and working on the beans and rice afterwards. That was a wise decision as the serving size was huge. Got through the enchiladas and some of the beans, though I had to let the rice go for waste. Solid option nonetheless. read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Enchiladas Verdes Enchiladas Mexicanas Carlitos Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This is the sister restaurant to Dos Carlitos in Santa Inez. The menu is the same. But, the interior of the other location is triple the size. The patio is pretty large at this location. I don't know if they both changed. But, this locations salsa was much spicier. So was the crispy taco. I wasn't happy with the unexpected heat. I can't handle spicy foods. The service was great. The staff was very friendly. The bathroom is comically small. You are head against the wall on the toilet. I was afraid I would get a concussion if I bent over to pull up the clothes! read more

Steer clear!!!! The worst of the worst and is a tourist trap. This is not authentic Mexican food and if it was you would see Mexican people eating there. This is a gringo establishment that serves old dry chicken tacos, unseasoned guac and an over lack of flavor or seasoning. Eat here at your own risk. The service is basic but the patio is nice on a sunny day. I don't even know why thus place is even open anymore. I heard they treat their employees bad too. read more

Everything...food and service was excellent! Our server gave us good recommendations to suit a non-spicy and spicy palate. Served quickly and ambiance was lively. read more

Another amazing dinner at Carlitos. It's been a while, brought the whole family to dinner, 12 of us I made reservations ahead, there was a misunderstanding, but still the management team made it happen. They set up a table foe 12 within 20 minutes. Love the amazing service. Our waiter was very attentive, didn't mess up anything, we all got our orders right and in a timely matter. The food was delicious and the Blood Orange Margarita was amazing as always. Iced cold drink on a hot summer evening is what I needed. Thank you team Carlitos for the wonderful dinner . read more

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The food, service, and ambiance at this restaurant are always consistently excellent. This time, however, I had an experience that truly demonstrated their integrity. I accidentally left my Yves Saint Laurent purse--with a Gucci wallet inside containing credit cards and cash--on the back of my chair. We had already driven back to L.A. and I didn't realize it was missing for two days. When I called the restaurant, the manager confirmed they had found it and kept it safely locked away. When I returned, he handed me my purse--wallet, credit cards, and all the cash still inside. Truly outstanding honesty and service! read more

Food: 10/10 really good service food and prices. The quality of the food is definitely a 10. The enchiladas are delicious and the rice and beans are delicious. The shrimp empanadas are tapas and it's two large pieces very delicious too. The halibut ceviche is chunky and it's served well. The guacamole has great flavor too. Usually Mexican restaurants can be a hit and miss. This is defiantly a good hit. The food is actually authentic here. Shout out to the increíble staff the cooks and waiters. read more

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Lunchtime on a Monday,we just happened to come across this place because the restaurant I wanted to try was closed on Mondays. I'm glad we gave it a try. Nice patio seating, good service from Marco along with good food. We started off with Carlitos Traditional Margaritas while perusing the menu and enjoying the chips and salsa. We asked for a spicier salsa which they had and was so good. Food ordered were the Carlitos Tostada and Burrito Asada. All the food came out hot, fresh and tasting delicious I would definitely come back again! read more

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The food and service here was amazing! I always wonder why, when I see such a mix of reviews on a place and then have amazing food, how there can be so much variance in reviews?! We each ordered a different dish out of the four of us and all four dishes were fabulous! The outside seating was perfect. We were catching up after a long time apart and we're not rushed at all. Great place for lunch! read more

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Yummy authentic Mexican food ,Margaritas and great service. Right in the center of town read more

We were famished after going to the Green Car Show at the Arlington Theater, and stumbled across the street to Carlitos Cafe! We lined up and put our name on a list on the patio, and were seated almost immediately at a small table we liked in a sheltered corner! The sign "Award Winning Margaritas" had caught my eye, so I perused the Wine List and found a Cadillac Margarita, very appropriate after going to a car show! The friendly waiter also brought chips and dips, and we dug in right away, munching on the light tortilla chips and the hearty black bean and corn salsa. The cafe was vibrant and humming with parties of all sizes, spilling over onto the street with additional eating space. Bright umbrellas sheltered us from the sun, and waiters darted to and fro bearing large platters of food. My tall Cadillac Margarita appeared soon, and I sipped it while perusing the menu. We chose Chicken enchiladas and the Rock Shrimp Soft Tacos, which made their appearance on large plates in a few minutes. I enjoyed some of the best shrimp tacos I have had in quite a while, topped with purple cabbage and thin strips of tortilla, and a great sweet salsa with bits of melon in it! The shrimp were just dusted with flour, then sauteed, and there were plenty of them! The soft flour tortillas were home made, just crisped a bit. My husband's enchiladas were spicy enough, and the black beans and rice a rich accompaniment. Very good value here, with epic servings, quick courteous service, and a fun atmosphere on the patio make this a must come back spot! read more

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