The service was friendly and helpful. The food was outstanding! Fresh, hot and delicious.

​I was staying at the Hyatt next door for a wedding weekend, and after a full day of celebrating, I was absolutely starving. To be honest, this place wasn't my first choice initially, but after a long day of partying, hunger won out--and I'm so glad it did! ​The service was impressively fast, which is exactly what you want when you're "hangry" at the end of the night. The staff was incredibly nice and helpful while we loaded up on a spread of a burrito, flautas, and tacos for the group. The food was way better than I expected; the flautas had that authentic, homemade style that hit the spot, and the tacos were solid. My friend finished the burrito with zero complaints, so it's safe to say everyone left happy. ​They also have a good beer selection to keep the vibes going. The only real downside--and the reason for four stars instead of five--is that they close surprisingly early. It's definitely not a late-night spot, so make sure you head over for an earlier dinner rather than waiting until the end of the night. If you're staying at the Hyatt, this is a must-try! read more

One of the best Mexican places I've ever been to! The hospitality, freshness, and generosity of their employees AND portions puts it above the rest. The complimentary chips were fresh, light, and warm! So delicious, I ate it within minutes with their mild red salsa that was chilled, runny, flavorful, and very very delicious. I love love love their salsa here and we refilled it another time, and they even gave us a container to take to go with a whole bag of FRESH CHIPS AND TOSTADAS. So generous!!! We ordered the chile verde and green aguachiles. The chile verde was absolutely scrumptious, but the meat could've been more tender for sure. It was stewed well and had great flavor but was pretty hard and dry. Their beans and rice was amazing and I couldn't get enough. Aguachiles are one of my favorite foods and I almost always order it if I see it. Their style was beautifully presented, spicy, and refreshing, although I would've liked it a little more chilled and the shrimp could use a little more attention to detail since 2 weren't deveined like the rest. It was definitely more on the raw side but I personally like it that way and I didn't have any stomachaches. It's beautiful on the patio especially during sunset. The chips, salsa, water never stopped flowing. I liked that they had multiple servers and bussers and food runners who all were incredibly kind and friendly. Each time they passed by our table they glanced at our food and drinks to see if we might need anything else before we asked for it. Incredibly thoughtful. When packing up I asked if I could get some salsa to go and she asked if I wanted chips, and I said just tostadas since I had leftover aguachile. She gave me BOTH!! Love it here, would come back a thousand percent. read more

See all

It was quite empty at 10am so we got a table quickly. They gave us complimentary chips and salsa in a tiny molcajete. I love the presentation. We got a fat veggie burrito that was certainly two meals in one. My partner said it wasn't especially profound but it hit the spot just fine. I got fish tacos with cilantro rice and veggies on the side. I didn't want any cheese or dairy and it did make the tacos a bit dry but that's okay with lime. I couldn't pinpoint the oily flavor of the cilantro rice. It almost tasted like off brand butter. They gave us two salsa in squeeze containers that were delicious. I would come here again. read more

See all

Some of the best food and most authentic Mexican food in Santa Barbara. Highly recommend the hard tacos and mollete's.

This is such a slept on restaurant in Santa Barbara! I used to come here at least 2x a month in college and recently went back. Staff are always very nice, quick, and efficient. I get the palapa burrito with carnitas and make it supreme. It's really large and usually can get leftovers! There's something about their rice that makes it better than any other rice I've had. Anyways, this is a must try for casual dinner! read more

Palapa - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Conveniently located next to Hyatt place, it was a no brained to come here. They close early at 8:30 and got cheese enchilada combo and guacamole to go. The guac was extremely delicious and with great quality. Enchiladas were good but not the best I have eaten. The beans were world class and yummy. read more

Mexican place on State Street. Basic design and next to Hyatt on State Street. We ordered carne asada tacos, chips and dip and a Palapa burrito with steak. The food was delicious and tasted great!! They have green and red salsa that are very good also. The food tastes authentic Mexican. We got a large salsa between us two And it was more than enough. The service was good and to the point. All was good here. read more

See all

First time, completely enjoyed it. Great food, service and vibe. Would definitely recommend this great find!

Palapa is a favorite stop when we're in Santa Barbara. Conveniently located as an extra bonus, and the mountain views are gorgeous. We usually dined outdoors though when weather is unfavorable, we enjoy the decorations indoors. Love the salsa and theyre good at keeping it coming. The staff is always friendly and we even enjoy a few inside jokes. Haven't had a dish I disliked yet. The chile verde palapa burrito is my go-to & never disappoints. And when youre in the mood for an ice cream finish, you'll definitely smile. Drop in and enjoy this spot. You won't regret it. read more

Palapa - Palapa chile verde burrito "wet" - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

I door dashed the faiths with all meat options. The steak was brutal. Non stop chewing on rubber. Had to spit it out. Fun! Enough said I think. Sad day when you give your customer 3 pieces of meat and they are all dogs...! read more

Good service, friendly staff. Food was good. Beans were pretty good, even my grandma liked them (she's Mexican and makes her own beans and will judge others) Rice wasn't to my liking but not bad. Good portions! Enchilada sauce was decent. I would go back and try other things on the menu. read more

Palapa - 2 item combo Beef taco & Chicken Enchilada -grilled veggies (really good) - rice - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Decided to check this spot out since we were staying at the Hyatt next door. Everything about this restaurant seems pretty authentic from the decor and the food. We ordered carne asada tacos, steak burrito, and chips and salsas. Portions are generous and the red salsa was spicy. The meal took a while, but worth it as it tasted very fresh. Seems to be a pretty popular place. Lots of patrons. Food is delicious! read more

Palapa - Carne asada tacos - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

When we came in everything seemed pretty normal, a little slow but nothing crazy. The waiter, a young guy maybe in his 30s served us but made it sound like we were an inconvenience. Used sarcastic remarks that were noticeable by his chuckle. We ordered Chardonnay (wine) and it got served in a dirty glass cup, not even a wine glass. When asked to give another cup because it was dirty, the young woman was nice and gave us a 10% discount (3$). Food was surprisingly alright. When the guy server returned to pick up the plates, he looked annoyed and didn't say a single word except "thank you goodbye" at the very end. Overall disappointed, will never come again. read more

The service was wonderful, but the food left something to be desired. It was very simple with not a lot of taste and the rice was dry. The chicken enchiladas were cooked perfectly though. The place was clean and welcoming. read more

Palapa - Cheese Enchiladas with cilantro rice - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

I was very disappointed. I ordered pozole for takeout and it was ehhhhhh. I did not receive totopos or tostadas, these are never optional when eating this caldo. The flavor was off, where's the beef, cabbage, radishes, and red chile. It had so many bay leaves, I can grow a tree. And can grow a milpa with all the maiz. Waste of time for them to include chopped white onion and oregano, that's for menudo. It is not difficult to make pozole and include all the fixings...they really did not get it right. Not worth the $17.00. Are tariffs impacting the flavor of food? read more

Tasty food and great service. I've been here multiple times with family and each time the food is 10/10 delicious! We typically order the parillada, which is perfect because it has a little bit of everything. You can choose from an all seafood, all meats, or mixed parillada and between a smaller one (enough for 2-3 people) or bigger one (enough for 4-6 people). I recommend the mixed parillada. You can also substitute items based on your preferences which is nice. Along with amazing food, the staff is super friendly and are consistently checking in on you. The restaurant is also very nice. There is plently of indoor and outdoor space with colorful decor. The one thing i'm not crazy about here is their drinks. I've tried both non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks such as their horchata, winerita, sunset and michelada and was not impressed. read more

See all

Next to the hotel we were staying at. Easy to order outside. Didn't eat there but they gave us free chips and salsa.

When there for dinner as its next to Hyatt. Fair price for Mexican food that was good, service was attentive, the best was the cocktail de camaron read more

Worst burrito I've ever had, and that's saying a lot. Purely awful. The chicken was small hard inedible chunks. No flavor. First time I've actually felt awful after eating a burrito. It's like they used their scraps to stuff into the burrito. Oh, and I actually found a small piece of plastic too. Unbelievable. Overpriced. And the service was slow. Avoid this place. There's something very wrong with this place. read more

We came back! It was delicious again. I split the Palapa burrito with my dad this time. We got it smothered in green sauce. It was delicious (we got it with el pastor meat [pork]) and the staff kindly cut it for us and served it on two plates. The only downside is that they don't have a changing table in the bathroom for babies/small children. So just be prepared for that if you bring little kids! But a very family-friendly restaurant otherwise! read more

See all

Was passing through Santa Barbara and stumbled upon this authentic Mexican restaurant. The food was delicious and filling. I loved how the patio was filled with chatter and laughter. There was also an option to sit indoors which was much more quiet even with lively music. read more

Palapa - Shrimp Tostada Ceviche - Chile Relleno Plate - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

The food was really good as they had even the sides coming out fresh. More than the food our service was amazing. They really were so kind and sweet to our daughter to try out their deserts. She usually prefers home made ones but she liked it out here. It is right next to Hyatt place so a nice stop by for dinner meals read more

Both dishes were perfectly marinated in lemon and salt and bursting with flavor. The agua chilles are spicy but addicting. If you love ceviche I highly suggest you try both dishes. Total price $55. Including two drinks (agua Frescas are extremely concentrated and sweet! I took the drink home and I made a big pitcher) read more

Palapa - Palapa dinner - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

I've been to this restaurant about 5 times now. I've come as early as 8am and as late as 8pm. Their opening and closing hours... The FOOD IS DELICIOUS! I am not sure who is in the back kitchen making the burritos and tacos but who ever it is, may God bless their soul. They are certainly passionate about what they do! The carnitas burrito is literally music dancing across my tongue. It's balanced well with guacamole, rice, beans cheese and sour cream along with the star of the show... the carnitas. So long as I live in this city, your staff can expect to see my face atleast once a week! It's that Good! read more

I've enjoyed dining here a couple of times in the last 2 months. It's off the beaten path at a busy intersection near the 101. Palapa has a cute patio area with umbrellas and a rustic, beach shack like interior with festive decor. Menu consists of all the classic Mexican favorites you would expect, with an edge on ceviche and seafood cocktails and dishes. The ceviche is fantastic and very fresh - I had the fish ceviche tostada appetizer my last visit and the portion was enormous. This time around, my wife and I each had 2-item combos. My crispy shredded beef taco was delicious, as was my cheese enchilada and rice and beans. Both dishes came out piping hot. The beans are both plentiful and flavorful and you get bottomless tortillas with your meal. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her Chile relleno and chicken enchilada with grilled veggies (another side option). The food quality and flavors at Palapa are much more on the authentic vs. Mexican chain restaurant spectrum; I appreciated the shredded beef, queso fresco and huge slice of fresh avocado in my hand fried crisp taco shell. Beer and wine only, but they have some cocktails made with wine. Service is very prompt and friendly. My only gripe and 1-star deduction: the prices are quite high for what is more of a local restaurant with rustic ambiance - $21.50 for a 2 item combo. Perhaps they can charge more with the hotel next door and nothing else around. Nonetheless, Palapa is a great food in a fun atmosphere. read more

Palapa - Two item combo with shredded crispy taco, cheese enchilada, rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Amazing food, fast service, a local favorite. The patio area is inviting and perfect in the summer!

This is a great place to eat at and enjoy an authentic taste at. The service is great to eat in person. I really like the breakfast and Mojarra Frita. read more

Really good carnitas and is one of our go-to burrito spots! Affordable (for SB) and good portions

Service was not good and the woman working there acted like we were inconveniencing her. We won't go back. read more

We were up here for a weekend and decided to eat Mexican food. We ate outside and the ambiance was great with umbrellas covering the sun on a beautiful day. The shrimp tacos were very good and was the burrito as four of us shared three dishes. Leo was a excellent server and really helped answer a bunch of questions about coming back with a much larger group in the near future. All four of us would come back if we wanted Mexican food while in Santa Barbara. read more

Fabulous Chile rellano plate. Different salsas a great added touched. Great service and prompt.

Dinner for 4. - Ambiance (2/5) Nondescript but big outdoor patio with good spacing between tables. Lots of food on the ground from previous meals though, so it felt grimy. - Service (4/5) Fast and friendly. - Chips (4/5) Nice chips with salsa. Wish the chips came out warmer. - Tostada Ceviche Cameron, $17.50 (3/5) Solid, pretty standard plate with good flavor and copious ingredients. Shrimp could have been a bit more tender. - Pozole, $12.50 (4/5) Tender chunks of meat, good flavor. I enjoyed this soup, though it was a bit oily. - Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, $19 (2/5) Not quite the punchy garlic flavor I was expecting, and it was coated in oil. The shrimp were over cooked as well. - Value (4/5) Considering the amount of food, these are reasonable prices. Bit curious though- the kids menu includes a scoop of ice cream in the end. Wasn't offered. We were pretty full though, so no biggie. - Final Word Pretty good portions, though flavor could've been bolder for a Mexican restaurant. read more

See all

We drove by and saw Palapa, so I looked it up on Yelp and saw it had really good reviews. Our meal did not disappoint! We loved the chips which are thin, crispy, fresh and flavorful. They are served with a robust salsa that had the perfect mix of ingredients and cilantro. For our meal, we each ordered a shrimp burrito, deluxe style with guacamole & sour cream. The shrimp filling has some onions and peppers and tasted fantastic. Two salsas are served with the burrito - a mild green salsa and a spicy red salsa. We had ice tea with our meal and it was brewed & fresh. The he entire meal was a pleasure to eat! The service is also excellent. Our server quickly brought us menus and drinks. The cook also visited us to see how we liked our meal. Really friendly service and great food - perfect combination! We enjoyed dining on the patio, because it was a beautiful day in Santa Barbara. read more

See all

Food is very sub par. Service is good. Nice people too. They need to improve their menu. read more

Palapa was right next to the hotel we stayed at, the Hyatt place in Santa Barbara. Palapa is great. Food was really good and ample portion. Also had the pozole soup, yummy. End with a flan, (tad expensive) but it's so good. Had all those Togo so can't comment too much on service. However then server that helped us was nice. read more

Was in town for a college lacrosse tournament. We stayed next door at the Hyatt. I ordered the chilie verde and it was very good. The staff is nice too. Our lacrosse girls wind up going here the next night with a party of 20+. Has indoor and outdoor seating! read more

By far, the MOST authentic Mexican food I have ever had in Santa Barbara! This place beats every Mexican place I have been to here. So so delicious! This was also the most swipe ups I got on my snapchat asking what this place was called. So everyone else thought it looked good too;) Their food is extremely flavorful. I got the chicken enchiladas mild and the sauce was so tart, tangy, and smooth. My friend got the fish tacos, and she said they were the best fish tacos she has ever had in her life. My friend specifically asked for his food spicy and they asked him if he was sure. Sure enough, he said his food was SUPER spicy. So if you like your food super spicy, ask them to make it hot. The service here is also just as amazing! The waiter and waitress attended to us whenever we needed and gave us some great recommendations. P.S. their soft drinks/ horchata/ jamaica have free refills!! I probably drank at least 3 good cups of jamaica. read more

See all

Service was just the right amount of attentive. Food came out fast and hot. The Campechana cocktail was prepared very well, although the seasonings were nothing special, the portion ratio of ingredients had every bite with either shrimp or octopus. The Palapa Supreme Burrito and the chicken and beef flautas plate were filling. The ambiance was clean, well-kept, and music was not too loud enough to still have a conversation with friends or your partner and have a good time. The reason I am giving it 4 starts was because it didn't have a significant taste or flavor that would make me remember this place. read more

Palapa - Chicken and Beef Flautas Plate, Campechana Cocktail, and Palapa Supreme Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

Good service and good restaurant the food was good the best was the cocktail de marisco