Always a must stop when on a run to Trader Joe's across the street. Their portions are big and the food is really good! Their salsa bar is very yummy and flavorful. Highly recommend ! read more

Still delicious as ever! She'll very much a locals hang, love the family that runs this place, service is great, salsa is super solid... and still the best carnitas in town! Love you guys read more

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Delicious! I had the pork chile verde platter, you can choose whether to get it with corn or flour tortilla (their corn tortillas are made in house). Also you get free chips and salsa for the table. The chile verde sauce was flavorful and had a great tang. The pork was also really good! read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Pork chile verde platter - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great breakfast burritos, steak burritos, and nachos. Friendly and fast. Decent salsa bar selection but limited. Easy parking on street or behind restaurant. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Menu Jan 3, 2026 - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Rosales is always a hit for me! I especially love their barbecue chicken weekend special. The salsas are incredible and the Customer Service is always phenomenal. Today we really enjoyed sitting on their beautiful front patio to enjoy the sun before the rain came on Sunday. read more

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Great Mexican food, fresh and homemade!! Service was great, and wonderful outside patio. They have their own parking lot, which is plentiful. Everyone here is sweet and friendly . Very clean bathrooms as well ! read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Fish taco and asada crunchy taco. Yummmmy!! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Rosales has great authentic Mexican food for a reasonable price. It's a no frills kind of place that is still clean and well maintained. You order at the counter and then the food is delivered to you. I had an assortment of tacos (carne asada, shrimp, and chicken) and ordered them on flour tortillas. They were much larger than I expected and all delicious. I was particularly impressed by the flavor and quality of the carne asada. read more

Staff was very helpful in splitting one meal for my husband and I. We were sorry we could not eat more because the food was delicious! We hope to travel through the area soon to stop here again. read more

Good service, very clean and we both enjoyed our tostadas. One with carnitas and one with asada.

Love it- easy low key and friendly service! I actually love that we got to order our food at the counter- so quick! The gal was really nice, handed us free chips and cups for the salsa bar which included habanero salsa, spicy avocado salsa, and green thick salsa plus limes and lemons, onions and cilantro. We got the huevos- so good, corn tortillas or flour tortillas on the side with one corn tortilla, eggs over easy, runny delicious refried beans and red rice- big portion - have enough for a second meal! The coffee was good too and the patio is dog friendly! They had a grill on the patio too, intriguing read more

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Stopped by for first time and was very delicious food. Definitely will come again to try some other foods on the menu. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Nachos would smack if they had more meat! Burrito was solid. Ordered to go and food was still warm when I got home read more

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Phenomenal Mojarra !!! We were in Santa barbara for the day and I was craving Mojarra ( Fried Tilapia). We saw a few places that offered it on Yelp, and decided to go with this Rosales. I was nervous since i normally eat mojarra at fish markets where the Tilapia is alive and cooked on the spot... so as fresh as possible. I was surprised. This Tilapia was phenomenal!!! Fresh and so delicious. They cut it up in squares which is very convenient and easy to pull apart. You have to try it !!! We also got some sopes which were delicious. The corn tortillas were hand made and the salsas were really good. If your in Santa barbara - I highly recommend. The staff were so nice!! We will definitely be back. read more

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I do not like giving bad reviews but thought I should give a sort of heads up. I will start by saying this is a nice little hole in the wall spot for where I imagine the locals eat. It seemed clean and the service was great! I also liked all the selections of salsas and the Jamaica and tamarindo frescas were good. However, I ordered the menudo and I could not eat it. I tried so bad to eat it but after the 4th bite I could not convince myself. The menudo smelled like farm. I'm assuming it was not cleaned well. In all my life I have not had menudo that smelled or tasted like that. Now perhaps I'm picky because I grew up on menudo that was cleaned very well but I do not think it is ok for it to taste or smell like it did at this restaurant. The chips for the Nachos were also stale. I threw all that menudo away but did not ask for a refund or anything. Fair warning if you do decide to get it. Not sure if I'd be back here. read more

Not as good as our visit a few years ago. Chicken enchiladas did not have much chicken and it was a bit tough. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Chicken Enchiladas Plate - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

On a humble, unassuming corner of Milpas Street, the kitchen here is cooking up delcious and authentic Mexican street food. With La Super Rica down the street, you have to bring your A game. And they certainly do here. The litmus test of rice and beans was passed with flying colors. Each is delcious and could stand alone to retrieve mom's approval. The huevos con chorizo are also delcious and taste homemade. They have daily specials, and today was the day for costillas de puerco ... pork riblets in a spicy and savory red chile sauce like mom used to make. Medium spice and great seasoning compliment the braised pork, which just melts in your mouth. The service is no frills here... order at the counter, and they bring out your food... hot and ready to be enjoyed. Seems like a locals spot, so I hope I don't ruin it for anyone, but I prefer to eat like a local when I visit, and this is a place for great Mexican food. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Huevos con chorizo.. Bomba! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Came by a second time in a week since I was interested in their Mesquite Chicken special (only on weekends). I ended up also ordering another chile verde burrito since the last one I had was AMAZING. Best Chile verde burrito I've had. They throw in some pork fat or pork skin bits and it's perfect with the leaner pork that's stewed. The tortilla is fresh. It's a good size to share. Now onto the mesquite chicken. It was awesome. It's what Chicken Ranch wishes it was. You taste the wood smoke, it's tender, not dry. And their rice and beans are SO good in comparison. It's fluffy and the beans are perfectly cooked. I wish I ate their chicken sooner because I definitely wouldn't eat smoked chicken anywhere else in town Everything is never too greasy or heavy. Just really good cooking with fresh ingredients and lots of soul :) I would definitely eat here again. read more

So good! Popped in here for breakfast and their menu is served all day long. I asked what they were known for and was told the chicken enchiladas and breakfast burritos (and something else, I don't recall). We got chicken enchiladas and a chile relleno burrito. Did not disappoint! We absolutely loved it and it and their salsas were amazing! Casual, easy and extremely tasty! Also to note, they have their own private parking lot so you don't have to fight/search for parking. Super plus! read more

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This place is more like a to go place. The ambience is a little off. The restaurant can use some love. The customer service was great. We tried the enchiladas and chilaquiles. The green chilaquiles were good. The red enchiladas kinda tasted like pizza sauce. I saw a lot of working guys picking up orders to go. It was pretty busy (To go orders). The dinning room was empty. This was during lunch. Maybe I came on an off day or their other food is better. I'm not sure if I'd recommend it but maybe try it and give it a chance. read more

Tasty nothing out of the ordinary and affordable, simple, fast and friendly. Ambiance is chili, open space. Order: 1menudo and 1torta total$44.52 (including tip) read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Torta de asada - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great food great service very clean. Can't wait to come back to SANTA BARBARA to eat here again.

Bottom Line: A great local spot!! We have been going here for years, and the food is always been good. I have had fajitas, burritos, enchiladas... All of it's been good. This is one of my favorite places to sit outside with a Negro, Modelo, and one of their best plates, and just relax . This salsa is always good, a tad spicy for me, but I am also a gringo ..... ‍ Don't pass up this place! Give it a shot read more

Every was okay, not great. Food was Brought out as prepared and not as a family. Quick service. read more

The food was DELICIOUS. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and they were the best enchiladas I have ever had. Devoured the whole plate. Highly recommend! & workers were so kind! Very cool spot to sit and hang out too read more

Stumbled upon this little place and was pleasantly surprised. First impression - clean! The tables, serving dishes, floors, even the bathrooms, all clean. The food was delicious and served promptly. We will be returning here when we visit Santa Barbara again. We ate outside on the patio. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Shredded beef taco and carnitas taco meal. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Whether take out or dine in I have always had a great experience at Rosales! I love the fresh corn tortillas and the green salsa is a nice mild/ medium so you can smother everything with it and not OD on spice. Affordable, delicious, and always good friendly service. I also want to make a plug for the piping hot food coming out of the kitchen as food temp is always very important to me. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Enchiladas divorciadas de pollo - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Rosale Burritos is hands-down one of the best Mexican spots I've ever been to. The burritos are insanely good--perfectly seasoned, generously stuffed, and wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla that just melts in your mouth. You can tell everything is made fresh with care. I got the carne asada burrito and it was packed with flavor. The meat was tender and juicy, the rice and beans were spot-on, and the salsa had just the right kick. It's one of those places you try once and immediately start thinking about when you can come back. Super friendly staff, quick service, and great prices too. Whether you're a local or just passing through Santa Barbara, do not miss this place. Total hidden gem. read more

We ordered the mojarra frita on a slow Monday afternoon, service was great food came out fast and it was very tasty. Being visitors to the town and coming here based off photos, I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome! Thank you! read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - mojarra frita - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Service: This is not a sit down restaurant that provides menu and you order. You have to go up to the register to order. That's okay but we stood up by the cash register for a long time waiting for someone to take out order. Once we placed our order the gal served a small basket of chips and put it to the side. I was a bit embarrassed since she did not offer them to me. I asked if they were for us. She said yes. I would like to Stress the Service is HORRIBLE. Food: We came to order 3 Menudos. Their menudo has chicken bouillon therefore threw off the taste. The chips are not warm they look like bag store bought chips. Oh well We ended up ordering a Mojara (fried fish) and it was Pretty GOOD. If you are on the hunt for Menudo this is NOT the place. read more

Warning: This review may invoke strong opinions from the Los Agaves Fan Club but hear me out: Rosales is the best Mexican Food in Santa Barbara. Why? Just took a gander at the beautifully crafted Chimichanga and Horchata in my photos. I've been in Santa Barbara for nearly 20 years and have seen Mexican Places come and go, from Goleta to Montecito. Rosales is authentic, consistent, and delicious. The menu is large without losing focus. Staff is friendly and this place is family owned. Nurse a hangover, dine with friends and family, or get take out. My favorite Mexican spot in SB. I'm sorry Los Agaves, you were a favorite for so long but Rosales takes the cake. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Chimichanga Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Went to Rosales this weekend for the first time. It won't be my last. I enjoyed everything about my meal beginning with the flavourful salsas. The rich beans and rice was fantastic. Each of the Enchiladas were great too. I'm hoping my next trip will find me there early enough to order the breakfast burrito. I bet its excellent. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - 4/29 delish veggie enchiladas---half eaten - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Went for a hike in Santa Barbara and came across this restaurant by accident. Very good salsas, fajitas and how chile relleno. Prices were very reasonable, we would come Back again. read more

quick update over a year later: I've come back a handful of times since the first review, but yesterday I came back to experience that delicious shrimp burrito I'd had before. It came to over $15 with tax, and I was bummed to find there were no beans in the burrito. I could have sworn it had beans the first time I tried it. This time it was garlicky and flavorful, but too rich for me. Lots and lots of butter, it seems. I had heartburn afterward and woke up today feeling super indigested. I'm updating this to say: I recommend the enchilada plates and the tamales and pretty much everything. But I no longer can endorse the shrimp burrito. Is 'no frijoles' in camarones burrito considered authentica? If it is, excuse my ignorance. read more

Went here for the first time last night as a last stop before heading home, and I'm so glad I did! Definitely adding it to my list of places I'll be back to when I'm in SB again. The staff was very friendly, the food was brought out pretty quick, and it was delicious. Prices are very fair. Neither of our plates came with the little salad as shown in the photos other have posted, not sure why, but it's not a big deal. Portions are a little smaller than most other Mexican restaurants, but still satisfying. I got the cheese enchilada combo with green sauce instead of red, delicious! I can tell they make the sauce from scratch, which is something I have noticed not all Mexican restaurants do lately! There is a big difference in flavor between the two, and this one definitely passed the flavor test. The refried beans and red rice I can also taste is made from scratch and not canned. It has very authentic flavors. If you wonder if the Mexican food you have had previously is authentic or not, I would use the food here to compare. Bistek a la mexicana was flavor approved as well! Simple, traditional, and made right. I loved their chips and salsa. The chips were warm and crispy, and not too thick where they're hard to much on and not too thin where they break with the salsa. They were just right. Their agua de horchata is a must try! So refreshing and satisfying. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Best Mexican food in Santa Barbara area. I am from LA and this place made me feel like I was eating at a local favorite back home.

Delicious cheese enchiladas with green sauce. Friendly people working there. Love the salsas for the tortilla chips, which are also quite tasty on your food. Highly recommend. Can't wait to to back! read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Cheese Enchiladas Plate with green sauce. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We were craving Mexican and looking for a place that had both tamales and fajitas. There ended up being so many great options we could hardly decide and everyone in our family ordered something different. It started with complimentary chips and a self-serve salsa bar. Between the 4 of us, we ordered the carnitas tostada, chicken burrito, pork tamale, chicken enchilada, and chicken fajitas. We don't usually go for chicken over other meats, but we saw the recommendations and their chicken was delicious and moist across all of the dishes. The fajitas arrived sizzling on a hot plate and the onions were cooked perfectly. Wished we lived in SB so we could be back more often! read more

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Easily the best menudo in town, a bit pricey but honestly I don't mind it's very good ... Wish the customer service from the girls at the register was better but the guys & cooks always have a smile on their faces .. read more

YUM! I love Rosales. Their burritos are so good. It's always so easy to get a table and food comes quickly. It's so much food that I can never finish a burrito in one sitting haha! They grill the exterior and it's easy to eat with a fork or by hand. The red hot sauce is creamy but packs a good amount of heat. I highly recommend a chicken burrito with red hot sauce. Delicious! They've got parking right next door and prices are totally affordable. read more

Rosales Mexican Restaurant - Chicken burrito with guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Stopped at Rosales in the middle of our road trip, and it was absolutely the right choice. The food was so fresh, service was great, and portions were excellent. We ordered a shrimp ceviche tostada, 2 veggie quesadillas which came with guac, and one order of fish enchiladas. They have a nice outdoor setup, so we enjoyed our food in the cool weather outside. Definitely a place we would revisit! read more

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