Mesquite-grilled meat - nothing quite like it. I've been a fan of SB Chicken Ranch ever since they had opened up in their Goleta location. I was a teenager at the time and an employee at the neighboring Vons grocery store. Needless to say, many of my lunch/dinner breaks were spent here. I came to love their simple but hearty menu. Restaurants can confuse the patron when there are dozens of items to order. Not here - just the basics which I enjoy. I'm a big proponent to their tri tip burrito which is positively loaded with fillings - and the staff certainly don't skimp on the meat! I also loved how this location once sold the Orange Bang drink, no matter how sugary it was. It was a favorite of mine and I didn't know of any other restaurant in the area that sold it. I've also had SB Chicken Ranch cater events and must say that the execution as a whole was very professional. The food was packaged well and my guests were all in awe. Try this spot out if you're in the mood for a tasty, filling, no-nonsense meal. read more

One of my coworkers brought this to lunch and it smelled really good, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered a half/half plate, with both tri-tip and chicken. Unfortunately, the plate didn't live up the my expectations. The chicken was greasy and the tri-top was bland. Neither had very good flavor. However, the beans and rice were pretty good, and the salsa was the best part of the meal, as it was full of flavor. I would maybe try here again, but order a burrito instead. read more

I heard a lot of good stuff about this place and I was looking forward to trying it. Unfortunately it's about as good as El Pollo Loco. If you're looking for a real Mexican Rancho style barbecue check out El Pollo Norteño in Oxnard. That's the real deal. read more

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch - It's not bad. Just not that great. Chicken pieces are pretty small and the flavor is nothing special. It's just like El Pollo Loco. - Mexican Near Me - Goleta, California

Love the Goleta location! Staff is super nice and the menu is straightforward and to the point. Love the different options available when ordering online read more

Thoroughly dissapointed last night. All of our food (2 burritos, tri-tip and chicken) were awful. Both burritos were supposed to have Guacamole to which you could barely see a shmear. Tri-tip burrito had two dry pieces of meat and tons of rice. The chicken burrito had crazy amounts of cheese and rice. Also, all the burritos had hardly any beans. The sides of dry old chicken and super dry tri-tip that tastes like beef jerky were the icing. The young men "working" were not attentive at all. A customer before me was begging for their order and the resturant was almost empty and he was clearly getting frustrated. It definitely felt like they were goofing off a bit for sure. The salsa buffet was a hot mess as well. I usually only visit the De LA Vina St. location because this would never and has never ever happened there. What is really going on Goleta? I feel like I bought an imitation version of "Chicken ranch". For the first time in my life here in SB we all had to put our food in the trash. I'm just in shock this even happened but seriously, I should have gone DT Instead smh. read more

I have dreams about the combo burrito. It's beautiful and delicious in every single way. I would marry that burrito.

We used to love chicken ranch but something big has changed. The chicken and steak is dry now and pretty flavorless and the rice stale. I'm sad because this was one of our favorite places for reliable flavor. I hope the one on De la vina is still good. read more

Best chicken and tri tip in town! Casual order at the counter place, the star is their tasty chicken and Tri-tip which is yummmmm. My go to and favorite is quarter chicken plate. Love the salsa bar with pickled onions and peppers, roasted salsa. Flour tortillas are the way to go, grilled up to perfection. read more

My first time at Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch was pretty pleasant: we came around 1:30, and the restaurant had patrons but was mostly quiet. It's located in the Fairview shopping complex near Vons, Starbucks, Michaels, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and Panda Express. The way it works is you order up front at the counter, you can sit wherever you like, and you pick up your food from the counter when it's ready. There's also a salsa station with sauces and pico adjacent to the ordering counter for your needs. From what I understood from the menu board, you can order more sides as you see fit. My boyfriend ordered the 1/4 tri-tip plate, and I ordered the 1/4 chicken plate. The set-up of these plates are pretty simple: you get your choice of meat, a pretty good scoop of rice, beans, and tortillas (either flour or corn) that come wrapped in aluminum foil. The tri-tip was pretty tender and juicy as was the chicken; so we both left feeling pretty satisfied. They were pretty good portions so everything was just right. I think more than anything, we enjoyed the simplicity of the food. It was nothing too fancy or too out there, just really good food with simple presentation that hits the spot. So it's definitely great for a weekend lunch or even for ordering out. Would we come back here? Probably. I think it's definitely a place everyone living in the area should try at least once. I think there's definitely other places in the area that are more elaborate and have more options on their menu. But I think if it's simplicity and grilled chicken or tri-tip are what you're craving, then this would be the best place for you. read more

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch - 1/4 Chicken Plate with rice, beans, and tortillas. - Mexican Near Me - Goleta, California

My husband loves the tri tip burrito and I always get the chicken plate. The chicken is grilled to perfection and I enjoy all their salsas.

I have read negative reviews of this location, mostly to do with customer service. It might be the fast food vibe that we think instant service is a right. I personally have never had to wait for ordering unless there was a long line. The food is lightly seasoned so the customer can experience the true taste of chicken or steak. The burritos include rice and beans also lightly seasoned. Which is perfect because they have a salsa and condiments bar. The menu is simple and the food is prepared well. Yes it has a fast food vibe but that is real chicken back there roasting on real flames. The prices are reasonable and the bathrooms are clean, as is the restaurant. When people are not taking orders they clean tables and floors. I'm coming back. read more

Burritos in SB are often quite expensive and they can be a hit or miss. Luckily, at SBR the combo burrito is one of the best in town and it's super affordable! I usually add the guac and it changes the game. Super yummy food at a great price and fast service always has me coming back. read more

Love the chicken plates and burritos. Chicken ranch is great for a quick meal or for catering a large group. You can't go wrong with their chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa! read more

Oh my goodness the deliciousness...I'd forgotten how tasty Chicken Ranch was. I was going to eat cheese and cinnamon rolls for dinner- I figure if I'm cooking at home for every meal, I may as well get weird with it... but we put in an order to keep life simple tonight. I have not had a meal this comforting in a while. Our food was ready when we arrived, the staff were super kind. It was reassuring to see and talk to another human out in the world. In our "shelter in place" existence, next time we make a grocery run, I will definitely add this to the necessary to do list. read more

Clients suggested this place for lunch. A quick peek at Yelp on the drive over indicated Tri-tips were the hit pick. Those reviewers were right! Eating here was a great option to fast food, or some of the other choices near the airport. I can't wait to be in Goleta and eat here again. read more

I love Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch, I don't know why I didn't write a review for this place when I was here for graduate school. I always get the 1/4 chicken plate with extra chips which go very well with the delicious salsa available at the Salsa bar. The meat is just smokey enough and very tasty. Simple restaurant where you pay at the register and they bring you the food. Wet naps are available to clean up but sometimes they are dried out. The only real negative that I found is that the chips are not my favorite. A bit dry in my opinion. read more

Love the food here and the service! Everyone is kind and helpful! Will be a customer for good - we are new Goleta residents and happy to find good food for takeout during this pandemic time!!! read more

Delicious! Very simple menu and that made the experience better. Their chicken burrito is very simple and outstanding; chicken, rice, beans, and cheese. Of course you can add extra but why bother! The salsa's were good, though a little too spicy for me but I can't handle spice the older I get. :( read more

The chicken was decent and freshly cooked. The lady at counter is rude, especially if you ordered online. She expects you to know their inner workings and that your order won't be in the computer at the counter... read more

First time to Chicken Ranch. I had the combo burrito with chicken and tri-tip. I really enjoyed it especially the "asada" salsa with roasted peppers. Nice atmosphere and good customer service. I'd come back again just for the "asada" salsa. Just a note, after reading recent previous reviews, no one was on a cell phone and all staff were pleasant. Thanks. read more

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch - Mexican Near Me - Goleta, California

Sb Chicken ranch is one of my favorite go to restaurants in SB and sadly after tonight's experience at the Goleta spot, De La Vina's location will be the only one I will continue to visit. Upon arrival there was only 1 couple having dinner at the restaurant but a significant amount of employees. The cashiers were off to the side hanging out, eating, applying their makeup and clearly to busy to acknowledge customers walking in. We stood at the register for about a minute before she approached us & when she did it was almost as if she was bothered at the fact that we interrupted them. If the employees payed as much attention to their customers as they do to socializing amongst themselves it would make this place much better. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time we've received poor service from this specific location. Spare yourself the bad experience, drive south 10 min and go to the one on De La Vina where not only will you get amazing quality food but a level of service to accompany it. read more

I love this spot. They always accommodate my orders and they are always ready right on time. The staff is very friendly and attend to you in a timely matter. read more

Decent food at a decent price. The setup of the restaurant itself (at least in Goleta) is a little awkward, but I liked the 'ranch-y' decor. They have a condiment and salsa bar, and everything I tried on it was good. I wasn't terribly hungry, so I got the cheese quesadillas, which came with chips and salsa. They were good -- not the best I've ever had, but far from the worst. The chicken looked good, and I'll be sure to try that out next time. read more

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch - Mexican Near Me - Goleta, California

My husband introduced me to this place, and both of us now love it. I like the combo burrito and he loves the tri-tip burrito. The chips and salsa are amazing. The salsa is something I would buy by the pound if I lived closer. Holy flavor! The tortillas are homemade, and the service is always good. They still have horchata despite all the pandemic hoopla. SB Chicken Ranch never fails us. read more

I usually have a good experience at Chicken Ranch but not today. The tri-tip tasted like last nights tri tip meat (dry and no flavor). It will be some time before i go again just to try and clear the bad taste of old trip tip out of my mouth. I would recommend Chicken Ranch on any other occasion when old tri tip isn't used for their quesadillas read more

Love this place, used to be incredibly consistent even with covid and always great food. Sadly the past few visits have been lack luster, chicken has become extremely oily and over cooked, beans and rice still good, salsa hasn't been consistent either. Some days it lacks spice and heat, other days it really packs a good punch but the quality has definitely gone down, which is a shame. read more

Iused to love chicken ranch. Because of where I live now, I go to the Fairview store. I am disappointed almost every time. Either the chicken is too dry, they get my order wrong or it doesn't have the flavor normally has. Update The chicken has become soooo salty! read more

Inedible.....disgusting......the Tri-tip was worse than shoe leather. I chewed it in my mouth for 5 minutes and it wouldn't break down. I spit the whole wad out. The reviewers who like it must be friends of the owner or they are people have never had a decent meal in their whole life. Shame on you, 'SB Chicken Ranch' for robbing your customers of their hard earned money. read more

Ok this place has really stepped up its game! Great customer service and friendly faces! And love the cooks! And the food ain't half bad either! Well done guys! read more

I like the flavor of the chicken more than the tri-tip, but don't get me wrong I order tri-tip today. The only thing is that today it seemed to me that they were giving smaller portions than usual. Even another customer in front of me told the cashier that the chicken drumstick was really small (and it was). She just told him "yes that's the quarter plate". I thought to myself "Girl, he needs to eat, he is a construction worker and he will be hungry the rest of his day". I should have asked him if I could have taken a picture. In any case, I love the food and their Salsa Asada to me is the best. read more

I keep coming back because I WANT to love this place, but I always leave pretty disappointed. Personally, I think the tri tip is only average. Dry. The rice and beans are also pretty bland and leave something to be desired. I'd recommend going with any of the burrito options, because they at least give you some cheese with it. I do really like all the condiments: salsa, pickled onions, hot sauce. I also like that they only have a few options as far as plates and burritos go, makes the choice simpler. Crossing my fingers that someday I will have an amazing meal here. read more

So, I've been on a quest to find chicken for quite some time. I pulled to the side when I was driving up the 101. Did not know what I was smelling nor did it have a strong scent. Went into"Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch" expecting fried chicken, but negative. BBQ Grilled Chicken and Tri-Tip (tender and flavorful). I ordered up a combo and it was DELICIOUS!!!! Service was great too! I was worried that I wouldn't be around the area for a while, so I ordered seconds "Combination Burrito" took a bite before departing, but it wasn't as good as the standalones. Personally, I wouldn't do the burrito again, but that might be cause I don't like beans much! read more

No, just no. Me and my roommate came here to quickly grab food while our friend went to Starbucks. She got a 4 piece chicken and I got a 1/4 tri-tip, and we intended to split both. Her chicken came with two real pieces and two jokes. One was a wing, and the other a drumstick, just the drumstick, no thigh. And it cost $7. This was bad, but my tri-tip was asinine. It cost $4 and literally amounted to an inch thick slice of meat. It wasn't enough to fill a children's sandwich. I thought we were going to have too much food but we ended up hungry. The tri-tip was salty but moist, and the chicken really wasn't better-tasting than El Pollo Loco in any sense. The only redeeming factor are the marinated onions, those were nice. But I won't be back for an onion, or to be manipulated and cruelly used by these people. read more

This is the second time I had a really dry burrito. The rice was old the beef was dry and had no flavor. The chips were store-bought and stale! Next time I spend 8.10 I will do it somewhere else. read more

Decent food at a reasonable price. I don't go wild when I consider eating at this place, but I know the food is consistently good and simple. Good guacamole! Service is usually great and the new location is spacious, even if a bit awkwardly divided. read more

OOF. FFS. This is one of those places that will F* you when they get the chance. I ordered some Tri-Tip. Came out in two minutes over cooked. They took a phone call and lied about the chicken availability. There were so many grilling I could physically see it was complete bs. This is the kinda place that's gonna judge you when you walk in and determine portion sizes. I went to Red Pepper for the good good. Amazing Chinese food but they were closed and I ended up here and will never go again. Bad period. Over priced. Not worth it. God damn what horrible service. read more

I haven't visited the actual restaurant, but ordered food through sbmenus.com and was very happy with everything. The barbecue chicken was delicious and even though it's just me, I ordered the full chicken with enough beans, rice, tortillas and delicious salsa to last me a couple of days. Everything was top notch, especially the salsa. read more

This is a great place for BBQ chicken or steak. The burritos are also very tasty. I recommend the combo burrito (both chicken and steak).

The chicken here is very juicy and the skin is crispy- the perfect combination. I wasn't the biggest fan of the tri tip in comparison to the chicken, but it seems to be a popular item on the menu. I could live without the beans and the flour tortillas, and would love to see something like a side of sweet corn or other steamed vegetable. Also, I appreciate the prices, as I feel like they're very reasonable. read more

The combination of the wonderful smoky smell that always comes from this place + the awesome low-budget commercials made us expect more (seriously, how can you not love those commercials?). We got a combo plate to go to try at home. The interior is very nice, plenty of seating, and service was super speedy. We got home, and opened the styrofoam box, revealing 5 small pieces of tri-tip, two pieces of chicken, 4 corn tortillas, and small cups of rice and beans. The tri-tip was overcooked. These guys got nothing on Cold Spring Tavern. The chicken was delicious - tender and flavorful. The beans were a little "al dente" as Casey described, but I thought they were good. And the rice was okay. Overall, not very memorable. We probably won't be returning (if we did, we'd just get the chicken). So unlike the commercial which claims "it IS the best!".... not so much :-( We wanted to like it more! read more