My friend's family grew up in Santa Barbara, and her brother suggested I visit Tacos Pipeye. I didn't want to leave Santa Barbara without getting proper tacos, so naturally I took his advice. And the tacos were amazing! Four for $12 is such a good deal. I got the chicharron, al pastor, chorizo with potatoes, and carnitas. A symphony of pork if you will. Each filling was very flavorful. The meats were marinated and seasoned well. But then adding the salsas balanced the richness of each type of pork. To break it down even further, the carnitas were juicy. The al pastor had a nice smoky notes. The texture of the chicharron was soft due to the saturation from the salsa, yet still had a some chewiness. And the chorizo and potatoes were filling. Lastly, the handmade corn tortillas were soft and also flavorful. My mom got the quesadilla with carnitas, and that was also really good. We added a side of rice because rice is life, and it was fluffy with a nice brightness from the tomatoes. Service was great - the gentleman who took our order was friendly and welcoming. The space is small, but the tacos come out fast so turn around time can be quick. There's bar seating inside and out, and there's a few tables inside as well. It's going to be hard to go anywhere else if I want tacos. I'm totally coming back for more. read more

Tacos Pipeye - Chicharron, carnitas, chorizo con papas, al pastor - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Perhaps the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara when considering over all meal options. Amazing selection from the mouth watering tacos to the wickedly delicious Red Chicken Mole. Their Chicken soup is my go to when it's cold or someone is sick. The truck is to make sure you add a couple squeezes of lime slices in the soup. Not only delicious but a natural cure all. Another highlight that cannot be overlooked.... One of the best selections of Agua frescas in town. You're basically looking at 3 different options that are all delicious. I really can't pick a favorite, I'm just saying you gotta try one. The only thing that can be tricky is the parking. Be patient and try not to cross Milpas unless you're using a lighted crosswalk. Get in there and grab yourself some of the best Mexican food Santa Barbara has to offer. . Id add an extra Star if I could! .. There . read more

Was craving a burrito BAD after making the drive up to SB for the weekend. Tacos Popeye wasn't me first choice, but I'm very glad that this is where I ended up. Tacos Pipeye makes a hefty burrito filled with basically whatever meat you can think of. I got the carnitas this time -- a tried and true favorite -- but next time I find myself in the area I'll have to try the pork belly burrito. Two friends also ordered the steak and barbacoa burritos and both also looked divine. Service was super quick and super friendly as well, they've got it down to a science at Tacos Pipeye. read more

Next taco stop Pipeye Food Truck on Cota & Milpas! Right in the parking lot of Big Brand Tire. Music blasting and suddenly it feels like a Mexican fiesta... and I'm invited! Lively, casual and the staff greet you with big smiles. Ordered the shrimp taco. Sautéed shrimp topped with shredded cabbage and their special dressing, almost like a fresh coleslaw topping. Lots of garnishes to choose from too. I added the salsa with nopal. Great combo! But what really made the experience was the whole scene: watching fresh tortillas being made, tacos being prepared right in front of you, people coming and going, and Karol G and Bad Bunny playing in the background. The vibe is HIGH! Viva la fiesta! For a moment I felt transported somewhere else... but nope, still local Santa Barbara. And that makes it even more special. Thank you so much! read more

See all

First time trying this place and definitely not the last time. Just came in to try something and I tried a beef Gordita. It was delicious. Service was fine. Small place with limited seating. I read more

Tacos Pipeye - Gordita with beef and I added salsa and radish. - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We came up to Santa Barbara for a late Valentine's Day getaway, and wanted to get a quick bite before heading back down! We found this place highly recommend on Yelp and Reddit so we took the chance! I know I was already going to like this place because both tvs were place soccer and the business is very firm about not welcoming unwanted organizations into their community ( iykyk) The restaurant itself is very quaint with about four tables and a countertop and another two TVs displaying their full menu! We decided to do the four tacos for $12 deal just to try different meats that they had to offer ! We got three Asada, two lamb, one al pastor, one pork belly and one chorizo con papas. We absolutely devoured every taco it was so good! The handmade tortillas and each meat tender and savory! My partner (who doesn't really prefer tacos) was so genuinely impressed that he wanted to order another 4 more. I was so impressed with the tortilla that's i had to go up to the cashier and asked if they sells the tortillas itself and yes they did!! 3 tortillas for $2 which is an absolute steal! ( i bought $10 worth to bring home ^~^) We totally decided to come back to Santa Barbara more often just for this restaurant alone! Thank you staff for making amazing food and stand up for your community ‍ read more

Tacos Pipeye - Tortillas - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

A taco standout on Milpas Street, and that's saying a lot. Four tacos for $12? In this economy? Respect. Especially when they're made with handmade corn tortillas that actually hold up and don't fall apart mid-bite. My regular order includes the barbacoa, chicharrón, mushrooms, and rajas con queso. Solid across the board. The barbacoa con consomé deserves its own shoutout. Rich, comforting, and not overdone. The salsa bar is legit, ranging from mild to spicy with all the proper taco fixings. No sad toppings here. Drinks are on point too with rotating aguas frescas, Mexican bottled sodas, and yes, they've got chelas too. Service is fast, the setup is casual, and it's the kind of place you can hit for a quick lunch or an easy dinner without overthinking it. Bonus points for being friendly to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Milpas has no shortage of tacos, but this spot earns its place in the rotation. No gimmicks, no hype, just good tacos done right. read more

Tacos Pipeye - barbacoa tacos con consomé - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

Found this place randomly on a trip up from LA. We literally planned another trip just to go back. Some of the best tacos I've ever had in my life. Handmade tortillas, delicious salsas, family running the place. I can't get enough. It's a small spot but the people and service are great. The barbacoa is to die for, carnitas is so tender and delicious. They also have rotating agua fresca so there's always a cool drink to be had. Driving back next week just to buy two dozen tortillas. read more

LOVE this place! I go here almost every tuesday. Chorizo Con Papas tacos are the bomb!! And everyone there is super friendly.

Driving on the 101 FWY to northern Cali. Stopped and had tacos de asada, al pastor and buche. They were excellent, corn tortillas were freshly made. Staff was friendly read more

I am a sucker for locally owned, family operated businesses. Throw in handmade tortillas/salsas/amazing food and you have me! Tacos Pipeye nails it. According to the owner, this restaurant has been in operation for 8 years after starting off as a food truck ( which is still in use). Love that! I got the chilaquiles with green sauce. The salsa bar has several options. I like the spicy red sauce. The tacos are super popular. The pazole is the silent weekend celebrity... based on the continuous lines and regular business. The owner is friendly and gave excellent recommendations. The restaurant itself is located on busy Milpas with some counter seating and tables. I'll definitely be back. read more

Was not a fan of the pastor. The chili relleno had no flavor and needed salt. Was also not a fan of the unmelted block of cheese inside. Very disappointed read more

One of the best breakfast burritos I have ever had! Compared to other restaurants, my Bacon Breakfast Burrito had the perfect amount of ingredients, whereas many "other places" rely too heavily on potatoes and not nearly enough protein. The service here is friendly, engaging and timely. Love the look of the classic, diner-style counter and barstools! Will definitely be dining here again! read more

See all

I could eat their carnitas tacos every day for the rest of my life. The carnitas is sooo good and their tortillas are fresh and delicious. Every time I come here the service is so fast and the workers are very nice and friendly!! Also $12 for 4 tacos?? YES. read more

We went to this place on a Monday close to lunch and it was empty but few minutes after we ordered it got packed. We had the 4 tacos for $12 and they were pretty good. I had the carne asada tacos and they were very tasty. They offer a bar where you can get your own salsas. Place was good! read more

We ate at Tacos Pipeye today to celebrate a birthday because it is our favorite Mexican place in Santa Barbara and that is saying a lot. We order something different every time we go, which is unusual for me, but every single thing we have eaten here has been so good. So I finally decided to leave this review because today I had the chicken enchilada and OMG it was the best enchilada I have ever had. I think I need a refund from every other place I have ever ordered enchiladas. I was piled with lettuce, sour cream, queso fresco and the flavor was amazing. John had the mole chicken. Cold beers. Fantastic salsa, onions, cilantro, radishes and just the NICEST people there. We have had every single one of the tacos and they are all delicious, but that LAMB!... You have just got to try it. I could go on and on about every dish, but you get it. Wait! I have to mention the posole, which is only available on Friday and Saturday. It is SO DELICIOUS! It is tiny with not that many tables and some bar seating, but a wait is worth it. Bonus: at Christmas we had breakfast there and there were Christmas lights that blinked in time to Bad Bunny. Such a fun, friendly, wonderful place. read more

Day three and still delicious. Gets busy on the weekends. Love the salsa bar. Tacos are their specialty.

best tacos in santa barbara hands down and so cheap. get 4 barbacoa and nothing else just take my word for it ok. service always friendly

Decent portion, delicious food , and friendly staff so far. It's across the street from trader's Joe.

Delicious. We stumbled upon the gem and we will be back. Food was generous and delicious and the owner was so gracious

After a show at the Bowl, I didn't want to call an uber and sit in traffic so I walked a few blocks and this truck appeared. I didn't look it up but saw many patrons so I gave it a try and I can't stop thinking about the next time I get to go! First off, the tortillas were being pressed as I sat and waited. Rajas con queso and adobado tacos were what I chose. Delicious. Crispy cheese on the rajas, adobado flavor increíble. The sauces were superb. So nice to let me finish as they were closing up. I'll be back. read more

Really good food and the prices are great! Staff is super friendly! We will be back!!

Spending a couple weeks in SB and heard a few locals rave about the menudo and chorizo con papas that they serve here so I had to come check out. It did not dissapoint! When I got there at 12, there was no line thankfully and my food was out in minutes. But once my food arrived that place was PACKED with a line. Got the 4 tacos for $12. Decided to go with 1 asada, 1 al pastor, 1 chorizo con papa and 1 barbacoa. The asada was ok, needed salt. The barbacoa was good. However the al pastor was very good. The star of the show of course was the chorizo con papa. I would defenitly come back for that again and get it in a burrito next time. The tortillas are also handmade and so amazing. The salsa bar is a great touch and I appreciate those. A good variety of salsas to may I add. A couple days a later a co worker brought menudo and it was amazing! Some of the best menudo I've had from a resteraunt. If your a fan of chorizo con papas or menudo, you need to come check them out! read more

Tacos Pipeye - 4 tacos for $12 (chorizo con papa and al pastor highly reccomended) - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Superrrr rico! One of the only taco places in SB area that give authentic and not 'white-ified' lol. The agua frescas are also delicious! One of my favorite lunch places! read more

Tacos Pipeye - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Wanted to grab a quick lunch to go to enjoy near the wharf. Tacos Pipeye was the perfect choice. Got two asada tacos and two Al pastor. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the service was very friendly and helpful! We bought two coke bottles but their fridge had stopped working so he was kind enough to give us two cups filled with ice. They had the soccer game on the tv. Amazing sauces and sides to go. What more do you need? Perfect lunch, perfect little spot. read more

Tacos Pipeye - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

They serve great Mexican food which appears to be made from scratch on the premises. The tortillas are handmade and perfect. i am currently working may way through their menu. Today, I had Costillas de Puerco en Salsa Verde. They were made with pork ribs rather than cubes of pork like those found at every other Mexican restaurant in town. read more

Food was quite yummy. I would recommend the pescado and al pastor taco. Wouldn't get the pork belly taco again. Good service and fun environment! read more

Tacos Pipeye - Mexican food - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I just got off the plane from SBA and this was the first meal I wanted. Their menu is delicious love their barbacoa burritos. Unlimited yummy sauces. read more

We were leaving Santa Barbara after a busy day at the zoo and I was determined to grab some Mexican before we skipped town. Driving down the street, we saw a few closed storefronts before stumbling on pipeye unassumingly. The wait was reasonable and so were the prices. As of august 2023, you can get 4 tacos for $10. They come on homemade tortilla. Salsas are self serve and so is the onion and greens - tacos just come w the meats. Their pipeto limon agua Fresca was delicious and I enjoyed the food as well. You know the place passed the test if the beans and rice are delicious and/or if the salsas are bomb. This passed on both fronts. Definitely planning to return next time we are in dt. read more

Tacos Pipeye - Yes please - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

awesome service! some of the best chilaquiles i've had in santa barbara. staff was super friendly and service was quick :)

Truly the best tacos in town. Pastor, borrego, carnitas, rajas con queso...they were all delicious! Moist and flavorful meats, handmade tortillas and an ample salsa bar too. The gentleman at the counter was friendly and the place was clean. Thank you! read more

Friendly customer service. Food is delicious and served in a timely manner. Hits the spot.

Food is good, and very consistent. Can be tough to park. I typically park across the street at the Trader Joe's parking lot. read more

Tacos Pipeye - Updated Menu pricing - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Let's go! We were heading out of town and picked up a couple of breakfast burritos for Cinco de Mayo! Fresh salsas and locals in the restaurant. There are 4 tables and a seated bar area. read more

Tacos Pipeye - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

The food was very tasty. My kids loved the asada tacos. Service was amazing, the guy at the counter was attentive and very helpful. It was a mom and pop style restaurant on the edge of the street with bar style seating. We were able to sit outside on the table top tables with our dog. Try the Fresca limón agua fresca. It was delicio read more

Excellent Mexican food in Santa Barbara! It's pretty unassuming, for sure a hole in the wall, and the parking's not easy either. But, the food is absolutely worth it! I was here twice in the same week! We tried the carnitas, al pastor, and chorizo con papas tacos. All delicious! Fresh, homemade tortillas make all the difference to start. The tacos come with no garnish. Make sure to visit the excellent salsa bar for cilantro, onion, salsa, and lime. I wanted to try the pozole, given the rain and cold, but I came for dinner, and they had already run out. I settled on the cecina, a salted beef with onions and chiles. It came with rice, beans, and more of those excellent tortillas. It was a bit salty, but it's literally a salted meat. I'm still dreaming about tortillas...make sure you get here to try them yourselves! read more

See all

Go here for authentic Mexican. The tortillas are fresh and yummy. All the meat was amazing but especially the carnitas and pastor. My only complaint is the soda was not very cold & everyone knows ice cold soda is a non-negotiable. read more

Barbacoa breakfast burrito! OMG! amazing Salsa bar also top notch Yum yum yum yum read more

Service is friendly and food is delicous. Good price; can't really ask for anything else. read more

Tacos Pipeye - Tacos Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

Authentic Mexican food that tastes great. Not a fake gentrified white girl mex restuarant