Came here this morning for a quick bite and I do like that they serve everything on the menu all day since a lot of places don't. I ordered the caldo de pollo and it came out pretty fast, which I appreciated. The soup itself was good and definitely hit the spot. It was a little on the salty side, but still flavorful and enjoyable. They give you a generous portion with a good amount of chicken and vegetables, so you're not getting skimpy servings by any means. That said, paying around $20 for a soup like this feels a bit steep, even with the portion size. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place itself is very casual, nothing fancy, just a straightforward spot to grab a meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Parking is on the street. It wasn't too bad when I went, but I can see it getting annoying if it's busy. Overall it's a solid option if you want something quick and filling read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Delicious caldo de pollo - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

After hiking Inspiration point I feel like having Mexican food. I searched one that's outside State street so we don't have to worry about parking. [[HIGHLIGHT]]El Bajio is clean looking, you order at the counter and are given a number.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When your food is ready it's delivered to your table. I order the today's special fish taco, it feels that it's better called squash taco since the fish is very small and I can barely taste it. Luckily we ordered chips and salsa, adding a bit of salsa brought out the flavor which otherwise tasted a bit bland. The adobada gordita by itself is good but the homemade tortillas need some flavoring. Asada burrito is good. Papaya aquafresca is delicious although I need to add some water to lessen the sugary flavor. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Fish taco - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Service was awesome and Bianca was very attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is relaxed and it's very nice and clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was really good, authentic and good sized portions! Everything was fresh and hot. We ordered the birria, chile rellenos, asada torta, a tostada de frijole and a side of rice beans and chips. The chips were addictive and delicious! The aguas frescas could've had more flavor, my only complaint. Would recommend and will definitely be back when we're in town. (: read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Half of the asada torta. Very good! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Authentic Mexican food in Santa Barbara. Easy to order menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ate at the location and they served the food on real plates and spoons!!! Rare now a days.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]You can see the food being cooked and fast paced.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Looks like freshly remodeled inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] No parking but all the side streets are open. Price is fair and the portiins are perfect. Not too big Not to small perfect. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Goat burrito and menudo - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I've been recommending this place to friends, but the price has simply become too prohibitive. Recently I took a client here for lunch. We each got a burrito with an horchata. With a respectful tip, the total came to $51.20. I was this spot's biggest fan, but I just can't endorse it any more at these prices. To add insult to injury, the cashier was texting in the middle of the transaction. I could see her writing messages on her phone. Not a huge deal, but just... poor form, ya know? I'll still go once in a while by myself and get the mole plate. But I'm definitely not taking anyone here. $50+ for two burritos is ridiculous. read more

Very nice customer service and very yummy Mexican food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The establishment is very clean and friendly welcome upon arrival.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their menudo is the best! I love how they give you plenty of meat with the menudo & tortillas are made fresh to order. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

We tried the gorditas -- one with adobada and one with carnitas The carnitas was lean. The adobada tastes a little like good chorizo. The Gordita was fantastic-- great homemade tortilla that was both crisp and soft The whole thing was very hot temperature. This is not something one finds at your average Mexican spot and we were so happy to try something both new and fabulous!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is white plastic chairs, clean and bright.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are 5 tables inside and several on the sidewalk.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Carnitas gordito - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Always pay attention to the yelp rating there's a reason why this restaurant is 3.9 stars I went there to have a torta for lunch But torta was very bland and the meat which was the carne asada I ordered was very chewy and hard Also in the torta wasn't much of protein mostly it was veggies The cost of the torta was $19 with change after tax When you charge that much for a torta you have to make sure your meat is a good quality and fresh I'll give this restaurant a 1 star read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Carne asada torta - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Visiting Santa Barbara as part of a week-long road trip. We found ourselves on Milpas Street looking for a laundromat. But we were hungry! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Our search led us to a solid breakfast experience at this neat and clean efficient little taco shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got there early enough to score a table inside, right after 11am on Sunday. There were large orders of menudo flying out the door. Like six quarts at a time, so it must be awesome! Short line and quick ordering process. They don't have huevos con machaca, and I didn't want pork or carne asada with my eggs, so I asked if I could have them add birria to my Huevos Ala Mexicana breakfast plate with tomatoes, peppers and onions scrambled in eggs, side rice no beans. Yes they would add birria, and wow! Dude, it was Goat Birria (noticed it on the menu after ordering) and it was tender and delicious! Like a bright orange shredded beef, very saucy and not overly spiced. Although they did not fry it on the flat grill until it was dry and then scramble the eggs into it like I would prefer with machaca, they served it on the side of the perfectly prepared scrambled eggs with peppers onions and tomatoes, a vegetarian offering. I really enjoyed the rice, but the corn tortillas were clearly homemade and yummy hot pliable deliciousness. Husband ordered the huevos con chorizo plate with rice and beans and devoured it all, very happy. He's not even a corn tortilla fan and ate all of his, I kept having to tell him to close the foil to keep them warm. I took half of my meal back to the hotel with the extra tortillas, and it was great leftover for breakfast the next day. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was chilly outside for Santa Barbara, but people were filling the patio as we left.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm betting this place does a booming business literally anytime they open the doors. Happy to have stumbled upon it while doing laundry nearby! My only regret is not trying the fresh juices! read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Huevos con chorizo with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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On the road traveling through when I needed a quick break and a bite to eat so I pull off Highway 5 and made a quick stop here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's the cleanest taqueria I've ever been to.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They offered a large menu. My Asada Burrito Bajio was fabulous! I'm coming back here again. Delicious! read more

Prices are high for a hole in the wall taco shop, but I guess that is Santa Barbara. My daughter says it was the best asada taco she has had. They load up the taco with all the good stuff, even adding cream. I went with the BRC (bean, rice, cheese) burrito and loved it. Sometimes just good beans can make a meal. The verde salsa was the go-to and service was super quick. read more

This is one of our favorite spots to get tacos when we are in the area. The adobada is great here. The tacos are on the bigger size. The service is great and there's a bathroom as well. Parking can be tough but there's usually some street parking available. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outdoor seating is available and there's nice chill vibes here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They used to serve chips and salsa with their orders but we didn't get any with our order this time. Bummer! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The first thing I Noticed was how clean this nice place is.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food and service were very good. I recommend it highly. read more

These are literally the best carne asada tacos I've ever had. And the homemade tortillas are ridiculous. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great service and ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Love this place and can't wait to come back read more

It is impossible to top Master Guillermo del Toro's review: https://twitter.com/RealGDT/status/1494084044547837953?t=fi4xqIwYBSHufSA4EqUN6Q&s=19 "If it was legal to marry a dish, I would be wed to the Gordita de Adobada. El Bajio en Santa Barbara @yelp https://t.co/56i55I35Oi" read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Guillermo del Toro praising the Gordita de Adobada. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Delicious! I had the chilaquiles and my friend the menudo. Great home taste. Loved the home made tortillas.

Very good authentic Mexican food. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Definitely recommend if you're looking for good quality food

Quite pricey and food just okay. Fish tacos were not terribly authentic -topped with lots of bland veggies and soggy, couldn't even pick it up with your hands. My friends had other tacos from the selection menu. Just okay and Too many other places nearby that offer similar, but cheaper. read more

Everything tasted fresh, right down to the refried beans. I had a chicharron gordita, and it took longer to cook but was worth the wait. There was enough food that I couldn't finish. She had a decent pork taco and an asada taco that was another five stars all by itself. It was so good I'll have to order something asada next time. The prices didn't seem out of line at all and the service was great. We've been searching out more small independent places lately and this has moved high on the list of great Mexican food for us. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Phenomenal family-run homemade authentic Mexican food with amazing service and prices. My taste buds and belly were quite satisfied. YUM!!! Very clean, too. I was pleasantly surprised with the cleanliness of el baño! read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Chilaquiles, carne asada taco, and chile rellenos taco. YUM - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Excellent tacos!!!! Hand made corn tortillas are so good! The asada taco is delicious. I wish I lived here. I would eat them every day!

The food was not delicious. With inflation, this place doesn't seem that expensive, but really it was not that delicious. The tortilla was hard and dry. I ordered a chicken mole. There was like fabric crumbs in the me source and it was sticking into my teeth. Only one chicken thigh. Maybe you will get full for the plate cost you $16 or so. A lot of nearby workers come here for lunch during weekdays, so expect slow service. read more

Veggie Taco, Chicken taco, chips and beer. Very filling, great flavor. Highly recommended read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Veggie Taco, Chicken taco, chips and beer. Very filling, great flavor. Highly recommended - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Very high prices for what you get. Shame on me for giving this place another chance. As other reviewers mention, there is another Mexican restaurant up the street in which the food quality matches the price with free chips and amazing salsa bar! Taqueria El Bajio used to have a nice salsa bar. No more. We ordered a burrito and two tacos and received one half filled tiny container of salsa. The lime included was gross. See photo. The staff isn't particularly friendly. You are made to feel like you are imposing on them. Too many other choices. Would be surprised if this place lasts. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

One of a handful of great Mexican food establishments along Milpas. It's been many years since my last stop here and I'm so happy I made it back. They have the usual Mexican fare but seem to always have an item or two that's not found at most other taquerias. They are doing their best with their covid set up. No inside dining and the self service salsa bar is not a current option. I sure hope it's back in place next visit. I had the birria deep chivo plate and a taco de chicharrón. Both were delicious. The goat was seasoned and stewed to perfection and had some very deep layers of flavor. Im hungry for another round as I type this review. The taco de chicharrón was a real treat. Soaked in a red sauce it was so tender and bursting With flavor. Certainly something g I would not hesitate to order on my next visit. So why only 4 stars and not 5? These two items along with a Diet Coke with a burrito and a beer came to $49. Certainly more than I expected. Fortunately the food was so good I'd pay the price again next visit with just a little hesitation. read more

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If you are hankering for authentic Huevos Ranchero's, this is your breakfast spot. The little restaurant is spotless. Service friendly and efficient. The food was delicious, and I felt, reasonably priced compared to other breakfast places in the area. They are taking covid seriously. Although the dine in is opened, there are also some tables on the sidewalk. It can be a bit noisy with traffic, but we all should be use to that after so many restaurants provide outdoor seating next to the street to accommodate customers who want to eat outdoors. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Huevos Rancheros - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I suppose this place would be ok if you are waiting for your car to be repaired across the street and needed something to eat. Then again, it's on a busy four lane road, and there are other restaurant options available. We're visiting Santa Barbara and I researched places I want to eat on Yelp!. This place didn't make my list, but my wife waved me off my first choice and called an audible with this place. Yelp reviews were strong, so we decided to try it. We went on a weeknight and there wasn't much activity at the restaurant. Another red flag, but we thought it likely that they do most of their business at lunch. As several other reviewers noted, the shop looked clean, which was very encouraging. They have a long menu and prices are kinda high, but that's because they run a clean restaurant and the ingredients are high quality and fresh, right? We ordered asada, pollo, and carnitas tacos as well as adobada fajitas. (I got excited and put some salsa on my asada and pollo tacos before I took my photos.) The food was ok. Definitely nothing special, though my daughter said her abobada fajitas were good. The food was filling, but none of us would describe it as delicious. Some of the photos people posted of their food look pretty good. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Abobada Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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The best chicken soup in town! Ok, maybe your first thought when craving chicken soup, or trying to eat back a cold, isn't a Mexican restaurant on lower Milpas, but if you try the Caldos Pollo at Taqueria El Bajio, you'll start thinking that way. This is a meal in unto itself! The broth is incredibly flavorful and clearly cooked over time. Added to that are two boiled chicken thighs, large chunks of fresh vegetables including potatoes, cabbage, carrots, fresh herbs, and rice. Served with handmade tortillas and salsa, this will fill you for the night! read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Delicious chicken soup! Caldo Pollo - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Absolutely amazing!! I got carne asada sope, rice and beans, and goat Birria and the taste was just chefs kiss Service was great- I had it to go but you can tell they are so friendly and happy! 10/10 read more

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Decent food but not worth the price. I usually don't eat here but I was craving taquitos dorados de papa. They were okay but not worth the 17.99. It's just tortilla, potato, rice and beans. You can get a similar meal and quality anywhere else in town. Probably won't be back to eat here again read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Tacos Dorados de Papa. Good but not worth 17.99 - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Stopped by randomly because their was parking and I was hungry. The food is overpriced for what they offer. Paid $13.04 for a ham and egg breakfast burrito and it was the tiniest and thinnest burrito I've ever had. Quality was like 6/10. Beans and rice were mushy and had no consistency. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Worlds thinnest Ham and egg $13.04 breakfast burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This is the most disappointing nachos I have ever had and I have ordered nachos in Somalia!!! They come with a Cuban communist rations of guacamole with no taste and sound cream. I couldn't even find beans in this muthafucka and I ordered in Spanish!!! Wtf?? Maybe change the name Bajío to el bajó! read more

Taqueria El Bajio - I paid $22 fucking dollars for this!!! Do yourself a favor and go to Los Arroyos.. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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This place was alright, but man they nickel and dime you on everything! The prices, Omg the prices They're what we in Mexican culture call "guerro prices" meaning, they're gouging you, or assume you're a tourist. It's crazy. Be warned, you have to pay for chips, which may be the only Mexican place in SB that does this. AND if you want more than one little plastic cup of salsa, they charge you a dollar each! ( I gave them two stars for the audacity ) I'm not sure how they compete with super Rica, Cesars, and Los Agaves down the street, I really don't. But hey, spend that dinero, as you're definitely going to need it to eat here! read more

Tried it once while in town for visit. Even if I was local, I will not be coming back. Waaay over priced for what is offered. Looks like the owner, who is the cashier, is trying to recoup for the remodel. But the quality and quantity for their $17 burrito was NOT worth it. Plus, it looks like they removed / don't have open salsa bar. BIG sign. Save your $$ and appetite and try that other place just down the block. read more

I think there is a more "famous" taqueria around the area but this place had hands down the best asada torta ever. The bread is soft and sturdy enough not to disintegrate on contact with the juices from the asada and other sandwich toppings. You have the option to add salsas and onions/ habeneros from the salsa bar inside. This place is worth the line if there is one so I would recommend the wait and enjoying the luxurious torta. Prices are kind of more expensive than you'd expect but parking is easy and the portions are pretty generous so I would def go. Even though I was only in SB for an extended weekend we went back twice for the torta. Yelp did not lead me astray with this one !! Very satisfied with my visit! read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Torta - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great spot, just North of 101 and 5 minutes to beach. Fresh authentic Mexican food. Great selection, though a bit pricey. 2 fish tacos $12.99!!!! Carnitas plate $12.99. Anyway, deserving of your business. read more

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What a disappointment. Wanting to support local businesses during Fiestas I went to El Bajio expecting a spirited time. What I experienced was a flat attitude by the person taking the order and even more of a let down when the food arrived. I ordered Huevos Rancheros. My plate consisted of theee burned around the edges fried eggs on top of each other with a small spoonfol of the table salsa no garnish just a heap of beans and rice. Come on El Bajio you can do better. read more

Homemade Tortillas, meats, and salsa. You can't really get much fresher than that at El Bajio. It's definitely one of the better Taquerias in town,with their Tacos being about double the size of what you'd get at Lily's. I got the Chicarron and Pollo Tacos.i noticed that the order took a little longer because they made the tortillas fresh. But still came out in less than 5 minutes. The Chicharron (Pork Rinds) were fresh with a very soft texture. The Chicken Taco was some fine, quality meat full of flavor. Oh yeah, the salsa verde is super hot but super good. That's their best salsa out of the 5 other options. Being next to work, getting here is easy...but for most of y'all, parking is a 90 minute anxiety test. I'd say go if you're downing Milpas because it's worth checking out their menu of other items. read more

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Have been meaning to eat here for years and finally did. Have to say, it was a huge disappointment. Why? The food (chiles rellenos plate and shrimp caldo) was just average, and yet each dish cost $14.99! The shrimp were small and lackluster, the chiles greasy and bland. The beans and rice were afterthoughts. The atmosphere? Outdoor tables next to sidewalk and Milpas traffic. I mean, all of that is fine and acceptable for casual order at counter food, but the prices don't reflect that. For the cost, I'd expect really delicious and carefully prepared food and better setting and service. Service was just, whatever, without a smile or warmth from both the cashier and the cook who brought out food. I would never return. Instead, I'd go to Lito's, Los Agaves, Cuernavaca, even La Super Rica for goodness sake. read more

Taqueria El Bajio - Shrimp caldo was just okay - Mexican Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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El Bajio gets my vote for the best carne asada torta in Santa Barbara. It's got mayo, avocado, lettuce, tomato, beautifully toasted torta bread, a little spice, but I hit it with the red salsa for a bite, green salsa for a bite, just keeps my taste buds FIRING!! I was having a long day, worked hard , tired, and needed to treat myself, so I got a torta and a watermelon aqua fresca. I left a happy man, filled with joy, and ready to take on the world...or my bed for a nap! That's a 5 star TORTA YOU gotta TRY. read more