Zocalo

4.8 (175 reviews)

ModerateMexican, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch

Open • 9:30 am - 9:30 pm

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Zocalo - quesabirria and huevos enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

Zocalo - Clean. Well laid out - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

Zocalo - Chicken Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

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Zocalo - Interior - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

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ZOCALO ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Dogs allowed

Outdoor seating

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Reviews With Photos - Zocalo

More rice and beans and onions in this "protein" burrito

Emily C.

3.7/5 I ordered the protein burrito and was very disappointed. If you're ordering a PROTEIN burrito you'd expect it to be primarily protein, but instead this was more like a RBCOP rice bean cheese onion burrito to my disappointment. There was some meat in the first few bites, but it was downhill from there. For the price point especially, I expected a lot better. I fairly rounded up my rating because this place looks like good stuff, I guess I just ordered the wrong thing unfortunately.

Neluta G.

One of the best breakfast burritos I had, small place, they allowed us on the patio with the dogs. Everything was made to order, e got there around 10 AM when they opened. A must if you are in the area.

Blu M.

Definitely one of the best places you can eat in IV! Zocalo is a reliable spot you can get tasty Mexican food and sit with friends! Super affordable and portions are HUGE! You will never leave feeling hungry. If anything, you'll leave with a to go box in hand! My boyfriend and I stopped in here the other night to get a quick late night meal. We wanted something super filling, and burritos always come to mind. We got there about 45 minutes before close, so it wasn't busy! The staff were super helpful and our food was done within 10 minutes! I got the choriqueso burrito and my boyfriend got the protein burrito. The choriqueso was so good! For starters, it was massive and weighed a ton. The flavor was there, not too salty and they did not skimp on the protein. The chorizo was super flavorful and I love that they crisped the cheese inside. Super melty but had texture at the same time! I also added guacamole to the burrito which was fantastic too. My boyfriend enjoyed his burrito as well! He got asada and birria as the protein options. I had a bite and it was super tasty!! Overall, one of the only spots in IV with good quality food that's tasty and filling! Definitely a must visit spot :)

Bryan C.

Cheese so unmelted, I can still see the strands of cheese. I can almost tell which brand you used. How can enchiladas have unmelted cheese? Update: they kindly offered a refund and a change of dish, I was just disappointed when I brought the plate to gf but she's happier now ! Thanks.

Jorge H.

I ordered a breakfast burrito to go, and I was worried it might turn soggy. Surprisingly, it held its shape perfectly, even after being refrigerated for 24 hours. When I reheated it in the microwave the next day, it was still firm and not soggy at all, pretty impressive!

Savvie's C.

the food is soo yum! The guy at the counter was so nice!!! love the comforting vibe in the place too ! overall super good!

Strawberry Mint Cooler (Sips were taken!)

Annie L.

I'm so glad I tried this place before I graduated!! Eating here was such a pleasant experience and if I ever visited the area again, I would make a stop here. I came by with a friend for lunch and I ordered the quesabirria and a strawberry mint agua fresca. The quesabirria came out piping hot and with more than enough consome and was delectable!! The agua fresca was also delicious and refreshing. To make the whole experience better, the workers are super sweet, friendly, and easy to talk to. There's a good amount of seating indoors and outdoors! The place is cute and I would totally recommend to others :))

Johana H.

Stopped by to get a breakfast burrito. Really friendly staff and there was plenty of seating. I enjoyed their breakfast burrito even though it didn't bring everything I usually like in one. However, the downfall was they didn't wrap the burrito good enough and it fell apart. So I didn't get to fully enjoy it as a burrito, more like a burrito bowl. Overall though pretty good.

Sophia U.

Man this place was bomb! Very authentic and well portioned and priced . The salsa was very good. My friend got the quesabirrias and they were also very tasty

Kelly A.

I had the opportunity to finally visit Zocalo for breakfast after hearing amazing things about this place and boy was I not disappointed! First off my son and I love our salsa and merengue music and as we were walking into the restaurant we gravitated by the fun salsa music that was playing inside. It gave it such a warm welcome right off the bat. The restaurant was very clean and a good amount of room to sit. The staff was patient and friendly allowing us time to ask questions on our selections and asking for recommendations. We finally decided on the horchata latte, queso birria, huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. Although my fiancé was not a big fan of the chilaquiles, but my son and I absolutely loved our selections. The consume accompanied the queso birria so perfectly that it was easily sipped all on its own. My huevos rancheros had that perfect crunch and I loved that it was not soggy due to the sauce. I am not ashamed to say that I devoured the entire plate. We will definitely be coming back for some delicious breakfast. I will even stop by just for that horchata latte alone. I am really picky with my coffee and the problem I've had with other horchata lattes is that it is too milky and no taste of coffee. This one was made just right and not overpowered with milk at all.

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Lilly R.

2 years ago

The food is good and so are the drinks. The service is fast and the workers are also friendly.

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La Vonne B.

4 years ago

Wonderful food. Some of the best Mexican food I have ever had. Beans and rice are delicious, Enchiladas are fantastic. The food is nice and hot. Quick service. Such a friendly greeting as soon as you enter. They check in with you on how your food is tasting. Very gracious. What a gem of a place. I wish I lived here! read more

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Ruben E.

3 years ago

Food was amazing can't wait to go back to try there delicious tacos. Fantastic! Co-workers and owners are very friendly. This is a place we're I would just chill, kick back and eat as if I were at home. Nice area to dine in. read more

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Halie V.

151

4 years ago

Mexican food so good that I was crying for my momma. The family working here were the sweetest.

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Mely W.

4 years ago

Delicious Mexican food in Isla Vista. While running errands in Goleta, we decided to stop in for lunch on a weekend afternoon. So happy that we discovered this restaurant! We ordered enchiladas and steak taco combos with rice and beans. The food was excellent. Food is home-made served with fresh garnishing and salsa. Visually, the food looked as good as it tasted. This is a family-run business and the staff was so welcoming and kind! I highly recommend eating here even if you are not a college student. Parking is easy across the street. I will be returning to try other dishes! read more

Zocalo - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

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Avery H.

4 years ago

I am so happy they opened in IV! They were very kind. I got the steak taco plate and it was great. The best part was the drinks- I got the strawberry mint cooler and my friend got the horchata with espresso and both tasted great. I'll definitely be coming back to try more menu items and drinks. read more

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Sherrie C.

4 years ago

To start the food was amazing very very fresh with fantastic spices and taste felt like a home cooking but better the people are warm and friendly and make it a place that you could eat at every day the menu is fabulous. We will be going back often. Great prices so you can go often. Family owned and operated and you can tell the pride of ownership. Great job Tom and Sherrie C read more

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Karen M.

2 years ago

The quesabirria tacos are excellent 5*, but the burritos are not good 3*. Come for the quesabirria tacos and request lime and a side of guacamole. Go to Freebirds for burritos. I have tried the burritos here twice and they were not prepared well, so that the contents were evenly distributed when eating. I ended up eating mostly rice, then mostly beans, then mostly guacamole, which I had added. I asked for vegetables as the second protein, but maybe they don't have grilled vegetables and didn't tell me, because I didn't notice any, only a lot of beans. It took some time to prepare the food and they forgot the lime. Service is pay and pickup at the counter. The indoor ambience is pleasant, outside is just some tables on the sidewalk by the street. read more

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Isabella W.

4 years ago

Customer service was wonderful!! Food is so fresh and tasty. Decently priced in this economy in my opinion. I tried the cheese bagel w cream cheese in the morning. Then at night i came back and got the nachos with chicken and rice! it hit the spot . I also was given a sample of Fresh watermelon Fresca and it was delicious. read more

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Luis V.

2 years ago

I went in during the storm and the workers were very friendly. The cashier, Karla, provided personal recommendations. Juan was quick with my order! read more

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Erik S.

2 years ago

The food is amazing! No other place compares to their authentic Mexican food. If y'all are missing your mom's cooking this is the place to go! The staff is super friendly and welcoming especially the cashier Karla, she'll get you right !! read more

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Peter L.

267

3 years ago

Some of the best tortas in the Santa Barbara area! I usually eat one with an horchata latte. The staff are so kind and friendly as well. I live downtown and it's still worth the trip to IV. read more

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Keith T.

4 years ago

Went to try the tacos. I heard this location had good Al pastor and it gained my interest. I got 3 tacos (asada, carnitas, and Al pastor). The Al pastor had cooked pineapple mixed with it. That was a first for me and I prefer the raw pineapple. It didn't have much taste to it either. The carnitas was better but a little dry. The asada was good. I tried the red and green salsa. They told me red was spicy but it wasn't. The green was mid. Customer service was good though and I like how it is decorated. I would give it 2 stars but I have to try other items before I make that decision. Currently does not live up to the hype it's getting. read more

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Zhiyao X.

3 years ago

Food is amazing and I love their vanilla coffee. The best Mexican food I've had. Prices are on the higher side and the wait times is a little longer but worthwhile read more

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Izzy M.

3 years ago

hands down the best food in isla vista! I've been here a few times now and every meal has been absolutely delicious at such a good price! the quesabirra tacos are to DIE FOR!!!! an absolute must. read more

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Marissa A.

4 years ago

This was a very good meal, highly recommend if you like birria. It is one of the best places I've had in IV. They also have very good customer service :) read more

Zocalo - quesabirria king size tacos - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

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Adriana B.

4 years ago

This place is actually so good. Authentic Mexican food! The meat is so good, not dry at all and has flavor. The portion of my meal was great and very filling. The service was great and fast, and they were all so polite! One of my new favorite spots here in IV. Totally recommend read more

Zocalo - Carne asada tacos with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

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Emily C.

4 years ago

Amazing food! Amazing customer service! I love the layout and the food was great and very fresh.

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Chantel A.

3 years ago

As a fellow student at ucsb I'm always getting food on the go so this time i decided to dine in and the tables had crumbs and left over dishes i tried asking the staff for a rag and they ignored me and continued talking . I waited at another table outside and i saw a mouse through the side of the table. i didn't even receive my order because i left wouldn't recommend. read more

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Nathalia D.

3 years ago

all of the staff is suuuper kind and attentive, the restaurant is really cute inside, and the food is fantastic. i super recommend the green enchiladas :-). read more

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Ann B.

3 years ago

Wow! Do not miss this place. It is ALL good food, drinks, people! My partner declared "best Mexican food he's ever had!"

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Marco H.

3 years ago

Been here three times and all of them have been great, had the burrito, tacos and nachos. All good, plenty of food, fresh and with flavor. Their agua de jamaica (hibiscus water) is pretty good too. Flan is descent and good size too! Will definitely go back and maybe play some lotería! read more

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Raana N.

4 years ago

The food here is very good and the restaurant is owned by very kind and lovely people. The espresso flan is delicious and I would highly recommend to anyone in the area who wants to eat yummy food and support a local business. pictured: the zocalo tacos read more

Zocalo - zocalo tacos - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

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Jade I.

4 years ago

Love love love this place! They opened up a little bit ago but they've got amazing food. I love the tortas with carnitas and the quesotacos with Barilla are great! Quality fresh food and the friendly customer service stands out in IV in a good way. read more

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Bruno N.

3 years ago

A must try!!! Everything we got was delicious!!! The Horchata iced Latte is the best I've ever had. Thank you for welcoming our family!

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Bridget B.

3 years ago

Good food, and it's always pretty quick. Get the Ucsb bagel with the horchata latte. It's pretty solid.

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Wendi S.

135

3 years ago

amazing breakfast burritos! awesome service and staff . thank you! sorry no photos are too fast!

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Lauren T.

3 years ago

Always yummy, fast, well priced! Amazing enchiladas! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick dinner or lunch!

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Cameron H.

271

4 years ago

I saw that this place opened not too long ago and I decided to finally give it a shot. I tried the torta and it was pretty good. Tropical style Mexican food is what they said it was. The owners are very friendly too and gave me a sample of the mango mint iced tea which was incredible, highly recommended trying it read more

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Isabella W.

3 years ago

Zocalo has the best food in Isla Vista by far. I am a UCSB student and I've eaten at every single restaurant in Isla Vista. Zocalo blows all of the other restaurants out of the water, especially Freebirds. The food is real authentic Mexican food and not just college food for students here; it's great to go with friends, your family visiting, or even by yourself. The manager and staff are so friendly and they introduced themselves to me the first time I walked into their restaurant. They know my order (give extra avocado salsa) and always serve my food with a smile. Their breakfast is so much better than Bagel Cafe and their lunch/dinner is a 12/10. They serve things pretty quickly and it's all freshly made that day. I go here at least twice a week in between my classes because their food is the best and I always come back wanting more. I even went to Zocalo twice in one day and ordered the tacos both times! read more

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Qianfang Y.

4 years ago

I usually don't write reviews but I had to shoutout this place for their amazing street tacos!!! Food is full of flavor and their salsa verde is bomb. Highly recommend. read more

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Emily F.

4 years ago

Sooo good! Get the horchata latte & huevos rancheros. The owner is also super nice and inviting!! Vegan milk options available for other lattes as well. read more

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Xuanzhu L.

4 years ago

WOW the food is so good!!! The best Mexican restaurant in the area!!! Highly recommend!!! Super authentic and fresh!!!

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Yan L.

4 years ago

delicious!! the service was fast and friendly. i've been yearning for good mexican food accessible in IV and this was my dream come true! i got a horchata and a birria burrito and coming from south san diego, i would say that these taste like home to me :) the food was filling but not overwhelming. the decoration was pretty too. they also called me senorita which was super sweet hehe please support them so they can stay in iv! read more

Zocalo - Birria Burrito with Horchata - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

Zocalo - Birria Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Isla Vista, California

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Alexi B.

4 years ago

This is the best restaurant in Isla Vista, and Goleta for that matter. Everything is delicious, with the recipes having been perfected. The staff is wonderful, and extremely helpful. Love the location and how lovely it is inside. read more

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Amelia W.

4 years ago

Amazing, wonderful, fantastic food. Great atmosphere for this new restaurant in IV. Waaayy better than freebirds, and the prices are super reasonable for the portions. You can order on their website or walk in. It's very clear that the people who own this restaurant care a lot about their food. I would have taken pics but I ate everything too fast. You definitely should go here!!!!!! read more

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Andrea H.

4 years ago

Amazing family owned business. Everything I have tried there is amazing. The service is always speedy, it's always clean and they are so nice! read more

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T. C.

4 years ago

this place is SOOO SOO GOOD!!! The place is super clean inside and the service is amazing!! the owners are so sweet and genuinely want you to enjoy the food!! i was shocked by how good it really was i couldn't stop eating my food! i got a steak burrito don't sleep on it!! read more

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Aidan B.

3 years ago

Can't help but write a 5 star for zocalo. They have a concise menu with great options. Staff are always friendly. In my opinion this is the best restaurant in IV. Perfect for brunch. read more

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Susan S.

4 years ago

Nice clean place. Service was great. Breakfast burrito and the UCSB Breakfast Sandwich were perfect!! Yum.

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Page 4 of 5

901 Embarcadero Del Mar
Ste 101
Isla Vista, CA 93117
Directions
(805) 252-9336
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.zocaloiv.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Zocalo open?

Zocalo opens at 9:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Zocalo opens at 9:00 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Zocalo close?

Zocalo closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Zocalo closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu 9:30 AM - 9:30 PMFri-Sat 9:00 AM - 10:00 PMSun 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Zocalo take credit cards?

Yes, Zocalo takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Zocalo have catering options?

Yes, Zocalo does have catering options.

Does Zocalo serve alcohol?

Yes, Zocalo serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Zocalo allow dogs?

Yes, Zocalo allows dogs.

Does Zocalo have TVs?

Yes, Zocalo has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Zocalo have bike parking?

Yes, Zocalo has bike parking.

Does Zocalo have outdoor seating?

Yes, Zocalo has outdoor seating options.

Does Zocalo have parking?

Yes, Zocalo has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Zocalo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Zocalo is wheelchair accessible.

Does Zocalo have free WiFi?

Yes, Zocalo has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

At ZOCALO we prepare authentic Mexican Food with fresh ingredients and strive to give the best service, so you can be fueled for whatever it is you do.

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901 Embarcadero del Mar, isla Vista

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(56 reviews)

2.5 mi

Good coffee shop w/ cool merch…read more Had a vanilla latte which was pretty decent. The only disappointment about this place was their baked goods/food isn't made in house. The pastries were from a bakery in Los Angeles, which tells me that they were either frozen or at best day old either way they weren't freshly baked. I had a burrito which the girl mentioned it was from a local place nearby and it was a huge disappointment. With that said I recommend just trying the coffee there.

Stumbled on to this place by sheer luck. For once I didn't look at Yelp for any advice or reviews,…read moreI just happened to be in the area and decided to try it out and I was glad I did. This shop has a great atmosphere and the staff is very friendly, but I think most importantly, the espresso was great! Maybe not as good as Beacon here in Ventura but still very good. The only downfall is that I am not sure when I'll be able to come back since it is all the way up in Goleta but I will for sure keep it bookmarked for next time I am in the area.

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Bring Spice. IYKYK

Mony's breakfast burritos served here

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Outside shop

Bagel Cafe

My experience at bagel cafe is always phenomenal. The employees are super nice and always helpful…read more I always know I'm gonna have a good meal/experience when come in. Jonny especially is always super helpful and makes amazing lattes btw. I've been coming here for 3 years now and every time I've had the same great service and food. It's definitely a place I bring all my family and friends when they come visit and a place I recommend to people looking for a good bagel/coffee place.

I love the bagel cafe! I come in almost every morning for the best coffee in town, and their bagel…read moreare good too! Jonny and Brad are always so helpful and make it a great morning routine for me! So blessed to have the IV bagel cafe community with those guys! Recommend 11/10!!

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Irish Special

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The Situation

Super Cucas

A drunk Cucas breakfast at burrito hit all of college and now, five years later, can confirm it…read morestill hits. With an entire menu dedicated to breakfast burritos, you can't go wrong with any of them. Top it with the spicy red salsa and the tangy green for balance and this may just be the best breakfast burritos I've ever had.

Most rancid enchiladas I've ever had. Cheese wasn't even melted. It was still shredded. I had to…read moremicrowave everything. Absolutely disgusting. Their ordering system sucks as well. No option for added salsas. No modifications allowed. I threw everything away. Waste of money. Delivery driver didn't have a name nor would say what their name was. This was absolutely the worst delivery I've ever had.

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Chicken Combo Burrito

California Burrito

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Kaiju Ramen & Curry

Super friendly staff, greeted upon entering and they brought me order to my table even though it…read morewas to go. Food and drink came out super fast as well. The Kaiju Ramen was delicious and presented so cutely (again even in to go!) My Presh tea boba was also super yummy - I got Thai tea with boba. Gyoza was also good and came with a lot of gyoza.

this place was okay. good enough for IV. the ramen noodles didn't have the best texture. but the…read morepopcorn chicken was solid and so were the calamari balls. the dipping sauce for gyoza was subpar. probably good if you have a ramen craving at Iv. maybe the thick noodles would have been better. the service however was superb.

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Tonkatsu ramen

Terriyaki chicken rice bowl

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Hainanese chicken rice bowl

Yetz's Bagels

4.6

(94 reviews)

0.0 mi

The bagels at Yetz's are super delicious and fluffy. My friend from Brooklyn swears by them being…read more"real New York bagels". They are toasted perfectly and come out warm. The cream cheese schmear is delightfully thick and generous. The vibe inside is very cool and there is a good amount of seating on picnic tables both indoor and outdoor. Love the wave cam they have on screen in the corner, really adds to the surfer / skater vibe. Staff seem upbeat and happy, and everything is ready quickly. I don't think I can recommend the make your own if you only want to add 1-2 toppings (it will cost $4-9 more for a very small amount of topping). However it might be worth paying up for the bagel sandwich, they look pretty epic!! Will have to try that next.

My visit today was a let down. They didn't slice the bagel I took to go even though it was listed…read morein my order. Both bagels were baked too long and were tough. The jalapeño and cheddar had a tough exterior , tasty interior, and an inedible bottom (see attached photo). This was the bagel that they forgot to slice. I also ordered a buttered plain bagel with egg. The egg was nicely cooked though it had the taste of a grill that wasn't cleaned properly. Yetz's bagels are the best quality in the area. I hope that this was just an off day. I am looking forward to the opening of the new Goleta location.

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Menu (August 2024)

Menu and bagel racks. Made fresh daily.

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The Works with Sesame Bagels and Swiss Cheese

Spudnuts Donuts

I love this spudnuts! Great food and service. Always very clean too. Classic doughnutsread more

I got an apple fritter and a milk tea. Both were really good and very reasonably priced. The…read moreservice was good and the place was nice and quiet. Overall a nice experience. I will definitely come back again.

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Logo

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Kelly L.

Elite 23

111

285

940

3 years ago

The Quesabirria was so good! The crispy shell perfectly complemented the well-seasoned meat, and the generous amount of cheese and onions added the perfect touch of flavor. The dipping broth was also a standout, adding even more depth to the dish. The service was also great. The staffs were friendly, and we got our food very quickly after ordering. Overall, I highly recommend Zocalos to anyone looking for delicious Mexican cuisine with excellent service and very affordable prices! read more

Jack L.

222

1 year ago

This place is the best Mexican spot in IV. It's not trying to be fancy or anything - they just keep it simple, and it works. I've tried the burritos and tacos, and I've got no complaints. The flavors are on point, and they don't mess around with unnecessary extras. Just good, solid food that hits the spot every time. If you're in IV and craving Mexican, this is the place to go. It's legit, reliable, and exactly what you need without any fuss. read more

Emily C.

4 years ago

I love this place. The coffee is so good, the breakfast options are delicious, and everyone is so friendly and welcoming!! Overall great vibes! read more

Julian G.