Explore Santa Barbara
Carlitos Café & Cantina
Cuisine: American, Latin, Mexican, Southwestern
Price Range: $$
10Best Says
Lively and animated, this Mexican restaurant is one of Santa Barbara's finest, thanks to homemade fare and fruit-tinged margaritas. The fun outdoor patio is also a draw, right at the pretty end of... Read More
Lively and animated, this Mexican restaurant is one of Santa Barbara's finest, thanks to homemade fare and fruit-tinged margaritas. The fun outdoor patio is also a draw, right at the pretty end of downtown Santa Barbara. Much of the food looks familiar to Mexican aficionados, but it is eminently more sophisticated. For example, consider the mahi mahi fajitas, mole-dressed chicken, posole and grilled prawns. Adding to the appeal is a convenient location and a delicious Sunday breakfast menu. And again, the margaritas are spectacular. There is free parking in front of the restaurant. Carlitos is an offshoot of the also-popular Cava restaurant in Montecito. Try them both.
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Address:
1324 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-962-7117
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 11am-11pm
- Sat-Sun: 9am-11pm
Website:
carlitos.com
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Geneva Ives
Santa Barbara Local Expert
- Outdoor Dining: "Make reservations if you want to sit on this popular patio over the weekend. It's a hit with locals and tourists alike."
- Best for Outdoor Dining Because: Carlitos' patio is warm on cool nights and cool on hot afternoons. Enjoy wonderful live music multiple nights a week.