Carlitos Café & Cantina

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.