Debuting the latest concept from restaurateur Carlos Luna and the talented team behind the Los Agaves Restaurants. Our Executive Chef Ricardo Garcia presents a modern contemporary Mexican cuisine, rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions that also celebrate local and seasonal ingredients from the Santa Barbara and surrounding regions.
With a focus on seafood, some signature dishes on the menu include Camarones Al Mezcal, Mexican shrimp served in a creamy mezcal sauce; Pulpo a Las Brasas, octopus marinated in a special adobo served with house-infused chile oil; Enchiladas Cabo Azul, stuffed with fresh crab; Tacos Toro, featuring Hungaro peppers stuffed with grilled shrimp and octopus in a chipotle sauce.
With a focus on seafood, some signature dishes on the menu include Camarones Al Mezcal, Mexican shrimp served in a creamy mezcal sauce; Pulpo a Las Brasas, octopus marinated in a special adobo served with house-infused chile oil; Enchiladas Cabo Azul, stuffed with fresh crab; Tacos Toro, featuring Hungaro peppers stuffed with grilled shrimp and octopus in a chipotle sauce.
Services
Egg whites, flor de calabaza, spinach, Pasilla peppers, corn, panela cheese served with avocado and homemade potatoes. Two eggs over crispy tortilla chips, black beans, topped with placera sauce, cheese, and sour cream served with homemade potatoes. Crispy tortilla chips with our special homemade red sauce, cheese, sour cream and two eggs served with homemade potatoes.
Deep fried burrito stuffed with shrimp, rice, black beans, Monterey Jack and avocado, topped with mango salsa and chipotle alioli. 2 taquitos, chicken or beef, served guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and Monterey Jack. Crispy tortilla chips, black beans, Monterey jack, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
Reviews (28)
Rob G.
Jan 30, 2022
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Wow, great little place with awesome cocktails and Mexican food. I wasn't expecting much because we sat outside and tables seemed a little cramped.
But the shrimp (Camarones Mescal) and seafood appetizer (Totada Blas) were OUTSTANDING. Food and drinks seriously look EXACTLY like the menu. 6 stars in my opinion
But the shrimp (Camarones Mescal) and seafood appetizer (Totada Blas) were OUTSTANDING. Food and drinks seriously look EXACTLY like the menu. 6 stars in my opinion
Azizi A.
Jan 29, 2022
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Keiko H.
Jan 20, 2022
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We were in town from SD where there are lots of Mexican restaurants but I wanted to try this. We put our name down waited less than 30 mins and got seated on the patio (pup-friendly!) We were hungry so we ordered ceviche Verde, crab enchiladas and pork tacos. The portion is pretty big but we killed them. Ceviche Verde was fresh, had lots of cucumbers, pineapples and halibut. Crab enchiladas were very good with green sauce and fresh real crabs. I really enjoyed the pork tacos. The flavoring was great and it also came with plantains which I loved. I think that was the best dish out of those
Carinna T.
Jan 14, 2022
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Came here to celebrate my friends 21st! The reservation process was a bit of a hassle. You can call ahead to make a reservation but then you must call again the day of to secure your reservation. However I think they got confused and thought that my friends reservation was a different person, so we ended up having to make two reservations. It all worked out though.
The service was incredible! We got seated right when we arrived and chips and salsa were immediately brought to our table. They were very attentive to getting our orders as well. I brought flowers for my friend and they brought over
The service was incredible! We got seated right when we arrived and chips and salsa were immediately brought to our table. They were very attentive to getting our orders as well. I brought flowers for my friend and they brought over
Lavanya K.
Jan 10, 2022
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Variety of vegetarian options: 5/5
Santo mezcal was fantastic - we went twice during our stay in SB. For starters, the service was amazing - we had a larger party and the team quickly put together two tables for us. They were quick to get us whatever we needed and were really quick with our orders. Food quality was excellent - as a vegetarian, there are certain dishes you always expect at a restaurant (enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas). Santo Mezcal had these and more such as the TLACOYO DE HUITLACOCHE Y HONGOS and the Cazuela de Rajas con queso. Some of the best tortillas we've had also! Highly
Santo mezcal was fantastic - we went twice during our stay in SB. For starters, the service was amazing - we had a larger party and the team quickly put together two tables for us. They were quick to get us whatever we needed and were really quick with our orders. Food quality was excellent - as a vegetarian, there are certain dishes you always expect at a restaurant (enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas). Santo Mezcal had these and more such as the TLACOYO DE HUITLACOCHE Y HONGOS and the Cazuela de Rajas con queso. Some of the best tortillas we've had also! Highly
Chris S.
Jan 06, 2022
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Stopped by here for lunch on a Saturday upon arriving in Santa Barbara. Indoor and outdoor seating was full so we scored two seats at the high top counter behind the bar. Drinks were ok, expected better. The highlight of the lunch was the ribeye tacos. We also ordered the mani mani tacos which were on the blind side. The mixed seafood ceviche was also tasty and fresh with a medley of seafood served with some greens over a large tostada bread. Can definitely be shared with 3-4 people. Service was on the slower side but they were very busy so no issue.
Shuang W.
Jan 05, 2022
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I came here because I was at the beach and saw this place with high rating, I asked them for a table for one and got side eyed somehow, no body came to give me menu for a long time which was weird. Waited a long time, server came, he told me their menu is only online thru QR code but even I told them my phone doesn't work he just told me sorry no other way and left??? Another server came after forever and gave me a paper menu and he was very nice. Then I waited forever for someone to take my order, and waited forever for my food to come.
The chips salsa was great, I love the black sauce I
The chips salsa was great, I love the black sauce I
Ronny T.
Jan 04, 2022
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This is NOT your local taqueria with $3 tacos but it's a nice place with delicious food for special occasions. I suppose you could guess that with their location and decor. The place was packed when we were there. I had the salmon tacos which were really good with delicious pieces of grilled salmon. Everything was delicious and service was good. Nice treat.
Ana P.
Jan 02, 2022
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Leana L.
Dec 29, 2021
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We came here at the recommendation of a friend, so even though we weren't starving, we still had to try this place on our last night in SB.
Location: Easy to find and easy to find parking.
Ambiance: Trendy, yet casual.
Service: Service was attentive, without being overbearing.
Food: We ordered the Queso Fundido, the Pupos a Las Brasas, and the Filete Costeno. The queso was as expected, and a great addition to the chips. The pupos was well cooked and the puree it comes with was very flavorful. The Filete Costeno was a let down, though. The only good thing might have been the steak. The
Location: Easy to find and easy to find parking.
Ambiance: Trendy, yet casual.
Service: Service was attentive, without being overbearing.
Food: We ordered the Queso Fundido, the Pupos a Las Brasas, and the Filete Costeno. The queso was as expected, and a great addition to the chips. The pupos was well cooked and the puree it comes with was very flavorful. The Filete Costeno was a let down, though. The only good thing might have been the steak. The
Ben Brooks
Dec 24, 2021
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Seafood + Mexican cuisine = bliss
Tortilla chips perfectly thin yet crisp and salsas super good (I prefer the black one). Octopus ceviche was presented on a plate, thus not soupy, which we loved.
The tequila and mezcal cocktails were great, with a nod to the pipino.
We had the mixed seafood enchiladas, pepper stuffed w seafood tacos, and charred octopus - we suggest them all!
Service at the bar from Tevin also great.
Tortilla chips perfectly thin yet crisp and salsas super good (I prefer the black one). Octopus ceviche was presented on a plate, thus not soupy, which we loved.
The tequila and mezcal cocktails were great, with a nod to the pipino.
We had the mixed seafood enchiladas, pepper stuffed w seafood tacos, and charred octopus - we suggest them all!
Service at the bar from Tevin also great.
Nayara R.
Dec 23, 2021
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What a good experience! Starting with the amazing staff (Ricky was helping us and he is super friendly and sweet), drinks were awesome and the food was delicious!!! So many flavors and amazing seasoning. The meals are really big, we were not expecting that so we had to skip the dessert. So if you are not too hungry, maybe is a good idea just share a plate.
Overall, we loved it!
Overall, we loved it!
Dominic E.
Dec 13, 2021
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Having tried Los Agaves I was compelled to try this location due to the different menu items. It was good, but it actually wasn't what I was expecting.
Knowing the menu was affiliated with Los Agaves I was expecting the same authentic inspired flavors. The crab and chorizo taco was amazing and I was super impressed with the flavors. The jalapeno aioli really gives the chorizo an extended effect with every bite. But other then that menu lacked creativity and authentic menu items Los Agaves offers at it's restaurants. They offered Jarriots soda but no agua fresca which was disappointing
Knowing the menu was affiliated with Los Agaves I was expecting the same authentic inspired flavors. The crab and chorizo taco was amazing and I was super impressed with the flavors. The jalapeno aioli really gives the chorizo an extended effect with every bite. But other then that menu lacked creativity and authentic menu items Los Agaves offers at it's restaurants. They offered Jarriots soda but no agua fresca which was disappointing
Brian H.
Dec 06, 2021
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This place was outstanding and will definitely visit again when I'm SB.
FOOD: We ordered their carne asada with crab flauta and it was amazing. The steak had that chargrilled flavor which made it even more mouthwatering. The crab flauta was also really good. The kids had a breakfast burrito and pancakes and again, everything was delicious. The pancakes were like fluffy clouds and the burrito was packed with eggs, ham, and bacon (kids didn't want the tomatoes nor peppers). The roasted home potatoes that came with the breakfast burrito were also amazing. Even their michelada was superb
FOOD: We ordered their carne asada with crab flauta and it was amazing. The steak had that chargrilled flavor which made it even more mouthwatering. The crab flauta was also really good. The kids had a breakfast burrito and pancakes and again, everything was delicious. The pancakes were like fluffy clouds and the burrito was packed with eggs, ham, and bacon (kids didn't want the tomatoes nor peppers). The roasted home potatoes that came with the breakfast burrito were also amazing. Even their michelada was superb
Lisa D.
Nov 29, 2021
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This restaurant is fantastic. Highly recommend for some good Mexican food that is traditional (w/rice & beans) but also a little fancy.
My half Mexican husband always says he judges a Mexican restaurant by their rice and beans. If they don't do this well, they aren't legit. He and the rest of us in our party completely agreed that the rice and beans are legit here. The main dishes were also superb.
Drinks - great cocktails. They even let us order drinks and brought them outside to us while we were waiting for a table.
Wait - for a Saturday night around 7pm, we only had to wait about
My half Mexican husband always says he judges a Mexican restaurant by their rice and beans. If they don't do this well, they aren't legit. He and the rest of us in our party completely agreed that the rice and beans are legit here. The main dishes were also superb.
Drinks - great cocktails. They even let us order drinks and brought them outside to us while we were waiting for a table.
Wait - for a Saturday night around 7pm, we only had to wait about
Don Don
Nov 25, 2021
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Van C.
Nov 19, 2021
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Upon walking in I was greeted immediately.
They asked if we'd like to be seated inside or out. We chose inside.
The table was clean. The seating was nice, new and updated.
The entire inside was great.
The waiter was very helpful and knew about every menu item was asked about.
Something that really stood out to me is that they were very busy.
Had a waiting list for outside and that everyone seemed to really be enjoying the place. I came in here without even reading reviews or doing any previous research. I walked in with no expectations. And this goes to show how well this place handles
They asked if we'd like to be seated inside or out. We chose inside.
The table was clean. The seating was nice, new and updated.
The entire inside was great.
The waiter was very helpful and knew about every menu item was asked about.
Something that really stood out to me is that they were very busy.
Had a waiting list for outside and that everyone seemed to really be enjoying the place. I came in here without even reading reviews or doing any previous research. I walked in with no expectations. And this goes to show how well this place handles
Yueming Q.
Oct 28, 2021
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Michael Weiss
Oct 04, 2021
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The best food & drink of the Santa Barbara trip. Started with a lavender Mezcal drink and then a spicy Mezcal margarita - both were amazing. (The wife generally doesn't like mezcal but she loved both). Ceviche was very imaginative and colorful with lots of fresh ingredients. The two taco plates were among the best we've ever had. The octopus, shrimp, cheese, chipotle taco was particular memorable. Octopus was so tender and soft. Everything in the plate (chilli, poblanos, roasted whole baby onions, rice, beans, tortillas) were all 100% hitting the spot.
Moriah Mickelbury
Oct 02, 2021
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My absolute favorite restaurant! Santo Mezcal is a gem. The happy hour menu is delish! The service, drinks and food are always on point! I took my mom here and our waiter Javier was so helpful, sweet and welcoming! We had an absolute blast. Since then I will always return! Can’t wait until my next trip!
Star J.
Sep 21, 2021
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I'm so glad I found my way here on my birthday last week because, on birthdays, bad experiences can feel terrible and good ones can feel euphoric. This birthday was one of euphoria thanks to the fantastic food, superior staff, and wonderful waiter, Javier!
The crab enchilada was fresh and delicious. I needed a little more spice which is a great problem to have at Santo Mezcal because they brought me like 5 different salsas! I decided to pour the green on top of the green poblana cream sauce. The chipotle enchilada had a nice kick to it but not overpowering. The shrimp stood out to me as
The crab enchilada was fresh and delicious. I needed a little more spice which is a great problem to have at Santo Mezcal because they brought me like 5 different salsas! I decided to pour the green on top of the green poblana cream sauce. The chipotle enchilada had a nice kick to it but not overpowering. The shrimp stood out to me as
Jennifer Baltazar
Sep 18, 2021
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Andrew Dabydeen
Sep 14, 2021
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Elizabeth X.
Sep 07, 2021
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Went on a Friday night, was told a 45min-1hr wait, but ended up waiting over 1.5 hours.
Food was not bad, but definitely a little expensive. I guess you pay for the ambiance and location (it's near the beach). Food was kind of pretty/instagrammable (rice comes in a little pyramid), but that's about it, for me, personally. I got the chicken enchiladas.
All in all, probably not worth the hype or wait. I think maybe the prolonged wait made me judge the place on a lower start, but the long wait also means it's a very popular restaurant.
Food was not bad, but definitely a little expensive. I guess you pay for the ambiance and location (it's near the beach). Food was kind of pretty/instagrammable (rice comes in a little pyramid), but that's about it, for me, personally. I got the chicken enchiladas.
All in all, probably not worth the hype or wait. I think maybe the prolonged wait made me judge the place on a lower start, but the long wait also means it's a very popular restaurant.
Kristella P.
Sep 07, 2021
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Dipesh Patel Peshy
Aug 27, 2021
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Awesome place we stopped at for lunch on our Santa Barbara visit! Drinks were amazing, you could tell fresh fruit was used in the drinks. Lunch we had was really tasty. As you can tell by the pictures the chef and cocktail specialist starts with pleasing ones eyes before the taste buds. The front end staff was very nice, and very well present to take care of everything. I can't wait to come back and try other items on the menu. Visited 06/07/21
Grace L.
Aug 23, 2021
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Mouthwatering modern Mexican food! I really enjoyed my lunch and happy hour experiences here. While my party was seated immediately both times, I appreciate that they use the Yelp waitlist.
To start off the meal, we had the refreshing tostada san blas. When we ran out of the fried tortilla, we paired the complimentary chips with the remaining octopus, ahi tuna, and shrimp. The cazuela pibil was absolutely delicious with the caramelized fried plantains and fun tortilla cups of black beans and guac. The enchiladas cabo azul were light and yummy, but the dressing for side salad was too sweet and
To start off the meal, we had the refreshing tostada san blas. When we ran out of the fried tortilla, we paired the complimentary chips with the remaining octopus, ahi tuna, and shrimp. The cazuela pibil was absolutely delicious with the caramelized fried plantains and fun tortilla cups of black beans and guac. The enchiladas cabo azul were light and yummy, but the dressing for side salad was too sweet and
Timothy Bee
Aug 12, 2021
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Good food and good service. The salsas are amazing. Hey bring three different kinds. We tried both of the “mocktails” as well and both are great, but the palomita was particularly tasty. I got the enchiladas Ensenada. I didn’t like the sauce on them, but I should have read the menu description better. I scraped it off and it was fine. The inside was great though. They serve a very tasty salad with the dishes. It had mango and cranberry with a light dressing. We will definitely stop in again and try the other menu items.
