El Sitio

Fantastic no-frills Mexican restaurant featuring Mixteco favorites. Lunchtimes are packed and finding a plastic chair & table inside or outside will be challenging. Call ahead and pick it up to go if you don't want to wait but the food is worth the hassle. Breakfast burritos are hearty and loaded. Their torta is one of the best in town even though very simple. And their street tacos are incredible and they offer at least a half-dozen different meat options. Freshly grilled jalapenos generally available to augment your meal and their horchata is respectable. If you want good solid Mexican food at reasonable prices and you're in a hurry or not trying to impress a date, this is a wonderful little place to visit.

We love El Sitio! We've been coming here for over 15 years & never had a bad meal or wrong order. Our favorite is the #8 steak tacos. Always so good! Not a lot of seating, so we always get our order to go and get an extra order for a late night snack or mixed with eggs for breakfast the next morning. The ladies here have always been sweet to me, but that could be because I always tip well. I would highly recommend for a great homemade Mexican meal at great prices!

We were actually planning to get food from Bree'Osh next door, but their hours were incorrect and they were closed. But El Sitio smelled good, so we got some of the freshest best tacos I've ever had. The rice was not heavy as arroz often is, and my only regrets are that I didn't order more and didn't see the full menu before we ordered. They appreciated my limited Spanish. Very authentic. We'll consider them again the next time we're in Santa Barbara.

A quick serve taco joint with a wide selection. Its incredibly authentic and they taste fantastic!

I am updating my review, due to the concern and reply from the owner. I appreciate you offering me a replacement meal sir, but it is not necessary. Just the acknowledgement from you is good for me. I understand that things can go wrong every once in while. Thank you Not a place for me.. Someone suggested that I try them, stop by this morning for a breakfast burrito. Ordered a potato, chorizo, and egg burrito. Looked good and with the first bite of the burrito the tortilla on the side and bottom just fell apart. Asked the staff to give me a plate to eat the burrito with a fork instead. No one offered to remake the burrito or offered to wrap it in another tortilla. Also it was the first time in 30 years eating Mexican food that my burrito had chunks of some sort of sausage and did not taste like chorizo. The meat is always pulled out to the chorizo/sausage and blended with the rest of the ingredients. May be they just put something else instead of chorizo.

Donald

Got an asada torta tonight and it was heavy, thick, and tasty. I must return, it has been a while since I went.

Geri Ige

The #1 Brocheta de Pollo is EXCELLENT! Large portion, enough for 2 people. PERFECTLY grilled chicken breast w/bell peppers, cheese, onion, mushrooms. Served on three corn tortillas.

Ariana Rosay

So grateful for my go to Mexican food <33 I tried sooo many carne asada burritos in sb and here is still my favorite!! Thank u /shout out to the workers here <3

Subash Chellappan

A quick serve taco joint with a wide selection. Its incredibly authentic and they taste fantastic!

Jeffery Nolan

First Time customer today 04/25/2025 and after trying 5 different Mexican restaurants in 9 months in Santa Barbara I have now found PERFECTION!!! This place is unbelievable on every level in quality, taste & customer service. From my first bite of a carne asada burrito (rice, cheese cilantro & onions added) to the last each bite continued being better than the last. Do yourself a favor and don't pass up the opportunity to taste the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara because you will not be disappointed...Treat Yourself!!!

Paul

Fantastic no-frills Mexican restaurant featuring Mixteco favorites. Lunchtimes are packed and finding a plastic chair & table inside or outside will be challenging. Call ahead and pick it up to go if you don't want to wait but the food is worth the hassle. Breakfast burritos are hearty and loaded. Their torta is one of the best in town even though very simple. And their street tacos are incredible and they offer at least a half-dozen different meat options. Freshly grilled jalapenos generally available to augment your meal and their horchata is respectable. If you want good solid Mexican food at reasonable prices and you're in a hurry or not trying to impress a date, this is a wonderful little place to visit.

Jeff Arthur

You cannot go wrong with El Sitio. Used to go there for thier tortas but I have fallen in love with their burritos. Love how they grill the outside of the burrito think grilled stuffed from TB. Just had the breakfast burrito Wow!!!.

Anil Aggarwal

I am updating my review, due to the concern and reply from the owner. I appreciate you offering me a replacement meal sir, but it is not necessary. Just the acknowledgement from you is good for me. I understand that things can go wrong every once in while. Thank you Not a place for me.. Someone suggested that I try them, stop by this morning for a breakfast burrito. Ordered a potato, chorizo, and egg burrito. Looked good and with the first bite of the burrito the tortilla on the side and bottom just fell apart. Asked the staff to give me a plate to eat the burrito with a fork instead. No one offered to remake the burrito or offered to wrap it in another tortilla. Also it was the first time in 30 years eating Mexican food that my burrito had chunks of some sort of sausage and did not taste like chorizo. The meat is always pulled out to the chorizo/sausage and blended with the rest of the ingredients. May be they just put something else instead of chorizo.

John DuBois

El Sitio is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara, a place I keep going back to again and again. Great food, excellent tacos, simple decor. I love the Adobado Mixto, a full meal in itself -- get some extra tortillas to go with it!

Richard Aronson

We were actually planning to get food from Bree'Osh next door, but their hours were incorrect and they were closed. But El Sitio smelled good, so we got some of the freshest best tacos I've ever had. The rice was not heavy as arroz often is, and my only regrets are that I didn't order more and didn't see the full menu before we ordered. They appreciated my limited Spanish. Very authentic. We'll consider them again the next time we're in Santa Barbara.

J A S ok

We love El Sitio! We've been coming here for over 15 years & never had a bad meal or wrong order. Our favorite is the #8 steak tacos. Always so good! Not a lot of seating, so we always get our order to go and get an extra order for a late night snack or mixed with eggs for breakfast the next morning. The ladies here have always been sweet to me, but that could be because I always tip well. I would highly recommend for a great homemade Mexican meal at great prices!

Very small with a unique menu. It's located in a small shopping mall across from grocery outlet. Lunch can get very busy with to go orders. I had the chicken mixto. It's chicken grilled on a flat top with bell pepper,onions, mushrooms,then topped with cheese. It is served with four corn tortillas and some chips. My wife had the chicken floutas, which is essentially taquitos using flour tortillas. They were ok, very basic. They came with beans and rice. They have a small salsa bar that fits one person at a time. The menu is mainly breakfast burritos,soft tacos and tortas. The have specials like sopes and enchiladas listed. This place does have a following of regulars who love it. Personally I liked it but wouldn't come running back.

* dnainsb

Very small with a unique menu. It's located in a small shopping mall across from grocery outlet. Lunch can get very busy with to go orders. I had the chicken mixto. It's chicken grilled on a flat top with bell pepper,onions, mushrooms,then topped with cheese. It is served with four corn tortillas and some chips. My wife had the chicken floutas, which is essentially taquitos using flour tortillas. They were ok, very basic. They came with beans and rice. They have a small salsa bar that fits one person at a time. The menu is mainly breakfast burritos,soft tacos and tortas. The have specials like sopes and enchiladas listed. This place does have a following of regulars who love it. Personally I liked it but wouldn't come running back.

Pretty damn good burritos, but they come super plain. There's no burrito that comes with sour cream, cheese, guacamole and salsa. You'll have to add them to any order, for them, preferably in Spanish.

Jay Money

Pretty damn good burritos, but they come super plain. There's no burrito that comes with sour cream, cheese, guacamole and salsa. You'll have to add them to any order, for them, preferably in Spanish.

Used to be the best...now it's only for rich people..twice as expensive as 3yrs ago. 16$ for a burrito! The workers of SB made you and now we can't eat there? Shame on you

jason macclain

Used to be the best...now it's only for rich people..twice as expensive as 3yrs ago. 16$ for a burrito! The workers of SB made you and now we can't eat there? Shame on you

Ordered 2 Asada Burritos and from what I see I should have just said rice and Bean burrito. Called to let them know and the waitress said the owner tells them to put that small of a portion of Meat. Disappointed will not be coming back.

Pedro Bravo

Ordered 2 Asada Burritos and from what I see I should have just said rice and Bean burrito. Called to let them know and the waitress said the owner tells them to put that small of a portion of Meat. Disappointed will not be coming back.

I ordered 3 tacos, but when my number was called, the staff member announced it as 2 tacos. I corrected him, and he quickly changed his answer, saying it was actually 3. When I got home and opened the box, there were only 2 tacos inside. I ended up paying nearly $17 for 2 tacos. The food was average at best, but the lack of honesty was very disappointing. Would not recommend. Check your order carefully before leaving.

Worst burrito ever ordered asada chorizo burrito was charged extra for it I dont mind the up charge but was not expecting to be charged 17 dollar for a burrito. The rice was too dry so either it was old rice or they're overcooked it. Took it home it was only asada no chorizo. Food is poorly made and overpriced.

A burrito is severely overpriced almost at $13 when all it is just meat, rice and beans. After paying I told them no rice, I'd prefer grilled onion inside my burrito as a substitute and I was told it would cost extra, so I angrily said I wasn't going to pay more for their already overpriced burrito. I was asked if I still didn't want rice and I asked them if it cost less if I get it without rice and they said no... I told them to keep the rice in my burrito since I was going to be charged for it no matter what. The person after me ordered a burrito and wanted extras but was told it would cost more to which they refused. Moments later a cook asked her if she wanted cheese in it and was told they weren't going to charge her extra...nice to witness double standards. This is why I prefer Mexican street food vendors instead of brick and mortar mom and pop Mexican restaurants bcoz street vendors give you way more portions, liads variety of toppings at no extra cost, flavors and bang for your buck.

Christine Kim

I ordered 3 tacos, but when my number was called, the staff member announced it as 2 tacos. I corrected him, and he quickly changed his answer, saying it was actually 3. When I got home and opened the box, there were only 2 tacos inside. I ended up paying nearly $17 for 2 tacos. The food was average at best, but the lack of honesty was very disappointing. Would not recommend. Check your order carefully before leaving.

Owesk Jast

Worst burrito ever ordered asada chorizo burrito was charged extra for it I dont mind the up charge but was not expecting to be charged 17 dollar for a burrito. The rice was too dry so either it was old rice or they're overcooked it. Took it home it was only asada no chorizo. Food is poorly made and overpriced.

Rolando X

A burrito is severely overpriced almost at $13 when all it is just meat, rice and beans. After paying I told them no rice, I'd prefer grilled onion inside my burrito as a substitute and I was told it would cost extra, so I angrily said I wasn't going to pay more for their already overpriced burrito. I was asked if I still didn't want rice and I asked them if it cost less if I get it without rice and they said no... I told them to keep the rice in my burrito since I was going to be charged for it no matter what. The person after me ordered a burrito and wanted extras but was told it would cost more to which they refused. Moments later a cook asked her if she wanted cheese in it and was told they weren't going to charge her extra...nice to witness double standards. This is why I prefer Mexican street food vendors instead of brick and mortar mom and pop Mexican restaurants bcoz street vendors give you way more portions, liads variety of toppings at no extra cost, flavors and bang for your buck.