
La Super-Rica Taqueria
A beloved Santa Barbara taqueria famed for its authentic Mexican dishes, handmade tortillas, and a nod from Julia Child.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

La Super-Rica Taqueria

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Santa Barbara taqueria famed for its authentic Mexican dishes, handmade tortillas, and a nod from Julia Child.
"Worth the wait and cash-only policy for a taste of truly authentic Mexican flavors!"
Bring Cash
La Super-Rica Taqueria is strictly cash-only, so be prepared before you join the line.
Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive near opening (11 AM) to minimize wait times.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(805) 963-4940
Address
622 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Julia Child's Favorite Tacos
Authentic Mexican flavors at a spot once lauded by Julia Child. Fresh tortillas and flavorful fillings make it a must-try.

Homemade Tortillas & Fresh Salsas
The star of the show: incredibly fresh, homemade corn tortillas and a vibrant salsa bar that elevates every bite.

Unique Tamale Creations
Don't miss their tamales, especially the vegetarian option, often praised for their unique flavors and fillings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash
La Super-Rica Taqueria is strictly cash-only, so be prepared before you join the line.
Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive near opening (11 AM) to minimize wait times.
Salsa Bar Gems
Explore the salsa bar for fresh guacamole and vibrant salsas to enhance your meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash
La Super-Rica Taqueria is strictly cash-only, so be prepared before you join the line.
Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially on weekends. Aim to arrive near opening (11 AM) to minimize wait times.
Salsa Bar Gems
Explore the salsa bar for fresh guacamole and vibrant salsas to enhance your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Super-Rica Taqueria is celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly its fresh, handmade tortillas and flavorful tacos. Many visitors find the food to be a highlight of their Santa Barbara trip, often mentioning Julia Child's endorsement. However, expect long lines and be prepared to pay with cash, as it is a strictly cash-only establishment.
"La Super Rica is an absolute gem in Santa Barbara! During our six-day visit, we couldn’t resist coming back three times—it’s just that good. The food tastes like a homemade masterpiece, full of authentic, fresh flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience that we’ll be raving about for years!"
Sam
"It was the best Mexican food I ever had. No doubts about it. There’s a queue, it’s cash only but so worth it.
I had the super rica especial, vegetable tamales and Roja and they were all tremendous and flavourful."
Abhishek Singh
"We enjoyed our time at La Super Rica. We liked the tacos de adobado as well as chorizo tacos/quesadillas. The meat was the star of the show to us. I felt that it was really well made and the tortillas were also good. We also got the chile con queso which neither of us loved. Overall, our food was solid and I am glad we came here but I did feel that it was overhyped for what it was.
Note- it is cash only."
Alan Ritchie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, La Super-Rica Taqueria is strictly cash-only. Be sure to bring cash with you when you visit.
Many recommend the Super-Rica Especial, Pechuga Suiza, and the tamales. Locals also favor the Carnitas and Chorizo tacos.
Wait times can vary, but it's common to see lines, especially during peak hours and weekends. Arriving closer to opening time (11 AM) is advised.
While parking directly at the restaurant may be limited, street parking is generally available in the surrounding area.
La Super-Rica Taqueria is typically open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 9:30 PM. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Yes, they offer vegetarian tamales and other dishes that can be made vegetarian.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara in 2023
You can credit Julia Child’s endorsement and a Katy Perry shout-out for turning a tiny corner taqueria into a foodie frenzy. But we’d rather let the tortillas and cuts of grilled meat at La Super-Rica Taqueria do the talking. The tacos—any of them, really—are the main attraction, and you can dress up your dish with full-plate specials like a cheese-stuffed pasilla chile.
Best restaurants Santa Barbara County
Although there's plenty of good Mexican food in town, La Super-Rica is deluged daily by locals and visitors keen on tasting the dishes once so loved by the late culinary queen Julia Child. Join the line outside the airy casita to tuck into tacos, tamales and other Mexican staples, and see for yourself what the fuss is about.
LGBTQ Nightlife Guide for Santa Barbara
Ok, let's just get this out of the way: indeed, late Santa Barbara resident and culinary doyenne Julia Child did at variously times praise La Super-Rica Taqueria (622 N. Milpas St., 805-963-4940), a humble Mexican restaurant along a stretch with several-such eateries on downtown's east side. And no, this doesn't mean it's necessarily the best taqueria in California, or even in town. Nor does it mean it deserves the backlash sometimes sent its way, a response to its larger-than-life reputation, sometimes exceedingly long lines out the door, and the blessing from Julia Child.
What to See, Do, Eat, & Drink
After a few minutes of peddling, we arrived at the La Super-Rica Taqueria, a cute little taco stand made famous by the late famous chef Julia child’s and her comments on how much she liked the place. Teresa advised us that the taco stand was known as a tourist attraction and not so much for the food. This eased our disappointment when we arrived to find the doors locked with a sign saying it was temporarily closed. Thankfully Teresa and her staff recommended a second (first really as they said the food was better) option less than a block away.
7 Unique Date Nights in Santa Barbara
Visit the late Julia Child’s favorite place to get a street taco, La Super-Rica Taqueria, relish in recipes passed down for generations at Lito’s Mexican Food or savor the always-fresh baja fish tacos at East Beach Tacos. After getting your fill of the taco trail, head to happy hour at La Paloma Café, where the margaritas are plenty (and inexpensive!), or venture to Goleta for a dreamy evening under the twinkling lights at Roof Top Bistro and Bar. The happy hour menu consists of a variety of small bites and draft pints starting at $5.
Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Hailed by the late Julia Child as her favorite Mexican restaurant, La Super-Rica Taqueria is an unassuming tacos and tamales joint most recognized for its turquoise exterior. A landmark of Santa Barbara’s legendary Milpas Street, you’ll often find a line out the door. But, trust us, its iconic dishes—like the Super-Rica Especial, a handcrafted tortilla topped with spicy al pastor, chile pasilla and gooey mozzarella—are worth the wait!
The Best Restaurants In Santa Barbara
Just down the street from La Super-Rica, Bossie’s Kitchen is the perfect cafe for when you need a break from the crowded restaurants downtown. This casual counter-service spot is part-deli, part-doughnut shop, and part-neighborhood bistro, and it’s located in a former dairy plant. There isn’t much space inside, but the string-lit patio out front offers a nice place to relax with lunch after a hike, or sit down to a leisurely dinner.
Let's Taco 'Bout the 10 Best Tacos in Santa Barbara!
You will hear a lot of arguments for and against La Super-Rica, but these stewed rajas tacos on homemade tortillas are not up for debate. You might also want to try the chorizo tacos here, but other than that, deviate from tacos and dig into other specialties instead, from tamales and chilaquiles to gorditas and pozole. This place was famously lauded by the legendary Julia Child as one of her favorite local restaurants.
The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara
La Super-Rica Taqueria is a legendary Mexican eatery nestled in Santa Barbara, California, that has achieved iconic status among locals and visitors alike. This charming taqueria has gained fame for its mouthwatering and authentic street-style Mexican food, capturing the essence of traditional flavours and culinary craftsmanship. What sets La Super-Rica Taqueria apart is its commitment to simplicity and quality.
19 Best Restaurants & Bars In Santa Barbara
According to Forbes, La Super-Rica Taqueria was one of Julia Child's favorite places to eat while living in Santa Barbara. Rather than being seated and served, guests order at the window at La Super-Rica, making this a great option for those on the go. This ultra-casual taco joint serves its delicious food on paper plates, proving that quality and taste is the most important component of any dining experience.
The 13 Essential Santa Barbara Restaurants | Blog
La Super-Rica is by far Santa Barbara’s most famous restaurant, a family-run operation that Isidoro Gonzalez founded in 1980. People still flock to the aqua building with covered patio for Mexican comfort food and thick, pressed-to-order corn tortillas that made Julia Child a regular. Its alambre is a great play on the popular Mexico City stir-fry involving grilled tri-tip, bell peppers, onions, and bacon.
10 Best Restaurants In Santa Barbara You Must Try 2023
A post shared by The Hungry Hungry Harrison (@thehungryhungryharrison). La Super-Rica is the most famous Mexican restaurant in Santa Barbara. They are a family-run business that has been around since 1980, and they serve delicious food like their alambre plate, which contains tri-tip with peppers and onions grilled to perfection and then topped with bacon; it’s awesome!
11 Best Santa Barbara Casual Restaurants for 2025
Homemade tortillas are a tasty touch at La Super-Rica Taqueria in Santa Barbara. Made famous by Julia Childs, who loved and frequented it when she lived in nearby Montecito, Super-Rica is not a hole-in-the-wall taqueria that churns out amazing Mexican fare. But it is an inexpensive, casual eatery that many foodies make a pilgrimage to when they travel to Santa Barbara.
30 Things to Do with Kids in Santa Barbara
When Julia Child retired in nearby Montecito years ago and proclaimed this restaurant to be her favorite, its reputation was made. To this day, locals and tourists alike line up for tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tamales. You might have to wait up to an hour in line to place your order, but La Super-Rica’s devout following insists the food here is worth the wait!
20+ Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Made famous by being referenced in a Katy Perry song (did you know she grew up in Santa Barbara?), La Super-Rica is one of many Mexican restaurants in town. It has incredibly authentic Mexican food and takes cash only!. They have outdoor seating under a large tent, which feels like visiting a family member’s home at having a big Mexican feast all together.
Santa Barbara Taco Tour
With at least 25 people waiting outside, I wondered whether I would love the food as I did a decade ago. Once inside, I gave my order to the same guy who had taken it 10 years back, setting the stage for a great experience. The pork tamales are made with masa that barely holds together, and the beef that goes into the tacos ($2.50) has just a hint of pink.
15 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
If you’re looking for a casual dining spot to laugh, eat good food, and enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara weather, then La Super-Rice Taqueria is the place for you. The Taqueria checks all the boxes by serving up delicious Mexican cuisine like tamales and fish tacos. Rumor has it that one of Julia Child’s favorite places to eat was La Super-Rice Taqueria.
Dining in Santa Barbara
Once frequented by Julia Child, La Super Rica Taqueria serves straightforward Mexican food in a bright little shop. Thanks to its cheffy reputation, a line starts forming right when the restaurant opens, with locals and tourists alike waiting for their taste the Especial. Just down the street sits one outpost of the family-owned local chain, Los Agaves.
Four Local Experts on Where To Eat and Drink in Santa Barbara
(It’s my cousin’s taqueria, so I’m kind of biased.) I also like Satellite for sandwiches and salads, or I would go to Three Pickles, this deli that’s inside a historic bar called the Pickle Room. I always get the veggie cheese deli stack and add turkey. Another option: Dutch Garden, it’s German food, off the beaten path.
Santa Barbara Downtown: 13 Places to Eat and Things to Do
This budget-friendly Mexican eatery is not just a favorite of Julia Child but of the droves of people you’ll regularly lined up at their doors. Located on the East Side of town on Milpas street, it’s worth a spot on your Santa Barbara itinerary. We have you covered for all the best things to do in Santa Barbara.
5 best tacos in Santa Barbara
Ever since Julia Child gave a shout-out to this no-frills taqueria — in 1985 — lines have wrapped around the turquoise-trimmed taco stand. Even now, hipster Yelpsters wax enthusiastic. We can’t not mention this place — but blasphemous as it may sound, we have to say, the tacos ($2.50 and up) are not great.
Santa Barbara Wins Best Tacos in The State of California
No taco tour of Santa Barbara is complete without a visit to La Super-Rica Taqueria. This humble, unassuming spot gained fame thanks to Julia Child, who proclaimed it as her favorite Mexican restaurant. Their tacos are simple yet incredibly flavorful, with handmade tortillas and fresh, quality ingredients.
Santa Barbara’s Best Of Taco Trail
La Super Rica Taqueria is arguably the most famous taco shop in town. It opened in 1996 and the late Julia Child, famous TV chef and cookbook author, called it her favorite restaurant. She talked about it on TV–Good Morning America to be exact–and would talk to any food writer about how great the food was.
“The 5 Best”: Taco-Touring in Santa Barbara
La Super, celebrated by Julia Child and Katy Perry, offers fish tacos, tamales and more. Since the late culinary star said on Good Morning America how much she liked this place, the line has been super long. Although the line runs out the door, service is fast and the food is made right in front of you.
cheap eats - Pink Hill Press
Next we walked all the way down Anapumu and then right on Milpas, taking us to the heart of Santa Barbara’s taco scene. There are lots of taco places along Milpas, and it took a lot of determination not to stop at all of them. (Look out for a Milpas-specific taco post, I’m sure it’s coming soon.)
Restaurants in Santa Barbara
It's easy to spot this unassuming taco stand—it's the teal-trimmed white shack with a constant line out the door. Owner Isidoro Gonzalez opened in 1980 and has been serving up fresh, delicious, and cheap authentic Mexican dishes ever since. As you stand in the inevitable line, watch…
The L.A. TACO Travel Guide to Santa Barbara's Best Taquerías, Mapped ~ L.A. TACO
The single register, cash-only policy, and additional wait-time for your food to arrive after 40 years in business feel like an insult. Can it possibly all be worth it for Super Rica’s acclaimed tortillas made before your eyes, gooey alambres, quesadillas, and rajas tacos?
Best Santa Barbara Wineries, a Tasting Guide
Everyone who goes to Santa Barbara has to go to La Super-Rica Taqueria at least once in their lives because they just do. Because it’s La Super-Rica Taqueria. I knew La Super-Rica was one of Julia Child’s favorite restaurants but beyond that, I had no idea what to expect.
Top Restaurants in Santa Barbara & Montecito
La Super-Rica Taqueria is somewhat of a hidden gem in Santa Barbara. This hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant has delicious food you don’t want to miss. On their menu, you’ll find all of your favorites like fish tacos, tamales, chorizo, and more, all cooked to perfection.
My Favorite Santa Barbara Restaurants
One of Julia Childs’ favorite dives, this taqueria has a reputation for serving some of the tastiest tacos. They don’t have a website themselves but a quick google search will give you thousands of results with glowing reviews. Yes, it is worth the wait in line!
The 20 Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is home to a lot of great taco shops and stands, but none are quite as iconic as La Super-Rica Taqueria. In fact, it was known to be one of Julia Child’s favorite restaurants in town!. The prices and carne asada tacos are pretty much unbeatable.
Must see/Must eats in/around Santa Barbara?
If she's a foodie, she's probably already insisted you take her to La Super Rica. I also like Olio e Limone (first place I ever had burrata chese & it changed my life ), Cajun Kitchen does good breakfasts. Of course, the Hitching Post of Sideways fame.
A Food Lover’s Guide to Santa Barbara
La Super Rica is an unassuming order-at-the-window Mexican spot is more than worth the long line for its' under $10 pricing and assortment of authentic Mexican dishes. Don't sleep on the Especial or the Al Pastor Quesadilla - you won't be disappointed.
Favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara with outdoor dining
The Channels editors’ picks for best food in Santa Barbara, starting from top left: Third Window Kitchen, Super Cucas, La Super-Rica Taqueria, Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen (center), Taqueria Rincon Alteño, Judge For Yourself Cafe and Arnoldi’s Cafe
Check Out the Top 10 Santa Barbara Restaurants
In a small white shack, you will find La Super-Rica, the most authentic Mexican food in all of Santa Barbara. This place is so delicious it was one of Julia Child's favorite places to eat and patrons are always greeted with a line out the door.
Santa Barbara Travel Guide: Smart Money Tips
La Super Rica: La Super Rica is among the most famous in the cheap eats group. It's considered one of Julia Child’s favorite spots for tacos, and it's been forever documented in musical form via Katy Perry’s song "This Is How We Do.
Things To Do In Santa Barbara With Kids
It’s a rare restaurant that can bring its A game reliably—for decades. But La Superica Taqueria is exactly that place. It’s as low-key as it gets—it’s an order-at-the-window, paper plates kind of place.
The Most Instagrammable Spots In Santa Barbara
I have to be honest, I didn’t get a chance to eat the food here. I got insanely car sick all of a sudden on our drive to this adorable turquoise restaurant, that I missed out. Everyone RAVED about it.
The Best of Santa Barbara
This small hole-in-the-wall has some of the best tacos you’ll find in Southern California. Sure, you might have to wait in a line that wraps around the shack but I promise you, it’s worth it!
Guides - Santa Barbara, CA - Restaurants
La Super Rica is truly a local favorite and the lines out the door are a common testament to this. It is an authentic Mexican restaurant that was founded in 1980. They are located at 622 N.
best restaurants in santa barbara?
I also used to like Paradise Cafe for excellent burgers on a pretty patio (especially good with an Anchor Steam), McConnell's for ice cream, D'Angelo's Bakery for pastries/bread/brunch.
7 Of The Best Restaurants In Santa Barbara
Authentic Mexican fare in a homey and warm atmosphere is what La Super Rica Taqueria does best. Here you’ll find all your favourites like tacos, tamales, chiles rellenos and more.
The 30 Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California
La Super-Rica Taqueria was one of Julia Child’s favorite places (allegedly). This Mexican restaurant is indeed one of the best to try if this is the cuisine you’re craving.
Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
La Super-Rica Taqueria (Authentic Mexican - famed for having been Julia Child's favorite taco joint - tip: come during odd times, as the lines here can be long)
Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara, CA
La Super Rica Taqueria from Santa Barbara, CA. Company specialized in: Restaurants. Please call us for more information - (805) 963-4940
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit