Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch
1 / 10

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A Santa Barbara institution for over 20 years, serving authentic mesquite-grilled chicken and tri-tip with a flavorful salsa bar.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Santa Barbara institution for over 20 years, serving authentic mesquite-grilled chicken and tri-tip with a flavorful salsa bar.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The chicken is probably the most delicious, moist chicken I’ve ever had at a restaurant!"

TIP

Try the Combo Burrito/Bowl

For a hearty meal, the combo burrito or burrito bowl is a highly recommended and satisfying choice.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds, especially during lunchtime, consider visiting during less busy times.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 10:30AM

Cuisine

BBQ

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(805) 569-1872

Address

2618 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mesquite-Grilled Chicken & Tri-Tip

Mesquite-Grilled Chicken & Tri-Tip

Savor perfectly grilled chicken and tri-tip, cooked over mesquite charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor.

Santa Barbara Value Restaurants: 10Best Bargain Restaurant ReviewsGoogle Review+1
Generous Portions & Value

Generous Portions & Value

Enjoy large, satisfying portions of flavorful BBQ chicken and tri-tip at great prices, making it a local favorite.

Google Review+1
Flavorful Salsa Bar

Flavorful Salsa Bar

Experiment with a variety of unique and flavorful salsas, including green chili and jalapeño options.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Drippin Chicken in Santa Barbara 🫶🏻 @Drippin Chicken love love love. Would def go back especially after a long night on state street lmao #santabarbarafood #sbeats #santabarbara
@cooking_coastal
2.8K likes • 33.6K views

Try the Combo Burrito/Bowl

For a hearty meal, the combo burrito or burrito bowl is a highly recommended and satisfying choice.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds, especially during lunchtime, consider visiting during less busy times.

The buzz is real — get lost in the sauce & taste what everyone’s talking about. 🔥🍗 #tracyca #drippinchicken #santabarbara #hotchicken #209eats #805eats
@drippinchicken
5 likes • 182 views
May 30th Drippin Chciken Santa Barbara Grand Opening 🥳🎉🎈 #santabarbaraeats #islavista #805eats #newrestaurant #delplaya
@drippinchicken
150 likes • 6K views

Explore Local Bars

Consider visiting nearby bars like Yellow Belly for craft beers before or after your meal.

Customize Your Burrito Bowl

Create your own masterpiece by adding salsa bar items like pico de gallo and marinated onions to your bowl.

The best fried chicken and gelato of my life 😚🫶🏻 had a lovely evening at Santa Barbara 🌹 #california #traveltiktok #fypシ #food #pier
@itzztli
77 likes • 799 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the Combo Burrito/Bowl

For a hearty meal, the combo burrito or burrito bowl is a highly recommended and satisfying choice.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds, especially during lunchtime, consider visiting during less busy times.

Explore Local Bars

Consider visiting nearby bars like Yellow Belly for craft beers before or after your meal.

Customize Your Burrito Bowl

Create your own masterpiece by adding salsa bar items like pico de gallo and marinated onions to your bowl.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch is a beloved local staple, consistently praised for its delicious mesquite-grilled chicken and tri-tip, generous portions, and excellent value. Diners appreciate the flavorful salsa bar and friendly service, though some mention it can get busy during peak hours. It's a go-to spot for a satisfying and authentic BBQ experience.

"If I were gay and I had a lover, and I could never forget her, this would be that girl. I eat here about twice a week & it has been my favorite, can’t tell you how long but, forever. The trip tip and chicken is always consistent. I love to get the burrito because you get the best of every thing.
I moved away and gosh thought about her like crazy."

Christina Federighi

"Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch is a great place to grab some delicious food! The chicken is always flavorful and cooked just right. The service is quick, so you won’t be waiting long. There’s plenty of parking, which is a big plus. Plus, they offer a great selection of sauces to go with your meal. I’ll definitely be adding this spot to my favorite places in Santa Barbara on the map.
If you enjoy discovering great spots like this, you can check out more on my YouTube channel @dim_daniels.
Highly recommend this place for anyone craving tasty food and fast service!"

Dim Daniel

"The Chicken Ranch: A Santa Barbara Staple with Unrivaled Flavor 🍗🔥

For as long as I can remember, The Chicken Ranch has been serving up some of the most flavorful, mouthwatering chicken I’ve ever had. I still remember my godmother taking me here as a kid, and even back then, I was blown away by the bold, orange-colored chicken that packed a flavor punch like no other. To this day, it remains one of my all-time favorites, and yes I’ll admit I’m biased but only because it’s just that good.

A Chicken Lover’s Paradise 🐓🌿

While the menu has plenty of great options, the chicken is the undeniable star. It’s tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to juicy, smoky perfection. Pair it with their full salsa bar and a solid selection of cervezas, and you’ve got a meal that hits all the right notes.

Speaking of salsas, I like to mix things up literally. I take their rice and beans, add some roasted salsa and fresh pico de gallo, and create my own little masterpiece: Pico De Arroz. It’s a simple mix, but it adds another layer of flavor that makes every bite even better.

Rustic, Cozy & Unapologetically Chicken-Themed 🏡🐔

Walking into The Chicken Ranch, you immediately get barnyard cantina vibes. The rustic wood, the cozy, laid-back feel, and the adorable chicken tchotchkes scattered throughout the restaurant make it feel warm, welcoming, and just a little bit quirky in the best way possible.

A Must-Stop Every Time I’m in Santa Barbara 🌊

No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without stopping in for a plate of that legendary chicken. It’s one of those places that sticks with you through childhood memories and into adulthood because the food is just that good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Five stars for nostalgia, flavor, and the best chicken around. 🔥🍗"

Anthony Elisarraras

What People Like

Tender mesquite-grilled chicken and tri-tip
Large portions and great value
Flavorful salsa bar

What People Dislike

Can get busy during lunch hours

Frequently Asked Questions

The mesquite-grilled chicken and tri-tip are the signature dishes, available as plates, in burritos, or bowls. The combo plate featuring both is also highly recommended.

Google Review+1

Yes, they offer 'Party Packs' designed for families and groups, providing generous portions of chicken and tri-tip with sides.

Santa Barbara Restaurants

The chicken is cooked over actual mesquite charcoal, giving it a distinct smoky flavor and tender texture.

Santa Barbara Value Restaurants: 10Best Bargain Restaurant ReviewsSanta Barbara Restaurants

While the focus is on BBQ meats, sides like rice, beans, and salsa may be suitable for vegetarians. It's best to inquire about specific options.

Yes, the salsa bar allows for customization of your meal with various salsas and toppings. You can also create a unique 'Pico de Arroz' by mixing rice with salsa and pico de gallo.

Google Review

The restaurant offers outdoor dining ambiance, which is appreciated by many customers.

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Santa Barbara Independent

Best of Santa Barbara® 2024 Eating

The Hardey family has worked to make Jeannine’s a part of the fabric of Santa Barbara for over 30 years and will continue to be a place where you can enjoy one-of-a-kind pastries and nutritious food every day,” said Alison Hardey. “We’ve won awards for lifetime achievement, been called the ‘comfort clubhouse’ in positive reviews, and been named one of the best breakfast and lunch spots in town. We are committed to earning your support and look forward to serving you for many years to come.

Visit Source →
Cozymeal

Santa Barbara Restaurants | 20 Best in 2025

The cheeky name is just one of the fun aspects of Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch, a hub for mesquite-smoked barbecue prepared in the best Southwestern tradition. This is the Santa Barbara restaurant to mosey on into if a dish of meat and three sides is your idea of dining heaven.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Santa Barbara Value Restaurants: 10Best Bargain Restaurant Reviews

The Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch has been serving Mexican-style mesquite BBQ chicken and tri-tip to hungry area patrons for over 20 years. Try one or both with a side of tortillas, rice and chips. They cook over actual fire (there's no hidden gas grill or frier in the back).

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santabarbara.com

Santa Barbara Restaurants

Various LocationsThe Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch has been serving up the best Mesquite Bar-B-Q’d chicken and tri-tip for over 25 years, in both our Santa Barbara and Goleta restaurants. We cook with only real Mesquite charcoal imported from Mexico. No gas grill, no frying.

Visit Source →
santabarbaradaytrip.com

Santa Barbara Restaurants Guide

Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch is by far our favorite Mexican take-out. A family run business located at 2618 De La Vina Street in Santa Barbara,(805) 569 - 1872. My favorite is the chicken and tri-tip burrito.

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