
Santo Mezcal
A hip Santa Barbara Mexican spot, Santo Mezcal reinvents coastal cuisine with fresh, local ingredients and an impressive tequila list.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Santo Mezcal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hip Santa Barbara Mexican spot, Santo Mezcal reinvents coastal cuisine with fresh, local ingredients and an impressive tequila list.
"Experience vibrant Mexican flavors and handcrafted cocktails in a lively atmosphere at Santo Mezcal."
Reserve Ahead
Due to its popularity, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the ahi tuna ceviche and shrimp/fish tacos for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elevated Mexican Cuisine
Experience a modern take on Mexican classics with a focus on fresh, local seafood and seasonal produce. A culinary journey for the senses.

Extensive Tequila & Cocktail List
Explore a vast selection of tequilas and expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for sipping and savoring. The bar is a destination in itself.

Lively Atmosphere & Live Music
Immerse yourself in a vibrant, hip setting with live music that creates an unforgettable, 'out of country' dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Ahead
Due to its popularity, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the ahi tuna ceviche and shrimp/fish tacos for a truly memorable culinary experience.
Bar Seating for Local Vibe
Consider sitting at the bar for personalized service and a genuine local experience.
Experience Live Music
Visit during live music performances to soak in the authentic 'out of country' vibe.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Ahead
Due to its popularity, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.
Must-Try Dishes
Don't miss the ahi tuna ceviche and shrimp/fish tacos for a truly memorable culinary experience.
Bar Seating for Local Vibe
Consider sitting at the bar for personalized service and a genuine local experience.
Experience Live Music
Visit during live music performances to soak in the authentic 'out of country' vibe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Santo Mezcal is widely praised for its modern Mexican cuisine, particularly its seafood dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. Diners love the lively atmosphere and the unique flavors that highlight local ingredients. However, some patrons have found the food to be average or the pricing to be high for the quality received. Occasional issues with service consistency and noise levels are also noted.
"We stop into Santo Mezcal every time we’re in Santa Barbara, and it truly never disappoints. The food, atmosphere, and service are consistently great, making it one of our favorite spots in town.
On our most recent visit, we started with the ceviche verde, which we highly recommend. The sweet crunch of the apple pieces pairs beautifully with the fresh fish—such a bright and refreshing appetizer.
For mains, we had the Tacos del Mar and the Tacos de Chorizo de Crab—both were good and full of flavor.
If you're visiting Santa Barbara and love modern Mexican cuisine, Santo Mezcal is a must-try!"
Sarah D
"Great customer service, even better food, and the drinks were delicious! All around this place was hitting every area of what a restaurant should be! If you want good and flavorful food, customer service that is out of this world, and drinks that are to die for... well... this place is for you!"
jorge hernandez
"Service was very friendly at the bar. Had a couple of different margaritas and they were fantastic.....you can really tell the difference when quality ingredients are used. For food I had the oysters stuffed with tuna, shrimp aquachile Negro and the crab enchiladas. All three were very delicious and would recommend anything that I ordered. The chips and salsa(2 different salsas) were also very good."
Christopher Ales
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Santo Mezcal offers a modern and reimagined take on traditional Mexican cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local seafood and seasonal produce.
Yes, Santo Mezcal boasts an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, alongside expertly crafted cocktails that are frequently praised by diners.
Absolutely! Santo Mezcal is known for its hip, lively atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, making it a great spot for a fun dining experience.
Diners often recommend the ahi tuna ceviche, shrimp/fish tacos, and the crab enchiladas. The octopus dishes are also frequently highlighted.
It's highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular and can get crowded.
While the menu focuses on seafood, many Mexican restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about specific options.
The vibe is described as hip, lively, and energetic, with an urban-inspired decor and sometimes featuring live music.
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Anybody who’s spent more than a boozy Saturday in Santa Barbara knows about Los Agaves on Milpas, a well-established Mexican restaurant. Santo Mezcal is their more upscale spot in the Funk Zone, serving modern Mexican food like massive plates of ceviche (get the halibut and ahi tuna), shrimp covered in creamy mezcal sauce, and an octopus in adobo dish you’ll be thinking about all weekend. They also have excellent cocktails, all of which can be enjoyed on their expanded front patio.
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Authentic flavors of coastal Mexico and fresh local ingredients make for packed indoor and outdoor tables at this eatery a block from the train station. For breakfast, fill up on huevos rancheros or chilaquiles; for lunch or dinner feast on seafood ceviches, grilled chicken breast with authentic mole poblano, or Mexican shrimp in a creamy mezcal sauce.
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Just blocks from the beach, at Santo Mezcal, you’ll find the city’s most extensive list of tequila and the restaurant’s namesake spirit. Order an Oaxacan Daiquiri (a world away from its overly sweet, resort-drink cousin) and savor the sounds of people living the good life.
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Santo Mezcal, brought to life by esteemed local restaurateur Carlos Luna and the Los Agaves Restaurants team, presents a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine through the culinary artistry of executive chef Ricardo Garcia. Here, authentic Mexican recipes are reimagined with Santa Barbara’s seasonal produce, creating a menu that celebrates the rich flavors of Mexico with dishes like tlacoyo de huitlacoche (a fungus that grows on corn—now considered a unique delicacy!) y hongos (mushrooms) and the succulent pulpo a las brasas (octopus).
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The Riviera Beach House offers more than just a stay; it provides an experience with stylish European-inspired accommodations and exceptional dining at Santo Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, known for its traditional Mexican cuisine and inventive cocktails. Stroll along lively streets to discover vibrant art galleries, charming eateries, and cozy wine-tasting spots, all contributing to the unique charm of Santa Barbara. Each visit is an opportunity to enjoy the best of a refined beach town lifestyle.
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Located inside the Riviera Beach House is another ingenious concept from the team at Los Agaves and Flor de Maiz—Santo Mezcal. Its urban-inspired decor, brick-laden walls and dimly lit booths create the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s elevated Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, all of which utilize fresh, local ingredients. While there, try the Cóctel Campechana, a shrimp and octopus cocktail served with a distinctive broth of red onions, cucumber, tomato, cilantro and avocado.
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We’re going on six years now of Santo Mezcal winning this hyper-competitive category. A spinoff of the Los Agaves empire but very much an entity of its own, the chic lower State Street Mexican restaurant with a seafood-centric menu is the perfect place to people-watch with a sweating margarita in hand. Give their Margarita Mora a whirl ― house-made blood orange/sage/thyme syrup, bitters, mint sprig, blood orange wheel, and charcoal-black sea salt.
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Santo Mezcal is a trendy Mexican eatery located in Santa Barbara, California, that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Oaxaca. With its fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and contemporary culinary techniques, Santo Mezcal offers a unique and memorable dining experience. The menu at Santo Mezcal showcases an array of authentic dishes inspired by the flavours of Oaxaca, a region known for its rich culinary heritage.
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Contemporary Mexican Cuisine within walking distance of our oceanfront hotel. 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.
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Come celebrate with us at Santo Mezcal restaurant for an unforgettable experience!. Our on-site event coordinators are here to take care of all the details - from decorations and catering to entertainment. Whether you're planning a family gathering, corporate function, social occasion, or holiday celebration, we can accommodate your needs and customize a plan tailored to your taste, style and budget.
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**Nestled in the heart of the Funk Zone, Santo Mezcal brings creative Oaxacan cuisine to the Santa Barbara culinary scene. Conceived by the minds behind the beloved Los Agaves Restaurants, this concept offers a beautiful backdrop to savor new and exciting flavors. Be sure to indulge in their mezcal cocktails infused with cold-pressed juices and fresh herbs, creating a taste sensation like no other.
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Inside or out, Santo Mezcal serves up distinctive contemporary Mexican cuisine. Among the most dynamic of the many excellent restaurants of State Street, Santa Barbara, Santo Mezcal specializes in contemporary Mexican cuisine rooted in Mexican tradition, utilizing the bounty of Santa Barbara County. Although its ambience is casual, its cuisine is elevated, and the décor is deeply appealing too.
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This lively Mexican restaurant is just a few blocks from the ocean and steps from the Funk Zone. You can relax on the gorgeous outdoor patio and drink appealing cocktails loaded with mezcal, tequila or vodka bursting with local and seasonal ingredients. Tequila connoisseurs can’t go wrong here — Santo Mezcal boasts flavorful cocktails and margaritas as well as an extensive tequila menu.
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If you think street tacos are for peasants, skip the lines and head out for an elegant lunch or dinner at Santo Mezcal instead. Just a few blocks from the ocean and steps from local wineries, this restaurant has a gorgeous patio, great cocktails and a taco list that's dressed to impress. Order the tacos de pulps to indulge in tender discs of octopus, sauteed in chili oil and garlic.
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Definitely one of the hottest restaurants in town, Santo Mezcal is located in the Funk Zone in the same building as the Riviera Beach House hotel. We made more than one visit to this restaurant, which we discovered on our most recent trip, to enjoy their absolutely amazing margaritas :)!. There are no reservations, so you’ll just have to wait your turn, which could be hours.
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If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience and do not have a reservation, Santo Mezcal is a perfect option as they only accept walk-ins. Santo Mezcal is a small Mexican restaurant owned by Carlos Luna of Los Agaves fame. They have an amazing selection of margaritas (Zahra loves the Beso Ardiente) and the modern take on classic Mexican food is delicious as well.
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Santa Mezcal is the place to go for modern Mexican food served up with a lot of love. Dining at Santa Mezcal is like taking a trip through the local regions of Santa Barbara and the heart of Mexico, all at once. Try the Filete Costeno if you feel like rib-eye steak, or maybe the Tacos Salmon, which comes topped with grilled pineapple and chipotle sauce.
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Located between the beach and local wineries, Santo Mezcal has it all — a gorgeous patio, expertly crafted cocktails and a killer taco menu. Executive Chef Ricardo Garcia has created the ultimate modern contemporary Mexican menu, inspired by traditional flavors and enhanced with seasonal ingredients from the Santa Barbara and surrounding regions.
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I highly recommend you make reservations here well in advance. Along with Smithy, Santo Mezcal is definitely one of Santa Barbara’s most popular restaurants if the full house at both establishments was any indication. My top recos at Santo Mezcal is the Ahi Tuna Ceviche, the Ceviche Verde, and the Con Toffee De Caramelo for dessert.
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Santa Barbara is replete with stage-set, upscale Mexican restaurants serving recipes of varying—i.e. poor—quality to tourists and moneyed Whites. Santo Mezcal, much like owner Carlos Luna’s other dependable places— Los Agaves and Oaxaca-inspired Flor de Maíz—is probably where they should do their date nights instead.
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Santo Mezcal is the perfect restaurant if you’re all about modern Mexican cuisine. If you live in Santa Barbara, you’ve probably had Los Agaves’ many MANY times like us!. Santo Mezcal has the same ownership, but elevated it’s menu and atmosphere for a more impressive, romantic dining experience.
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Santo Mezcal specializes in modern Mexican cuisine and magnificent margaritas. You could pretty much close your eyes and point at the menu here and end up with an extraordinary dish!. Happy hour is weekdays from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm with food served 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm so you can relax with a drink.
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Santo Mezcal is their more upscale sister restaurant serving Mexican dishes like massive plates of ceviche (get the halibut and ahi tuna), shrimp covered in creamy mezcal sauce, and an octopus in adobo dish you'll think about late at night. Also important: the mezcal cocktails are very good.
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Modern Mexican cuisine makes the menu at Santo Mezcal, a flavorful find among Santa Barbara restaurants. If the goal of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara is to dazzle diners with artistic traditional dishes using local ingredients, then this sweet spot comes through with flying colors.
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Agave-savvy folks will love the tequila and mezcal options at this State St. Mexican restaurant and bar. Take your pick from a classic paloma or something more creative like their ‘Mula Picante’. We recommend starting with their ‘Mezcal Maria’ made with mezcal and a housemade spice mix.
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Santo Mezcal is a modern, elevated Mexican restaurant serving up ceviche, enchiladas, seafood, tacos, and more delicious dishes. It also has plenty of great vegetarian options. On the other hand, Shalhoob’s is perfect for anyone looking for a casual, more low-key eatery.
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Santo Mezcal – A hip and modern Mexican joint found in Hotel Indigo. With a flair on seafood, you’ll find more than your typical Mexican fare here. The perfect place for drinks and appetizers with friends before heading out for a night on the town!
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Santo Mezcal is traditional Mexican fare with a modern twist. This spot is a must for bold flavors, mezcal cocktails, and tacos or moles with serious kicks. Each plate not only bursts with flavor but celebrates contemporary authenticity.
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Santo Mezcal – This could easily be in my Eats section but my experience here was while out having some drinks with friends. I’m a bit of a mezcal aficionado and I LOVE their cocktails!. Totally worth trying out.
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Santo Mezcal is the go-to for a kicked-up Taco Tuesday, though why limit it to one day of the week?. It’s also the place to fuel up with their fantastic breakfast options before a day exploring Santa Barbara.
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119 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Phone: 805-883-3593 Visit Website. A post shared by Santo Mezcal (@santomezcal_sb). Modern Mexican cuisine has never looked so delicate, delicious, and attainable.
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Try traditional Oaxacan there in a casual setting, or go upscale with the family’s sister eatery, Santo Mezcal, where you can sample the famous chile relleno in a hearty burrito.
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Kick things off at Santo Mezcal with a couple apertivos, like the ceviche pulpo and queso fundi, before moving on to the crab enchiladas and mole poblano.
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They don’t take reservations but the wait is worth it and the staff is so sweet too!. We like to go early to get our name on the list.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit