Palapa Restaurant

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.3 (559)


Palapa Restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine that resonates with traditional flavors. The dishes are fresh, and despite some mixed experiences with service, the welcoming atmosphere and pet-friendly setup make it an appealing choice for diners. Many reviewers commend the generous portion sizes and the unique offerings that stand out among other Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara.

Overall:

4.5

(459 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.3

Service:

4.3


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (805) 683-3074

Address: 4123 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Live Music
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Palapa offers a delightful taste of Mexico right in Santa Barbara. I loved the enchiladas; they were richly flavorful and filled with plenty of cheese. The staff was attentive but felt a little rushed during busy times. Still, the vibrant atmosphere and excellent food made up for it. Highly recommend trying their salsa—it’s fresh and spicy! " (*Curated Review*)

" Palapa Restaurant is our favorite hangout! We adore their mole enchiladas—they are a huge hit for us. We come here often for family dinners. The outdoor seating really adds to the experience. The service can vary, but overall, we've always left happy! " (*Curated Review*)

" I had a delightful experience at Palapa! The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming with friendly staff that made us feel right at home. I tried the tacos de carne asada, and they were incredibly authentic and bursting with flavor. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable. Definitely coming back! " (*Curated Review*)

" Not the best, but still decent. I had the fish tacos, and though they were fresh, they could have used more seasoning. The ambiance is nice enough, but it doesn’t quite have that authentic Mexican feel I was hoping for. Service was friendly, yet a bit slow. Overall, I might come back, but I’d be open to trying new places first. " (*Curated Review*)

" First time visiting Palapa and it did not disappoint! We ordered a variety of tacos and they were incredibly flavorful! The atmosphere was lively, and the service was spot on. Outdoor seating was lovely, and perfect for an evening meal. Only downside was their drink selection; I was hoping for more cocktails. But overall, I’m very happy with my experience! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (449)

" Palapa has been my go-to for authentic Mexican food since I moved to Santa Barbara! Their tacos al pastor are out of this world! Subtle smoky flavor and tender meat, paired with their fresh salsa—it’s a winning combination! The service can be a little slow during peak hours, but the quality of food makes it worth the wait. The ambiance is lively with a vibrant Mexican theme. " (*Curated Review*)

" Let me tell you—Palapa is a hidden gem when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine! The moment we sat down, we were greeted with warm chips and salsa, which set the tone for the day. I ordered the carnitas and my partner tried the mole enchiladas. Both dishes were perfectly seasoned and generously portioned. The atmosphere with its patio seating was lovely on a sunny afternoon. The service was impeccable; our waiter was attentive without being overbearing. I highly recommend Palapa to anyone looking for a little slice of Mexico! " (*Curated Review*)

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