Carlitos Café y Cantina
Mexican Restaurant
$$
4.4
(1102)
Carlitos Café y Cantina is praised for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic Mexican cuisine. Many customers highlighted the quality and freshness of dishes such as fajitas, enchiladas, and guacamole, demonstrating a commitment to tradition and flavor. The service is generally attentive, though experiences can vary. Overall, it stands out as a delightful dining choice in Santa Barbara.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (805) 962-7117
Address: 1324 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
Opening hours
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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!**
" I recently tried Carlitos for the very first time, and I was really looking forward to it based on all the hype. Unfortunately, I was a bit let down. The environment is charming with a decent vibe, but the food was merely average. I ordered the carne asada burrito, which tasted fine, but nothing stopped me in my tracks. My friend had the pozole and said it was better but still not authentic enough for her taste. We didn't experience any major issues with service though, which was a relief. We might try it again, but it won't be our go-to spot. " (*Curated Review*)
" I visited Carlitos Café last week for dinner and was very impressed! The outdoor patio has such a nice atmosphere, with twinkling lights and live music. The hand-made tortillas served with the fajitas were amazing! You can tell they care about using fresh ingredients. Meanwhile, the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive throughout our meal. The portions are generous, making it easy to share dishes. I’m definitely looking forward to my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)
" I went to Carlitos Café for dinner with some friends and we had an incredible time! The ambiance was alive and welcoming, with live music that made the evening feel festive. I ordered the shrimp tacos and they were bursting with flavor. Everyone at the table loved their meals, especially the chicken fajitas which were sizzling hot when served! The staff were attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. We even tried a few different margaritas, which were deliciously refreshing. I can’t wait to go back! " (*Curated Review*)
" I had the worst experience at Carlitos last weekend. We arrived just before 9 PM, but the hostess made us feel unwelcome because they were planning to close. The kitchen should have been open until 10, but the staff rushed us to order. I felt like they just wanted us out of there. The food was average at best, and the margarita was overpriced for its size. I expected much more, especially since we had heard good things. I won’t be going back any time soon! " (*Curated Review*)
" Really enjoyed my meal at Carlitos! The fish tacos were incredibly flavorful, and the portion sizes were massive. My friend had the enchiladas, which she raved about. We appreciated the diverse drink menu as well. We sat outside, and it was a wonderful experience overall. The service was friendly, but they seemed a bit overwhelmed for a Saturday night. Still, I’d definitely recommend this place for anyone craving authentic Mexican food! " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (883)
" Decent place for a casual Mexican meal, but I wouldn’t call it authentic. My partner and I found the food to be a bit bland compared to what we were hoping for, especially the salsa. The vibe is friendly, and the service was acceptable, but it didn’t blow me away. I appreciate the outdoor dining area, but it just didn't stand out for me compared to other places nearby. " (*Curated Review*)
" I was really looking forward to trying Carlitos after hearing wonderful things from friends. I have to admit, while the service was polite, the food felt lackluster. I ordered the enchiladas and they had a nice presentation but lacked depth of flavor. The atmosphere was lively and bright which I appreciated, but I expected better food. I might give this place another shot before making a final verdict. " (*Curated Review*)
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