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!**
" Had a great experience at Carlitos last night for my husband’s birthday. The staff went above and beyond, and made us feel special. The fajitas were amazing, and the fresh salsa was just the right amount of spicy! The outdoor seating area is a wonderful touch, and the atmosphere is very festive. Everything was reasonably priced considering the portion sizes. I’m definitely coming back with friends soon! " (*Curated Review*)
" Overall a great experience! The restaurant has a charming vibe with colorful decor. We had the carne asada fries as an appetizer and they were so indulgent! For the main course, I loved my taco plate which gave great variety. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. I definitely see myself returning here in the future for more delicious adventures! " (*Curated Review*)
" Fantastico! The vibe of the place is electric with live music frequenting the atmosphere. My group went for a birthday dinner and we ordered pretty much everything on the menu. Highlights included the grilled shrimp fajitas and homemade guacamole! The portions were so large that we had leftovers for days. Service was friendly but a little slow at times, which wasn’t an issue because we were enjoying each other's company. Will definitely return for more celebrations! " (*Curated Review*)
" I am thrilled to have found Carlitos while visiting Santa Barbara! It was a vibrant evening with great food and a lively atmosphere. I tried the combo plate and was impressed by the authenticity — the flavors reminded me of home. Our server was delightful and quick with the service. I also appreciated their drink specials. I can see why it’s popular among locals! Will definitely return when I’m back in town. " (*Curated Review*)
" I tried Carlitos for a casual lunch and overall, it was a decent experience. The outdoor seating was nice, and the atmosphere is always lively. However, I found the tacos to be slightly bland compared to what I expected from a Mexican restaurant. The service was prompt but not overly friendly. It felt like we were rushed through our meal, which was disappointing. I’ve had better authentic Mexican food in other places, but I might give it another shot on a busier night to see if they are at their best. " (*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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