How is Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina restaurant rated?

Name: Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina
Address: 1324 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, United States, 93101
Telephone: (805) 962-7117
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.5

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina, Santa Barbara, CA

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina

4.5

212 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Carlitos is a Santa Barbara restaurant with a vibrant mix of contemporary Mexican cuisine, and award-winning margaritas, rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions that celebrate local ingredients. Inspired by the bounty of the sea and farms nearby, signature dishes include our Fresh Halibut Ceviche, Bohemia Fish Tacos, Garlic Shrimp and our infused Chile oil, refreshing Scallop and Shrimp Salad with Mango vinaigrette, traditional Mole with Chicken, Spicy Back Ribs, and Portobello Mushroom Enchiladas. Colorful umbrellas, and a bubbling fountain at Carlitos accent the sun-filled outdoor patio overlooking State Street, while the dining room features original Fiesta artwork by Channing Peake, and a Cantina stocked with a fantastic collection of 100% Blue Agave Tequilas and Mezcals. Carlitos is a festive gathering place for family and friends, and add some lively Mexican and South American guitars, you have the makings of a fun filled evening!

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin / Spanish
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm Brunch: Saturday - Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm Dinner: Daily: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Phone number
(805) 962-7117
Website
http://www.carlitos.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1324 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Guacamole In a Molcajete
Prepared fresh daily, served with homemade blue & yellow corn tortilla chips
Shrimp Empanadas
Crispy corn turnovers with shrimp, asadero cheese, chipotle cream & papaya salsa
Halibut Ceviche
Fresh Alaskan halibut on a crisp corn tortilla with lime, avocado & salsa fresca
Grilled Chicken Quesadilla
Manchego cheese, caramelized onions, poblano chiles, guacamole & chipotle cream
Roasted Eggplant, Tomato & Basil Quesadilla
Asadero cheese, cilantro pesto, guacamole & sour cream
Calamari Frito
Calamari rings served with roasted red pepper aioli

Brunch

Pozole
Hearty Mexican soup with Pork or Chicken, onions, cilantro, radishes, cabbage, avocado & oregano
Huevos Rancheros
Cage-free eggs, crispy corn tortilla, queso fresco, beans, guacamole & salsa quemada
Chilaquiles & Scrambled Eggs
Crisp tortilla strips, roasted tomato salsa & queso fresco
Fresh Raspberry Pancakes
Honey-maple syrup & grilled sausages or ham
Santa Barbara Omelette
Fresh spinach, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, queso fresco & cilantro pesto
Carlitos Breakfast Burrito
Scrambled eggs, grilled chorizo, black beans, cheese, avocado, & salsa fresca
Eggs Benedict Ole
Poached free-range eggs, grilled ham, manchego cheese & chile hollandaise

Espcialidades de Carlitos

Caesar Salad
Homemade garlic croutons, grated parmesan, romaine & our signature Caesar dressing. Grilled Chicken, Shrimp or Wild Salmon
Carlitos Tostada
Grilled Chicken or Steak, Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Vegetables
Shrimp & Scallop Salad
Mango, jicama, red pepper, mezclun greens chipotle cream and lime vinaigrette
Carlitos Combo
Choice of two items with black beans & rice OR Caesar salad. Cheese, Beef, Chicken or Portobello enchilada, Pasilla chile relleno, Beef or Chicken taco, tamale
Rock Shrimp Soft Tacos
Papaya salsa, purple cabbage & sour cream on handmade corn tortillas
Burrito Asado
Grilled chicken, Steak or Grilled vegetables, ranchera salsa, sour cream, guacamole & salsa fresca
Tacos al Carbon
Soft tacos served with black beans, guacamole & salsa fresca on homemade corn tortillas. Grilled Chicken, Steak, Carnitas (pork), Pacific Halibut & papaya salsa, Portobello Mushroom
Grilled Chicken Breast Torta
Manchego cheese, caramelized onions, chimichurri sauce on a bolillo rolls
Grilled Wild Salmon Sandwich
Topped with bacon & avocado on a bolillo roll
Sizzling Fajitas Platter
Grilled Steak, Chicken or Combo, Shrimp or Pacific Halibut
Carne Asado a la Tampiqueña
Skirt steak with cheese enchilada Mexicana, frijoles charros, rice, salsa quemada & guacamole

What 212 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5

4.5 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

212 Reviews

R
Reynaldo
Philadelphia
119 reviews
vip
2.0
119 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2020
overall2food1service3ambience2
Worst Mexican(?) food I ever had...anywhere!!! And I spent over a year in Mexico.
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SS
SusanS
Central Coast
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall3food4service1ambience4
We were disappointed with the service. Our server kept bringing another table's order to us. We had to ask for water refill several times. He was not personable and the only time he made eye contact and smiled, was then he presented the check. This is unfortunate because we loved the location and environment and food.
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JR
JohnR
Orange County
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
our server Ariel (sic) was phenomenal. And the steak at the bottom of the menu was wonderful; tender and tasy.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just as good as I remember! Haven’t been to Carlitos in a while and it was just as good, if not better than the last time.
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SP
SP33
Orlando
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a wonderful dinner with friends. Food was great. I had the enchiladas verde. Just the right amount of flavor and heat. Guacamole was great. Server was super-attentive. Outdoor space had a great ambiance. Will definitely go back next time we are in Santa Barbara.
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LF
LesF
Orange County
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved the restaurant. First time there and definitely not the last. The food was great, service good, and really liked having live music!!!
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SG
SawnaG
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2020
overall1food1service3ambience2
I thought Carlitos was extremely overpriced for what you received. The customer service was basic, the food had no flavor and the portions were tiny for the price and the margaritas tasted as thought it was just sweet and sour mix with ice. Unfortunately it’s not a place I’d ever recommend not ever return to.
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DF
DavidF
San Francisco
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food was just average. Nothing special. With so many good Mexican restaurants in town, I think you can do better.
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M
Marsha
Central Coast
207 reviews
vip
4.0
207 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food and service were fine, just not exceptional. Not much atmosphere.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food!!
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B
Brett
San Francisco
44 reviews
vip
4.0
44 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great margaritas and casual patio dining with our dogs.
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AC
AmyC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
best chips and salsa in town. We have been coming here almost every Friday night for 27 years!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
106 reviews
vip
3.0
106 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2020
overall3food3service2ambience3
Waiter was arrogant...not the usual there. Food was okay but not up to usual standard. There was no music.
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S
Stephen
Los Angeles
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. Always crowded prior to Covid...so the wait for a table in the evenings can be long (prior to Covid). Definitely a place you want to go to for dinner from time to time.
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E
Edie
Central Coast
96 reviews
vip
5.0
96 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had friends visiting during the film festival and I thought they would enjoy watching the commotion in front of the Arlington theater one evening. So I suggested we dine at Carlitos. Everything was perfect. Thank you to Carlitos for reserving parking for their reserved guests. Thank you for seating us with a reservation relatively on time even though the restaurant was packed. Food and drink was brought to us in a timely fashion. And ALL yummy. Our friends had a wonderful evening and so did we. Not our first time there and the food and service is excellent as always. We ordered the salmon, beef fajitas and a burrito, guacamole and calamari. All excellent.
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DC
DanC
Los Angeles
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience3
Excellent food and margaritas. Very energetic atmosphere, but a big drawback is that if eating indoors it is extremely loud. This makes conversation at the table very difficult even with the person seated in the seat next to you. The bathrooms are very small and if you are a tall person (say 5’10 or more) it makes sitting on the toilet (if needed) a bit uncomfortable. Great location on State St across from the Arlington Theater which was our ultimate destination.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
106 reviews
vip
3.0
106 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2020
overall3food5service2ambience5
Great experience until they slopped all our meals into one box!!! We wanted to take this home to eat individually...I've never experienced this...we got a half hearted apology. I feel like they owe us a meal after that... I'd much rather put my own food in a box anyway...I don't want somebody else's food dumped on top of mine! I've never had this happen before!
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M
Maureen
Los Angeles
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service, always a great experience
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S
Sand
Orange County
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall3food2service5ambience4
Pretty average food, but great service. The spicy baby back ribs were really good, but the rest of the food we ordered was fairly mediocre.
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P
Patsy
San Francisco
50 reviews
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and an amazing blood orange margarita!!
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VV
VictoriaV
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely meal with the family for Christmas Eve! It’s was delicious & service was A+!
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GH
GaryH
Washington DC
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2019
overall3food2service4ambience3
I have been to Carlitos several times while visiting Santa Barbara.The last few times I've been there, the menu was not Tex-Mex as I like it and the drinks were a bit expensive. There are many great restaurants in Santa Barbara, so I probably not be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waiters were quick and really helpful&nice. Blood Orange margarita is really delicious and fajitas are delicious. See you guys soon :)
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T
Tigger
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely dinner with drinks out on the patio. It was raining when we were there, however there were tables under an awning with heaters.
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OR
OkR8r
San Francisco
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a must when we travel to SB. Food is authentic, plentiful, and very delicious!
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D
Dini
San Francisco
67 reviews
vip
3.0
67 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall3food2service5ambience4
Carlitos has been opened for 40 years so I expected it would be great Mexican food. I found the food to be very bland. I did like their chips and salsa but the taco’s were very average. The other thing I didn’t like was how fast they brought all our food. We ordered a salad to start and they bought the entree’s out with the salad’s. I hate to feel rushed when I am out to dinner. I must say all the staff were friendly and helpful.
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u
up4maui
Sacramento
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of our favorite places to eat in Santa Barbara!
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C
Char
Central Coast
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was extremely friendly. We were seated quickly, served drinks and food in an appropriate amount of time and was on our way to our event with plenty of time to spare!
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TR
TraciR
Central Coast
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Attentive staff. Great chips & salsa/guacamole & the drinks are tasty too. Food is always more than enough & great flavors.
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r
rthbaum
Los Angeles
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience2
Food was average nothing spectacular. Too many tables on the patio, crowded. Waiters kept bumping into ba I of chair as they worked their way through the area.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at Carlitos with my boyfriend and they did not disappoint! We both got mango margs with a spicy mix on the rim and I had the best chicken fajitas I think I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to go back!
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MM
MMae
Central Coast
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
Ordered a margarita and wasn't disappointed, it was as good as I was lead to believe. The chips came with a very good red salsa as well as a corn salsa both were very flavorful. My entree was a very tasteful chili relleno and the corn and chili tamale..which tasted delicious. We will be back.
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CO
CynthiaO
Central Coast
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous place to get together with long time friends. The ambiance on the patio in Santa Barbara is like none other.
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NH
NancyH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed a quick drink and lite dinner recently on the patio, before going to a show at the Arlington. Every one of the staff was friendly and helpful, seating was prompt. Service, food and beverage were all first rate. We will be back, thanks for a lovely evening !
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D
Designer
Central Coast
53 reviews
vip
5.0
53 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are local and always love to enjoy everything that they have to offer! The food is always consistent and great!
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h
hungry
Central Coast
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
I love Carlitos! I actually ate at Carlitos twice this week, and at Dos Carlitos once. I have to say that the food is always better at Dos Carlitos, but it's hard to beat the ambiance of being downtown Santa Barbara, nestled between the mountains and the Arlington Theater.
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C
Cshepp
Los Angeles
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service! We appreciated the help from our server, Cindy. Thank you!
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R
Rali
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Mexican food !!! Every time we visit Santa Barbara , Carlitos is a must!!!
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DD
DenaD
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Price of kids' meal surprisingly didn't include a drink. Those were extra. The food and atmosphere were fantastic. We would definitely recommend! Family friendly and appreciated the vegetarian option.
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C
Chris
Los Angeles
123 reviews
vip
5.0
123 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Agave margarita and steak tostada delicious
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FAQs

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina is rated 4.5 stars by 212 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

1324 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Additional information

Neighborhood
Santa Barbara
Hours of operation
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm Brunch: Saturday - Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm Dinner: Daily: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin / Spanish
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.carlitos.com/
Phone number
(805) 962-7117

Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Menu

Sunday Brunch

Botanas / Starters

Guacamole In a Molcajete

Shrimp Empanadas

Halibut Ceviche

Grilled Chicken Quesadilla

Roasted Eggplant, Tomato & Basil Quesadilla

Calamari Frito

Brunch

Pozole

Huevos Rancheros

Chilaquiles & Scrambled Eggs

Fresh Raspberry Pancakes

Santa Barbara Omelette

Carlitos Breakfast Burrito

Eggs Benedict Ole

Espcialidades de Carlitos

Caesar Salad

Carlitos Tostada

Shrimp & Scallop Salad

Carlitos Combo

Rock Shrimp Soft Tacos

Burrito Asado

Tacos al Carbon

Grilled Chicken Breast Torta

Grilled Wild Salmon Sandwich

Sizzling Fajitas Platter

Carne Asado a la Tampiqueña

What 212 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information