EST. 1978 CARLITOS is located in the heart of the ARTS District of Santa Barbara and features a vibrant mix of contemporary Mexican cuisine, and award-winning margaritas, rooted in Mexican flavors and traditional recipes that celebrate local ingredients. Colorful umbrellas, and bubbly fountain accent the sun filled patio on State Street, voted best sidewalk cafe and patio in Santa Barbara! Carlitos is a festive gathering place for locals and visitors alike! Stop by for sips + bits in lovely Arlington Plaza with plenty of FREE parking!
Classic Mexican eats & margaritas served indoors or on the patio with colorful umbrellas & fountain. Based on 979 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.4 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ Delivery
Address:
1324 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 962-7117
Website: http://www.carlitos.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Friday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11 AM–10 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday |
11 AM–10 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Sabrina M.
Happy Cinco de Mayo! If you are in Santa Barbara, you have to check out the Margaritas at Carlitos! They are so GOOD! My friend got the Blood Orange Margaritas and I got the Cadillac. Both are very good. I do miss the big saucer-type glasses though. I had the Sizzling Steak Fajitas, yum! My friend had Halibut Tacos. The service was a little slow, and the waiter didn’t check on us. But the quality of the food and drink made things pretty enjoyable.
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Ede Marshall
Great food. Nice atmosphere. Relaxing view of old town. Good selection of food.
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nado haddad
This is the first time I come to this place as I should dine in every time come to Santa Barbara .It’s a special place with a Mexican unique food. The people there are very nice and very helpful. You need to go there if you come to Santa Barbara
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maco 60
Awesome place to dine at. I absolutely enjoyed the Chicken Fajitas, salsas, guacamole appetizer, tortillas, mango margarita, and vegetables. A must try place, I didn’t even get to finish all of my fajitas, and they were so delicious. Highly recommended. They have both outdoor and indoor seating available. Parking looked available on-site but we parked across the street.
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Alan Pottkotter
Love the atmosphere. Drinks are great and food is a little pricier for Mexican food but it’s worth every penny for the atmosphere and location. Fajitas are great! Pozole is also amazing.
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Sabrina Skøt
The staff here is on point. Absolutely aware and quick. The food is really lovely and prices are good. Would definitely come back. Recommend you go aswell!
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daren green
A cool relaxing spot with live music sometimes and great street views of downtown Santa Barbara. The drinks and menu are good and the patio offers plenty of Santa Barbara sun. Walking distance to anywhere downtown so this is a great spot for mid day munching.
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Carmen Gonzalez
We came on a Monday night, the patio was full so we decided to eat inside. It was nice, we were the only ones inside. Jose was our server, he was awesome. My frozen Margarita was STRONG… so he got me a shot of lime juice. I’m a lightweight with drinking though. They gave us chips/salsa/and corn/bean dip. We had the steak fajitas and vegetable tostada. We ordered and got within 10 min. They were both delicious. I would definitely recommend. Everyone was very pleasant.
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Laura Barton
Food execent servise could be beter but the waiters were more interesting in talking to each other then erning tip but other then that food was great
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Teresa Vega
Delicious Mexican food in Santa Barbara. Our stop for lunch when traveling North. Outside patio. Delicious chips with black bean relish. Mole enchiladas are excellent. You have to ask for them.
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