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La Super Rica Taqueria
622 N. Milpas St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 963-4940
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Reviews by the General Public
I miss it, 1/2/2010
Reviewer: rebecca cooper
from tacoma, washington
My family and I have been to Santa Barbara several times on different trips, we always eat there, and It is the one thing I still miss. Here in washington state I haven't been able to find anything close.
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Hour long wait, for decent food!, 12/29/2009
Reviewer: Aaron
from Santa Barbara, CA
A previous review stated that Mondays tend to have the shortest lines, so i went on a Monday. I waited over an hour in line, not joking at all (if Mondays lines are short, i would hate to go on any other day). Other then the wait, everything was somewhat above average. Decent selection on the menu, and I enjoyed the rather bland atmosphere. The Adobado Tacos were nothing to write home about, but pretty good (Lilly's tacos are way better and a dollar less per taco). I certainly liked the hand-made-to-order tortillas. I will definitely be back for a second try,just not during peak business hours
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For Those Who Keep Judging a Place by the # of Hispanics..., 12/20/2009
Reviewer: Ronaldo
from Santa Barbara, CA
First of all, this is Santa Barbara we're talking about. Not too many Hispanics are located in that area to begin with. Secondly, why would they go to a place in Santa Barbara when there are so many good places in the heart of LA?
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Hit or Miss- You takes our chances, but the charm is real, 10/10/2009
Reviewer: matt shanaberger
from Santa Barbara, CA
You know you have to go there. Mondays seem to have the shortest lines. I note after the dozens of times eating there that some days are a hit, others a miss. Part may be that often times the meats are nicely spiced and salted, others it seems like they aren't at all. So, my complain os often that the food is very bland, and just dousing it with hot sauce is not really how to compensate. The queso dish is a perennial favorite, in case you have a hankering to stop your heart. And the tortillas are of course nice, fresh, handmade. So, take your chances. The prices are good. Of course, Rudy's over on Montecito Street does a bang-up job, and in my mind Los Arroyos is still king!
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From one of the very first patrons, 10/9/2009
Reviewer: Wesley Wilvert
from Carrollton, GA
I graduated from SBHS in '67. I do not remember when La Super Rica first opened, and I cannot remember the owner's name, but I DO remember being one of his first and most frequent patrons until moving to Denver in '85. I don't know what it's like now, but I promise I WILL return for a meal the next time I am in town. All I can say is - from the pics I am pleased to see it has not changed much if at all, and I will always remember the food as having been the best of its kind I have ever had.
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Overrated, 10/8/2009
Reviewer: Alex
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have eaten here about 3 times, at the insistence of friends, and have been disappointed each time. The food is ok, not great. The salsa's are bland and disappointing. It seems to me they are very focused on volume rather than quality. There is a much better place just a couple blocks down the street.
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Our Super Rica experience, 10/7/2009
Reviewer: Roger and Roberta Sypek
from Santa Barbara, CA
Having been referred to the restaurant by a friend's glowing recommendation and having perused these reviews, we dropped by Super Rica for lunch on a Monday day trip to Santa Barabara. As mentioned elsewhere, the order window space is cramped, so we had to stand a few minutes and let people squeeze past as we surveyed the variety of menu items on the chalkboard. We decided on the popular #16,an order of Chilaquiles, and an order each of tacos...one of bistec and the other a special shredded beef with creamy guacamole. All the food was delicious, the portions generous, the #16 being a sort of deconstructed chile relleno with strips of pasilla and fried whole green onions in cheese over marinated pork and tortillas. Excellent! The gentleman taking the order was very friendly and helpful, and the food came up in no time...maybe 4 or 5 minutes. We went away full and happy, with no sense of the place being over-hyped by the reviews. We are looking forward to our next visit and to further exploration of the menu.
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Poor attempt at Pozole, 8/31/2009
Reviewer: Mike
from Santa Barbara, CA
I should have stuck to my regular chalkboard selections and avoided the pozole special. It was shortly after Fiesta, and I was still relishing the awesome goodness of the pozole at Our Lady of Guadalupe, I decided to try the La Super Rica version. It was not that good...too thick, like it had corn starch in it or some other thickening agent, and I couldn't really taste the different elements. On the other hand, the #16 was as good as ever!
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Can't wait, 8/17/2009
Reviewer: Lily
from Venice, CA
There are two reasons people write bad reviews of SuperRica: 1) they just like to bash things that are "popular" or 2) they own another taco place on Milpas!
Every time I go to SB I can't wait to eat there. The line is long, but it gives you time to figure out what to order. I have never been disappointed and love the tamales!
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I'm getting hungry, 7/22/2009
Reviewer: John Hamilton
from Irvine, CA
My wife and I used to live in Santa Clarita -- about an hour and fifteen minutes from Santa Barbara. After we discovered La Superica, we went there pretty much every time we went to Santa Barbara and about twice a year we would make the 2 1/2 hour roundtrip just for this amazing food. My personal favorite is the Tacos de Rajas, but I never had anything I didn't enjoy. The guacamole is fantastic too!
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By reading these reviews, it's not for everybody. But it's definitely worth a try. You may fall in love with it like we did.
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Live in Orange County now and haven't had La Superica in a year. I need to get up there soon.
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P.S. Yeah, I'm a pretty standard issue white guy. I hardly see how that makes my opinion less valuable.
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Overrated, 7/20/2009
Reviewer: Irishkevbo
from Irvine, CA
I had La Superica for lunch and I have to say I didn't get it. I had a chile relleno in cream sauce and it was disgusting. 2 pounds of cheese, no flavor in a bland cream sauce.
The #16 was good but will melted cheese all over it, I found it gooey and hard to eat. I have eaten some great Mexican in my day and La Superica was not one of them.
P.S Great salsa and tortillas
P.S.S When you only see white people eating the food you know the food is not legit.
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crowded look... decieving, 7/14/2009
Reviewer: Ryan
from Santa Barbara, CA
"There is a reason the line is out the door every day they are open"
That reason is actually the fact that there is only room for 1-2 people inside where you place your order. It looks packed when there is more than 3 people in line. Once you go to sit down there is room for about 20-30 people total.
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Do the math, 7/8/2009
Reviewer: Mike
from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is great if you know what to order. They have very good food. It's a bit pricey, and I've been doing a little math. Average check about $8 times 500 (very conservative) is $4000 a day times 20 days a month = $80000 a month. Take this business plan and run with it!!!
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1st time for him, 6/23/2009
Reviewer: gloria
from san pedro/ca
my husband's 1st time there. he enjoyed his tacos, my chilaquiles and beans. brought the veg tamale home. we ordered too much. the cafe de olla was delicious! sweet w/ canela (cinnamon)
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Great Little Place!, 6/9/2009
Reviewer: Felipe
from Los Angeles
When I first got there, I thought I was not going to be impressed. It is a great place where they make hand made tortillas fresh everyday. The assortment of dishes gives everyone a chance to try something new. Everytime I am in town, I make a trip to get some chicken tacos and guacamole.
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Always been a fan..., 5/31/2009
Reviewer: Stacey
from Santa Barbara, CA
It seems like Super Rica is so hit and miss for people. I have ALWAYS loved it. When I first introduced my husband to it, he was unimpressed, but has learned to love it. You have to go and try several different dishes to find your favorite and to appropriate it. I highly recommend #16- marinated pork with pasillas and cheese melted on homemade tortillas. Everything is very simple but freshly made, from the tortillas to the meat to the salsa. If you can appreciate simple Mexican food at its best, than Super Rica is for you! Yes, after you order it may take quite a while to get your food, so don't ever go expecting to get in and out quickly! But well worth the wait.
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Not sure I understand the hype, 5/26/2009
Reviewer: Liz
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've lived in the area for a number of years and had never eaten here until a friend insisted. The food's good as long as you're a meat lover. The complete lack of Mexican people dining in the restaurant made me suspicious. My best comment - the spicy food is truly spicy.
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Very average, 5/15/2009
Reviewer: Eric
from Santa Barbara, CA
I'm amused at the number of people who defend superica using the number of years they and their families have lived in SB - somehow length of residency corresponds to taste in food?
Superica is average, greasy mexican fast food. There are many better choices along Milpas and elsewhere in town. I don't hate their food but to its certainly nothing unusually good.
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Super great meals for 25 years. Worth the wait., 5/14/2009
Reviewer: Rachel
from Santa Barbara, CA
Ignore the naysayers. I grew up in SB and my family has lived here for nearly 100 years. We know good local food and have eaten at dozens and dozens of places in SB. La Super Rica is one of a kind and not to be missed. The lines are long for a reason. If you want white tablecloths, this is not your place.
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Best in SB, Top 5 in California, top 5 I've ever had, 5/3/2009
Reviewer: Mikey
from Santa Barbara, CA
El Sitio and Rudy's don't hold a candle so SuperRica. They (every restaurant and business) need to raise prices from time to time. I must say, their portion sizes have remained the same. Rice, beans, enchiladas, tamales, chilaquiles, etc all the specials can't really get "smaller". The fondu cups are the same size they always were. The tacos have always been quite small portions but the meat is good quality an around 3-4 bucks. Maybe you're getting larger? The Julia Childs thing is played out and old, people need to stop using that as a measure in which to rate the place. There is a reason the line is out the door every day they are open; La Super Rica has excellent food and people constantly come back because of that. If you don't like it, why do you keep returning? Regarding customer service, the owner and his son are always cordial and friendly at the window, from there it's pretty much self service but they will help you with something if you ask for it.
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Overrated and Disappointing - Please Read, 5/2/2009
Reviewer: George
from Santa Barbara, CA
Just because Julia Childs went here doesn't mean its an amazing restaurant. As a long time SB local, La Superica has changed its prices and quantity of food. The same people are cooking and the dirty ambiance has only gotten dirtier. I always sit on the side decks because the white chairs are browned out. Don't go in the bathroom - enough said! The food is excellent, however every time I go there the quantity keeps on getting smaller and I get less tortillas for over 5 bucks. Don't come here if you expect any sort of service because they do not care! Everyone who goes back to Super Rica would care less because the restaurant looks authentic. For improvement... quantities need to be bigger again to match the price. Overall, its a JOKE -- try El Citio or Rudy's for better service.
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What Does 25 Years Of Long Lines Say About A Restaurant, 4/30/2009
Reviewer: Max Cornish
from Hillsdale, MI
Several years ago I read that Santa Barbara had more restaurants per capita than any other city. During the fifteen years I lived there restaurants opened and closed with amazing frequency. The hottest trendiest ones would have daily lines waiting to get in for their first 2 or 3 years. La Super Rica has had lines for 25 years. To those who trashed La Super Rica, it might just be you.
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My Wife INtroduced me to Super Rica, he favorite restaurant, 4/27/2009
Reviewer: Paul Coyne
from Los Angeles, CA
My wife hails from Southern California, while I originally come from Massachusetts. We have different palates, obviously. I'm happy with a greasy burger. She's happy with a grassy salad.
On a recent return from a wine trip to Solvang, Sara drove us into Santa Barbara to introduce me to the favorite restaurant of he youth, this tiny taco stand. She has told me that both Julia Child and Mario Batali list this as among their favorite eateries in the world. But she was a fan long before she knew who they wee.
The food was delicious. Fresh, perfectly blessed with spice, and served with a refreshing lack of pretense. Just good food.
Sara writes a food blog and her latest was about growing up in Southern California and dining at Super Rica. She's a far better write than I. Check out her blog:
is married to a woman from California, but don't hold that against her. New Culinerapy post: http://culinerapy.blogspot.com/
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nOT WORTH THE WAIT!!, 4/14/2009
Reviewer: NANCY
from Santa Barbara, CA
IVE EATEN THERE MAYBE THREE TIMES IN 15 YEARS AND I ONLY LIVE A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. MOST OF THE TIME ITS ONLY BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE WILL WANT TO EAT THERE. SO---THERE I GO TOO! BAD IDEA MOST OF THE TIME. YOU HAVE TO ORDER AT LEAST THREE THINGS OFF THEIR MENU TO GET A REAL MEAL PORTION. I THINK IF THEY ARE AS SUCCESSFULL AS THEY APPEAR SOME OF THEIR PROFITS SHOULD GO TO CLEANING THE PLACE UP A LITTLE. SPECIALLY WHEN YOUR JUST ABOUT TO WALK IN AND YOUR LOOKING RIGHT INTO THEIR KITCHEN. NOT THE CLEANEST PLACE FOR YOUR FOOD TO BE COOKED IN. I DONT EVER SEE THE COOK RUN TO THE SINK FOR A QUICK WASH WHILE GRABBING FRESH MEAT OUT OF THE FRIDGE AND THEN TOUCH THE REST OF THE ALREADY COOKED MEAT. SO...I DONT THINK I'LL BE JOINING WHOEVER WANTS TO GO EAT NEXT TIME. I'LL JUST POINT THEM TO THE PLACE. LOL
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don't leave Santa Barbara without eating here, 4/6/2009
Reviewer: Nicole
from Alta Loma, CA
We have been visiting Santa Barbara regularly for 12 years and never miss eating at La Super Rica at least once during our stay. The food is like no other! The people that seem to find fault with this place are probably looking for the type of Mexican food you can get anywhere. This is not what you get at La Super Rica. The food here is very fresh and very tasty. If you choose to try this place, you will be in for a unique dining experience. We love, love, love La Super Rica!
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WAY OVERRATED--BLAND AND PLAIN, 3/18/2009
Reviewer: Brian
from Isla Vista, CA
I had always heard about La super rica and how "great" it was so I decided to check it out one day (having evaluated most of the other mexican places in town). I was VERY disappointed. The food has NO flavor!!! what kind of Mexican food has no spices and no flavor? Granted, it was cooked decently but I could have made something much tastier at home. GO TO RUDY'S ON MONTECITO/BATH ST. WAAAAAY BETTER+ they have the best salsa selections and better portions :)
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NOOOOOM, 3/18/2009
Reviewer: Rae Hauptfeld
from Santa Clarita, CA
nom nom nom!! This place is my favorite! It's just a fun place to go when you need a bite to eat when visiting Santa Barbara.
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Pesticides, 3/14/2009
Reviewer: JC
from Santa Barbara, CA
My family attempted to eat at La Super Rica Taqueria today and as we entered the building where orders are placed we were overcome with stong smells of pesticides. We didn't stay around to findout what the source was but it really upset us as we had been looking forward to eating their food as we love this restaurant. This is the third time we have smelled pesticides and our last visit unfortunately to what is otherwise a wonderful restaurant. Please cleanup your act so you dont harm your employees or others. Thanks.
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Food was OK
Reviewer: Michelle
from Tampa, FL
The food was OK. I liked the place at the La Cumbre Plaza better. The food was bland as well. It was cheap but I wouldn't go back.
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overrated.
Reviewer: Beth
from Oceanside, Ca
This place is so overrated. The meat was dry, the line is way too long. It's cheap because the servings are way too small. This is not real Mexican food. I couldn't even eat the gorditas de frijoles.
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WAAAAYYYY over-hyped
Reviewer: brian
from Santa Barbara, CA
No service and the food is bland and not worth the wait. When Julia was there, way back when, food standards were obviously a LOT lower. If you want authentic Mexican go to any other restaurant on Milpas and they will blow this restaurant away. Try Lily's for a great cheek taco, or Altamarino's for a great Pozole. Way better options all up and down Milpas, leave super rica for the people who only go there to say they went to "the restaurant Julia Child went to".
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A Tasty Tradition
Reviewer: Al
from Santa Clarita, CA
We have eaten here since it opened. The food is fresh and the waiting in line is a social event, not a pain. The criticism that Hispanics don't eat here is only partially true; they come in and take food out, back to their job sites, not eating in the dining porch. Try #16, pasilla and pork tacos. The best specials are the sopes (little masa boats of chicken, cheese and sauce) or the chilaquiles, which are made only occasionally.
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One of the BEST places to eat in all of Santa Barbara!
Reviewer: Dennie Ferry LaTourelle
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been going to La Super Rica for nearly 28 years! Even before Julia Child called it
"The best restaurant in Santa Barbara." It's totally and dependably yummy. The lines
can be VERY long so go on off hours, if possible. Their homemade salsa is to die
for. Bon apetit!
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Yum
Reviewer: Mike
from Santa Barbara, CA
Super Rica has enchiladas on Wednesdays. Chicken with mushrooms and cheese and a good sauce. They also have chilaquiles, chile rellenos, sopes, pozole, fried shredded beef tacos with avocado sauce, calibacita tacos, fish tamales, and a host of other specials on different days of the week. They have over 20 menu items to choose from, not including the few specials each day. Latinos and people from many cultures go there to eat every day.
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Different is not 'more authentic'
Reviewer: Sandra
from Santa Barbara, CA
It seems people have built up a folklore around La Super Rica because they don't serve burritos, enchiladas, etc. It's true that many of the dishes they do serve can't be easily found at other places, but these are generally very plain dishes -- no wonder other restaurants don't bother with them! The quality is fine, the selection is limited, the 'authenticity' is no different than anywhere else -- I'm always disappointed when friends suggest this place. I'd recommend stopping elsewhere on Milpas or Haley, unless you prefer to be surrounded by non-Latinos while eating Mexican food.
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Fresh and authentic ingredients
Reviewer: Beatriz
from Santa Barbara, CA
The refreshing thing about La Super Rica is that you get fresh corn tortillas. That deserves an A. Secondly, no flour tortillas or cheddar cheese. Even better. I love meat, but my favorite dishes were all vegetarian ones! I had the mushroom and epazote taco, the vegetable tamale, and the chile relleno filled with vegetables. Take the review for what it's worth. I'll be back as soon as I get a chance!
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We've been regulars for years
Reviewer: Alan H. Rosenberg
from LA
Twice a year, we drive up the coast for our Super Rica fix.
As usual, our meal was terrific! The Sopes, & Chilequiles are to die for! The tortillas terrific. This is not your typical Americanized Mex. Restaurant so if you are expecting salsa and chips, go elsewhere. It's basically self service on a patio.
You eat, hang a little, then go. The people behind the counter are always friendly and helpful.
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Over hyped and overdone
Reviewer: michael pecht
from Leonia, NJ
I should have listened to a friend who is multiple James Beard award winner when he told me not to expect too much. The meat was dry, and the tortillas bland and gummy. The rice had no flavor or texture. Yes Julia Child raved about it, but like the Emperor's new clothes, no one wanted to disappoint an old lady. There must be a killer taco stand in Santa Barbara and when I go back west, I hope to find it. I love to make food "meccas", and no one could talk me out of going here, but what a mistake.
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it really is super
Reviewer: Mich Hal
from Los Angleles, CA
We live in LA, and sometimes, we drive 2 hours to Santa Barbra just to taste the amazing flavour of La super rica!
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LSR
Reviewer: Dook
from SanDiego
I'd just like to say that I live for INCREDIBLE meals, and for anybody else out there that needs another confirmation of "LegitNESS" for LSR it's official....
END OF STORY
1.Order anything de verduras
2.Tamales are to die for
3.Order the Specials
4.Stay away from the tacos and meats....
Damn SB locals are jaded(not all but too many)....
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It's our favorite
Reviewer: Joan and Jim
from Vista, CA.
Joan and I live in Vista, Ca. (North San Diego County) We try to get to Santa Barbara every year and we plan to go back in Early September. I can't wait. La Super Rica is my favorite. What is better than their vegetable Tamalies with a side of beans and Salsa and chips and a Corona. You get to sit under a canvas awning with vines growing and people talking. Joan and I love the place.
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You can do a lot better on milpas st.
Reviewer: Hajir Sailors
from Santa Barbara, CA
La Super RIca Taqueria appears to be the montecito white person's idea of hearty homely mexican food. Why this is, I do not know. I live in montecito myself so I'm certainly not putting down montecito, but if you're goign to get mexican food on the east side there are so many better choices. La Super Rica certainly has great tortillas and fresh salsa, outside of that, the meat is dry and bland, the overall taste is not what you would expect out of real mexican food. Altamirano's has great juicy and tasty meats... on the eastside that's where i would go, there are also a plethora of other taquerias on milpas. If you want great mexican food on the westside go to el zarape and have alambre, something that La Super Rica does not seem to offer. If you're just looking for a burrito well go to Super Cucas on the west side or look around on the east side, there are tons of taquerias everywhere! BUt don't stand in that line at La Super Rica, unless for you it's a social event, an excuse to run into so and so because you won't find hispanics dining here, it's not really their food.
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Good food for a great price!
Reviewer: Shawn Burgert
from Thousand Oaks/CA
True that this is a good quality Mexican spot no question! This place has the same type of trap that some movies have. Has anyone ever told you how great a movie was for weeks on end? Then you finally see it and you were expecting more, and just disappointed?
Well that can happen here too! So do not expect to hear angels singing while you eat! Just expect some really kick butt food for a good price!
I did not rate service because there is no service. It comes out a window.
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Bland
Reviewer: vg
from Santa Barbara
If you grew up eating Mexican food you may find La Super Rica overpriced for the rather bland food. I was really hungry when we ordered, but I could not bring myself to finish my tacos de carne asada because they just were not good. Not even the price I paid could motivate me to finish my 2 tacos. We ordered rice and beans, also bland. I grew up eating Mexican food at home and at taco trucks in my hometown so I have no problem with down-home establisments, this place however was below your average flavor and cleanliness standards. It is like eating at a dirty picnic table. If you would like some really good tacos go the swap meet in Goleta on Sunday and look for the Los Arcos taco truck. I would recommend tacos al pastor, but all thier tacos are good. They are not overly priced and are better than anything you will find in town.
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Awesomeness
Reviewer: Shea
from Summit County, CO
I think That the food at this place is amazing! Get a number 13 its like this yummy cheesy Greatness! The atmosphere is beautiful and relaxing. Its a great place to chill while you eat delicious food!!!!!!!
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Amazing Restaurant
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Chatsworth, CA
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Every time we come to Santa Barbara, this is where we eat. I've been coming here with my family for years. The restaurant itself is a little odd, because it's just a rundown shack, but the food is amazing. Definitely get some homemade tortillas. You can even eat them plain; I often do.
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Well deserved praise
Reviewer: Michael
from Dallas, Texas
Great food! Very different from my "Tex-Mex" roots. Everything was fresh and carefully prepared. In conversation with a fellow diner, I was informed that Julia Child would eat here often. That says it all for me.
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A reply to Santa Barbara Roger
Reviewer: Kerri Michelle
from Ladera Ranch, CA
My family and I lived in Santa Barbara for years, and although we enjoy returning to La Superica even though we no longer live in S.B., I don't feel that we should be dubbed "tourists" or "foodies" looking for the next hottest thing or "food mecca". I live in Southern California - an area full of Mexican food restaurants, and I have eaten the good, the bad, and all of the above. I agree that that the lines are long and tedious, which is why I suggested getting there early. On the other side of that, as word of mouth spreads, who are any of us to complain about long lines of tourists when we ourselves are out here promoting such a good place to eat? I never said that Superica was the "second coming", but just that it is good honest Mexican food. I know the owner and his son personally, and I admire their commitment to making delicious food while keeping their business within the family and not "selling out". Everybody has different tastes, and honestly, my husband is not as impressed by the food as I am. Perhaps it is because I grew up on it and enjoy their particular style of cooking. Besides, if President Reagan would send his Secret Service to pick it up for him when he was at his S.B. ranch, maybe it's worth a try? I believe that this restaurant truly deserves a solid rating, but if you don't care for it, so be it -- I have not dubbed anyone a "hater". Perhaps I was too hasty when I recommended Taco Bell instead to those who did not appreciate Superica - and for that I apologize. I was just supporting a place that I have loved for more than 26 years. Trust me folks, I'm not in a "Superica Cult"! All I ask is that you try the food if you are in the S.B. area -- if you don't care for it, so be it. We are all entitled to our opinions -- that is what makes this Country so great!
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very good
Reviewer: Charlotte Keller
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love the service the excellent food. I dine here but not enough. Here's how good it really is, I've been here since I was 3.
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The best Mexican food in the world-Bring one to Ft. Myers Fl
Reviewer: Ron Angell
from Fort Myers
Your food is the best Mexican I have ever had in the whole world... better than in Mexico..
I dream of your food.
Ron Angell
:-)
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