Second Time was Better..., 7/13/2010
Reviewer: Krista English
from Santa Barbara, CA
I'm glad I gave Los Arroyos a 2nd try. Knowing to expect expensive and that I have to pay to have chips & salsa helped. Also not getting a typical taco, but something more interesting also helped. I recommend the Tacos Al Pastor - excellent with an added twist of grilled pineapple! I also recommend the chile con queso which is a wonderful chile and cheese sauce you spoon into hot fresh tortillas - delicious! Our ceasar salad didn't taste like just mayo dressing like a previous reviewer. To top it off as we were leaving, a server asked how we liked it, if we're visiting (we're locals), and I said no but b/c of the expense we only come rarely, like my birthday tonight. She got our check & all the other servers came around singing HB and she even had them all use my name & gave us a free flan (best I've ever had!) Very nice. I was impressed w/the place esp. after all the neg. reviews below! Give it a try for a special occ. since it's pricey.
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worst service ever! , 5/19/2010
Reviewer: oscar barrientos
from Santa Barbara, CA
Simple order.Order a shrimp cocktail And enchiladas maria. Received the enchiladas minus the cocktail which is served cold so its obviously faster to serve. After waiting for 15 min I decided to ask the cashier if she knew where my food was, apparently she had no idea that I was waiting when the food was clearly on the window/counter. After consulting each other (group of 4) they figured it was my food. I honestly rather have my money back than be served food from some one who is not proficient enough to figure out what's was going on in their work place.
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Great Mexican food, 4/13/2010
Reviewer: Eileen Skrabutenas
from Santa Barbara, CA
This is a great place to go if you aren't a student on a limited budget. We stopped by on a Sunday on our way back from Southern California just to try the place out. Great salsa, guacamole and fabulous burritos. Would definitely make the trip again.
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horrible!, 4/6/2010
Reviewer: maria
from Long Beach CA
I went to try their food with a couple of friends and I ordered a one-item combo which included a "veggie sope with rice and beans." I came to have lunch not a tea party. The sope was extremely small, not to mention the fact that veggies consistent of more than just bell peppers and "pico de gallo."
My friend ordered a Caesar salad and the dressing tasted like mayonnaise! I dont think I will ever be returning.
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Way to expensive, 1/24/2010
Reviewer: jason
from Santa Barbara, CA
I went and ordered a bean rice cheese burrito, hold the beans add guacamole.
Nine dollars!!! you have to be kidding me. plus it doesnt come with chips.
Some of there food is good, and can be priced high, but they need to have a couple of cheap option too. especially if you work a block away.
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Good food - expensive, 10/25/2009
Reviewer: lee
from Santa Barbara, CA
No argument from me, the food is great but the prices are out of control. Try Los Agaves on Milpas for the same great food and similar menu at a fraction of the cost.
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$$$ will stop me from going, 10/21/2009
Reviewer: elle
from Goleta, CA
Tried LA for the first time w/ coworkers Sunday night. I'm glad I split a plate with my coworker, because I wasn't ready to pay $10 and change for a burrito! A little on the salty side, the burrito was all right, but it's not enough for me to come back thanks to $$$. I agree w/ other reviewers--Super Cucas, Baja, etc are better options based on $$$.
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Love the food here, yet sooo expensive., 10/21/2009
Reviewer: Lucilla
from Santa Barbara, CA
I think the food here is one of the best mexican foods in town. Real mexican is different yes. But real mexican food is cheap and never at the gourmet level Los Arroyos serves.
I recommend this place to everyone.
The only really bad side is the prices, they are ridiculously high.
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Nice people and Ok atmosphere but the food is not worth it
Reviewer: Glenn
from Buellton
Strange this was voted best mexican/salsa etc in the poll. Its really not that good and pricey. The people and the atmosphere are nice though(though tables are a bit cramped) and that its downtown probably has something to do with it. For better food try Super Cucas or La Salsa(better salsa)or even El Pollo Loco.
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What happened to reasonable mexican food?
Reviewer: Janell
from Santa Barbara, CA
My family and I used to dine here regularly. We loved the great food, casual atmosphere and reasonable prices. Now that their prices are higher we rarely go and always feel riped off. For the prices they charge there should be a less cramped dining area and better service - or at LEAST free chips!
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Definitely Gone Downhill - Please Read
Reviewer: George
from Santa Barbara, CA
I remember back in the day when the patio was a hole in the wall and the restaurant was the best hidden gem in Santa Barbara. Now that they have remodeled and added a location in Montecito, they really have gone commercialized and have done so well in ripping me off. The last and final time I was there, I was limited to two tiny salsa cups per entree. The burritos were extremely pricey, the most expensive in SB. It is definitely not worth it in terms of the quality and size. They are not generous with the guacamole even though I pay an arm and a leg. The ambiance is crammed as they try to have as many tables and people as possible. The customer service needs to be improved in order to have some serious locals return. If I am paying this price for a burrito, I expect something better overall if it is not the food. This is definitely not authentic Mexican food, and you can ask the Mexican population around town for proof. Try Lili's Tacos or Lito's on Haley Street!
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Gone downhill.
Reviewer: Lori
from Santa Barbara, CA
This used to be one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, but right now it feels like the place is phoning it in. Last night, I had one of the worst tostadas of my life. The chicken tasted like hard pieces of plastic - inedible. The beans were bland, the rice stale and there was only lettuce, no tomatoes or anything else salad-like. Plus, for the second time since our last visit, they screwed up my husband's order. I really hope this downgrade is temporary because we always enjoyed eating here.
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excellent!!
Reviewer: Mike
from Los Angeles, CA
So glad I brought my computer and searched for the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara. Our lunch was incredibly delicious. VERY fresh halibut and shrimp in my tasty enchiladas. Even my picky son loved his crunchy tacos. Go here. You won't be disappointed!
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Let down.
Reviewer: ABR
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have eaten too much good mexican food I suppose, but this restaurant is the farthest thing from authentic. I ordered crab enchiladas-- not good, too rich, and the crab was cold. The graucomole did not have flavor. My plate was covered in beans, as an attempt to "fill" the space. Not impressed, and thought it was WAY overpriced. I love great food, and this place is just not it. Worth $0.50 for every dollar I spent.
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Rollback prices
Reviewer: Lola
from Santa Barbara, CA
Would have been nice to know their "1999" menu was limited items, this was not stated on the post card that was posted at our place of business or in the ad in the Independent. We placed a large order for take out, and were quite dissapointed at our total.
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Free Chips? Dont think So!
Reviewer: Sharon
from Santa Barbara, CA
I work downtown and I am usually a regular at Carlitos Restaurant for lunch. About a few days ago, my co-worker decided to go to Los Arroyos...bad idea!! Not only do you not get free chips for the money you are paying, but it is a total generic version of Carlitos restaurant. The quality of food is terrible! I rather go up a few blocks up to my favorite Mexican restaurant and pay extra for free non-stop chips and salsa and the service. If not you should go down to milpas st. and theres a ton of good Mexican food for a way cheaper price and better quality than Los Arroyos!
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Love the Guacamole!
Reviewer: Julie Stano
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love their guacamole! I have eaten at many of the mexican places here in sb and think the guac here at Los Arroyos is the best in terms of seasoning / flavoring. Their chips always come out hot too which is a plus!
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Good, But Overpriced
Reviewer: Tapatio
from Santa Barbara, CA
Im Mexican. I've eaten pretty much every Mexican dish. Los Arroyos is good Mexican food. BUT 10+ dollars for a burrito is too much money for even a gringo. The food doesn't let you down though, and thats why i treat myself to arroyos prob once a month because anyone can make their own mexican dish for less $.
Also finding a spot to eat is hard. very hard.
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Cool Temps-Hot Dollars
Reviewer: Belinda
from Santa Barbara, CA
Well, I tried it again and was disappointed again. I had been before and was unimpressed with the selection and the high cost. Friends suggested going and even though it had been a couple of years between visits, the food was still over priced and served at tepid temperatures. Never going back...ugh.
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