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Carlitos Cafe & Cantina
1324 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 962-7117
- Category: Mexican
- Hours: Summer: Mon-Sat 11am-11:30pm, Sun 9am-10:30pm, Winter: Mon-Sat 11am-10:30pm, Sun 9am-10:30pm
- Price: $10 - $20
- Serving: Lunch, & Dinner
- Map
- Web Site
- Menu
- Write a review of this location!
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Reviews by the General Public
Second Chance Blown, No Third Chance, 10/28/2009
Reviewer: Kelly
from Santa Barbara, CA
I don't have any idea how this place gets good reviews. We took some out of town friends here, wanting to give the place a second chance after I got a (long dead and therefore thankfully unable to sting) wasp at the bottom of my coffee cup a few years back. Sorry, but it DID happen. Anyway, the service was simply awful. We didn't have a waiter for almost 20 minutes and when my husband got up to find one, he was snapped at by someone we think might have been the manager, of all people. We ordered and the food was ok, but nothing special. Bland and tasted like it had been sitting around a long time. Nobody every checked in on us despite it not being hugely crowded at the time. We had two mistakes on our bill that were like pulling teeth to get resolved. We were charged for two additional drinks that belonged to another table. Just not a pleasant experience and I can think of about a dozen places in SB for better mexican food. Including Taco Bell. On the plus side......ummm, it has a nice patio?
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Pisco Sour?, 10/5/2009
Reviewer: Karina
from Lima, Peru
I love their location and food, but in my last visit I decided to try their Pisco Sour wich for my surprise was made with peruvian pisco...I was so happy to see that...yet dissapointed when I received my drink served with salt on the glass rim....As a peruvian, I felt cheated, because if they were described the drink as a "margarita" made with Pisco...I would've order one of their classic great margaritas.
P.S. Pisco Sour has no salt and a couple drops of Angostura bitter that this one was missing
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Great Service, 9/25/2009
Reviewer: Jerry boucher
from Santa Barbara, CA
Without a doubt this restaurant delivers the best service of any restaurant I have frequented in Santa Barbara.The manager Hugo is the reason why the service is so consistently superior.He is extremely personable,knowledgeable and very motivated.I hope that the owners appreciate the value that he brings to the restaurant.
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Bland food, overpriced and rudeness, 9/9/2009
Reviewer: Val
from Brea, CA
What did I like best? When we were leaving and decided to never come back. Bland food,very soggy flautas, which should always be served crispy, and toothpicks were left inside. When told of this, the response was "Oh yeah" and a shrug.He might as well have said "Yeah...we just don't care" The rice and beans were so tasteless, I cannot understand how there are so many favorable reviews, unless those other diners just don't really know what GOOD Mexican food should taste like.
I also didn't appreciate feeling rushed at 10 on the dot, when the guys ran around frantically taking down umbrellas, turning off the heaters.The website clearly says "Lunch & Dinner 11-11"
All in all, a bad experience. Oh, and the guacamole was bad, like it had been made from really overripe avocados.
Never again.
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Carlitos=super party venue, 8/19/2009
Reviewer: Johnny Campagna
from Santa Barbara, CA
I was surprised to read TS' review. I have given many small private parties at Carlitos (and also at Cava) and never had anything but courteous, well-organized, quality experiences. With delicious cuisine and all decently priced. Never a misunderstanding or complaint. Sounds to me like TS was in a very bad mood because these people at Carlitos REALLY CARE.
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Great Food & Service, 8/18/2009
Reviewer: Joe Davis
from Laguna Niguel, CA
Great food, full of flavor, large portions. The prices match other similar restaurants - especially when you consider the resort location. We've eaten Mexican food in East LA, Arizona, Texas, and Carlitos is very good. This is a full service resataurant, so don't expect Taco Bell food or price. We'll be back.
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After 22 years, Carlitos is still tops, 8/5/2009
Reviewer: Bettina Thomas
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I have been going to Carlitos for the past 22 years...we have never been disappointed with the food or service or pricing...these people really care, starting with the owners, Carlos and Leslie...they have instilled a tremendous work ethic in their staff who will bend over backwards for their customers...great margaritas, fine music, delicious cooking, greta atmosphere--what more could someone want in a restaurant?
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I will NEVER go back., 8/4/2009
Reviewer: T.S.
from Santa Barbara, CA
I made a dinner reservation 3 weeks in advance for my daughter's 21st birthday. My party of 17 was seated 25 minutes late and not until my guests and I were seated and had placed our orders, was I(actually on of my guests) informed by the manager, that there was a minimum per person charge of $32.00 plus a $8.00 cake cutting fee. (Not to mention the unworthy, automatic 18% gratutity).
I had personally met with the manager earlier in the day to confirm the evening and deliver the cake...no mention of their exuberant pricing. This policy is not published on their menue or website and certaily is not divivulged until it seems to be too late. After extremely rude verbal interactions from 2 employees, my party left and had dinner elsewhere. Please note that I gladly paid a 20% gratuity to the other deserving restaurant!
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amazing food year after year , 6/12/2009
Reviewer: Ricardo & Ana
from Mexico
We live in Mexico city yet have been visiting Santa Barbara often since our son goes to school here. Every time we go to Carlito's we are quite pleased with the food, ambiance and service.All though we do not find the food quite authentic and we only think this because we have traveled throughout Mexico, we believe the food here is very fresh, good quality and delicious. The staff is attentive and I believe that Carlitos captures the essence of patio dinning in the center of town to its best. We highly recommend this restaurant for the food, service and especially the ambiance that Carlitos offers.
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No Flavor and Overpriced, 6/2/2009
Reviewer: SAM
from Santa Ynez
The location and service were great.The food not so good, its dry,no flavor,and overpriced. The fajitas I had there were the worst ever and for 18.95 its not worth it. If you ever want to taste good authentic mexican food. Drive up to Santa Maria. Any place up there is better than this.
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carlitos is great!, 5/9/2009
Reviewer: xochilt togo
from Santa Barbara, CA
i came here with my boyfriend for a special night. when we first got there, we were a little upset to arrive and had us wait a while even thought we had a reservation. though they were able to get us a table and everything ran smoothly after that. their service was great, i loved the food, and the environment overall was great. if you're looking for something affordable but classy, i highly recommend carlitos!
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American Mexican, 4/19/2009
Reviewer: DDR
from Columbus Ohio
I asked for REAL Mexican food and got Don Pablo’s. California has REAL Mexican food. Why would a hotel tell us that this was it. It was OK. The Salsa was bad... tasted like Cilantro. The food was not spicy. I had to use side sauce to get the heat. The Beef dishes we chose we TOUGH and not thought through.
The bright light was the potatoes on the Rib eye dish. They were great.
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I love, 3/9/2009
Reviewer: Alex
from Santa Barbara, CA
The seafood enchiladas are so good. I love Carlitos, it has a charming ambiance, a great spot for a date, Guys: take your date to this place! It's got the perfect amount of hustle and bustle, a great atmosphere, GREAT food, fun music, and an AWESOME mojito. Plus great margaritas. Every time I go it's generally packed with people so I don't recommend going with high expectations for services, they seem to be doing the best they can while juggling dishes and trying to keep 8 tables happy. Go prepared to eat good food, listen to great live mariachi music, drink margaritas, and have a good time, expect a wait, this is a popular restaurant, but it's worth it!
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Food is great, Service lacks for price, 12/16/2008
Reviewer: Shelby
from Santa Barbara, CA
My Wife, 5 yr son and I eat here about once a month. Food is always outstanding. But the service has declined over the past year. This is not an inexpensive place, and because you put out some cash, I feel you also deserve good service. We went early on Friday eve, Sat for 5 minutes before any server would even look me in the eye so that I could get their attention. I asked about drinks and the waiter said he would let our server know. Wha?? There were maybe 3 other tables at the time. We waited quite a bit before those drinks came. Was just the beginning of unattentive service at a steep price. There was always 5 to 7 people hanging out just a few feet away at the Hostess stand. Anytime we needed something, like tortillas, a refill on my son's Hot cocoa, even the check, I had to flag somebody down. We will be back, but if the current trend continues, we will stop. Wake up Carlitos, there are lots of Mexican choices in this town.
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Lost Reservation. Evening Saved!
Reviewer: John Carlos
from Santa Barbara, CA
Made a reservation at Carlitos over the phone. Showed up later that evening to find the place was packed and there was a long line of people waiting, and no reservation on the list. Fortunately the staff at Carlitos, snuck us in with 15 minutes, allowing us to make our show at the Arlington. This alone made me appreciate the place even more and made the food even better.
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Great Experience ! !
Reviewer: John Hopkins
from New York, N.Y.
My wife and I visited California from the East Coast last week. Through out our trip we were fortunate to dine in some of the best restaurants California has to offer. In our last night of our trip we asked the concierge of the Biltmore for his favorite place to have dinner, he recommended Carlitos. He called at the last minute to make reservations, the hostess accommodated our reservation. The restaurant was packed, and for a very good reason. The service was great! The staff seemed happy and transmitting the feeling they enjoy their work. The food was great, the service was impeccable. Having dinner at Carlitos was definitely a great recommendation and the highlight of our trip. We will visit Carlitos on our next trip.
Thank you
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Best Mexican Food and Margaritas!
Reviewer: Luke Campbell
from Santa Barbara, CA
My wife and I go to Carlitos at least once a month and we have always been impressed with every element of this popular restaurant. I'm shocked that anyone would give this place less than 5 stars. It seems unjustified and unfair that anyone can come on and post such negative comments. We love the generous (and strong!) margaritas, our favorites are the halibut ceviche, the grilled chiles stuffed with cheese and enchiladas mariscos. Our servers have always gone out of their way to be accomodating to our requests and the relaxing atmosphere on the outside patio is the best.
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Tourist trap
Reviewer: Nicole
from Santa Barbara, CA
Because of our accent we were asked where we are from and told them that we are Germans (we did not mention that we live here in SB). As a surprise we found that they automatically charged us 18% gratuity. They never mentioned it before taking our order and as well did not offer to change the bill after we clarified that we are from Santa Barbara! But anyway, it is really not ok to not inform tourists or guests with foreign accent that in summertime there will be an additional cost of 18% tip .
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Shameful
Reviewer: Murat
from Santa Barbara, CA
This place is a disgrace for Santa Barbara restaurants. I called for a reservation and told that they do not take reservations. We arrived at 8:15PM and we were told it would be about 30 minutes. I checked several times with the hostess and she assured we are next. After we waited for 45 minutes, she announced us that she has a 9PM reservation and we are out of luck!!! Unprofessional and unapologetic. I demanded to see the owner and the owner didn’t care less, he just asked us to leave…
In my 40 years of dining, I have never received such treatment anywhere in the world.
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Just not good!
Reviewer: Michael
from Santa Barbara, CA
Arrived at 9a.m. on Sunday for breakfast. No other patrons the whole time we were there. First problem, no expresso coffees as machine was broken. Secondly, when we ordered we asked that the poached eggs be firm. When the food eventually arrived (30 minutes) both orders were cold and the eggs were practically raw. The waiter just shrugged and thought it was funny. There were several waiters eating inside the restaurant but they did not want to interrupt their meal to serve their only customers. Not surprised that there were no other patrons there if this is how they are treated.
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Loved the Atmosphere
Reviewer: Elsa Romero
from Riverside Ca,
Moms 80th birthday. Loved visiting santa barbara great memories loved most of our experience at carlitos just a few pointers. Im sorry to say not enough smiling going on with the waiters and staff. The seating is too close to the entertainment. Loved the entertainer Don Roy he was great!!!!!!! but you get the feeling of being served and rushed with eating. Loved the guacamole and food. It was a little expensive but ok. Im proud to say were mexican/american and fluent in both languages and no one bothered to ask in either language if we were fine. The atmosphere and setting took on a spirit of its own, along with the wonderful food dessert and entertainment. I will be visiting santa barbara soon, and do plan to return with other family members. I hope the attitude and service has improved.
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Beware when Ordering the Guac...
Reviewer: Nancy
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been to Carlitos several times now and while I love the food - the service is less than desired. I have been there several times with a group of 6+ and been asked if we wanted guacamole - while very tasty - MAKE SURE TO SPECIFY HOW MANY YOU WANT. Too many times have I been asked and said yes - only to have 3 or more orders come out - basically they assume 2 people will share one enormous bowl of guacamole. While I love their guac - it's a bit excessive especially as they charge $10 per order. Their wait staff is not clear when you ask questions - they seem evasive a lot of the times and will blame you (the paying customer) if the order does not come out as YOU desired. Other than that, food is fantastic but drinks are pricey and weak.
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Location is not enough
Reviewer: DK
from Santa Barbara
Stopped in at 10 PM, after an Arlington gig, for a quick drink while waiting for friend's ride. Although the posted hours are until 10:30 PM and the sign said open, 4 different staff rather brusquely warned us we could not have menus or order food which was fine with us. Ordered the house margarita and a mojito - chips and salsa were tasty as usual! After a few minutes a staff person walked over and asked if we wanted anthing else and when we replied no, he said "20 dollars for the drinks". No bill came - we placed the cash on the table and he grabbed it and walked away. No receipt, nada. I'm not sure how two $8.50 drinks comes to $20 but I think I will steer clear from now on... Too bad as the location and atmosphere can be lovely here!
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Met with a party of six total for a Mexican Dinner
Reviewer: Mr. and Mrs. Arias
from Santa Barbara
We were celebrating our friend's birthday and made reservations in advance. There were six total and we all ordered cocktails and appetizers to start. When it came to order an entree', four of our party ordered a $25.00 plate per person. My husband and I ordered one sizzling fajitas and wanted to share. Without asking our permission the waiter charged us an additional $6.95 to "share" and he brought us a tiny plate each with cold beans and cold rice on it with a tablespoon of sour cream and shredded lettuce. This 6" cold plate was an extra $6.95 unbeknownst to us as he did not clarify nor did we know that this was an option. We tried to ask for his assistance to separate the beans and rice from the lettuce and sour cream to serve it warm but he never came back. We just ate the cold side dish and figured, "Oh well, we're sharing" until we received our bill. For this horrible meal we were charged $25.00, $10.00 for a marguerita that was all ice and no drink and $7.95 for a wine cooler making this a whopping $50.00 for one cold fajitas meal and two coctails with tax and tip. I would never go back and never recommend this place. What a rip off.
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LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
Reviewer: Amanda
from Santa Barbara
Best guacamole ever! And the patio is so perfect for a lazy afternoon or even a romantic evening. This is one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara. DEfinitly coming back soon!
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Carlitos NO Bueno
Reviewer: Pat
from Santa Barbara, CA
What a complete disappointment. The staff were discourteous, inefficient, and the tables were smashed so close together on the patio I saw several bumps and spills. We were left in a corner and watched others seated later get served first. Then the bongos started, less than 3 feet away from the closest diners and highly amplified, and when someone got up to do a Mexican karaoke version of Sinatra's "My way" we had to exit!
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food review
Reviewer: cheryl
from santa barbara
We have been regular customers at Carlitos for about 10 years tonite we had the most disappointing meal.The food was bland mainly all rice and soggy. My husbands Shrimp Empanadas were soogy not crisp as they have been in the past. The beef enchiladas i ordered were all tortillas not much meat and loads of rice so we are definetly trying some other mexican restaurants in the future
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