This place is an institution - glad it's still around, 1/5/2010
Reviewer: arun
from San Francisco, CA
Wow - I'm at a loss for words. Now it's been many years since I've been a student at UCSB, but when I wasn’t heads down in the books or having adventures in IV I’d be at Freebirds. I'm glad and grateful my roommates turned me onto Freebirds. Now that I think about it, it was the first place I at that first night at UCSB. The food was great, always fresh and cooked nicely. Also these guys understand the concept of spicy – oh yeah. Now if you’re game and if they still offer it try the kitchen sink.
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The Food Rocks My World!, 9/13/2009
Reviewer: NikNik
from Santa Barbara, CA
By far, the quintessential late night food destination for UCSB students! I graduated last year, but I will never forget my 2am trips to Freebirds. Their nachos are the best nachos I have ever had. It's a little pricey, but if you look at the fact that the nachos are so gigantic that 2 or 3 people could split them, then it is so worth it. They have lots of great topping options. I have also had the burritos, which are amazing, but I can't seem to get away from the nachos. Also, the people that work there are nice and if you order in Spanish they totally love it! They are so cute. When my fiance and I moved away we were soooo sad! We had to have our "last meal" at Freebirds, both for nostalgic reasons, but also because it's Mexican "comfort food" at it's best!!!
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Mediocre ... But Clean, 9/11/2009
Reviewer: Marco
from Santa Barbara, CA
In a town replete with wonderful Mexican food, it's a bit disingenuous to describe this place as a Mexican restaurant.
The food had been scrubbed of authenticity.
But, the floors have been scrubbed, too, so at least it's clean.
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Best tri-tip in Santa Barbara!!, 8/16/2009
Reviewer: Lenny
from Santa Barbara, CA
Go to Freebirds if you want the best tri-tip sandwich in Santa Barbara. The meat is delicious and piled high, the bbq sauce is great and the garlic bread ties the whole thing together. It is the best deal ($7.95) in town and the best sandwich.
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BEST FOOD EVER, 7/27/2009
Reviewer: dberman
from Santa Barbara, CA
sometimes i dream about freebirds and when i wake up at 9am i have the urge to go there...and i do. get a quesanachorrito. its on the secret menu and its like an orgasm in your mouth but better. chipotle can suck freebirds dick any day.
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Who needs Burritos?, 7/21/2009
Reviewer: John
from Good Land
I have eaten at FreeBirds over 100 times in the last ten years and firmly believe that their newest addition (tri-tip sandwich with horseradish) is by far the best thing on the menu. It is a mouthwatering delight with perfectly cooked Santa Maria tri-tip, horseradish, and salsa. The bread is flawless and is my new favorite sandwich in not only IV, but Goleta as well. Finally, at $6.00 per, this meal is a steal of a deal. Enjoy.
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worth travelling 5000 miles for!, 6/11/2009
Reviewer: Sophie
from Santa Barbara, CA
I'm from England and studied a year at UCSB. I recently came back to visit and the first thing I did when I arrived was to go get Freebirds nachos. Thats how good they are. Yum yum yum yum yum.
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What A Find!, 5/26/2009
Reviewer: Rick
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've been living in Santa Barbara for 6 years now and I must shamefully admit that I didn't even know about Freebirds until last Saturday night when I ate there with a couple of friends, after having just seen a live music performance at UCSB. We got there around midnight and the crowd outside the place was your typical bunch of drunk Isla Vista college students or quasi-student types. A little rowdy but decently behaved. Once we got by the crowd, we were blown away by the great food and the great friendly attitude of the place. The cafeteria-style custom burrito "assembly" service is great and the operation was super clean and the food was fresh and tasty. The attitude of people in the "assembly line" that built my burrito was great (probably 5 people in all) - they added the exact amount of what I wanted at each step. And the burrito's are frigging HUGE! In summary, this is the burrito place that I had always wished existed in this area - now I know it was already here!
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AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME, 5/8/2009
Reviewer: Michelle
from La Marque/TX
We absolutely love Freebirds. We have been eating there for about 3 or 4 years now and we have to have it a least once a week. The queso is freakin delicious! I love the atmosphere and the staff are always friendly and cool. Anyway...go to freebirds!
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Got me through many nights, 5/8/2009
Reviewer: Bill
from Santa Barbara, CA
Craving some food after that party in IV ?...Look no further, this is probably the best burrito, and it also got my through many drunken nights.
Huge burrito for a huge appetite
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Freebirds- Great food! Over priced, 4/27/2009
Reviewer: Eric
from Santa Maria
I travel around and for being the a HUGE connoisseur and freelance critic of burritos, and the places which they come from along the Central Coast, I have got to say Freebirds is hands down top 3. (#1 being La Roca in Lompoc, #2 Freebirds Goleta, and #3 being Tio Albertos in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo). Freebirds food is fresh and so very tasty, the amount of food is incredible and extremely mouth watering. I would have scored it #1, But the prices are a little steep. When making judgment on these places I think price plays a huge factor on each establishment.3 words...DAM GOOD FOOD!
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Mediocre at Best, 4/12/2009
Reviewer: D.
from Santa Barbara, CA
The food is somewhat tasty, but definitely not nearly enough to justify the incredibly high prices they charge their not-knowing-any-better student customer base. The service, on the other hand, is simply horrid. On several occasions I was over charge for my food; and I don't mean a simple mistake to the like of paying for extra guacamole I didn't order. I have been repeatedly charged for nachos instead of super burritos -- and once instead of a regular burrito -- which is a considerable $1-2 difference in price. That is simply outrageous! You have to argue with the cashier (not simply point out, but actually argue) before you get your rightful price difference back. Again, horrible service.
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Overpriced, but consistent food and service
Reviewer: Nicole
from Santa Barbara, CA
I think this place is really overpriced. Because so many students don't have the convenince of driving around they have to pick and choose places in IV. While Freebirds has some great burritos and nachos, the prices are just a bit much to handle. They are open 24 hours though, and you can't put a price on that kind of convenience, especially in a town like IV.
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Mmm
Reviewer: Andy
from Santa Barbara, CA
Fast, filling, and amazing. This is just one of those places you have cravings for and cannot satisfy them until you eat their food. For all of you, try the QuesaNachaRito. I know, it doesn't sound very authentic. And hey, it isn't. Freebirds isnt. But it's damn good. Be sure they put in the crumbled chips. Also, a tip? Stick some barbecue sauce (its next to all the salsas in the line... it sounds weird, but I assure you that it's AMAZING.) I love freebirdsss
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Good stuff...maybe not the best, but perfect for night owls
Reviewer: John Smith
from Jamestown, Virginia
I've been going to Freebirds ever since my first night of freshman orientation. Now I'm graduated and working at a local company.
To be honest, while the food is pretty good and I get the craving for Freebirds a few times a month, it is a little overhyped.
However, that said, when you're up studying at 4 in the morning, nothing hits the spot like a warm burrito. Most other places open that late have pretty disgusting food.
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OMG...better than my mami's
Reviewer: Blanca Perez-Ramirez
from Nipomo, CA
We were at Fiestas "El Paseo" having a great time. When it all ended our friend Diego was raving about this placed called Freebirds a Mexican Denny's open 24 hrs. In my mind I was thinking Freebirds does not sound good or Mexican and I'm HUNGRY!!!!
We got there at 3:00am to a huge line of college students and a line of employees, we finally got our burritos and a brownie for $21 and of course as the recent college graduate that I am I thought O gosh that was freakin expensive. We found a seat and finally unwrapped our Burritos and took the first bite. WOW!!!, it was soooo good I enjoyed every single bite until I could not eat any more . I decide not to toss is out, because I figured I could have it for breakfast and that is just what I did. It was just as good or even better. My husband and I will most definitely will take a drive to Isla Vista to try the "NACHOS".
THE BEST MEXICAN PLACE I HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME....better than mami's burrito. (sorry mom)
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Good food Good service
Reviewer: Glenn
from Buellton
Don't know if its the best burrito I have ever had, the ingredients were fresh. The cilantro and salsa gives it the extra kick. I did not think paying > $1 more for guac was worth it so I did not get it. A bit expensive though a huge portion not sure if its worth the hype but good food, comparable to the old Dos Manos Burritos at Baja Fresh. I like the Subway type line to choose what you want on your burrito.
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It doesn't get any better.
Reviewer: Art Gilbert
from SANTA BARBARA, Ca
I have been eating at Freebird's for over 20 years (since it opened). This is the simpliest statement I can make: "If you want the best burrito, it doens't get any better than Freebird's" There food is always fresh. They use the highest quality meats (nothing but ckicken breast) and make all their own beans, rice, salsas, and even their own tortillas. There's really none better anywhere and I have tired!!!! Do yourself a favor--get one and you decide.
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freebirds
Reviewer: Pre Meds!!
from Oxnard CA
as for my first time @ freebirds, I must say its good. Its the spot to go and pick up on goucho girls, meet new ppl, etc..I went right after having a good night at "Chumash"!! In which that enabled me to pay for those costly burritos!
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The Best
Reviewer: Randy
from Garden Grove, CA
Freebirds is the best (fast) mexican food you can get in Southern California. To all the people promoting Chipotle, you don't know what you're talking about imo. I have had some pretty awful experiences at Chipotle (like getting a giant hunk of fatty undercooked (bloody) steak in my burrito that should have definitely been removed. There is no quality control. Also, Chipotle has recently stopped accepting College ID's for free drinks and are only offering them to High School students.
At any rate, Freebirds doesn't mess around, the food is VERY filling and is super delicious as well as authentic. I am often tempted to drive the 3 hours to Isla Vista just to get some, whereas I hardly ever drive the 2 miles to my Chipotle anymore as I have been constantly let down by their food and service. It is not even real Mexican food. Freebirds is by far the best.
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best place in the world
Reviewer: Marcos Smith
from goleta
i love this place!!!!!!!! its good whenever you are hungry!! :]]
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why freebirds is so good
Reviewer: Jonathan
from Santa Barbara
dude below me
how could u even compare chipotle to freebirds
freebirds first of all is real mexican food
while chipotle is americanized burritos
by comparing them not only are u insulting freebirds but the mexican culture
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I actually wonder...
Reviewer: James
from SB, CA
In my opinion, Freebirds definitely trails Chipotle by ALOT. They're prices are significantly higher AND their quality of food is lower. On top of that, Chipotle is more student friendly as they offer FREE drinks with students that carry valid Student ID's. How's that Freebirds??? Maybe you should consider the same. We'll wait and see if they listen to their customers. :-)
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i miss this place!!
Reviewer: Crys
from Las Vegas, NV
the best burritos in the world!!! we used to go there in college cause you could go there at all hours and theres always peopel there. i miss and crave these now and i havent been there in YEARS!!
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Are you Joking?
Reviewer: Peter
from IV
I find it impossible to believe that people like Freebirds better than Chipotle. Freebirds' steak, chicken, and pork just tastes no where close to as good as Chipotles. Since I live in IV I do go there every once in a while cause its open late.I've been to both places more than 20 times...Chipotle beeing more than 200 times and there no competition. Chipotle tastes better
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