
Hip, lively Mexican spot offering a seafood-centric menu with a modern twist & a large tequila list.
Hours
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 119 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 883-3593
Website: https://www.santomezcalsb.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Santo Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
Santo Mezcal (@santomezcal_sb) · Santa Barbara, CA – Instagram
Santo Mezcal Restaurant at Hotel Indigo – Santa Barbara – OpenTable
Reviews
Let’s start with guac and chips. Chips were fresh made, crispy, all good. But then, you have this guacamole but with sprinkled crispy pork belly. I have never had that twist and it worked out beautifully. And yes, it has to be crispy pork bits or else they would not go well with the chips. Beautifully done.
There was a mushroom carpaccio dish that was perhaps the best mushroom dish I’ve ever tasted. Sliced portobello mushrooms lightly grilled with a bit of lime, onions, burrata cheese, and other flavors. Truly magical. The beef apache was also quite innovative. It was a tartar yet mixed with avocado, tuna, and other goodness. Again, the flavor was unique and well balanced.
I could go on and on about the empanadas, salad, tacos, etc. But here is the crux. Every dish is meticulously created. They are visually stunning and colorful. And each of them is has a way to progress Mexican cuisine in a particular way. They are experimental in your mouth. And most of them are marvelous.
The one downside were the oysters as they came out a bit “room temperature”. It didn’t feel good to be eating room temperature raw oysters. I think the kitchen may have made it earlier but somehow the serving was late.
Santo Mezcal is absolutely a stunner. Whether you like Mexican food or not, you must try this place when you’re in Santa Barbara.
On the other hand, the service was a bit disappointed. I came here with my girlfriend with celiac and our first encounter with our server was weird. When she mentioned celiac, he rolled his eyes back. We were wondering if we should have left or not, but we stayed. Then, when the food arrived, just a second before we started eating he comes there and says (after we made sure there was no cross contamination risks) that wait there are cross contamination risks! In the end, he went to the kitchen and came back to us saying that there is contamination risk but ONLY when they have the happy hour. As you can imagine, for someone with celiac this is extremely confusing and risky. In the end, my girlfriend was confident it was fine and we stayed. And yes, it was celiac safe.
This had an impact of course on the overall experience, but yes, we both agreed that the food was absolutely sensational. I should have given four starts maybe considering all, but I recognize that if it wasn’t for this, things would have been standard, and if you don’t have any special requirements, everything will be absolutely phenomenal.
The service was super friendly, and the ambiance was cozy and welcoming. I had the Verde Enchiladas, my cousin had the Short Rib Tacos, and both were incredible. I also had a Mexican Mule that was perfectly made.
Everything from start to finish was a 10/10. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner if you’re in Santa Barbara!
We started with chips and salsas, and each one had its own personality—the smoky salsa stood out, while the verde added a bright kick. The queso fundido with chorizo and poblano peppers came out bubbling hot in a skillet and was easily one of the highlights of the meal—gooey, flavorful, and perfect with tortillas.
For the main course, the enchiladas were beautifully presented with a squash blossom and a fresh green salad on top. The flavors were layered and balanced—earthy mushrooms inside, a rich green sauce, and just the right touch of cream. Paired with rice and beans, it was both hearty and refined.
Parking is valet only, but there are plenty of affordable public parking lots close by, so it’s easy to get in and out.
Santo Mezcal combines traditional Mexican dishes with a creative twist, and everything feels fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Highly recommend if you’re in Santa Barbara!