Los Agaves Restaurant

Mexican restaurant · Milpas

Los Agaves Restaurant

Mexican restaurant · Milpas

5

600 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

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Los Agaves Restaurant by Infatuation - Reviews
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Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null
Los Agaves Restaurant by null

Highlights

Premium Mexican fare featuring enchiladas, chile rellenos & seafood  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured on Michelin

600 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Get directions

los-agaves.com
@losagavesrestaurant

$20–30 · Menu

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600 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Get directions

+1 805 564 2626
los-agaves.com
@losagavesrestaurant

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 16, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Los Agaves

"When you have a little more time, and want something a little nicer, stop by Los Agaves for Mexican food in a more classy restaurant setting. Casual but elegant, and free chips and salsa! Upon entering the restaurant, you head to the counter to place your order then seat yourself in one of their dining room areas. You will definitely want to get here before the dinner rush, this place can get packed! Highly recommend the Agaves Enchiladas, made with fresh halibut and shrimp, red pepper and onions, topped with chipotle sauce, and served with rice and salad on the side." - Amanda Proudfit

https://onthegrid.city/santa-barbara/santa-barbara/los-agaves
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@michelinguide

Los Agaves

"Serving generous portions of hearty south-of-the-border favorites by way of California, along with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, this place deserves every bit of praise lavished upon it. The staff may bring chips immediately to your table, but salsa and drinks are both self-service. Remember to order at the counter and collect a number before taking a seat. Start with the likes of lime-marinated halibut ceviche tostada with cilantro and avocado. Then pick from a variety of sizeable burritos or go for the satisfyingly cheesy and crispy costra taco al pastor, with pineapple, marinated pork, and chipotle—enlivened with pickled onions.There may be four locations, but this one is the original. The room can get crowded, so takeaway is a popular option." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/california/santa-barbara/restaurant/los-agaves
View Postcard for Los Agaves Restaurant
@onthegrid

"Los Agaves, Santa Barbara by Amanda Proudfit. When you have a little more time, and want something a little nicer, stop by Los Agaves for Mexican food in a more classy restaurant setting. Casual but elegant, and free chips and salsa! Upon entering the restaurant, you head to the counter to place your order then seat yourself in one of their dining room areas. You will definitely want to get here before the dinner rush, this place can get packed! Highly recommend the Agaves Enchiladas, made with fresh halibut and shrimp, red pepper and onions, topped with chipotle sauce, and served with rice and salad on the side."

Santa Barbara, California, USA
View Postcard for Los Agaves Restaurant
@infatuation

Los Agaves on Milpas Review - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"On paper, owning a Mexican restaurant one block south of La Super-Rica might be a tough gig. But not if you’re Los Agaves. This casual spot has become one of the most popular places for traditional Mexican food in town. While other Mexican spots in town are famous for their tacos, Los Agaves is giving you all the enchiladas, chile rellenos, and queso fundido you can handle." - Brant Cox

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/los-agaves-on-milpas
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@sev
california
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Chen Dow

Google
An ordinary looking Mexican restaurant where you order from the counter that has the very best soft shell crabs you will find anywhere. The soft shell crabs were fried perfectly right, and is crispy, supple, and slightly on the salty side, making the crab flavor stand out more. The salads that came with most dishes were fresh and has this very tasty sweet dressing with mango bits and tangerine slices in them. The burrito de pulpo (grilled octopus) also had stronger seasoning that is just right. Decor and building look a little aged. The outside seating area welcomes dogs. The salsa bar has more varieties than most, with all salsas medium hot except for one mild and one hot.

lizeth Tapia

Google
We went for a wedding lunch and it was great. They had an enormous amount of food options including daily specials . They have a nice bar and very clean. The service was 10 out of ten. I definitely recommend. The food was delicious, I recommend trying the mole dish ,it was as authentic as it gets .

Bev Lazo

Google
Loved the atmosphere, drinks were amazing and refreshing. Food was delicious, and service was great. Got the Margarita Flight, fish tacos, and ceviche. All so good! Will definitely go back whenever in the area.

Yeng Quek

Google
We had the most amazing Mexican food here. Ordered the Salmon Tacos, Quesadilla (angus beef), Mole Enchiladas and homemade flan for dessert. We loved the dips as well that you can help yourselves to them. Parking at the restaurant is available. Very friendly service too! Highly recommended if you are in the area

Jess Ayers

Google
Was craving tacos and did some google searching, found this place a bit away from where we were staying on State Street but had to try it out. 10/10 loved. You order from a counter, then find your seat, their patio is spacious, the margaritas were SO yummy! When we are in SB we WILL be coming again.

Ben Sigal

Google
I could gush effervescent about how this may be the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. I could talk about the amazing service, the fun vibe that feels like family, the handmade corn tortillas that are like pillows of masa gracing you from God, or how their mole was sheer perfection over the best chicken I’ve ever had in a mole dish. I could ramble about the flan, its thick caramel and condensed milk topping, or how the ceviche was the best I’ve ever had with thick chunks of flavorful fish and how the bright bites of lime and avocado played together. I could even pontificate about the amazing salsa bar that has the classics as well as some that you may not have tried before. Get them all. You won’t regret it. I could go on and on. Just know that when I come back to Santa Barbara, it’s just to get more of Los Agaves.

Mark Fabela

Google
Los Agaves was exceptional. Soon as we walked in what I believe to be the manager was helping us he was really nice. I’m always skeptical about what I refer to as “bougie” Mexican places but this place was actually really good, and to their defense I wouldn’t quite call it “bougie” - just saying…. That’s one of the factors I consider when I am making a decision to eat at a new mexican restaurant. Overpriced Mexican food is wack. I really enjoyed our food here though, everything was super high quality and very tasty. They have a ridiculous salsa bar. Chips and salsa were really good. To the ridiculous looking elderly Santa Barbara yacht bro with the bald spot and ponytail that cut me in line and used your conversation on the phone to act oblivious I hope you bit the side of your cheek. Otherwise, food and service from the staff was A1. Will definitely come back.

Shanelle S

Google
Delicious Mexican spot in Santa Barbara. Stopped by here for lunch on a Friday, and found street parking. You order at the counter and pay before being seated. They do have alcohol like beers and margaritas. I got jamaica and my boyfriend got the horchata - both drinks were pre-prepared and had no ice but were cold since they were refrigerated. I had a vegetarian salad while my boyfriend ordered the quesadilla with steak; my dad ordered the camarones a la Diablo while my mom ordered nachos with carnitas. Everything was high quality and so tasty - we left very full. I would especially recommend sharing the nachos with 2-3 people, because it’s quite large. There is a self-service salsa bar. Two single occupant restrooms available. Credit card accepted. It’s a casual vibe with friendly service and delicious food - this is a great spot to check out if you’re in Santa Barbara.

Alanna S.

Yelp
The food was some of the best mexican food I've had in a while!! Manager was so kind and friendly, and the prices are fair for what you get. Def would recommend to people coming to SB!

Fred S.

Yelp
Delicious food, delicious salsas, good portions. . .
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Rachel G.

Yelp
Came here on a Sunday night and it was packed! There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, plus a nice bar area. Nothing fancy, but a solid spot for a casual dinner or takeout. You order at the counter, grab a number, and choose your own table. The staff brings your food and drinks over once you're seated. They also have complimentary tortilla chips and a salsa bar, which is a nice touch. I ordered the chicken quesadilla, which was huge. The portion was generous and came with plenty of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. I also really enjoyed my margarita. It wasn't too sweet and had a good kick to it. I was fully satisfied after my meal and had leftovers. Overall, if you're looking for a laid-back spot with quick service and big portions, this is a great option for no-frills Mexican food!
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Khanh P.

Yelp
Los Agaves is one of the best spots if you're craving solid Mexican food. When we came on a Thursday evening, the line was out the door, but it moved quickly and we got seated before we knew it. Order at the counter, grab a number, and they'll bring the food right to your table. Free chips (with refills) + a salsa bar with like more than 6 different options is a win. This means you can mix and match your salsa to your liking :) Portions are huge and everything we had was delicious, but the real standout were the churros. Crispy, bite-sized, drizzled with condensed milk, and filled with chocolate heaven. Don't skip it. Staff keeps things moving, the place stays clean, and even with the crowd it never felt chaotic. There's a small parking lot in the back that was full and street parking was a bit tough in this busy neighborhood but well worth it.
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Steven P.

Yelp
Four of us made a long walk (oops, meant to go to the De La Vina location) on a weekday for lunch... They had a board with specials plus their regular menu... a standout is their salsa, pico, and pepper bar. Drinks are via a self serve fountain - and they serve some really interesting margaritas - the blueberry sounded good. My wife ordered the enchiladas mole Coloradito. She absolutely LOVED them... I had the ceviche - it was a healthy portion on small bed of lettuce and guacamole on top of a tostada. It was spicy too! Look out for the Serranos (?) Our others had a carnitas dish and flautas. They both really enjoyed their dishes as well. Chips were refilled as needed, and we sat outside, which was nice. My wife and her brother consider themselves Mexican food aficionados, and they declared it some of the best they have had.
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Adrienne O.

Yelp
So it's been 10 years now and this place is so addictive, our credit cards and our bellies are the only the only ones complaining! We eat here about once to twice a week on average as does our family and friends. Some friends come to stay out of town and make Los Agaves a specific must do on their Santa Barbara tour. Obviously the Agaves Enchiladas and the Queso Fundido are must haves. The food is on point as always, the service is wonderful and the staff are always so warm and friendly. Great margarita bar & great ambiance, especially if you want to eat out and have a delicious meal but don't want to have to dress up. Even the take out is excellent (which we get at least once-twice a week). Our favorites include Pescado Veracruzano, Camarones Guajillos, Camarones Culichi, Camarones Diablo (if you can take it, the heat is intense, even for my more seasoned pepper loving friends), All of their Molcajetes, Agaves Enchiladas, Chile Rellenos, Alambres, crispy beef & chicken tacos, carnitas... just the whole menu. See you soon!
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Jessica P.

Yelp
This place hit the spot for authentic Mexican food. We arrived right as they opened and were greeted by the friendly staff. Once they opened we order at the register and for a number. We got a 3 item combo and taquitos for our kiddos. The taquitos were loaded with cheese , we ordered chicken taquitos and weren't expecting that. The enchilada also had a lot of cheese in it from our 3 time combo. Overall we enjoyed our meal and the chips and salsa were so good too. Love their salsa bar and friendly staff! Would come back for sure when in SB!
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Roy L.

Yelp
There's something special about Los Agaves. From the hordes of people eating there to the wait staff constantly bringing food from the kitchen to the dining area, Los Agaves is quite the experience. There's complimentary tortilla chips to go with the salsa bar and it's awesome. They have all sorts of salsas that are delicious. We had the Agaves Burrito, the California Burrito, and the Carne Asada plate. It was a feast, to say the least. We have plenty of leftovers. The Agaves Burrito had a special orange sauce that paired nicely with the seafood inside. The California was the star of the show for me. The meat plus cheese combo really hit the spot. Next time, I'd opt to just get the burrito selection. The Carne Asada plate was good, but it was just not as flavorful as the burritos. I would highly recommend Los Agaves to those coming to Santa Barbara.
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Miguel A.

Yelp
Los Agaves has delicious Mexican food with fresh flavors and generous portions. The micheladas are great. It can get a bit crowded and noisy at times, but overall it's a solid spot worth visiting. Didn't get a 5 star because i was done with half my food before my michelada got to me and thats because I had to remind them . Also, I asked for a high chair for my daughter and it was burning hot my daughter started crying . They should have told me they grabbed it from outside .
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Craig W.

Yelp
This ain't no taco shop. The menu is insanely interesting. Service was very friendly. I tried the "Sea and Earth" (shrimp and steak) molcajete and it may have been the most delicious food, Mexican or otherwise, I have ever tried. However, next time I'm going full seafood on this dish. It comes with very nice corn tortillas. It is a massive dish so two people could probably share it, which would also better justify the high price. The horchata is very good and is homemade. You can always tell by that chalky aftertaste. And yes, the salsas are delicious and interesting, too. Very good Mexican food!
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Shanelle S.

Yelp
Delicious Mexican spot in Santa Barbara. Stopped by here for lunch on a Friday, and found street parking. You order at the counter and pay before being seated. They do have alcohol like beers and margaritas. I got jamaica and my boyfriend got the horchata - both drinks were pre-prepared and had no ice but were cold since they were refrigerated. I had a vegetarian salad while my boyfriend ordered the quesadilla with steak; my dad ordered the camarones a la Diablo while my mom ordered nachos with carnitas. Everything was high quality and so tasty - we left very full. I would especially recommend sharing the nachos with 2-3 people, because it's quite large. There is a self-service salsa bar. Two single occupant restrooms available. Credit card accepted. It's a casual vibe with friendly service and delicious food - this is a great spot to check out if you're in Santa Barbara.
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Keely A.

Yelp
Visiting Santa Barbara and this restaurant came up in searches for best Mexican food. Didn't disappoint! The staff was super friendly and helpful. The restaurant was cute inside and had a good amount of seating. You order at the counter then a waiter will bring you your meal. I ordered the chicken mole enchiladas plate. The mole was fantastic! Came with rice and beans. Chicken was very flavorful. My husband got a BCR plate and he loved it. Chips were sooo good and the salad bar was yummy. Prices were very reasonable.
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Helen K.

Yelp
Seem to eat here every time we are in Santa Barbara. Lots of dishes to choose from and your order seems to be prepared fairly quickly. Nice salsa bar but since they brought the basket of chips after we received our meals it was a bit strange. The shrimp pastor had very fresh properly cooked shrimp plus a side of rice and salad. The salad dressing was very unusual and not in a good way, very sweet with a strange flavor. The California burrito was huge and flavorful. It was a beautiful evening and we were lucky enough to snag an outdoor table near a heat lamp. This is a busy place with couples, large family groups and singles all having an enjoyable meal.
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Joey L.

Yelp
Came here due to the outstanding ratings on yelp I saw. Could not be more impressed. Really good Mexican spot in the heart of SB. Had the fish tacos, cooked very well and felt very light to say the least (batter wise). Will be back!
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Lisa F.

Yelp
Los Agaves has made it on our favorites "list" when in Santa Barbara! We stumbled here while looking for a family friendly place to have dinner. It was busy, but gave me time to look over their menu while waiting to order at the counter. The Margarita Flight is by the far the prettiest one I have ever ordered. The staff was informative and there were plenty of tables for us to sit at. Can't wait to come back!
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Constance L.

Yelp
Great service and big portions! Detailed breakdown below: **Service, 5/5** Although Los Agaves feels more fast casual because you order at the counter then seat yourself, the staff was super friendly and attentive. Definitely some of the friendliest staff ever + our food came out pretty quickly and we were able to easily flag someone down when we needed anything. **Price & portion, 5/5** Prices might feel a little steep at first, but feels totally worth it once you see the portion sizes. Even their complimentary chips come in a huge basket and you can self-serve at the unlimited salsa bar. **Taste, 4.5/5** We got the seafood enchiladas and it was great -- packed full of tender, flakey fish and bouncy whole shrimp. The entire dish was also a flavor bomb with layers of savory, sweet, and smokey notes. I was also impressed at how the enchiladas maintained their structural integrity even though they were doused in the smokey red sauce (which wasn't too spicy at all!). If I had to nitpick, my only complaints are that the smokey sauce might've been a little bit overwhelming and I think the dried cranberries in the house salad were cherry flavored which I didn't really enjoy. **Other notes** Lots of parking in this plaza. Restaurant can also get a little busy but the staff are super efficient at clearing tables, so you'll probably get seated within a few minutes.
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Connie L.

Yelp
Stopped by for dinner on a Saturday and had a great meal at Los Agaves! You order at the counter and seat yourself. Service was friendly and quite quick for how busy they were. The ambiance was a bit romantic with the dimmed lighting. The complimentary chips were fresh and the salsa selection was the standout. I ordered the sea and earth mocaljetes which came with fresh tortillas. The dish came out piping hot and filled to the brim, the meats were all tender and the salsa was flavorful. I wasn't a big fan of the chorizo and I wish it came with another tortilla or two. I took home leftovers which were almost better the next day! Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Los Agaves. I'll be back to try more of the menu!
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Bev L.

Yelp
Loved the atmosphere, drinks were amazing and refreshing. Food was delicious, and service was great. Got the Margarita Flight, fish tacos, and ceviche. All so good! Will definitely go back whenever in the area.
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Zarifa A.

Yelp
Los agaves is one of my favorite restaurants and I feel like this Santa Barbara location specifically is amazing! It is a must stop for me every time I'm in Santa Barbara. I've tried a variety of things on the menu over the years and everything has been really good. My absolute favorite dish is the Agaves enchiladas though. This is a shrimp and fish enchilada with a creamy Chipotle sauce on top--so delicious and honestly the best enchiladas I've ever had!! It also comes with a side salad and Mexican rice which are both amazing as well. If you have room for dessert, I highly recommend getting either the flan or the churros. The ambiance of the store is actually really nice and looks more upscale than the price point is. Service here is really friendly and the employees usually check up you often. I believe there is a parking lot in the back, but we've always been able to get street parking easily in the front.
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Suntara P.

Yelp
This has to be the best Mexican restaurant in town. The food was awesome. Service was great. Salsa bar is absolutely the best. Great atmosphere for everybody.
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Glenn P.

Yelp
Very generous servings. Food is very authentic. Parking is great. Good vibes. No soda since the machine was down for maintenance. Overall 3.95 to 4.25 STARS
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Alexxa D.

Yelp
Good amazing, I can't wait to try the mole they had run out so next time. Service was excellent everyone ask and help full recommend the guayaba margarita delicious. Is a very chill place to come and chill.
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Lilia Z.

Yelp
Omg! That shrimp taco was the best shrimp taco I've had. Definitely coming back again. The flight of margaritas weren't impressive but the food was the best. My husband had the arrachera plate and it was great too! Can't go wrong with any choice.
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Biju K.

Yelp
Flautas tapatias and chicken enchilada - really good quality. Good ambience and location. Park on the streets especially the lane opposite to the restaurant. Good service. Definitely recommend this place.
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Alexa M.

Yelp
Great food and warm, friendly service! Los Agaves has such a wide variety of options with a welcoming ambiance. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful, and the portions are generous. Love their salsa bar btw. It's the perfect spot whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down to enjoy a Mexican food fix. Definitely worth checking out in Santa Barbara!
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Ariah L.

Yelp
I went today around dinner time and there was a bit of a wait for take out orders but I didn't even care! The tables were packed but the restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate bigger parties. This spot has high quality Mexican food. I got the Cazuela Poblano and a beef Chimichanga. Both out of this world delicious! I didn't get picture of the chimi; it was devoured lol. The staff was friendly trying to get through all the orders. I make sure to stop by when I'm in Santa Barbara.
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Maria A.

Yelp
This place truly deserves the high ratings it has. We came in on a Sunday afternoon and didn't have to wait. The staff and food was great. I would recommend it if you're craving some Mexican food! Service: Since we entered, the server was so incredibly helpful. We were reading the menu when he came by and made sure we were all set. Throughout our time there, everyone was very attentive. Food: The food was great. It tasted fresh and handmade. When one of our dishes was taking too long, the server came up and asked us if we wanted to replace the dish or get an appetizer on the house.
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Carrie W.

Yelp
My first time at Los Agaves and I was not disappointed! There was one previously in Oxnard but closed down so I had to try out the restaurant in Santa Barbara especially since they had such great reviews. First of all, their menu is extensive and for someone who is super indecisive, I just went with the classic crispy chicken tacos. Everything was super packed with flavor . Really nice and crispy. The rice that came with the meal was delicious. I have to commend them on their sauce bar too. There is soo much sauce variety. The picture does not even depict all of the sauces that were available and all of them were really good! I love how they also bring over chips for us to share. Really completes the meal. The people that I went with all really enjoyed their meals as well! I would definitely come back here if I'm around the area again.
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Shanice G.

Yelp
Incredibly nice and friendly staff!! You order at the register and they bring everything to you but the staff is checking on you making sure everything is good - even offered to take a family photo. The service stood out 1000% here for me. The food came so quick it was almost criminal. I was surprised how they made something so hot and fresh so quickly without sacrificing quality - it needs to be investigated. We all loved our food - I had the tacos Al pastor which was different than your usual street taco. Very filling. Location is very clean and pretty decor. Highly recommend
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Ken O.

Yelp
Great food. Great people. Great prices. This is the real deal; genuine Mexican street food with top notch ingredients.
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William S.

Yelp
Really amazing Mexican food! The neighborhood feels authentically Mexican, and it seems to be a local favorite--even though it's part of a franchise. The quality is excellent, and the servers are attentive, refilling chips and checking in even when it's super busy. It does get crowded quickly, and lines can form through the door, but they move fast. It's a bit of a squeeze to reach the salsa bar and bathrooms, but the salsa bar is fantastic, and with unlimited chips, you can try as much as you like. I ordered the Agaves enchiladas and the molcajete, and both were packed with flavor. The molcajete especially impressed me with its generous portions of chicken and shrimp hidden under a mountain of food on top--seemed endless, but we managed to finish! Everything tasted on point, and I left very satisfied. They also have a cool tequila bar, complete with a condiment cart.
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Eddie O.

Yelp
This is an authentic and very good Mexican restaurant. Not fancy but offers all the signature dishes and sauces to utilize. My wife and son chose the Birria burrito while I had the Chili Verde burrito. The food taste and quality were excellent and the salsas on point. Complementary chips were also very nice.
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Rebekah W.

Yelp
I can't stop thinking about this place! Incredible salsa bar. The smoked chipotle was chef's kiss! Darling tiled interior. Outdoor seating was in the front and had heaters. Super nice employees. Kid friendly. Easy parking. Guac! Carne asada! Enchiladas! Don't sleep on this gem
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Nicole W.

Yelp
Very unique twist on Mexican food. Very causal, you order at the counter and they bring your food to you. We tried the seafood enchiladas and the shrimp stuffed poblanos. My favorite was the enchiladas, it had a creamy chipotle sauce. It's very pricey for lunch, Santa Barbara isn't cheap for seafood. Good for a nice lunch. Probably would have been hungry if we went for dinner though. I liked it, but probably wouldn't be back.
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Peter A.

Yelp
Los Agaves - This remains one of the best Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara. The food is great and varied, specials are great and the standard items as well. The service is excellent and even the drinks are great. The ambiance is very nice as well. It is counter order and table delivery and all is well done and fantastic. I recommend it as a must go to place in SB.
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Sara D.

Yelp
We are visiting from San Francisco and looked this place up online and the reviews did not disappoint. It's not an accident to be 4 1/2 stars with over 4000 reviews. The service from the moment we walked in was incredible! Vanessa was very helpful. They have a great back patio that is dog friendly. The tortillas are amazing and the softshell crab taco that we got was incredible. We will be back!
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Nikki O.

Yelp
***Updated Review*** OMG I was on a mission to find the restaurant I ate at 11 years ago. I remember it being so good but could not remember for the life of me. Luckily, as I was searching I found my old review...I was disappointed on how short it was lol. So, 11 years ago the experience and food was amazing...to my surprise, it still was a hit. This location does get pretty busy and the parking lot is little so you may need to park on street. Make sure to read street signs to ensure you do not get a ticket. The concept of the restaurant is you order first, then find a seat (but people don't obey that). I ended up ordering the Birria Flautas special with rice and an Orange Jarritos. Unfortunately, I forgot to order a side of beans, which I basically went for the rice and beans. The flautas were perfection, heaven sent. The meat was very tender, the flautas were fried perfectly, not too hard and not too soft. The meal was in a bowl filled with the consomme of the birria which was also not spicy. The rice was also great and very authentic. I wish I can cook my rice that perfectly. Luckily, I ate some of my son's beans which was also delicious. We will definitely be back because we love the food here. Last time we visited in 2013, we kept ordering refills of our rice and beans lol. It is that good. So next time we are in town, we will def be stopping by. See you soon!
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Daisy R.

Yelp
10/10! Great food, great service! The enchiladas verdes were amazing. The margarita flight was good. Outdoor seating available so we were able to take our dog :) loved it and would highly recommend!
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Deborah V.

Yelp
Food: 1. Agave's Burrito: It has fresh fish and shrimp with Monterey Jack cheese and other vegetables on the inside. On the outside, it's covered with Mango Pico and chipotle sauce over the burrito, which I like. I was really impressed with the salad that comes with it. The combination of orange, cranberry, mango, and the sauce used was just heavenly! 2. Ceviche Tostada: They were generous with the portion. A good amount of fresh fish was used. I enjoyed it as it was light and refreshing. There is a self-service salsa bar for the tortilla chips that were brought to our table. Service: Good Ambiance: Serene with fresh flowers on every table.
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Peter M.

Yelp
Los Agaves has two locations in Santa Barbara. My visit was to the establishment on Milpas Street. After a 2 hour and 45 minute train ride from the SFV (usually a 2 hour trip), I was ready for an early lunch (I had skipped breakfast). The inside dining space, the music, the art, of this location is set up well to infuse a vibe that complements the Mexican cuisine of this restaurant. I really liked their salsa bar. It had many different varieties that packed a range of spice and heat, a trademark, for good fresh salsas. There was also onions and cilantro (a must in my opinion), if you wish to take your dish to the next level. Ordering and payment here is at a counter (so they get their tip in advance, before even doing anything). The meal is brought to you when it is ready. The menu has numerous choices and at the onset, it if difficult to choose, because every item is enticing. Most of the time, I like to go for the tacos, because each place has a different take on it (if you consider the whole concoction). So one Baja fish taco and one Shrimp taco. Instead of rice and beans I requested two types of refried beans. Both of these were super. The fish taco had a small piece of battered fish that was loaded with condiments. The other taco had plump whole shrimp, in a generous quantity that had the same texture and taste of that from a prawn cocktail. What disappointed me was that the condiments here were the same as the fish taco. This is another time where, after ordering two different seafood tacos, the toppings are identical and thereby delivering the same overall taste. I do not see this happening at most restaurants. Furthermore, the unheated tortillas were at ambient temperature and were falling apart while eating. By the time I finished my meal, the eatery was getting crowded with patrons. It was also time for me to head back home.
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K V.

Yelp
DO NOT EAT HERE. ordered the lengua and it was WAAAAAY under cooked and smothered in what they call chile verde. i had to go throw up immedidelty and got food poisoning. this place has no flavor, bland. not true mexican food. youre on milpas! youre surounded by true mexican food!!!!!!

Michele P.

Yelp
Yes. Mexican food done to perfection. Right down to the beans, delicious. Super fast service, so do t order until you finish your chips! And enjoy the house margarita!!

Mina K.

Yelp
Great location, down the street from the Santa Barbara Bowl. We parked on the street had dinner then walk to the SB Bowl for a concert. Order up at the counter, and they brought food to your table. Fresh chips and salsa bar, good size portion and service was excellent. They get busy, but moves fairly quickly. Margarita Flight was refreshing. We are definitely coming back when we are catching a show at SB Bowl
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Karl F.

Yelp
WOW! Great food, great patio for a summer meal. Very relaxed atmosphere and bringing your dog is totally ok. The staff are great and they were all hustling. It's very busy and you'll encounter a line out the door (always a good sign). Did a quick Santa Barbara run for Fourth of July. Wanted to stop for lunch earlier but we were motivated to reach Los agaves (worth it). I like to sample the house specials so I opted for Huarache. Thick corn tortilla with grilled chicken accompanied by beans, rice, lettuce. Comes with pico de gallo, salsa verde, and guacamole. Very refreshing and delicious. Chicken tostada comes in a tortilla bowl with generous portions of lettuce and protein. Another ideal lunch delicacy. Did I mention the salsa bar? Fresh and great variety. Salsa and chips are almost a meal in itself! There is a parking lot (small) but also street parking. If I lived here, I'd be a regular for sure!
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Michael K.

Yelp
Amazing tacos that we paired with a margarita flight! Wow, the salsa bar was a great complement to their delicious tacos! Highly recommended!
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Monica W.

Yelp
Los Agaves is a solid, local modern Mexican casual cuisine with good service and well prepared food, and a nice outdoor patio with heaters, but not very authentic. - Ceviche Tostada was a generous portion and seasoned, but it didn't taste freshly made to order. The fish was "overcooked" from sitting in the lime juice too long, and the tomatoes were overripe. - Burrito Mojado was good, but basic, but a small for a legit $14,95 burrito. - Combo (1 chicken enchiladas verde, with beans and rice) again, it was good, but the pyramid of rice but the small portion beans served in what reminded me of Tostito Scoops chips was a little odd. Given the issues on the foods freshness that could've have been a fluke, I will probably try another Mexican restaurant on my next visit.
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alexandra k.

Yelp
We stopped in for a quick bite to go, and the order was ready on time. Loved the salsa bar, and they threw in a bag of fresh made tortilla chips. I ordered the chicken, fish, and al pastor, and IMO, the al pastor was the clear winner! So well seasoned! My chicken was a bit dry, and the fish was cooked well and tender, but needed more flavor. Wish I had gone for a double al pastor, I won't make that mistake in the future!
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Kim T.

Yelp
Excellent food !! Very nice and engaged staff Owner available And reviewing the process of his establishment.
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Sindy A.

Yelp
Nice dinner spot if you're craving authentic Mexican food. We really enjoyed the Flautas and Al Pastor Tacos. Both came with a side of rice and beans that came in a small tortilla bowl! The Al Pastor itself had great flavor but the taco as a whole was a little dry even with some salsa added. Really filling portions and I love that they have a salsa bar!