Location: Santa Maria
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California, United States Food Guide: 10 Mexican food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Santa Maria
Find out what Mexican restaurants to try in Santa Maria. Santa Barbara
Things to do in Santa Maria
10. Taqueria Guerrero Mexican
Reviewed By Anne N
This is NOT the one in Santa Maria, but in Grover Beach, but got error messages on this site -- didn't show this site. Anyway, my friend and I ordered the Caldo de Res and another friend ordered the omelet with ham, chorizo, and cheese. This came with beans and rice, so the plate was full and she could eat only half. There's a "cart" with condiments of salsa, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, etc. The salsa (which you go up to get) was very good with the chips. The caldo had potatoes, carrots, beef, and I think maybe some chayote. The fixings - cilantro, onion, and lime were brought to us. We were there around 9:00 a.m., and given another hour, I think the beef would have been very tender.
9. Pepper Garcia's
Overall Ratings
3 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By PueoKupaa
My husband and I enjoyed having a lunch there at Santa Maria Public Airport. We appreciated their free nachos they bring to the table together with the menus. Their portion of Mexican Fiesta Salad ($7.99) was big. It would look so much better with a plate rather than a bowl, but I enjoyed it. Thank you!
8. Taco Ranchero Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By AshBernadette88
A few friends and I decided to try this family-owned restaurant based upon online reviews and the recommendation of a friend, and we will certainly be regulars here! The establishment itself is very small and only seats about 45. The wait staff are all extremely friendly and love to carry on conversations with the customers...it made me feel like part of their family!The portions are HUGE, but are very reasonably priced. I ordered a regular beef burrito (beef, cheese, refried beans, and rice on the inside, smothered in red sauce on the outside), and it will easily last me for three meals. The best part? It only cost me $8.99! The ingredients are all fresh, and the food is cooked onsite. Everyone at the table loved their meals, and we will be returning again soon!
7. La Picosita
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By daSVGrouch
For an early lunch, we share a burrito with sides of refried beans and rice. We always use the rice as a benchmark since so many places produce tasteless rice. The rice as Picosita was very good, the refried beans good, and the burrito was very tasty. I will probably remember to dine at Picosita again when I am in the area.
6. El Pueblito Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By thawsout
The staff is so friendly and efficient, the evening mariachis are enjoyable and best of all; the food is excellent and reasonable! No better chile rellenos in Santa Maria and their beans and rice are outstanding! Try the carnitas or any burrito and you'llBe full and happy!
5. Maya Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By ljmattox
Stopped in here for a quick dinner after work, enroute to my hotel. Seated quickly, with good service. I had a sampler place of some standards: tamale, enchilada, soft taco, with rice and beans, all delicious. Reaonably priced as well. The restaurant is in a corner of this shopping mall, entrance outside, so it was a little tricky to spot.
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4. El Palenque Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Phone 805-938-2343. New owners, a family. Was "Viejo Mexico" restaurant previously for 9 mo. Their website is still in-work, so more info to be added by their son. This is from Bill Kleinbauer, 805/938-1405
Reviewed By Sarah M
We went to El Palenque on the recommendation of another restaurant that was temporarily closed due to some damage. We weren't disappointed.With the large Hispanic population in Santa Maria, you know the Mexican restaurants have a lot of competition and have to be good to survive. El Palenque is better than good. It is outstanding! The house made Horchata is delicious. The plate presentation is attractive. The enchiladas and burritos are yummy. The service is great. The décor is a bit worn and dated, but the seats are comfortable and the sound level such that you can have a conversation with your meal mates.
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3. Casa Manana Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By thawsout
The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this a good choice for friends, couples, and families. Relax and enjoy well prepared Mexican dishes with really good refried beans, rice and my taste test is if the chile rellenos are very good, So is the rest! Their chile rellenos are better than most and you won't over pay, give it a try!
2. Lo Mejor DE Jalisco
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Ben_Karen2012
For the quality of the food and atmosphere, this place gets no less than 5 Stars, for their drink selection and limited parking space it deserves no less than 3. Overall, this place should get no less than 4 stars. I usually order the mix fajita with no tortillas and I substitute the refried beans with extra rice and it is great. I never had a bad experience. they don't serve any alcoholic beverages besides beer but I only come here for one thing and that's to take out and enjoy their food at home.Their portions are really good, on my mix fajita I get no less than 3 large shrimps. A place like Applebees would have been a toss up between 2 and 4 and I think 2 Applebee's shrimps equals 1 of Lo Major DE Jaliscos.
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1. Cielito Lindo Mexican Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By WestsideChuck
Kinda pricey. Small salsa bar. I would stick to the basics burrito and tacos. Good service. In a small strip mall.
