East Beach Tacos

226 S Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States
+1 805-770-2761
$$$ Taco restaurant
(1324 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to East Beach Tacos, a shining gem in Santa Barbara's vibrant culinary landscape! Nestled at 226 S Milpas St, just a stone's throw from the sunny shores, this taco stand pulls in both locals and visitors with its impressive and eclectic menu that deserves to be a part of your culinary journey.

As a delightful taco restaurant, East Beach Tacos expertly showcases the varied and rich flavors of its seafood-inspired and classic tacos. Picture sinking your teeth into the Batter Up: perfectly battered cod nestled in a soft flour tortilla, topped with crisp cabbage and zesty pico de gallo, all enhanced by their signature East Beach aioli—each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that transports you straight to the coast. If you're in the mood for a taste of the sea, the Spicy Crispy Shrimp taco, with its succulent tempura shrimp enveloped in curly endive and drizzled with chipotle aioli, will have your taste buds dancing.

Moreover, for those craving a hearty option, the Carne Asada taco is a standout, featuring marinated steak, creamy guacamole, and crumbled queso fresco—it's a fiesta on a plate! The flavorful offerings don't stop there; the restaurant's Gangnam Style taco marries Korean-inspired marinated steak with crisp veggies, leaving you with a delicious, fusion experience that truly encapsulates the spirit of Santa Barbara's diverse dining culture.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a casual meal after a day at the beach or a lively outing with friends. As relieved diners frequently note, the line might be long, especially on weekends, but the wait moves quickly and is absolutely worth it. The energetic vibe coupled with the friendly service makes every visit a memorable one—just ask customers like Tyron Carvalho, who aptly describes their experience as a “must-visit” while enjoying a statement that East Beach Tacos is small in size but rich in flavor!

With reasonable prices and generous portions, you'll not only fill your belly but also savor the joy of a superb meal without breaking the bank. As Victoria remarked, these tacos are some of the best she's ever had, particularly praising the crispy fish and shrimp varieties accompanied by their hot salsa that packs just the right punch.

For those looking to enjoy a leisurely meal, pair your tacos with a refreshing drink, like the Figueroa Mountain Danish Red Lager that our customer Rob Libby highlighted for its perfect complement to their delicious taco trio. Whether you're cooling off with friends, enjoying a family outing like Elena Mele did on Father's Day, or simply treating yourself to a gastronomic delight, East Beach Tacos promises a dining experience that is both satisfying and flavorful.

So the next time you find yourself in beautiful Santa Barbara, make sure to stop by East Beach Tacos—where beach vibes meet bold flavors—and create delicious memories, one taco at a time!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

1324 Reviews
Christina Patten

14 Sep 2025

Great seafood tacos and fish and chips close to the beach! The line was very long and the parking situation was a little difficult but it was worth the wait on a Sunday afternoon and did move quickly. We got the fish and chips and triple play to-go, they came with house-made tortilla chips and a spicy sauce; the fish and chips came with delicious tartar sauce and coleslaw. The portions were perfect. We will definitely stop by again when in the area!

Philip Figueroa

14 Sep 2025

Dope little spot great pricing cool environment and quick service. Tacos were bomb got all the seafood one and a carne asada one. Carne asada and any of the shrimp ones are solid options Guac was good nothing special Ceviche was ok if you really like ceviche can be lack luster. The salsa that comes with the chips though are good but spicy good flavor. Overall cool spot by batting cages

Tyron Carvalho

13 Sep 2025

If you’re in Santa Barbara and craving delicious tacos, East Beach Tacos is a must-visit! This little taco stand might be small, but it’s packed with big flavors and a menu full of tasty options. Just be prepared to wait—because it’s that popular! On my visit, it took about 25 minutes to order, but trust me, it was totally worth it. One of the best things about East Beach Tacos is the variety. Whether you love seafood, chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. They even have a kids’ menu, making it a great stop for families. I ordered the Triple Combo, which includes three different tacos: grilled shrimp, spicy tempura, and raw ahi poke. Each one was packed with flavor and freshness. The grilled shrimp was juicy and seasoned just right, the spicy tempura had a crispy crunch with a nice kick, and the raw ahi poke was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. If you love street tacos, this is the perfect place to try! Along with my tacos, I couldn’t resist ordering their homemade chips and guacamole—and I’m so glad I did! The chips were crispy and fresh, and the guacamole was flavorful, and perfectly balanced. It’s the perfect side to snack on. Overall, East Beach Tacos is a fantastic spot for a casual and delicious meal. Yes, it’s busy, but that just means it’s a local favorite!

Peter Mulard

11 Sep 2025

The tacos here aren’t traditional and that is a great thing, because they have many takes on different cuisines and flavors. All were delicious and well priced. I will be coming back many times!

Victoria

29 Jul 2025

Some of the best tacos I’ve ever had. The crispy fish and shrimp are so good. Love the hot salsa. Will be back

Rob Libby

24 Jul 2025

Had the Batter Up, Carne Asada and Spicy Crispy Shrimp tacos with a Figueroa Mountain Danish Red Lager. A total hit and a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon .

Elena Mele

22 Jun 2025

We stopped by East Beach Tacos in Santa Barbara on Father's Day with our little family, and it was such a great experience! We got lucky with parking. The lot is on the smaller side but we managed to find a spot without too much trouble. While we waited for a table to open up, my husband got in line to order, so the timing worked out well. Prices were super reasonable, especially for a beachside spot. I had the taquitos and my husband got two tacos and a soda. I don't remember the exact total, but it felt very affordable. The food came out quickly and everything tasted fresh and flavorful. There was plenty of seating at the outdoor picnic tables, even for larger groups, and since it's all outdoors, it seems like a dog-friendly place too. The relaxed vibe makes it a great casual stop, but l wouldn't recommend coming if you're on a tight schedule. It's definitely better to go when you can take your time and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Can't wait to come back again soon!

Kymble Johnson

06 Jun 2025

Good tacos!! They had a lot of options to choose from, and we tried the steak, shrimp, and chicken. They were all tasty and the service was great! No complaints here.

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