Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo

836 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States

+1 805-962-2200

Mexican restaurant
(438)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara at 836 N Milpas St, Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican flavors, inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in a vibrant culinary experience. This bustling taqueria celebrates the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine with a menu that reads like a love letter to both classic and adventurous palates.

The star attractions here are unmistakably the Super Nachos, loaded to the brim with fresh ingredients that deliver satisfying crunch and layers of cheesy goodness, and the Tacos Al Pastor, where marinated pork, slowly cooked to tender perfection, bursts with smoky, sweet, and savory notes wrapped in warm tortillas. For those craving a heartier meal, the Enchiladas Combo and Enchiladas Verdes offer a delightful balance of tangy tomatillo sauce and melty cheese, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

True aficionados won’t want to miss the Birria De Chivo, a rich, spicy goat stew that speaks to the authentic heritage of Mexican culinary craft, or the fresh Camarones Rancheros and moist Mojarra Sarandiada seafood dishes that bring the coastal tastes of Mexico straight to Santa Barbara. Burrito lovers can dive into the Super Burrito Al Pastor, praised for its perfectly seasoned filling that doesn’t even require added salsa to shine, as one enthusiastic diner shared.

The menu is extensive yet focused, with tempting sides such as Sour Cream and Pico de Gallo and Papas Tacos Fritos, alongside traditional favorites served with a refreshing Jarritos soda. Whether your preference is a casual lunch or a comforting dinner, each dish is crafted to ignite your taste buds, marrying vibrant spices with fresh, quality ingredients.

While the interior may lean toward functional rather than fancy, the atmosphere breeds warmth and familiarity, enhanced by a staff who genuinely make every guest feel welcome. This is a neighborhood gem where kindness shines as brightly as the food’s flavor. Parking is sufficient, with on-lot space available outside peak lunch hours and easy street parking nearby, making visits hassle-free.

Customers frequently commend the genuine hospitality and consistent excellence of Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo. From lifelong fans cherishing it as a go-to comfort food spot to newcomers pleasantly surprised by the depth of authentic Mexican fare, the sentiment is unanimous: this is a place to savor tradition, community, and truly memorable meals.

If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Mexico in Santa Barbara, delivered with heart and a dash of local charm, Taqueria El Buen Gusto & Best Menudo is undoubtedly worth your visit.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Comfort food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups Locals
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • R. Slater McLaughlin
    1 month ago

    Had the al pastor super burrito and it was delicious. I unfortunately did not get a chance to try the salsas because the burrito was perfectly seasoned and didn't need any messing with.

  • jaimie parsons
    2 month ago

    This has been my favorite restaurant my whole life. It’s been a place for comfort food during hard times, and great times, or just time times. The staff here is so nice to my son and friends, and their kindness goes a long way to me. Thank you!

  • Mark Y
    2 month ago

    I've passed by this place many times but never stopped. Mostly because it's in a small shopping center with very little parking. A friend invited me for lunch though so I finally got to try it. I entered a utilitarian interior and was greeted by friendly people who got my order done fairly quickly. Prices are on the high side for a hole-in-the-wall but decent for Santa Barbara. I ordered the tacos al pastor plate. It was pretty good, with fresh ingredients and lots of food. I tasted my friend's crispy mashed potato tacos and they were really good. Wouldn't mind having them again. There are better places on Milpas, some of them a hole-in-the wall, and some of them more upscale but there's nothing to complain about here. The food is good.

  • Laurie Eagleson
    2 month ago

    Easy to find, off-street parking, inside dining or take-out. Large menu - leans more towards authentic Mexican than Mexican-American... Lots of seafood. The prices seemed high for the portion size and restaurant quality/condition, however the food was very fresh, the beer was cold, and the service was quick. Definitely geared towards a neighborhood or drop-in crowd - not a date, destination. Almost forgot - breakfast burritos are the opposite of lunch and dinner. Priced moderately, with a larger portion

  • HP Autosport
    2 month ago

    Great location on the upper East side of town. Never a bad meal here. Staff is very friendly and the food is great! Sufficient parking on the lot as long as you are not there during the lunch rush hour. Plenty of street parking out back and front though. It's a busy spot during lunch hour so get there before the lunch crowd. Getting it to go is also a good option as we have done many times when waiting in line isn't an option. The servings are huge, they are not shy about filling your plate full of meat and veggies. Great for some leftovers for the next day or dinner. The pastor plate is amazing. It's tangy and tasty. The carnitas plate is alsyo very good. Their tacos are filled with meat and easily twice the portion of other Mexican restaurants. Will have to try their Camarones dishes next time we are there! Variety of Salsas from mild to wild. Highly recommend you trying this place out.

  • Ian Schell
    3 month ago

    Cannot speak highly enough of this place. Taqueria Buen Gusto is the real deal; a phenomenal hole-in-the-wall family-ran taqueria that delivers amazing food every time. I come in for Al Pastor Super Burrito every chance I get, but have also loved their Carnitas. Great seafood. Menudo on the weekends, right when you need it!

  • Evan Grahn
    4 month ago

    Take back what I said about super coucas, this is the best Mexican food place in downtown SB. Like deadass, this place is so good. Paid like 12 bucks for a burrito, soda, and burrito bigger than those 32oz hydro flasks from 2019. I strongly recommend this place as nothing can beat it in quality and price

  • Siena Yuan
    4 month ago

    Food was super good! Great portions and very nice customer service

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