East Beach Tacos

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

East Beach Tacos is a laid-back taco spot right in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Milpas Street scene, known primarily for quick, flavorful tacos with a local beach vibe. It’s the kind of place you stop by when you’re looking for satisfying fast food with a focus on seafood, alongside classic street taco favorites. The environment is casual and unpretentious, inviting a mix of locals and visitors winding down after outdoor activities or just grabbing a quick bite in a no-fuss setting.

The menu offers a solid variety of tacos that cater well to seafood lovers—fish, shrimp, and ahi poke tacos stand out—along with carne asada and other grilled options. Popular combos like “The Triple Play” allow for a mix-and-match experience that fits those who want to sample multiple flavors. The reasonable prices and manageable portion sizes make it easy to share small plates or pick up a quick lunch without feeling weighed down.

The spot thrives on its street taco atmosphere, with a small, often-busy dining area and a modest parking lot that can fill up, especially on weekends or holidays. Ordering can involve a wait during peak times, but it keeps the flow moving steadily and the service friendly. Sides like homemade chips with fresh pico de gallo or guacamole add a nice crunch to the meal, while the rotating selection of local beers and standard soft drinks round out the casual coastal dining experience.

East Beach Tacos works best for casual afternoons when you want something filling but quick, whether you’re coming with family or meeting friends after nearby activities like batting cages or beach strolls. Expect a straightforward, informal vibe where the focus is on fresh, flavorful tacos and a relaxed pace rather than an elaborate dining scene. If you’re looking to enjoy Santa Barbara-style tacos without the fuss, this spot fits well into the local fast-food taco landscape with its dependable quality and beach-adjacent spirit.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot

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
Rob Libby

31 Dec 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

21 Nov 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

18 Nov 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.

Philip Figueroa

31 Oct 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

26 Oct 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!

Joseph Riva

18 Oct 2025

Absolutely phenomenal place Traveled to California last summer with my family and stopped at Santa Barbara for the day. We decided ti stop for some tacos in the area. So glad we found this place. East Beach tacos is definitely one of our highlights of our trip, it had a unique and friendly atmosphere, the food was quick and amazing, perhaps some of the most authentic and delicious tacos I've had. The location isn't too far either from most of the attractions in Santa Barbara either. Overall, this is definitely a place traveller's must visit to enrich their experience in Santa Barbara

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!

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