Welcome to Palapa Restaurant of Santa Barbara
Authentic
Mexican Food.
Santa Barbara.
Ceviche, Enchiladas, Menudo, Pozole, Burritos, and more – proudly serving Santa Barbara since 2004
Weekly favorites
Good reasons to stop by.
Every Tuesday
Taco Tuesday
Enjoy a delicious taco filled with your favorite meat for only $2.50.
SteakCarnitasGrilled ChickenChile VerdeAl PastorAdobadaChorizo
See the Menu Monday through Friday
Happy Hour
3 PM – 6 PM
Join Palapa Monday through Friday for the best Happy Hour Santa Barbara has to offer.
Plan Your VisitSince2004
The Palapa Family
Fresh Food.
Warm Service.
Since 2004.
Since 2004, Leonardo Jimenez has proudly owned and operated our restaurant, bringing with him the traditions, values, and hard work he grew up with in Nochistlán, Zacatecas, Mexico.
What started as one person’s dream has grown into a true family operation. Leonardo and his wife, Soveida, work side by side every day, continuing to build the business they have created together. Their children — Leonardo Jr., Jazmin, Samantha, and Christian — each contribute to the restaurant and play an important role in keeping the family tradition alive.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: serve great food, treat our customers like family, and continue building something that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Every plate we serve represents our family, our roots, and our commitment to our community. We are proud to be a family-run restaurant and grateful for every customer who has supported us throughout the years.
Made from scratch
Traditional Tamales
Chicken, cheese, and pork tamales, made the traditional way.
From our kitchen
A few Palapa favorites.
Chicken Mole EnchiladasCamarones Al Mojo de AjoVallarta SaladSteak FajitasCevicheChile RellenosWet Burritos
Review Palapa!
Share the love.
Enjoyed your visit? Tell others about your experience.
Kind words from our guests
What guests are saying.
★★★★★
Google review
Google reviewWe finally got to try the Mexican food our friend’s been raving about! We randomly found this awesome hidden spot—the food was so good, and the staff was super nice. Highly recommend!
Google Reviewer
Google review
★★★★★ Google review
Google reviewPalapa is a frequent haunt when in town. The food is always delicious. The ladies here are very pleasant and attentive. Being a regular, they usually know what I'm ordering. They have good memories and better smiles. Convenient being right next to the freeway, and patio dining to enjoy the typically wonderful weather and mountain view. Stop here, quech your hunger. It's well worth it.
Google Reviewer
Google review
See You Soon!
Come on in. We'll have something delicious waiting.
Visit Palapa
Opening Hours
- Monday – Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Give Us a Call
(805) 683-3074Santa Barbara, California
Find your happy place.
4123 State Street is calling your name. We'll see you there!
Open in Google MapsA little sunshine in every bite
Craving Something Good?
Your next favorite meal is just around the corner.
Order Online