Heading to SB for short vacation, but wife can’t drink. I’ve gotten the go-ahead to do a few tastings solo. Hotel is booked, non-alcohol activities are booked. For dinner we have reservations at Barbareno, Loquita, and Bibi Ji (is it really worth it?).
For tastings, I’m pretty much stuck in the town of Santa Barbara. I’ve got Whitcraft and ABC on the list, as well as the collective. Is there anyone else I should consider in town?
I might be able to swing a winery visit if I can pair it with lunch/a view. Are there any wineries within an hour or so that serve food as well?
Thanks @Mike_Cohen - ABC is at the top of my list. Will knock La Super Rica off - there’s another Mexican spot we might check out, but wife isn’t letting me plan for lunch. We have to be spontaneous…
@Barry_L_i_p_t_o_n appreciate the note, was the food great at Bibi Ji? That’s my bigger concern for this spot. Will take a look at Corizon
I’ve been about 8 times, food was great every time but the last, (which was on Valentine’s Day, and went knowing I’ve never gotten a decent meal on Valentine’s Day at any restaurant).
As my prior meal to that one was also recent ( last month), and excellent, I still rank it #1 (but we love Indian food) and ignoring a just ok meal on V day. If you are a big fan of Indian food, it’s compelling, better than the better places I’ve been in LA.
As a point of reference, we have about 6 local Indian places, none get my business- it’s like they buy their sauces from the same Indian Costco.
If not a big Indian food fan, try Bouchon for a very nice Santa Barbara meal.
La Super Rica is rated so highly it has to be overrated. It is a real part of the Santa Barbara experience. But I agree , compelling to return.
If you prefer fish to meat, Corazon Cucina is great. No more ambience though. Lines are very long at CC on weekends -1:00 or 1:30 weekday lunch is best.
Your comment on La Super Rica is fair. I had so many people rave about it to me that I knew it would be hard to live up to the hype. Maybe I just don’t get it. But last night, I had tacos from Los Tacos #1 in NYC and IMHO, they blew away anything I had at LSR.
You’re also correct, that maybe all visitors have to try it once and decide for themselves.
While I didn’t try Corazon Cucina, I’m laughing at the ambiance comment. La Super Rica is basically a shack on an empty lot. So, if CC is a step down ambiance wise, I’m a bit concerned. Lol.
I have never been to Super Rica but have stopped at Lilly’s a couple of times and thought the tacos were superb. Unremarkable inside, minimal line. Great tacos.
It’s funny, I was trying to remember the other taco place we ate at for lunch and it was definitely Lilly’s judging by the picture in the review. I thought it was better than LSR, but still, not great.
I’ve found this to be true of any authentic Mexican restaurant. Recently I was at a local Mexican place in Sonoma and they had a cardboard sign with permanent marker taped to the door, advertising that they had pozole. I immediately ordered that. My useless dinner companion (NOT my wife, mind you…would never say that to/about her and expect to live) ordered a freakin’ taco salad!!!
