La Super-Rica Taqueria

La Super-Rica Taqueria is a small walk-up taquería on Milpas Street in Santa Barbara, California, opened in 1980 by Isidoro Gonzalez and known nationally for its handmade tortillas and for being a favorite of the cook and television host Julia Child.

History

Isidoro Gonzalez, a native of Jalisco, opened the restaurant in 1980 in a modest cement building on North Milpas Street that is now recognizable for its bright turquoise paint. Julia Child, who lived in Santa Barbara, became an outspoken fan by the middle of the 1980s, and her enthusiasm turned the stand into a pilgrimage stop for visitors. It remains family-run, and long lines are routine, especially on weekends.

In 2014 The Daily Meal, polling food writers and taco specialists, placed the restaurant's adobado taco eighth on its national list of the best tacos in the United States.

Menu

Corn tortillas are pressed and cooked to order. The best-known plate is the Super-Rica Especial, a roasted pasilla chile with marinated pork and melted cheese served with tortillas. Other regular items include the adobado taco of marinated pork, rajas tacos of roasted chile strips, the alambre de filete with beef, peppers, onion and bacon, and a bean dish enriched with chorizo, bacon and pasilla. Daily specials such as calabacita tacos and tamales rotate through the week.

Reviews

See also

• Tacos al pastor
• Corn tortilla

References

1. "La Super-Rica: Savoring Legendary Santa Barbara Taqueria". Food GPS. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
2. "Some of the Best Tacos in Town". Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
3. "Santa Barbara is home to one of the nation's best tacos". KCBX. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
4. "Mexican Restaurants in Santa Barbara". Visit Santa Barbara. Retrieved 2026-10-10.
5. "Santa Barbara Taco Trail". Visit Santa Barbara. Retrieved 2026-10-10.