Few restaurants achieve the cultural reverence of La Super-Rica Taqueria in Santa Barbara, California. Tucked unassumingly along Milpas Street, this humble blue-and-white taqueria has drawn pilgrims from across the globe — including Julia Child herself, who famously declared it her favorite Mexican restaurant in America. To understand Santa Barbara’s culinary identity is to understand the story, soul, and sizzling griddle of La Super-Rica.
A Culinary Landmark Built on Tradition
Opened in 1980 by Isidoro González, La Super-Rica remains family-run, serving recipes that trace directly to central Mexico. Nothing here feels commercial or over-styled — tortillas are pressed by hand, the grill smokes with mesquite charcoal, and every dish is cooked to order. The result is a flavor that feels alive — rich, tactile, and deeply comforting.
What to Order at La Super-Rica
Locals and first-timers alike swear by a few iconic dishes:
- Tacos de Rajas con Queso: Roasted poblano peppers and melted cheese folded into warm tortillas — simple, smoky perfection.
- Super-Rica Especial: Grilled marinated pork layered with cheese and chile strips — hearty and balanced.
- Tamales and Sopes: Pillowy masa pockets and hand-formed corn cakes topped with fresh crema, beans, and salsa verde.
- Aguas Frescas: Bright, refreshing watermelon or horchata to cool the spice.
The Experience: No Frills, All Flavor
Expect to wait in line — and you’ll be glad you did. The open-air patio hums with conversation and the rhythm of the grill. There are no reservations, no table service, no pretense. Just food so deeply rooted in craft that it transcends trend.
Why La Super-Rica Endures
In an era of over-marketed “authenticity,” La Super-Rica’s staying power lies in its restraint. It doesn’t perform Mexican cuisine — it lives it. Every handmade tortilla, every roasted chile, and every humble paper plate reminds diners that true culinary greatness isn’t about luxury — it’s about honesty.
Essential Information
Address: 622 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 11 AM – 9 PM (closed Tuesday)
Phone: (805) 963-4940
Price Range: $2–$10 per taco or plate
Payment: Cash only — another nod to its timeless roots
Final Thoughts
For over four decades, La Super-Rica Taqueria has been more than a restaurant — it’s a living expression of Mexican heritage on California’s coast. The experience is one of humility, patience, and reverence for flavor — qualities I hold dear, both as a scholar and as a human being.
