Tacos Pipeye

Tacos Pipeye

217 N Milpas St #3281, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States

+1 805-770-8979

Taco restaurant, Mexican restaurant
(448)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Nestled just off bustling Milpas Street in Santa Barbara, Tacos Pipeye delivers an authentic Mexican taco experience that’s both vibrant and unpretentious. This cozy taco shop, located at 217 N Milpas St #3281, offers a delightful escape into bold flavors and traditional recipes, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors craving genuine street-style Mexican cuisine.

The menu at Tacos Pipeye is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, featuring a spectrum of expertly crafted dishes that range from beloved street tacos to heartier plates. The taco selection is impressively diverse, offering over 15 varieties including adventurous options like tacos de cabeza (head), lengua (tongue), and borrego buche chicharron champinones. Meats are tender and perfectly seasoned — whether you choose the succulent barbacoa, the flavorful lamb tacos, or the delicately smoky al pastor quesadilla, each bite bursts with layers of texture and robust, smoky-sweet spices.

Fans of breakfast will find savory choices such as the hearty Breakfast Burrito and comforting Chilaquiles, served with fresh eggs cooked to order. Complement your meal with the refreshing Aguas Frescas or an imported beer, which balance the palate beautifully. For those looking for a more filling option, dishes like Costillas De Puerco En Salsa Verde and classic enchiladas offer rich, satisfying flavors that linger on your tongue.

What truly sets Tacos Pipeye apart is its warm, inviting atmosphere. The intimate space boasts a small dining room with five tables and eight barstools, creating a casual setting reminiscent of gathering with family or close friends. As customer Valerie Savla captures perfectly, the service feels like visiting a cousin’s house — friendly, lively, and welcoming, complete with a bar where one can kick back and enjoy the game while savoring their tacos.

Despite its modest size, Tacos Pipeye does not compromise on quality or generosity. Guests like Brandon Goad praise the excellent food and reasonable pricing, while Mr. Kirkland Signature appreciates the generous portions and the unmatched value amidst Santa Barbara’s often pricey taco scene. Whether you're stopping in for a quick street taco fix or settling in to enjoy a shared meal of enchiladas, mole, or pozole, Pipeye promises an experience that's both memorable and satisfying.

For a truly authentic taste of Mexican street food in the heart of Santa Barbara, Tacos Pipeye is a standout spot that delivers bold flavors, heartfelt hospitality, and an atmosphere that’s as genuine as the food itself. It's not just a taco joint—it’s a flavorful journey steeped in tradition and passion, sure to beckon you back time and time again.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Comfort food Late-night food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    06:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    06:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    06:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    06:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    06:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Brandon Goad
    1 month ago

    Small taco shop off of Milpas, about a mile from the beach. Variety of tacos (15 types including head and tongue), enchiladas and other items like poloze and tacos consome. Excellent food, reasonable prices. Small dining room with 5 tables and 8 barstools.

  • Valerie Savla
    1 month ago

    Cashier/Server was so kind and lively it felt like I was going to my cousins place to have tacos. They have a bar inside and made it very easy to stay and watch a game or two lol Thank you for the great asada tacos. They weren’t fatty or greasy.

  • cc castaneda
    2 month ago

    Absolutely the best tacos I have had in this city. The menu is simple which I really appreciate, the prices are doable. Might not be the best atmosphere for some but we are here for the food, not the ambiance. Remember, they also got that food truck after the restaurant closes.

  • Mr. Kirkland Signature
    2 month ago

    Absolutely killer tacos from this downtown taco truck! In a city of $20 taco plates and pretentious pricing, this well-priced option was an absolute standout. Portions were great with a wide variety of meats to choose from. Generous side portions and refreshing toppings to choose from in whatever quantity you want. Definitely a place I’d be coming back to if I was a local!

  • Don Bragen
    2 month ago

    Fantastic! Four delicious tacos (get the barbacoa for sure) made to order for 12 bucks. Order at the counter and wait for your food to arrive, hot and soooo good. I’ll be back to try some mole. Bonus: the staff is really friendly. Easy to recommend Pipeye!

  • Dave Lotito
    3 month ago

    One of the best tacos spots I’ve ever been too! The hospitality and friendliness of the owners was outstanding, he even offered me a piece of gum when I was finished. Truly a unique experience. Highly recommend!!

  • Patrick Rourke
    4 month ago

    Hands down the best tacos in Santa Barbara. Great tortilla, delicious meat and wonderful salsa bar. Super friendly service.

  • natalia riboldi
    4 month ago

    BLOWN AWAY! My husband and I were silent as we are because we were taking it all in. We eat a lot of Mexican food and this was exceptional. I am a tough critic but I can confidently say some of the best Mexican food I have ever had.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.