La SuperRica in Santa Barbara

Julia Child, who lived in Santa Barbara’s Casa Dorinda in her later years, once mentioned La SuperRica on “Good Morning America” as her favorite taquería, and lines are still forming around the block today because of that..

SuperRica does not have fish tacos . . . but it has the best tacos — and the best tortillas — outside of Mexico, IMHO.

When I lived here, I came about once a week, usually in the middle of the afternoon to avoid the crowds. It’s where I took friends who came into town. Its tacos are the food of dreams. It would be my choice for my last meal on Earth. It was the only restaurant I went to in Santa Barbara on Road Trip 2021.

Drum roll, please . . .

SuperRica in Santa Barbara. Looks like a dump, doesn’t it? I took this photo before it opened. At peak lunch and dinner hours the line can stretch around the block.

Here’s the menu that hangs on the wall.

Super-Rica’s menu hasn’t changed in the 30-plus years I’ve been going there.  Nor has the restaurant itself, except for adding a few picnic tables outside during Covid.

Here are some tips, if you ever go there . . .

  1. The tacos arrive naked, with just the meat on three (fabulous hand-made) corn tortillas. You can watch them being made through the window.
  2. Chicken tacos aren’t on the menu, no idea why, you have ask for them.
  3. Queso de Cauzela (#13 – cheese queso with tomatoes) is essential
  4. Frijol Super-Rica (#19 – charro beans), also a must-have
  5. Pico de gallo and hot sauces come with your order.
  6. They serve beer, but no wine.  Also, no iced tea.
  7. To avoid the line, go at 11 o’clock when they open or go mid-afternoon for a late lunch or early dinner.
  8. They accept cash only.

Long ago I tried other items on the menu, which were good, but my favorite is the tacos. I’m craving them now, just writing this.