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September 2024

Top-10 Food Trucks in Santa Barbara

We've selected the top 10 food trucks in Santa Barbara based on reviews, sales, requests and overall demand! From Tacos Pipeye to Kona Ice of Santa Barbara, there is something for everyone on this list. Unlike other top 10 food truck lists, we actually use real world metrics and first hand experience to determine the best food trucks today in Santa Barbara. These are some of the Best Food Trucks for Catering and daily service in Santa Barbara! Find them on BFT and don't miss out!

#10: Kona Ice of Santa Barbara

Shaved Ice

Kona Ice of Santa Barbara is a refreshing and fun addition to the local food trucks scene, specializing in shaved ice treats. This truck is often found at the Santa Barbara Zoo and during the Fourth of July celebrations at West Beach, providing a cool treat on warm days. Their vibrant presence and delicious offerings make them a hit among families.

Their menu features a variety of shaved ice flavors, including their popular Blue Raspberry. This bright blue treat is sweet and tangy, perfect for cooling down. The Tiger's Blood flavor, a mix of strawberry and coconut, is another favorite among customers. For a tropical twist, their Pina Colada flavor, combining pineapple and coconut, is a refreshing choice.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Kona Ice bring a fun and delicious experience to the city's events. Whether you're visiting the zoo or celebrating the Fourth of July at West Beach, Kona Ice is there to provide a sweet and refreshing treat. Their colorful shaved ice and friendly service make them a favorite for all ages.

Kona Ice of Santa Barbara

#9: El Pastorcito Food Truck

Mexican Fusion

El Pastorcito Food Truck is a beloved part of the Santa Barbara food trucks scene, offering authentic Mexican flavors. You can find them at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, serving up delicious meals to nature lovers and eco-enthusiasts. Their commitment to quality and traditional recipes has earned them a dedicated following.

Their menu features traditional Mexican dishes, including their al pastor tacos. These tacos are filled with marinated pork cooked on a spit, topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. The carne asada nachos, loaded with grilled steak, cheese, guacamole, and salsa, are another popular choice. For a vegetarian option, their grilled vegetable burrito, filled with seasoned veggies, rice, and beans, is a flavorful choice.

Santa Barbara food trucks like El Pastorcito bring a taste of Mexico to the city's diverse culinary scene. Whether you're exploring the Botanic Garden or participating in the Earth Day Festival, El Pastorcito offers a delicious and authentic dining experience. Their flavorful dishes and friendly service make them a top choice for Mexican food lovers.

El Pastorcito Food Truck

#8: Heat Culinary

Multi-cultural

Heat Culinary is a favorite among Santa Barbara food trucks, known for its spicy and flavorful dishes. This truck is frequently spotted at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and during the California Wine Festival, serving up hot and tasty meals to food lovers. Their focus on bold flavors and high-quality ingredients has earned them a loyal following.

Their menu features a range of spicy dishes, including their signature hot chicken sandwich. This sandwich boasts crispy, spicy fried chicken topped with slaw and pickles, all served on a toasted bun. The spicy shrimp tacos, with grilled shrimp, spicy mayo, and fresh cilantro, are another favorite. For a vegetarian option, their fiery roasted cauliflower, tossed in a spicy seasoning and served with a cooling yogurt dip, is a hit.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Heat Culinary add a fiery twist to the local food scene. Whether you're watching a polo match at the Polo & Racquet Club or enjoying the Wine Festival, Heat Culinary is there to spice up your day. Their bold menu and friendly service make them a standout choice for spice lovers.

Heat Culinary

#7: Elubia's Kitchen

Latin

Elubia's Kitchen is a delightful addition to the Santa Barbara food trucks community, offering traditional Guatemalan cuisine. You can often find them at the Santa Barbara Waterfront and during the Summer Solstice Celebration, bringing the rich flavors of Guatemala to the city. Their dedication to authentic recipes and fresh ingredients sets them apart.

Their menu highlights include the pepian, a traditional Guatemalan stew made with chicken, tomatoes, and a blend of roasted seeds and spices, served with rice. The chiles rellenos, featuring bell peppers stuffed with beef, vegetables, and cheese, then battered and fried, are another standout. For dessert, the rellenitos, sweet plantains filled with black beans and chocolate, are a unique and delicious treat.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Elubia's Kitchen bring the vibrant flavors of Guatemala to the city's diverse food scene. Whether you're enjoying a day at the waterfront or celebrating the Summer Solstice, Elubia's Kitchen offers an authentic and flavorful dining experience. Their delicious menu and warm hospitality make them a favorite among locals.

Elubia's Kitchen

#6: Taqueria Mena

Mexican Food

Taqueria Mena is a beloved fixture in the Santa Barbara food trucks scene, offering authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine. Frequently found at the Santa Barbara Farmers Market and outside the Santa Barbara City College, this truck is a favorite among locals. Their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes them stand out.

Their menu features classic Mexican dishes, including their carne asada burrito. This hearty burrito is filled with tender, marinated steak, rice, beans, and fresh pico de gallo, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. The shrimp tacos, with grilled shrimp topped with a zesty slaw and creamy chipotle sauce, are another popular choice. For a vegetarian option, their black bean quesadilla, stuffed with seasoned black beans and melted cheese, is a satisfying option.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Taqueria Mena enhance the local culinary landscape with authentic Mexican flavors. Whether you're shopping at the Farmers Market or studying at Santa Barbara City College, Taqueria Mena offers a delicious taste of Mexico. Their flavorful dishes and welcoming service make them a top pick for Mexican cuisine lovers.

Taqueria Mena

#5: Yummy Bird

Korean Fusion
American Comfort
Asian Fusion
Fried Chicken

Yummy Bird is a standout among Santa Barbara food trucks, specializing in mouthwatering chicken dishes. You can find them at the Santa Barbara Bowl and the Funk Zone, serving up delicious meals to concert-goers and art lovers alike. Their focus on quality ingredients and flavorful recipes has earned them a loyal following.

Their menu features a variety of chicken dishes, including their famous fried chicken sandwich. This sandwich boasts crispy, golden-fried chicken topped with fresh lettuce, pickles, and a tangy house sauce, all nestled in a soft brioche bun. The buffalo chicken wings, tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce and served with a side of cooling ranch, are a favorite among spice lovers. For a lighter option, their chicken Caesar salad, with grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, is a perfect choice.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Yummy Bird bring a savory and satisfying experience to the local food scene. Whether you're catching a show at the Santa Barbara Bowl or exploring the vibrant Funk Zone, Yummy Bird is there to satisfy your chicken cravings. Their delicious menu and friendly service make them a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Yummy Bird
K-Bowl

K-Bowl

Yummy Fries

Yummy Fries

Korean tacos

Korean tacos

Yummy Bowl

Yummy Bowl

Spicy chicken sandwich

Spicy chicken sandwich

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

#4: Nimita's Cuisine

Indian

Nimita's Cuisine adds a vibrant burst of Indian flavors to the Santa Barbara food trucks lineup. Regularly found at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show, this truck offers a unique and flavorful dining experience. Their use of traditional spices and fresh ingredients sets them apart.

Their menu is a celebration of Indian cuisine, featuring dishes like chicken tikka masala. This popular dish includes tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. The vegetable biryani, a fragrant rice dish mixed with assorted vegetables and aromatic spices, is a hit among vegetarians. For a sweet treat, their mango lassi, a creamy yogurt-based drink blended with ripe mangoes, is both refreshing and delicious.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Nimita's Cuisine bring the exotic flavors of India to the city's diverse culinary scene. Whether you're exploring the historic County Courthouse or enjoying the Arts and Crafts Show, Nimita's Cuisine provides a delightful taste of India. Their flavorful dishes and warm hospitality make them a favorite among locals.

Nimita's Cuisine

#3: Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

Tacos

Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen is a gem among Santa Barbara food trucks, known for its elegant and delicious offerings. Frequently found at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Old Mission Santa Barbara, this truck brings a touch of gourmet to the streets. Their sophisticated menu and quality ingredients attract a loyal crowd.

Their menu features a range of gourmet dishes, including their standout truffle mac & cheese. This dish combines rich, creamy cheese with a hint of truffle oil, creating a decadent flavor. The lobster roll, filled with succulent lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo and served in a toasted bun, is another favorite. For dessert, their chocolate lava cake, with a gooey, molten center, is a must-try for any chocolate lover.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen elevate the local dining scene with their sophisticated and flavorful dishes. Whether you're visiting the Museum of Natural History or enjoying the serene surroundings of the Old Mission, Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen offers a gourmet experience that is sure to impress. Their commitment to culinary excellence makes them a top choice for food enthusiasts.

Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

#2: Maravilla Latin Cuisine

Latin

Maravilla Latin Cuisine brings the rich and diverse flavors of Latin America to the Santa Barbara food trucks scene. This truck is frequently spotted at the Santa Barbara Public Market and the popular Fiesta events. Their dedication to quality and flavor has earned them a loyal following among locals.

Their menu features a variety of Latin American dishes, including their famous pupusas. These thick, handmade corn tortillas are stuffed with a blend of cheese, beans, and savory pork, then grilled to perfection. The arepas, made from ground maize dough, are stuffed with a variety of fillings like shredded beef and black beans. For a lighter option, their ceviche, made with fresh fish marinated in citrus juices and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, is a refreshing choice.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Maravilla Latin Cuisine offer an authentic taste of Latin America, enriching the local food scene with vibrant flavors. Whether you're exploring the Santa Barbara Public Market or celebrating at Fiesta events, Maravilla Latin Cuisine is there to provide a memorable dining experience. Their flavorful dishes and friendly service make them a standout choice for food lovers.

Maravilla Latin Cuisine
(Order of 3) Tacos

(Order of 3) Tacos

Ropa Vieja Plate

Ropa Vieja Plate

(Order of 3) Empanadas

(Order of 3) Empanadas

Picadillo de Pollo Plate

Picadillo de Pollo Plate

1 Empanada (A La Carte)

1 Empanada (A La Carte)

Maduros (Half Order)

Maduros (Half Order)

#1: Tacos Pipeye

Mexican Food

Tacos Pipeye is a vibrant addition to the Santa Barbara food trucks scene, offering authentic Mexican flavors that locals rave about. You can often find them at Alameda Park and during the bustling Santa Barbara Night Market. Their friendly service and delicious tacos make them a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine.

Their menu showcases the best of Mexican street food, including their signature carne asada tacos. These tacos feature tender, marinated steak grilled to perfection and topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. Their al pastor tacos are another favorite, with marinated pork cooked on a spit and served with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. For a vegetarian option, their grilled veggie tacos are packed with seasoned vegetables and topped with a zesty avocado sauce.

Santa Barbara food trucks like Tacos Pipeye bring a taste of Mexico to the heart of the city, enhancing the local culinary scene with rich and authentic flavors. Whether you're enjoying a sunny day at Alameda Park or exploring the bustling night market, Tacos Pipeye is ready to serve up a delicious meal. Their commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes ensures a memorable dining experience for every customer.

Tacos Pipeye

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