Taqueria El Pastorcito

There are not any places in SB that do pastor on a roasting spit, so I saw this and had to try it. Total let down, meat was bland, salsas were bland and the homemade tortillas even were disappointing. It was also pricey… $ 2 for a taco? Other comparable places in town are still under $ 2 and larger portions with better quality meat.
Service was also lackluster, only 2 tables when I went there and they were slow and unmotivated.

The alambre plate was delicious. They have quesadillas de flor de calabaza and huitlacoche. Hand made tortillas!!!

Here now with family of 8 ½. Our first time here, and the lady behind the counter could tell ^_​^. She gave us suggestions and explained the alambres part of the menu (its a dish with veggies and meat with your choice of meat added to it). Ordering was very pleasant.
Our food was brought to us for dine-​in and it came quick! We were the only group in at the time, but now it’s starting to pick up (close to 5p)
Chicken for tacos is cubed and pretty tasty, has good amount of moisture to it. Unless told otherwise Taco is plated with 1 tortilla and good portion of your choice of meat or the veggies, that’s it. Salsa bar has cilantro, raw white onion, lime and vinegar carrots and onions for toppings.
Restaurant is located on De La Vina’s one way street, and crosses through busy Mission st. So best bet would be to park up de la vina and walk down a little.
Oh! Rice and refried beans looked so yummy. (Didn’t ask if they are vegan sorry!)
I’m not sure if we were wowed by the food. It is good don’t get me wrong. If we come back I’ll try something that’s well known

I was surprised didn’t think it was going to be any good. But it was delicious I had the alambres with home made tortillas very good.

Aaaaamazing! The lengua is cooked to perfection, soft, melts in your mouth like its supposed to. Al Pastor is phenomenal! Includes the staple garnish of pineapple. Alambres are full of incredible flavors! Service is great! Heading there in a few actually.
Seeing the bad reviews though is a bit comical and unfair. They are by people who obviously know next to nothing about authentic Mexican food. One bashing the sesame seed salsa and saying it’s unnecessary… Compadre, let me enlighten you, it’s a Mexican salsa, deserving of special occasion. Not everyone can make it because of what it takes. Another complaining of the tortilla size… It’s street food!!! That’s what they are supposed to be. Another bitching asada being spicy? Go to McConnell’s if your wimpy tongue can’t take it.
Bottom line, these guys cook amazing food!

Very friendly, accommodating staff. I have had Tacos, burritos, Alambres, and quesadillas. I have never been dissapointed. Very delicious always with prompt service. One of few places that actually carves pastor off of spit. It is awesome!

Solid traditional tacos. They sure don’t skimp on the meat either! Nice selection of salsas and be sure to try their huitlacoche quesadilla if it’s on special.

Delicious taco’s, try the chicken its yum.
The meat is definitely not bland but full of flavor, I only tried chicken and steak and both were delicious but I prefer the chicken.

Tried a few tacos — chicken, carne asana, and al pastor — very tasty and large portions of meat! Service was fairly quick though the cashier that took our order was very slow. She must have been brand new because we had to repeat everything 5 times (there were only 2 of us and we each ordered 3 tacos)… And it took her several minutes to complete the order. I would go again.

Hands down best taco spot in Santa Barbara. I’m sorry Lilly’s but Taqueria El Pastorcito stole my heart. From the homemade tortillas to the extra limey salsa verde. Wow. And the price cannot be beat.

I love this place. Delicious food and copious amounts of it for a very reasonable price. Their pork is great, its seasoned to perfection and they put pineapple on the pork tacos which is just amazing. Their chicken and carne is juicy and delicious and their burritos are packed to the brim.
The first time I tried lengua was here too, and it was surprisingly excellent.
I love this place and will continue to enjoy food from here.
So much better than los agaves, costs less, tastes better and their meals don’t have hair in them.

I’ve gone twice and gotten the tacos (delicious carne asada!) as well as the pastor alambres. That was probably my favorite. It’s a whole plate of pastor meat with ham, bacon (what?! Bacon! YES!), bell peppers, onions, and cheese with a side of fresh tortillas. I am heading back for lunch on Friday and am excited to get that again.
There’s also coca cola in the bottle which is a must when eating authentic looking Mexican food!

Love this place!
They have a true authentic flavor,
Great salsas and salsa bar! the taco tortillas are hand made! (That’s a plus!)
We also had the pumpkin flower quesadillas and loved them!
They recently did a catering for us and I was more then satisfied with the work they did, my guest loved the food and were happy with the quality and portion size. I defiantly recommend this place and try the tacos al pastor with a sweet slice of pineapple!

This is a great alternative to Lily’s. After eating here about 5 times, and having Lily’s at least a dozen times; the meat is more flavorful, it’s a nicer venue, and the staff is really friendly. Being from San Diego, Mexican food is a stable in my diet, and this place is my one of my favorites on town at this price point (very affordable)

First time eating here and I really enjoyed it. I only ordered the tacos, 5 tacos to be specific. 2 chicken, 2 lengua and 1 carne asada.
The lengua were great — actually the best I’ve had in SB, presented differently than Lily’s and cooked a little differently as well.
The chicken were also a little better than Lily’s in my opinion. They have a bit more flavor (cinnamony for sure) and feel less over cooked.
The carne asada taco was kinda an afterthought for me. The weakest of the three but still good.
They have very good salsas, plenty of cilantro and onion and habanero pickled onions :) — the Pico de gallo was especially good.
I will definitely go back to try some more

You know I love me a taqueria and El Pastorcito does not disappoint.
First lets walk through the salsa bar.
Creamy avocado always a fave of mine but there are better around
Ajonjoli (sesame seed) don’t understand why this is needed
Tomatillo yummy
Habanero killer
Red smoky arbol !!! Winner !!!
I went for the al pastor at $ 13 and was thoroughly delighted.
She had the Alambres Pastor with rice and beans for $ 11. I was not as thrilled as there were way too many mushrooms. The meat was good though.
Axxess card gave me a Buy One Get One so that made the trip well worth a weekend lunch date.
Parking can be a mess and I’m already invested in Lily’s for her tacos, Monica for her burritos and chips, and trips to Cuernavaca for their alanbres. Perhaps I can make El Pastorcito my go-​to for al pastor. I think I can make room. Shhhhh. Don’t tell the others.

Two Words: Authentic Tacos
Each taco is 1.75 and they are generous in their meat. I dislike it when taquerias give you meager portions of meat. What gives?
I loved the chorizo which had a nice kick to it. The pastor was the clear winner. I have no idea what they used to marinate in it, but it made me get up and order two more of these bad boys. Lord!
Salsas were a great complement to the tacos, try each one! They also have vegetarian options
I am from the LA area and these are authentic tacos. You gotta try it out!

Nice little taco shop that opened right up the street. Everything is homemade. All the meats have a nice marinade spice and taste, plus very good salsas. Most of the tacos are a $ 1.75

Horale!!! (I’ve always wanted to say that)
This is a GREAT taqueria! They do what so many other restaurants don’t…Keep it simple and do it right!
Tacos are $ 1.75 and have a good portion of meat. I had the carne asada but my friend swears by their lengua and cecina. Help yourself to the topping bar but be careful of that liquified quacamole. It’s a sauce with just the right amount of kick :)
If you are a traditionalist and like TRUE Mexican food then I suggest you get down here and give em a try. Andale, Andale!

There’s no such thing as too many Taqueria’s! I’m so glad we have this place.
You must try the Tacos Al Pastor! The meat is cooked to perfection. Whatever they use to marinate it makes it extra special. They slowly cook the meat on a rotisserie called trompo. Picture a spinning top with lots of meat layered on it.
I love how the meat has a light crispiness to it but yet the meat is still tender. The carne asada sope was just as tasty but I will definitely go back for the tacos al pastor!
Horchata was yummy too! Not overly sweet like some places.