La Playa Azul Cafe

    $$ Mexican, Salad
    Open11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Menu

    Popular dishes

    People also searched for

    Location & Hours

    Map

    914 Santa Barbara St

    Santa Barbara, CA 93101

    Mon

    • Closed

    Tue

    • 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    Wed

    • 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    Thu

    • 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    Fri

    • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Open now

    Sat

    • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Sun

    • 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    You Might Also Consider

    Sponsored
    Islands Restaurant
    3.5 (246 reviews)

    3.0 miles away from La Playa Azul Cafe

    Peter N. said"I've been coming to this great spot for a few years and decided to finally put a review thanks to a Great experience I had recently: Patrick helped me out on the phone and in-person. He went above and beyond and reassured me…"read more

    in Burgers, New American, Sports Bars

    AMA Sushi
    4.0 (35 reviews)

    4.0 miles away from La Playa Azul Cafe

    Ruben S. said"Wow all around. My bill was shy of $800 for my girlfriend and I (tax + 20% tip). We decided to do the Omakase experience and sake pairing. It was a night to remember. Dinner for us was around 3 hours and we enjoyed every minute of…"read more

    in Sushi Bars

    Amenities and More

    Ask the Community

    • Q:

      Do they offer mocktails or Virgin Margaritas?

      A:

      Yes. Just ask for it with no alcohol.

      Andy R. 
      2 years ago
    • Q:

      Is this restaurant pet friendly?

      A:

      Yes! Couple here with two dogs almost inside the restaurant one in their lap yes it's dog friendly. They came in when I came in so I know they're not service animals 😃

      Erik R. 
      3 years ago 1 person found this helpful

    Recommended Reviews

    Photo of Username
    Username
    Location
    0
    0
    Choose a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5
    • 1 star rating
      Not good
    • 2 star rating
      Could’ve been better
    • 3 star rating
      OK
    • 4 star rating
      Good
    • 5 star rating
      Great
    Start your review of La Playa Azul Cafe

    Overall rating

    397 reviews

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    • Photo of Adam H.
      Adam H.
      CA, CA
      0
      1
      Apr 10, 2024

      This place is Amazing!!! The tacos de papas are quite possibly the best thing I've ever eaten!

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Kimberly T.
      Kimberly T.
      Pleasanton, CA
      147
      368
      2419
      Apr 7, 2024

      Our SB Amigos recommended LPAC to us when we inquired about some nearby comida Mexicana. I called and made a reservation for the 7 of us, and we were seated immediately upon arrival. We sat on the patio, and they brought over two heaters. Our Hostess was so welcoming and sweet. She heard my daughter talking about being chilly and she is the one who arranged for them to bring on the heat. It's a really cute place, and there was a lot of laughter and happy chatter outside.
      We were given three bowls of salsa and 2 baskets of chips, everyone was pretty hungry so were quite happy for the generous portions.
      Our server wasn't rude, but he wasn't exactly friendly either. Totally professional, just kind of a serious vibe. The food was excellent, I had chicken tacos. The chicken was delicious, and the rice and beans were absolute perfection! The flavor of the rice was just like home made, with enough savory tomato and very tender rice. I usually pick at the rice and beans when they're on the side. I can not deny, I devoured these! I had a guava margarita and it was wonderful as well.
      When our server came around again, he asked our daughter, "Are you done, Sweetie?" That was a kind gesture, and put a big smile on her face.
      Muchas Gracias, and we will be back the next time we're in town.

      Helpful 1
      Thanks 1
      Love this 1
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Sarah G.
      Sarah G.
      Santa Barbara, CA
      17
      48
      373
      Jan 6, 2024

      Had a great first experience at La Playa. Decided to go check out their Happy Hour for both food and drinks. Right off the bat, I'll say the style and ambiance are great. The outdoor patio is adorable. The indoor space is warm, stylish, and inviting. The staff immediately greeted us, and we were sat for our reservation immediately. Overall the service was impressive throughout the entire dining experience.
      The Happy Hour menu does require a drink order. They are famous for their margaritas, so we tried for different ones; mango habanero, melon, hibiscus, and premium. All four were delicious! They have an extensive list of food options to pick from. We tried the nachos and quesadilla, both with chicken. They were also delicious.
      Based on the experience, price, and taste of the Happy Hour menu, we will definitely be back to try their regular menu items. If you've not been, check it out!

      Happy hour chicken quesadillas and melon margarita
      Chicken nachos
      Helpful 1
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Maria T.
      Maria T.
      Glendale, CA
      68
      4
      7
      Dec 11, 2023
      Updated review

      Oh! Where to start! We had the worst service ever! The waiter came around and took our order. The food came out. One specific plate came out that nobody ordered. The waiter then proceeded to argue with me that was a plate that I had ordered, which I know for a fact I did not! He stud there for a few minutes arguing with me, that I was wrong. Trust me, if I was in the wrong, i would own up to it and say it was my mistake. However, it was not!

      We felt discriminated! I don't believe he would have spoken to anyone else the way he spoke to us.

      After that, the waiter avoided coming around, and if we needed anything, we had to flag someone down. He would send someone else.

      He finally came around and asked if we needed anything else. He then provided us with some boxes and the bill.

      I noticed on the bill that he had charged us a gratuity charge. However, on the website, menu, and bill, it states that they apply that on party's of eight or more.

      It was my sister's birthday, so I decided I was going to call after and dispute that charge. Trust me if the service was great. I would not be disputing that charge. I would have even given more.

      I spoke to a very nice young lady and stated that she was one of the managers, she assured me that she would take care of that charge, she apologized, even offered a gift card of $150. However, I declined. I stated that all I wanted was my charge of that gratuity back. She said no problem.

      I haven't received my refund! Still waiting

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
      Dec 3, 2023Previous review
    • Photo of Robert K.
      Robert K.
      Santa Barbara, CA
      0
      8
      2
      Apr 26, 2024

      The food is lovely on happy hour, but they WILL pressure you to get the F*^^ out. We would be happy to spend $300 n tequila alone, but z

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Mark F.
      Mark F.
      Santa Barbara, CA
      1041
      1059
      6536
      Oct 28, 2023

      Cute Patio
      Lovely Family
      Great Happy Hour
      Start your night off at La Playa

      This is a place where old friends gather on the weight picket fenced in patio, around deep red salsa, rimmed adult beverage, and talk about their day while shaded from the Santa Barbara sun by big'ol trees. This is place where the family run business knows you and you ask about their kids. This is a place that serves up a solid dish with good cocktails. La Playa is a place that should become a staple in your Happy Hour line up or for lunch and dinner.

      Usually busy with reservations highly recommended for Fridays or Saturdays during the summer. I suggest the patio to take in fresh air and sun SB is known for. And as you know me, I'm looking for the deals which are Tuesday - Sunday: 3 to 6 from an extensive Happy Hour list of eats and drinks. I regularly enjoy the Grilled Steak Quesadillas $10 and will reluctantly share their deliciousness with the table along with the Rajas con Queso $9, and Tostaditas w/ chicken $10. Keep the Premium Margaritas $11.50 or Casa Margaritas $8 flowing!

      Off the Happy Hour menu I recommend their Steak Ranchero or Carne Asada both at $22.50 or their Chile Verde for $21. I don't recall ever being disappointed with my selection.

      Come early and stay late. I just might see you in the patio!

      Helpful 4
      Thanks 1
      Love this 6
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Zsanae K.
      Zsanae K.
      Camarillo, CA
      224
      296
      1057
      Oct 17, 2023
      Updated review

      It's the consistency for me! The margaritas are always delish. The service great. The food is flavorful & fresh. They always get it right. It's our Sunday vibe.
      They even have HH on Sunday's what more could you ask for?

      Helpful 8
      Thanks 1
      Love this 7
      Oh no 0
      Aug 11, 2023Previous review
      Mar 9, 2023Previous review
    • Photo of Jami N.
      Jami N.
      Santa Barbara, CA
      137
      201
      563
      Jun 26, 2023

      Shame on me for not trying La Playa Azul Cafe sooner! I regret not having their delicious food in my belly on a regular basis.

      The restaurant boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, while could not be more helpful and courteous.

      A glorious bevy of beverages are on offer, and thus I chose the mojito. It was absolute perfection on the palate. They keep chips and salsa coming, and the salsa was sensational! I ordered the chicken chimichanga (we are in alliteration land with this review folks!) which is accompanied by rice and beans.

      (I dug in enthusiastically and consumed half of my delectable meal before remembering to take some glamour shots of my fabulous meal. Hence the half eaten plate of food featured.)

      The chimichanga was delicious, crispy on the outside juicy tender tasty inside. The rice and beans were the backup singers to the dish and delivered fantastic harmonies.
      Go eat here. Do it. What are you just sitting around for? ;)

      Helpful 5
      Thanks 2
      Love this 4
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Heath P.
      Heath P.
      London, United Kingdom
      399
      365
      2270
      Mar 23, 2023

      I'm a fan,
      they can make their botanas vegan!
      Drinks are strong,
      with happy hour prices, you can't go wrong.

      The patio is cute,
      and has pillars of fire.
      Afternoon drinks? Yes, absolute-ly.
      After four visits, the place hasn't tired me.

      Free salsa and tortilla chips.
      Chips served warm, pico the perfect dip!
      Service with a smile,
      is sure to beguile.

      I've tried the rajas, and taquitos de papa,
      tostaditas are crunchy and guac is smooth.
      Margaritas de mango y guava,
      roasted pineapple is sure to soothe.

      So don't be a fool!
      Come check out Playa Azul!

      Helpful 6
      Thanks 2
      Love this 6
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Kristina M.
      19
      161
      269
      Nov 15, 2023

      Fantastic place for happy hour! The guava margaritas are so delicious and I love the apps that come with the happy hour deal. My friends got the chicken and steak quesadilla, taquitos chiquitos, and nachos; while I got the Tacos de Papas. I love a potato taco and these were just filling enough, not too heavy. The staff are so friendly, they even helped us add an extra table on when we had another friend join us. It's a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating - I love when the lights come on outside, it's gorgeous at night.

      Guava Margarita (top), Tacos de Papas (bottom)
      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0

    37 other reviews that are not currently recommended

    You Might Also Consider

    Sponsored
    Eureka!
    4.0 (1.1k reviews)

    0.3 miles away from La Playa Azul Cafe

    Lucy B. said"OK so an update. I went back, to give it a second chance. We waited 35 minutes for a Saturday night table, and then we got seated at 'the community table' - very uncomfortable and near the kitchen. Plus the idea of eating with a…"read more

    in American

    Wingstop
    3.0 (53 reviews)

    3.1 miles away from La Playa Azul Cafe

    Angela R. said"Who would of ever thought Santa Barbara would allow us to have a Wingstop! Not only that but since day one, which was last week for the Grand Opening this place has been super busy. Every time I would attempt to come here they had a…"read more

    in Fast Food, Chicken Wings

    Collections Including La Playa Azul Cafe

    People Also Viewed