Pollofino's - Goleta

#22 - Mexican - Goleta, International, Barbecue

Pollofino's

★ 4.2 / 5 (524 reviews)

Nestled in Goleta, this longstanding Mexican eatery boasts fresh, flavorful dishes with standout offerings like tri-tip, ribs, and homemade tortillas. The salsa bar adds an exciting heat spectrum, complementing dishes perfectly. While some find prices a bit steep, the quality and friendly service justify the cost. Regulars praise the juicy ribs and well-seasoned chicken, noting the casual, welcoming atmosphere. A few critics mention inconsistencies with burrito portions and chicken flavor, but overall, it’s regarded as one of the best local spots for authentic Mexican food beyond typical fast-food options—ideal for those seeking hearty, satisfying meals with vibrant flavors.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: Joe

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★ 4.2 / 5 from 524 reviews

Was Mike Skrzynski at Pollofino's a mag?
Everything we tried was delicious, and I can’t wait to sample the tri-tip on my next visit. The food was fresh, the tortillas were made from scratch, and the salsas had a nice kick to them. It's truly one of Goleta’s hidden gems. I do have one suggestion for the chefs: the ribs would taste even better if they removed the membrane underneath. It's a quick and easy fix, so I hope they consider it in the future. Other t... View all feedback.

What Brian Junger dislikes about Pollofino's:
Mexican food in Goleta seems to be rated on a very generous scale. This restaurant had glowing reviews, but I've had better burritos at airports. The chicken was tasteless and dry, even though the burrito itself was soggy. The shredded cheddar cheese inside was of poor quality and wasn't even melted. For $15, the burrito was on the smaller side. I would definitely not recommend this place. View all feedback.

Will

24.09.2023

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Very good meat. They grill the meat right after you make an order. The ambience is not that great, but the food is.

Katerina

24.09.2023

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This is a family owned authentic Mexican cuisine cafes. We were just passing through on our road trip and so glad we stopped here!!! The most delicious rice and beans in the burrito I have ever had!!!! Home made guacamole just with the right amount of spice and kick and texture for a “gringo”. A gem of a place at a very reasonable price!

bigjoeb

24.09.2023

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I started coming here in 1997 when I got a job just down the street after the Marine Corps. Jerry was always fun to chat with, and the guy who is running the place worked their back then. The chicken and burritos are amazing, always fresh. I've never been disappointed after a meal here and I stop in whenever I'm back in Santa Barbara.

Joe

10.08.2024

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The best chicken burritos and fountain Coke you'll find this side of the Mississippi! The green salsa is outstanding, and the staff is fantastic!

RicsOpinions

10.08.2024

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We'd heard good things about this place and had to give it a try. The staff was extremely friendly and there were lots of choices on the menu. Most of their items featured chicken as the protein, which was fine. But we were surprised that they also offered BBQ ribs. We tried the ribs and YUM!! My only negative is that considering the area, the prices were a bit high. We'll be back.

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