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October 2025

Top-9 Food Trucks in Santa Barbara

We've selected the top 9 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!

#9: Kona Ice of Santa Barbara

Shaved Ice

Kona Ice of Santa Barbara is a refreshing and fun addition to the Santa Barbara shaved ice truck scene, specializing in delicious, Hawaiian shaved ice Santa Barbara 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 looking for a fun food truck Santa Barbara option.

Their menu features a variety of tropical shaved ice flavors, including their popular Blue Raspberry shaved ice. 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 ice, combining pineapple and coconut, is a refreshing choice. Plus, their Flavorwave self-serve system allows customers to create unique combinations of flavors, making it one of the most interactive summer dessert truck Santa Barbara experiences.

Santa Barbara festival dessert truck favorites 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, refreshing treat. Their vegan shaved ice Santa Barbara, allergen-free desserts Santa Barbara, and gluten-free options make them accessible to everyone, making their truck a favorite for all ages.

Kona Ice of Santa Barbara also offers mobile shaved ice catering to Santa Barbara for events such as school fundraisers, corporate gatherings, and parties. Their interactive Flavorwave system lets guests create their own flavorful shaved ice, adding a fun and engaging touch to any event. With vitamin-enriched options and Santa Barbara dessert catering that includes corporate dessert catering Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara school fundraising truck appearances, Kona Ice ensures that everyone can enjoy a refreshing treat. Whether it's kids party catering Santa Barbara, a summer party or a festive celebration, Kona Ice brings the joy of Hawaiian shaved ice to every occasion.

Kona Ice of Santa Barbara

#8: El Pastorcito Food Truck

Mexican Fusion

El Pastorcito Food Truck is a beloved part of the Santa Barbara taco truck scene, offering Mexican street food Santa Barbara fans crave. 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 ingredients and traditional recipes has earned them a dedicated following, making them a go-to for eco-friendly food truck Santa Barbara events.

Their menu features best al pastor tacos Santa Barbara, filled with marinated pork cooked on a spit, topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. The nachos food truck Santa Barbara favorite is the carne asada nachos, loaded with grilled steak, cheese, fresh guacamole, and salsa roja, are another popular choice. For a vegetarian option, their grilled vegetable burrito, filled with seasoned veggies, rice, and beans, is a flavorful choice wrapped in handmade tortillas, making it one of the top picks for a Santa Barbara burrito truck meal.

Street tacos Santa Barbara lovers appreciate how 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, like cilantro lime sauce and Santa Barbara vegetarian tacos, paired with friendly service make them a top choice for those seeking authentic tacos Santa Barbara.

El Pastorcito Food Truck also provides Santa Barbara Mexican catering for events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and Santa Barbara festival food truck appearances. Their catering menu features popular items like al pastor tacos, carne asada nachos, and vegetarian options like the grilled vegetable burrito. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors, their Mexican wedding catering Santa Barbara brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico directly to your event. Whether it's a casual gathering at the Botanic Garden or a lively festival, El Pastorcito delivers an authentic and flavorful experience.

El Pastorcito Food Truck

#7: Heat Culinary

Multi-cultural

Heat Culinary is a favorite among Santa Barbara spicy food truck options, known for its Santa Barbara fried chicken sandwich and bold, flavorful dishes. This Santa Barbara gourmet chicken truck can be frequently found at the polo club food trucks Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and during the Santa Barbara wine festival food celebrations California Wine Festival, serving delicious meals to food lovers. Their focus on high-quality ingredients and fire-roasted vegetables keeps locals coming back.

Their menu offers a range of spicy dishes, including their signature crispy chicken sliders. These sliders boast hot chicken Santa Barbara style fried chicken, slaw, and pickles, served on a toasted bun with Sriracha aioli. The chili-lime shrimp tacos, topped with cilantro and drizzled with Sriracha aioli, are another crowd favorite. For a lighter, vegetarian option, their cauliflower bites, tossed in a blend of spices and served with a cooling yogurt dip, are a hit. Meat lovers will enjoy their ghost pepper chicken wings Santa Barbara for that extra heat.

Santa Barbara tacos food truck vendors like Heat Culinary add a fiery twist to the local dining scene. Whether you're enjoying a polo match at the Polo Club or indulging at the California festival food trucks, Heat Culinary spices up your day with dishes like buffalo chicken tacos and grilled shrimp street tacos. Their bold flavors and friendly service make them a top choice for gourmet street food enthusiasts California festival food trucks.

Heat Culinary offers spicy food catering to Santa Barbara for weddings, corporate events, and festivals. Their catering menu includes favorites like the spicy fried chicken sandwich, chili-lime shrimp tacos, and fire-roasted vegetables. With customizable options such as ghost pepper sauce for heat lovers and Santa Barbara street tacos catering paired with unique wine-pairing menus for events like the California Wine Festival, Heat Culinary ensures an unforgettable catering experience. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner at the Polo Club or a laid-back gathering, their gourmet street food adds a flavorful touch to any event.

Heat Culinary

#6: Elubia's Kitchen

Latin

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

Their menu highlights include the pepian, a traditional Guatemalan specialties Santa Barbara 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 example of traditional Guatemalan desserts. Don't forget to try their flavorful Santa Barbara tamales, another authentic dish packed with traditional Guatemalan flavors.

Guatemalan food Santa Barbara like Elubia's Kitchen brings 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, featuring dishes like stuffed bell peppers and plantain desserts, combined with their warm hospitality, make them a favorite among locals seeking the best Guatemalan food Santa Barbara.

Elubia's Kitchen also offers Santa Barbara Guatemalan catering for private events, festivals, and corporate gatherings. Their catering menu features a wide variety of traditional dishes, including the flavorful pepian stew, chiles rellenos, and delicious rellenitos for dessert. Whether you're planning a wedding, a community event, or a family gathering, their Guatemalan food truck catering brings the best of authentic Guatemalan cuisine to your event. With fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, they ensure a memorable dining experience for all guests, adding a unique touch to any Santa Barbara cultural festivals food trucks celebration.

Elubia's Kitchen

#5: Taqueria Mena

Mexican Food

Taqueria Mena is a beloved fixture in the Mexican food truck Santa Barbara scene, offering authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine. Frequently found at the Santa Barbara Farmers Market food trucks and outside the street food near 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 Santa Barbara shrimp tacos, with grilled shrimp topped with a zesty slaw and creamy chipotle sauce, are another popular choice. For a vegetarian option, their Santa Barbara vegetarian tacos and black bean quesadilla, stuffed with seasoned black beans and melted cheese, is a satisfying dish. Their handmade tortillas Santa Barbara elevate the flavor and authenticity of every meal.

Mexican street food Santa Barbara 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, such as Santa Barbara carne asada tacos, burritos, and vegetarian Mexican options, and welcoming service make them a top pick for Mexican cuisine lovers.

Taqueria Mena also offers Santa Barbara taco truck catering for private events, family gatherings, and corporate functions. Their catering menu includes fan favorites like the best burrito Santa Barbara, shrimp tacos, and black bean quesadilla. With customizable options and fresh ingredients, their Santa Barbara Mexican catering service delivers an authentic Mexican feast to any event. Whether it’s for a large wedding or an intimate gathering, their taco truck catering brings the vibrant flavors of street tacos and handmade tortillas to your celebration, making Taqueria Mena a popular choice for catering in Santa Barbara.

Taqueria Mena

#4: Yummy Bird

Korean Fusion
American Comfort
Asian Fusion
Fried Chicken

Yummy Bird is a standout among Santa Barbara chicken food truck options, specializing in mouthwatering chicken dishes. You can find them at the Santa Barbara Bowl food trucks and the Santa Barbara Funk Zone food trucks, 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 best chicken sandwich Santa Barbara fans rave about: the fried chicken sandwich. This sandwich boasts crispy, golden-Southern fried chicken Santa Barbara style, 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 grilled chicken Caesar salad, with grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, is a perfect choice. Other popular items include chicken tenders Santa Barbara style and the spicy chicken sandwich Santa Barbara for those who love extra heat.

Santa Barbara street food chicken 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, with items like chicken wings with ranch and artisanal chicken dishes, make them a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Yummy Bird also offers Santa Barbara chicken catering for events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties. Their catering menu includes fan favorites like the fried chicken sandwich, buffalo chicken wings, and crispy chicken tenders, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying meal for guests. Whether you're hosting a Santa Barbara festival food truck event or a family celebration, Yummy Bird's catering brings the best of artisanal chicken dishes directly to your event, with customizable options like the hot chicken sandwich and lighter choices like the grilled chicken Caesar salad. Their professional service and dedication to quality make them a top choice for any catered event in Santa Barbara.

Yummy Bird
K-Bowl

K-Bowl

Yummy Fries

Yummy Fries

Yummy fried chicken sandwich

Yummy fried chicken sandwich

Sides

Sides

Korean Fried Chicken sandwich

Korean Fried Chicken sandwich

Yummy Bowl

Yummy Bowl

#3: Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen

Tacos

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

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

Santa Barbara food festivals and Santa Barbara street food events are elevated by food trucks like Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen, which deliver handcrafted dishes and gourmet dessert options. Whether you're visiting the Museum of Natural History or enjoying the serene surroundings of the Old Mission Santa Barbara, Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen offers a Santa Barbara fine dining food truck experience that is sure to impress. Their commitment to culinary excellence and elegant food truck dining makes them a top choice for food enthusiasts.

Gloria's Gourmet Kitchen also provides luxury food truck catering Santa Barbara for private events, Santa Barbara wedding catering, and corporate catering Santa Barbara functions. Their customizable artisan catering Santa Barbara menu includes signature dishes like truffle mac and cheese, lobster rolls, and decadent chocolate lava cake. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a large celebration, their catering for private events offers a gourmet dining experience directly at your venue. With a focus on elegant, handcrafted dishes and gourmet seafood food truck specialties, Gloria's ensures a memorable and sophisticated catering option that will delight your guests.

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 Latin food truck scene. This truck is frequently spotted at the Santa Barbara Public Market and the popular Santa Barbara Fiesta food trucks events. Their dedication to quality and flavor has earned them a loyal following among locals who crave authentic Latin food Santa Barbara style.

Their menu features a variety of Latin street food truck dishes, including their famous handmade pupusas. These thick, grilled corn tortillas are stuffed with a blend of cheese, beans, and savory pork, earning them a reputation for serving the best pupusas in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara arepas, made from ground maize dough, are stuffed with a variety of fillings like shredded beef and black beans. For a lighter option, their fresh ceviche, made with fish marinated in citrus juices and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, is a refreshing choice. Pair your meal with their crispy plantain chips and drizzle some chimichurri sauce or salsa roja for extra flavor.

Santa Barbara food festivals and markets are made more vibrant by food trucks like Maravilla Latin Cuisine, which offer an authentic taste of Latin American cuisine Santa Barbara locals love. Whether you're exploring the Santa Barbara Public Market or celebrating at Fiesta events, Maravilla Latin Cuisine provides a memorable street food Santa Barbara dining experience. Their flavorful dishes, like the vegetarian pupusas and spicy shrimp ceviche, combined with friendly service, make them a standout choice for food lovers.

Maravilla Latin Cuisine also offers Latin catering Santa Barbara for private and corporate catering Santa Barbara events, bringing the flavors of Caribbean and Latin cuisine to your special occasion. Their catering menu includes crowd-pleasers like grilled arepas, casamiento rice and beans, and empanadas, along with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Whether it's Santa Barbara wedding catering, corporate gathering, or outdoor festival, their Latin food truck catering ensures a flavorful and diverse spread that will leave your guests raving. Maravilla's fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and vibrant dishes like ceviche and chimichurri make them a popular choice for event catering in Santa Barbara.

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 street food that locals rave about. You can often find them at Alameda Park and during the bustling Santa Barbara Night Market, as well as at Santa Barbara food festivals where they showcase their bold flavors. Their friendly service and delicious street tacos Santa Barbara fans love make them a must-visit for anyone craving Mexican food Santa Barbara style. Known as a Santa Barbara taco truck favorite, their reputation continues to grow among locals and visitors.

Their menu showcases the best of Mexican street food truck specialties, 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 spit-roasted pork marinated 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. Don’t forget to pair your meal with their fresh salsa verde or spicy salsas, and finish with a sweet treat like churros for the best tacos in Santa Barbara experience.

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

In addition to their regular spots, Tacos Pipeye offers Santa Barbara taco catering for private events, including Santa Barbara wedding catering, corporate taco catering Santa Barbara, and parties. Their taco truck Santa Barbara events menu allows guests to enjoy a customized meal, featuring options like carne asada burritos, crispy carnitas, and quesadillas. The catering menu includes taco combos with a variety of fillings, as well as sides like pico de gallo and fresh guacamole. Whether you're planning a small get-together or a large celebration, Tacos Pipeye's catering brings the flavor and fun of authentic Mexican street food to your event.

Tacos Pipeye

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