Highway Tacos — Restaurant in Isla Vista

Stopped in for some food today. I would categorize this as a soft opening phase. I don't think they have concrete hours (lunch started at 12:30 today) and some things on menu are not available yet. The spot is right off of 246 so the atmosphere is "highway adjacent" but taking that into account it is a charming spot.

On paper the tacos seem a bit pricey compared to an average taqueria but these are not average tacos. The corn flavor is amazing (they are sourcing fresh flour and corn tortillas) and the meats are cooked over an oak fire right in front of you. We have been longing for good Mexican food in the Santa Ynez area and it looks like our dreams have finally come true.

This is very early days for the incredibly personable Cesar (yes the same auto detailing Cesar!) but his mother has been giving him advice from her burrito empire back in Mexico ans it shows. Can't wait to get back and try more...

This is gonna sound crazy, but this is one of the best Mexican spots I ate in literally the world (my family is from Mexico City too so I grew up eating tacos)..The salsa aguacate was so rich no salsa falsa, the other salsas were equally as yummy! Gordita was filling and so was the carnita asadita taco, truly delicious flavor and not cheap ingredients. you can taste the difference here with every bite! Also the tortillas must be handmade def not store bought. I really need to find an excuse to come back here. Also there is a car wash and very cheap gas all connected, definitely a good place to stop !!! I wish I could go back here I’m dreaming of it, also very nice family working ❤️👍 for the price and flavor you need to...

This place was so so good! I’m a huge fan of Mexican food and this place definitely makes the top of my list for tacos. I had the beef cheek (my favorite, I got two), chicken (such an amazing smoky taste too), al pastor (amazing), lengua (I’m not usually into beef tongue but oh my god this was perfection), and the Mushroom taco was really good even if you are not a vegetarian! The mushrooms are just cooked so well. Also this place is so freaking cheap! 3 tacos for $10!? Especially in this area where everything is so expensive, this was wayyyyyy more worth the inexpensive price for wayyyy better tasting food. And it’s outside and really cute and such a great spot....