Welcome to Little Alex's
Welcome to Little Alex's, a cherished gem in Santa Barbara located at 3987 State St. This women-owned establishment rejuvenates the local dining scene by offering a delightful mix of simple yet flavorful Mexican-inspired dishes. With a focus on fresh, homemade ingredients, guests rave about their chicken taco salads and perfectly seasoned chicken taquitos. It's not just about the food; the inviting ambiance, alongside outdoor seating and accommodating services, creates a perfect spot for casual dining. Little Alex's embodies a comforting return to the roots of local cuisine, inviting you to savor every bite while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.
Little Alex's: Reviews & Ratings
The space is clean and the ambiance is appealing. The staff were helpful and nice. Little Alex's is an old SB restaurant that closed down because they lost their lease. I am happy to see they found a new space at the old fresco. We had a chicken taco salad and kids nachos. Little Alex's is not your super "authentic" mexican food. It is more simple and a little mild. Which I do not think is bad. There are probably 100 authentic Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara. It's nice to have another old school SB option.
Always fresh and delicious! I ordered chicken taquitos and bean dip. The chicken taquitos are full of perfectly seasoned chicken! It seems like there's a whole chicken breast in each taco. The tortilla is crispy and flavorful. The bean dip is like a party in your mouth! I don't know what's in it, but definitely add some to your order!
I am from Phoenix and came to Santa Barbara to visit my daughter. Friends in Phoenix suggested we go to Little Alex's restaurant. I'm so glad we did! The food was beyond great! Everything was fresh, homemade, flavorful, and full of color. We ordered the two soups on the menu which were homemade and absolutely delicious. We were so happy to find soup that is nourishing, colorful, and tastes delicious! The chips were fresh and warm, and the pico de gallo was out of this world. Everything tasted like it was just picked from the garden. If you love homemade Mexican food that is fresh delicious and reasonably priced-This is your place. While you are here, you can also enjoy a great variety of adult beverages. We will be back!
Love this place! Locally owned and operated, friendly staff and good food. The California burrito with guacamole is my favorite
This place has a nice outdoor dining area and good space to sit. We came here for happy hour and ordered the fish tacos, shrimp ceviche, shrimp ceviche tostado and the French fry nachos. The fish tacos are on the tiny tortilla and have cabbage, chipotle sauce, tomatoes, green onions and a fried fish. The shrimp ceviche had avocado, tomatoe, shrimp, and red onions. It also had chips to eat them with. The shrimp ceviche tostado was the same thing but on a tostado. I prefer the chips over the tostado. The feench fry nachos has real cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and we had asado on it. The food here is good, but I wish it had a little bit more spice. If it was a little bit more spicier I think it would have been up to my taste, but I know everyone has a different spice level. I definitely want to come back again to see if they're consistent with their food though. Glad they do have happy hour though!
I'm soooo glad that Little Alex's is back! My heart shattered when they were forced to shutter their longtime Montecito location a few years back. But you can't keep a good menu down and Lynette and Dan Briner are back and better than ever! The location is perfect and the remodeled Fresco looks fantastic! I love the large patio and indoor eating spaces. The bar is a wonderful addition and I can't wait to enjoy many happy hours there. Great service too! My go-to pollo asada (grilled chicken) taco salad with a side of pico de gallo AND ranch came out promptly and was just as delicious as ever.
The return of the King! My absolute favorite Santa Barbara restaurant is back! Those who know, know.
Location
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3987 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Hotline: (805) 969-2297
Welcome to the vibrant world of Little Alex's, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara. This delightful eatery, located at 3987 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, has quickly endeared itself to locals and visitors alike, offering a refreshing take on Mexican cuisine that is both approachable and satisfying.
Little Alex's stands out in a bustling culinary landscape, boasting a menu infused with fresh ingredients and a commitment to homemade goodness. From their mouthwatering chicken taco salad to the indulgent California burrito, every dish beckons with vibrant colors and enticing flavors. The restaurant may not claim traditional Mexican authenticity, but its simplicity and mild flavors make it a perfect choice for families and those seeking comfort food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. As noted by one enthusiastic customer, it offers "another old school SB option" that complements the plethora of authentic Mexican eateries in the area.
Dining at Little Alex's is not just about the food; it is about the experience. The ambiance is clean and inviting, enhanced by accessible outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal with your furry friends or soak up the sunshine. The staff here are known for their warmth and attentiveness, ensuring that every visit feels personal and enjoyable. Moreover, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, beer and wine selections, and even bike parking, Little Alex's aims to cater to a diverse crowd.
- Popular dishes:
- Chicken Taquitos
- Bean Dip - described as "a party in your mouth!"
- Fish Tacos, packed with fresh ingredients
- Hearty Soups that are colorful and nourishing
- Amenities:
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating
- Available Takeout Options
- Payment Options:
- Accepts Android Pay, Apple Pay, Cash, and Credit Cards
Whether you’re enjoying a casual brunch with friends, indulging in a savory snack during happy hour, or savoring a soul-warming bowl of soup, Little Alex's promises a culinary escape that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. As one visitor raved, everything tastes like it was "just picked from the garden." The commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients shines through at every meal.
In conclusion, if you find yourself in Santa Barbara, make it a point to visit Little Alex's. With its friendly service, bright menu, and welcoming ambiance, it's a place that invites you to relax, savor, and return time and time again.
