Laguna Deli

Over the last couple months I’ve had at least 3 people tell me about the food at the Laguna Deli (512 Laguna Street). It sems like word of mouth is turning this joint into one of those places where, “You’ve got to check it out”.

Well today I finally did, and I’m here to tell you it was damn good.

I got there early (meaning before every trades-person in the Haley/Gutierrez world had descended upon their counter at noon) and there was only a short line for food at the back of the store. The menu is short and simple, tacos (in 2 sizes) and plates, most of the normal meats, and a breakfast burrito that I am very excited to try next week. I ended up getting 4 tacos (2 carnitas, 1 adobada, and 1 asada). They were $1.25….and delicious. The carnitas was the best, moist but not too moist and quality meat. The asada was good too. I liked the adobada least, which is unfortunate because when it’s done right it’s by far my favorite meat-style (for absolutely great adobada check out Lily’s Tacos and Mayo’s Taqueria).
Huge thumbs up after this visit and I’ll write more after I get a breakfast burro next week.

Light my Fire

It’s been over ten years now that I’ve been going to El Buen Gusto almost religiously and as of today, they finally have a nice lighted sign out front. Anyone who’s driven by prior to this day probably recognized El Buen by their shabby scraped up sign which was covered in chicken wire and dark when the sun went down. Tonight, though, they put a couple fresh lightbulbs in and unveiled a nicely lit moniker for Santa Barbara’s finest taqueria.

And me & Deb split a super chicken burrito and a couple of tacos al pastor.
It was better than anything you ate tonight. Trust me.

Viva El Buen Gusto!

Los Agaves

This place is batting a thousand for me right now and tonight was another grand slam with both me and Deb glowingly raving about our meals. She got the Chiles Norteno and I got a chicken chimichanga. The chiles norteno was off the charts outstanding, green chiles stuffed with cheese, shrimp and Buddha knows what else. The chimi was excellent as well, although not quite the best I’ve had, which reminds me that I need to head back to Chilango’s one of these days to see if the best chimi is still there. Because the way Los Agaves is going, they might own the Best category in lots of items before too long.

If you haven’t gotten the point yet, your new favorite Santa Barbara restaurant is Los Agaves.
Go there.
Now.
Tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.