Owned by a husband-and-wife team, Los Arroyos is a go-to spot for flavorful, authentic Mexican food based on family recipes. Though Santa Barbara has no shortage of Mexican restaurants, Los Arroyos stands out for its consistently topnotch food, family-friendly vibe, and reasonable prices. I love the homemade sopes, chile relleno burrito, and tacos al pastor—two soft tacos with grilled seasoned pork, pineapple, and onions on homemade corn tortillas, with rice and black beans. Wash it all down with a Mexican or domestic beer, glass of wine, or agua fresco. You can choose from a range of homemade salsas, from mild to devilishly hot. Looking to jump-start your weekend? Try a breakfast of a chorizo and egg burrito or huevos rancheros. Another location nearby in Montecito has the same great food with a full bar, and table service instead of counter orders. One quibble: Though the chips are hot, fresh, and come with a trip to the salsa bar, we wish Los Arroyos didn't charge for them.