Food tasted average. They were closing in 15 mins or so but still let us dine and service was fast. Nice traditional Ambiance. Overall, a decent experience.

I've enjoyed dining here a couple of times in the last 2 months. It's off the beaten path at a busy intersection near the 101. Palapa has a cute patio area with umbrellas and a rustic, beach shack like interior with festive decor. Menu consists of all the classic Mexican favorites you would expect, with an edge on ceviche and seafood cocktails and dishes. The ceviche is fantastic and very fresh - I had the fish ceviche tostada appetizer my last visit and the portion was enormous. This time around, my wife and I each had 2-item combos. My crispy shredded beef taco was delicious, as was my cheese enchilada and rice and beans. Both dishes came out piping hot. The beans are both plentiful and flavorful and you get bottomless tortillas with your meal. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her Chile relleno and chicken enchilada with grilled veggies (another side option). The food quality and flavors at Palapa are much more on the authentic vs. Mexican chain restaurant spectrum; I appreciated the shredded beef, queso fresco and huge slice of fresh avocado in my hand fried crisp taco shell. Beer and wine only, but they have some cocktails made with wine. Service is very prompt and friendly. My only gripe and 1-star deduction: the prices are quite high for what is more of a local restaurant with rustic ambiance - $21.50 for a 2 item combo. Perhaps they can charge more with the hotel next door and nothing else around. Nonetheless, Palapa is a great food in a fun atmosphere.

Palapa was right next to the hotel we stayed at, the Hyatt place in Santa Barbara. Palapa is great. Food was really good and ample portion. Also had the pozole soup, yummy. End with a flan, (tad expensive) but it's so good. Had all those Togo so can't comment too much on service. However then server that helped us was nice.

Service was just the right amount of attentive. Food came out fast and hot. The Campechana cocktail was prepared very well, although the seasonings were nothing special, the portion ratio of ingredients had every bite with either shrimp or octopus. The Palapa Supreme Burrito and the chicken and beef flautas plate were filling. The ambiance was clean, well-kept, and music was not too loud enough to still have a conversation with friends or your partner and have a good time. The reason I am giving it 4 starts was because it didn't have a significant taste or flavor that would make me remember this place.

Great service and really great food. Also great location for travelers who don't want fast food, it's right off the freeway and plenty of parking for customers. & clean restrooms!

Tasty food and great service. I've been here multiple times with family and each time the food is 10/10 delicious! We typically order the parillada, which is perfect because it has a little bit of everything. You can choose from an all seafood, all meats, or mixed parillada and between a smaller one (enough for 2-3 people) or bigger one (enough for 4-6 people). I recommend the mixed parillada. You can also substitute items based on your preferences which is nice. Along with amazing food, the staff is super friendly and are consistently checking in on you. The restaurant is also very nice. There is plently of indoor and outdoor space with colorful decor. The one thing i'm not crazy about here is their drinks. I've tried both non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks such as their horchata, winerita, sunset and michelada and was not impressed.