119 STATE STREET
SANTA BARBARA
805.883.3593
SANTOMEZCALSB.COM
Santo Mezcal brings a welcome infusion of first-rate, authentic regional Mexican food to lower State Street. Located next to the Indigo Hotel, on the edge of the Funk Zone, the newest addition to the Los Agaves family of restaurants is a bit more upscale than its siblings, with table service, a modern interior and a full bar fronting a wall of mezcals and tequilas. Santo Mezcal continues the family tradition of great food and friendly service and even shares some menu items, like the kids favorites taquitos and queso fundito. But while more-complex dishes can be challenging in the fast-paced Los Agaves kitchens, here no one minds waiting a couple of minutes while sharing appetizers or one of the signature ceviches with a beer or a house specialty drink in hand. The food is colorful and delicious, with an emphasis on seafood. Try the tacos with grilled octopus, hummus, avocado and pepper oil; the crab enchiladas; any of the moles, or shrimp with a mezcal cream sauce. Whole fish emerge from the oak-burning oven, and there are great deals on rib-eye steak, which is served several ways, including with a cheese-stuffed pasilla pepper, a crab enchilada and beans.
