Welcome to La Tapatia #3
La Tapatia #3, located at 5764 Hollister Ave in Goleta, CA, is a celebrated gem in the realm of authentic Mexican cuisine. Known for its exceptional home-cooked meals, this restaurant offers a delightful array of dishes, including flavorful menudo and fresh, handmade tortillas. Customers rave about the genuine family cooking, praising everything from hearty enchiladas to unique specialties like birria and posole. The welcoming ambiance and attentive service make it a favored lunch spot, showcasing the true essence of Mexican culture. Diners leave feeling satisfied, with many expressing a heartfelt craving to return for more of that comforting, homemade goodness.
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5764 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, United States Hotline: +1 805-967-6688
Welcome to La Tapatia #3, a hidden gem located at 5764 Hollister Ave in Goleta, California. This bustling eatery is your passport to authentic Mexican cuisine, a place where every dish tells a story, and the flavors are as vibrant as the culture that inspires them. With a reputation built on the use of fresh ingredients and traditional family recipes, La Tapatia #3 has become a favorite among locals seeking hearty, home-cooked meals that evoke the warmth of grandma’s kitchen.
The true star of the menu is undoubtedly their Menudo, a bowl that has garnered rave reviews, including from the satisfied customer Jim McNulty, who declared it “the real deal.” Served with all the trimmings, it’s an authentic experience steeped in tradition. Customers like Freya J. Schultz praise the chefs of La Familia Vela for their commitment to serving up meals tailored to your taste, whether you crave enchiladas, flautas, or the weekend special posole featuring lovingly stewed pork.
Another highlight is their homemade tortillas. As customer Anthony Luna mentions, the corn and flour varieties crafted in-house not only support the dishes but elevate the experience entirely. Their size is impressive, perfect for wrapping around the flavorful fillings like birria (stewed goat) or the perfectly fried mojado frito (whole fried fish). You won’t find any processed options here; every meal is lovingly prepared, bringing to life the true essence of home-cooked comfort food.
The ambiance of La Tapatia #3 is welcoming, a place where you can enjoy vibrant flavors in a cozy setting. Victoria Matthews attests to the efficiency of the service, allowing for a seamless dining experience whether you’re on your lunch break or leisurely enjoying a meal with family. You won’t have to worry about long waits, making it an ideal spot for busy individuals seeking quality food.
Those with a thoughtful palate will appreciate the balance of flavors in the accompanying sauces—rich red salsas deliver a slow burn, while the green salsa brightens each bite with its zesty freshness. As Tiffany Pan points out, if it’s fast food-style cheese you’re after, you might need to look elsewhere, because at La Tapatia #3, it’s all about the authentic experience.
In conclusion, La Tapatia #3 is not just a place to eat; it’s an invitation to experience genuine Mexican culinary tradition. With its warm atmosphere, personalized service, and dishes crafted with passion, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in Goleta craving the comforts of home-cooked Mexican fare. Your taste buds will thank you!
Excellent bowl of Menudo with all the trimmings. The real deal. It doesn't get any more authentic than this. I was the only GRINGO there. That should tell you something . Hope I can get back to SB to do it again.
Love this spot for lunch! The soup is so flavorful and fresh.
The food is always delicious. I get food here sometimes for my lunch break and they are so efficient that I hardly ever have to wait.
La Familia Vela cooks for you the way you want it. Excellent authentic food served with fresh, home-made tortillas: enchiladas, flautas and tacos. On the weekends they serve posole, the stewed pork dish with radishes onions and lime juice. Every day they serve more Mexican specialties ranging from birria (stewed goat) to mojado frito (a whole fried fish), and a very fine chile relleno plate (large mild pepper stuffed with soft cheese and lightly fried in a light egg batter). The owner is the cook and her family cooks with her. If you prefer salad to beans with your meal, she will accommodate your requests. VERY highly recommended. We eat here often.
Their food is awesome, tastes like grandma's lunches and dinners. Handmade tortillas made at the moment and they pick up the plates after you finish, they insist.
This place makes homemade corn and flour tortillas! The homemade corn tortillas are HUGE and tasty and go with any meal!
This is comforting home-cooking at its best! Tacos with fresh tortillas made in-house, bigger than store bought fajita size, so triple the size of a typical street taco. Slow burning heat in the red salsa, tangy and vegetative green sauce. If you want melty orange cheese-product, go to Taco Bell down the street.
This is the spot to come and eat some real authentic Mexican food Goleta Ca Hollister best caldo de Res go sure