Skip to Content
Tacos

Santa Barbara Taco Battle: Champ La Super Rica vs. Challenger La Colmena

Grubstreet LA ventured North to Santa Barbara and put SB's legendary La Super Rica, taco slingers for decades on Milpas Street up against a newcomer on the opposite side of the street, La Colmena. An excerpt:

La Colmena (The Beehive), a rootsy taqueria housed in the old Pavlakos diner space, where the rounded block juts backward like a confused, small town Flatiron Building, opened in early 2010 to serve superior tacos in handmade tortillas under the direction of chef Alvaro Abrego, whose catering outfit preceded his taqueria. In addition, the restaurant has great gooey quesadillas, choriqueso, burritos, and at least one special per day. But more importantly, the restaurant serves alambres, the D.F. street grill staple of mashed-up grilled meats and vegetables that's forms a signature draw at Super Rica. More importantly, they are excellent at La Colmena and there's not even the threat of a wait.

You may be surprised by who wins the taco battle, read the article to find out and to see tons of side-by-side comparison pictures.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

L.A. Dispensary Owners Say Excessive Permit Fees Are Pushing Them Out Of Legal Market

Speaking in solidarity with social equity licensees, Catalyst Cannabis CEO Elliot Lewis said the Department of Cannabis Regulation has “done nothing to earn the tax money of this industry. The [social equity] program is an abject failure.”

April 25, 2025

Remembering the Whittier Man Who Taught Us to Sip, Not Shoot, Tequila

Everyone laughed when Tomas Estes first preached about tequila having terroir in the 70s, just as much as a French wine. Today, the premium "single estate" tequila this Whittier kid co-founded is one of the best-selling and smoothest in the world.

April 25, 2025

Molino “El Pujol’s” Famous Antojitos Land in L.A. for a Limited Time

We've also found some Bosnian burek, Dominican pastelitos, and a dinner pairing joints with pasta. What a city!

April 25, 2025

Announcing the L.A. TACO Media Lab: For the Future of Local Journalism In Los Angeles

To start, we’re teaming up with the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism to help provide education and training expertise to a new generation of journalists. The school has developed a new course, “Bridging the Gap Between L.A. Influencers and Independent Journalists,” which will provide time and space for USC students to contribute to the L.A. TACO Media Lab. 

From Highland Park to High-End Steakhouse: How a Linebacker From Franklin High Became the Master of Mastro’s

L.A.-born Walter Mayen worked his way up in the kitchen, from shucking oysters to running one of the most legendary steakhouses in the country. And even has the scar to prove it.

April 24, 2025
See all posts