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.