The Maria's Tacos storefront at 6545 Pardall Rd in Isla Vista, with the door open and tables out front

Our story

Small counter, homemade tortillas.

How a family-run taco stand on Pardall Road became an Isla Vista favorite.

The Maria's Tacos storefront at 6545 Pardall Rd in Isla Vista, with the door open and tables out front

Our story

Small counter, big flavor.

Maria's Tacos is a small, family-run taco counter on Pardall Road in the heart of Isla Vista, a short walk from the UCSB campus.

Every taco starts with a tortilla made by hand in our kitchen. It's a simple idea we've stuck to since day one: keep it small, keep it fresh, and keep it homemade.

From steak and al pastor to carnitas, lengua and a Baja shrimp taco, the menu covers the classics alongside burritos, quesadillas, nachos, asada fries and a Friday-favorite quesabirria.

We're a regular stop for students, families and neighbors alike, with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio. Find us for Taco Tuesday deals and the occasional community fundraiser out front.

All tacos are served on homemade tortillas.

Why Maria's

It starts with the tortilla.

  1. Homemade tortillas, always

    Every taco, burrito and quesadilla is built on a tortilla made fresh in our own kitchen.

  2. A la carte tacos from $4.50

    Steak, al pastor, carnitas, asada, lengua, veggie or Baja shrimp: order one of each or stick to a favorite.

  3. A neighborhood counter

    Outdoor seating, dogs welcome, and a short walk from campus. Open Monday through Saturday.

An overhead spread of Maria's Tacos plates: griddled birria-style tacos, street tacos, a torta and a burrito with chips and salsas

Hungry right now?

Order ahead, skip the line.

Order online for pickup, call in your order, or walk up to our window on Pardall Road. Open every day but Sunday.