Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado

The only reason why I can’t give this place 5 stars it’s because the prices shot up last year and this year for fiesta. For example the tamales are now $ 45 for a dozen when they used to be around $ 36. food quality also took a nose dive but this place is so much better than the tourist traps of de la guerra Plaza

This place is the best food and music
For Fiesta
So glad someone sent me here
Fabulous torta with barbecued tri tip.
Do fresh grilled to perfection
Open till 9 going back
Best chicken tamale on the planet
The chicken flautas were crispy with fresh shredded chicken and guacamole and cheese on the top
Great authentic dancers and mariachi with vibrant speakers

Only open during Fiesta, the first weekend (friday at noon, sat and sun 10am) in August!!! If you are in Santa Barbara at all on this week of celebration and you love authentic Mexican food you must come here! You will love all the great food they offer here and the dancing and music. There is beer and wine. I usually come here for a big bowl of pazole for breakfast, but before I do that you must order some tomales. Get here early for the tamales because the line gets long. This place is the real deal. And not to be missed if your a serious foodie. Viva la Fiesta!!!

Guadalupe church is way off the beaten path but it’s no longer a secret location during Fiesta’s. This is the place you want to come to for good authentic Mexican food. It opens the week of Fiesta’s on Friday at noon, and it lasts through Sunday. They have the most authentic food and the most popular choices among customers are the tamales and posole.
I’ve tried the taquitos, flautas, roasted corn, and tri-​tip sandwiches. They are all delicious!
They don’t allow you to bring in confetti eggs so leave those in your car or you will be asked to dispose of them. C’mon now is it that serious? They are just eggs!
Parking is kind of hectic to find since you have to park in the neighborhoods surrounding the church so come with patience.

The only place to go for authentic Mexican food during Fiesta!

I had an awesome Old Spanish Days Fiesta experience at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado. It’s held a bit away from the normal festivities downtown, but that makes it feel that much more local an less touristy.
The festival was very organized. I mean, from the vendors clearly labeled, to the tents covering the tables, and the stage set up with performances, everything was taken care of to provide a great experience.
The food was yummy and cheap!
Elotes $ 3
You can never go wrong with fresh, grilled corn smothered in mayo, parmesan, and chili pepper.
Enchilada combo plate $ 7
The cheese enchiladas with red sauce were yummy. They didn’t skimp on the sour cream on top either. The best part was the rice. I don’t know how the Spanish rice was made, but it was full of flavor and the best I’ve had. Very simple, yet very tasty.
Gordita $ 3
Frijoles y queso gordita with the works. The gordita was chewy and was the perfect vehicle for the tasty beans and cheese inside.
Pozole $ 6
I wanted badly to try the pozole, but alas, my tummy was stuffed.
There’s always next year!

This event is held Friday through Sunday every year during Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
While the images that are mostly associated with Fiesta are those of public drunkenness and long lines of people trying to get into bars and clubs along State Street, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado shows you the true spirit of Fiesta.
It’s far from all the tourists and students and has that local flavor and vibe. There’s no charge to come into the Mercado. It’s held outdoors next to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where you’ll find booths having some of the best authentic Mexican food you can find. Be prepared to bring cash as I didn’t see any ATMs there…
Tacos de Birria (spicy and awesome)
Elotes (hot off the grill!)
Gorditas (not the fake Taco Bell ones, the awesome ones)
Tamales (the Pork ones are better than the Chicken ones, but be prepared to wait, the line can get long)
Enchiladas (they ran out of the meat ones by the time we got to them, but the Cheese & Onion ones were pretty good)
Pozole (didn’t get to try it, but my friend says it was great, it looked pretty red and spicy for a Pozole).
On top of the food, you get some free entertainment on the stage– cultural dances, music, etc.
The Mercado is great and I definitely plan on coming for many more years to come.