Freebirds

Mexican restaurant · Isla Vista

Freebirds

Mexican restaurant · Isla Vista

3

879 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117

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Freebirds by Infatuation - Reviews
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Highlights

This lively, counter-serve spot specializes in build-your-own burritos and delicious tacos, serving up massive portions of fresh, flavorful Mexican fare in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater
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879 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117 Get directions

freebirdsiv.com

$10–20 · Menu

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879 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117 Get directions

+1 805 968 0123
freebirdsiv.com
391531957719350

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"Freebirds is the place to be on a weekend evening in Isla Vista. Lines form, people hang out, and the kitchen pushes out monster burritos filled with proteins and ingredients of choice. Simply put, this is a quintessential UCSB dining experience." - Farley Elliott

Where to Eat Around the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB)
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@eater

"Freebirds World Burritos offers a unique dining experience with extended hours and a well-known secret menu. The original 1987 location remains largely unchanged." - Paolo Bicchieri

Restoration Hardware’s Massive New Atrium Restaurant in San Francisco Opens This Month - Eater SF
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@infatuation

"UCSB is a big part of Santa Barbara’s identity, but it’s important to note that it’s not actually in Santa Barbara. It’s in Isla Vista, a tiny enclave 15 minutes down the highway. And Freebirds is its most iconic eating spot. The 30-year-old burrito joint is a full-blown national chain these days, but we simply don’t care, and neither does the mob of stoned college kids waiting in line. The original Isla Vista location is required eating." - Brant Cox

Freebirds World Burrito Review - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
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Bhushan Mehta

Google
Quasadilla Nachos and burito.. that too veg.. what else you need.. this place is perfect for veg options and in the middle of the student area.. easily accessible and you can eat your fav dish sitting outside the restaurant.. I liked the overall ambience..

Jonathan Santhouse

Google
Top tier burrito. Service was super fast, staff was friendly and all the ingredients were super fresh. The flavors were really vibrant, and well balanced. Their bathrooms are accessed via the parking lot side of the building- with a code from the staff.

Md Awsafur Rahman

Google
I heard this is one of the oldest restaurants in IV, but it didn’t live up to the hype. The food wasn’t great—lacking flavor and variety. I even asked the person at the counter for some suggestions, but they weren’t able to help. Hummus Republic Wrap is a much better alternative for burritos in IV, with lots of options.

Charles de la Cruz

Google
I have been eating freebirds for more than 20 years. It’s simply the best if you make good choices. Get rice on your nachos. Don’t sleep on the bbq sauce, skip the grilled veggies they don’t improve the burrito overall.

Corey Blackman

Google
Best nachos that I have ever had, huge serving size, definitely something you need to split with someone, but one person should be able to eat all of them (they are in fact, THAT good.)

Jin Huang

Google
They use good-quality ingredients. but definitely overpriced. Over $20 for a very small bowl. There are many better food choices in IV

Mandii Magz

Google
This place was highly recommended to me by a friend and it was really good! When I walked up the line was out the door so I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. I got the steak nachos everything on it including guacamole. It’s a huge portion, probably enough to feed three people! No seating inside but plenty outside.

Christopher Delgado

Google
Went in a couple weeks ago, placed an order online and when I went to go pick up they told me that their was no order under my name when I showed them I was charged the cashier gave me a nasty look and looked at me as if I couldn’t afford to pay for my food. So I show the manager the transaction and they make my order but in a way as if they didn’t want too. The manager calls me about a week a later verifying the card I used to and about the transaction. Few weeks pass by and I go again the lady the same cashier looks at a 20 dollar bill to see if it’s real. Im not mad and I understand that the money needs to be checked but over a 20 dollar bill come on lady your being a bit too much at this point. The other workers are nice and service is cool but this lady needs a change of attitude. And it hurts even more knowing we’re both Mexican it’s ashamed to see how we the same race overlook each other.