Sandbar Mexican Restaurant

4.3

183 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

17 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 3 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Neighbourhood gem

We are a traditional Sonora style Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Guests will experience the authentic tastes and warm outdoor dining of Mexico. We use homemade sweet and sour with organic agave nectar in our world class margaritas. We also feature handmade tortilla chips and salsas, fresh Ceviche, homemade guacamole and the best fajitas around.

We feature a vibrant bar scene and a social atmosphere. We also serve our full menu nightly until 11pm. Stick around after dinner as we transform into one of Santa Barbara's best late night hot spots.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of Operation
Breakfast/Brunch Sat, Sun 09:00–13:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–16:00 Sat, Sun 13:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–23:00 Bar Daily 21:00–01:30
Phone number
(805) 966-1388
Website
http://Sandbar.net/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Richardo Maxwell
Catering
We offer on-site and off-site catering options for parties of 10-500. Please contact our Event/Promotions Department at (805) 252-5409 or email at sandbarpromo@sharkeez.net

Location
514 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Area
Santa Barbara
Cross Street
Between Haley and Cota on State St.
Parking details
Please park in the City Lot 11, its directly behind our restaurant and offers the first 75 minutes for free. There are 2 entrances to this lot, one on Anacapa St. and one on Haley St.
Public transit
Local taxis pick up and drop off at a designated area 20 yards from our front door. The State Street Shuttle runs in front of our restaurant from 9am-11pm. It costs $1.
Entertainment
We feature live DJ's after 10pm every night except Wednesday when we have Live Reggae that has been a locals favorite for over 15 years.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ceviche de PescadoUS$18.49
Chilled citrus marinated sea bass, red onion, tomato, fresh avocado, crispy plantain chips
Guacamole FreshUS$11.99
Fresh hand-mashed avocado, red onion, lime juice, serrano pepper Served with crispy tortilla chips
Crispy Potato TaquitosUS$9.75
Russet potato mashed with fundido queso, roasted poblano and garlic wrapped in crispy red tortillas. Served with guacamole and sour cream
Nachos La CantinaUS$11.25
Crispy seasoned tortilla chips topped with refritos blancos and Mexican queso blend. Topped with pico, guacamole, and crema
- Chicken MachacaUS$13.75
- Braised Shredded BeefUS$13.75
- Fresh Pork ChorizoUS$13.99
- Slow-Roasted CarnitasUS$14.49
Wicked Buffalo Wings or Bites
Original crispy breaded in our special seasoning and tossed in honey BBQ, buffalo, or habanero hot sauce. Served with ranch dressing and celery
- Bon InUS$13.75
- Boneless BitesUS$12.49
Sizzling Queso Fundido
Molten cheese blend, poblano rajas, salsa fresca, tomatillo avocado salsa and flour tortillas
- Make Your Own Melted Cheese Rolled Tacos!US$12.25
- Add House Pork ChorizoUS$13.99
Sonora Style TaquitosUS$9.49
Crispy corn rolled tacos filled with braised shredded beef or machaca chicken, pasilla verde salsa, Cotija cheese, crema and cilantro
Quesadilla de la ParillaUS$10.99
A blend of melted Mexican cheeses spread over a grilled flour tortilla. Served with pico, crema and fresh guacamole
- Chicken MachacaUS$12.75
- Braised Shredded BeefUS$12.75
- Chipotle Chicken BreastUS$12.75
- Slow Roasted CarnitasUS$13.25
- Chimichurri Carne AsadaUS$19.25

Taqueria

3 Street Tacos per order on handmade corn tortillas

Chipotle Mushroom TacosUS$10.99
Light Veggie Tacos good things growing. Lime scented mushrooms, chipotle, pasilla peppers, onion, corn pepper relish, cilantro, serrano chile, Mexican queso mix, cotija cheese
Pollo Asado TacosUS$10.99
Tacos de Barbacoa raw wood fire. Chipotle marinated chicken breast, griddled Mexican queso, avocado tomatillo salsa, pickled jalapeño de gallo, queso fresco
Rib Eye Steak TacosUS$12.99
Chimichurri marinated rib eye steak, melted Mexican queso, caramelized poblano and onion, avocado tomatillo salsa
Baja Sur Fish TacosUS$11.75
Seafood tacos fresh from the sea. Crispy, lightly battered rock cod, jalapeño cabbage slaw, chipotle aioli, roasted garlic mojo, queso fresco, fresno chile
Gulf Coast Shrimp TacosUS$11.99
Grilled shrimp, mango salsa, fresh guacamole, fresno chile, lime, queso fresco
Isla Cortez Shrimp TacosUS$8.99
2 crispy tacos filled with grilled shrimp, melted queso fundido, spicy aioli, roasted poblano, serrano chile, scallion
Birria Crusty Queso TacosUS$8.49
Two crunchy, cheesy braised beef tacos on grilled crispy corn tortillas. Served with chile spice dipping sauce

Ensaladas / House Made Salads

Sonora Chopped Chicken SaladUS$12.99
Grilled chicken breast, applewood bacon, apple, candied walnuts, golden raisins and queso fresco tossed with chopped romaine and honey apple ranch dressing
Ensalada de CasitaUS$8.99
Shredded mixed lettuce, cherry tomato, red onion, cucumber, roasted corn, queso mix, roasted pepita seeds, tossed in chipotle citrus vinaigrette.
Serrano Caesar SaladUS$12.49
Crisp romaine, tossed in serrano caesar dressing with Mexican queso blend, toasted pepitas, red onion, cherry tomato, micro cilantro and crispy plantain chips
- Add Chipotle Chicken BreastUS$15.75
- Add Seared ShrimpUS$16.25
- Add Chimichurri Carne AsadaUS$19.99
Rio Grande Fajitas Salad
Grilled fajitas, shredded lettuce & cabbage, Mexican queso blend, pico de gallo and cucumber tossed in cilantro lime vinaigrette. Served on a bed of roasted onions, peppers and tomatoes. Topped with sliced avocado, cotija, cheese and crema
- Chipotle Chicken BreastUS$15.49
- Seared ShrimpUS$18.75
- Chimichurri Marinated Rib EyeUS$19.99

Tostadas del Rancho

Shredded lettuce, cabbage, fresh guacamole, tomato, black beans, and queso fresco tossed in jalapeño lime vinaigrette. Topped with crema, fresno chile and micro cilantro

Refritos BlancosUS$11.49
Chicken MachacaUS$13.75
Ground Beef RojaUS$13.75
Braised Shredded BeefUS$13.75
Chipotle Chicken BreastUS$13.75
Chimichurri Carne AsadaUS$21.99

Burritos and Bowls

Burritos wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla. Select burritos available as bowls. Order your burrito "Oven Style" topped with sauce, crema and queso $3.75, Add Rice and Beans $3.75

Baja Breakfast BurritoUS$12.49
Crispy thick cut Applewood bacon or Valdez Farms crumbled chorizo, butter browned tater tots, queso blanco and green onion. With Spanish rice and roasted tomatillo salsa on the side. Available all day!
Cheesy Birria Beef BurritoUS$12.49
Crispy cheese and jalapeno crusted tortilla stuffed with chile braised beef, smoky queso sauce, chipotle dulce, red onion and cilantro rice
Rancho Bean & Cheese BurritoUS$10.99
Refritos blanco, melted queso fundido, red onion and taco sauce. Served with fresh guacamole & pico

El Supreme Burrito or Bowl

Spanish rice, refritos blanco, corn relish, roasted salsa, spicy sweet chipotle, shredded lettuce. Topped with pasilla verde sauce, guajillo sauce, Mexican queso blend and crema. Served with Spanish rice, refritos blanco, fresh guacamole & pico de gallo. Choice of

Chicken Machaca
- BurritoUS$16.75
- BowlUS$13.75
Chipotle Chicken Breast
- BurritoUS$16.75
- BowlUS$13.75
Roasted Carnitas
- BurritoUS$16.75
- BowlUS$13.75
Braised Shredded Beef
- BurritoUS$16.75
- BowlUS$13.75
Ground Beef Roja
- BurritoUS$16.75
- BowlUS$14.49
Blackened Mahi Mahi
- BurritoUS$21.25
- BowlUS$17.25
Chimichurri Carne Asada
- BurritoUS$21.25
- BowlUS$20.25

Baja Asada Burrito or Bowl

Spanish rice, cilantro, red onion, Mexican queso blend. Served with spanish rice, refritos blanco, guacamole, pico and crema. Choice of

Chipotle Chicken Breast
- BurritoUS$16.99
- BowlUS$11.99
Blackened Mahi Mahi
- BurritoUS$20.25
- BowlUS$17.25
Chimichurri Carne Asada
- BurritoUS$21.99
- BowlUS$18.99

Parilla al Mesquite / Wood Fire Grill

Blazin' Fajitas al Carbon
Your choice o f smokey sizzlin' fajitas sautéed in garlic butter and charred on the mesquite broiler, uuith roasted pasillo chiles, caram elized onion and blistered cherry tomatoes. Served with sweet corn cake, refritos blancos, Spanish rice, pico, guacam ole, crema and flour tortillas. Choice of
- Chimichurri Marinated Rib EyeUS$26.49
- Chipotle Chicken BreastUS$18.49
- Seared Gulf ShrimpUS$19.99
La Asada con SalsaUS$23.99
Chimichurri marinated skirt steak and roasted salsa roja or chimichurri sauce. Served with Spanish rice and your choice of refritos blancos, black beans or corn pepper salsa
Chimichurri Ribeye EnchiladasUS$21.49
Two enchiladas con queso topped with grilled chimichurri marinated rib eye steak. Served with guajillo sauce, queso fresco, pickled onion, cilantro and spicy sweet chipotle
Arroz con Pollo RancheroUS$14.99
Grilled chipotle marinated chopped chicken breast, sautéed garlic mushrooms, chipotle, onion and pasillo peppers mixed with a blend of Spanish rice, melted queso and salsa ranchera
Sausalito Double BurgerUS$17.25
Two double stacked, hand-crafted 4oz gourmet patties, 2 slices of American cheese, diced red onion, pickles and honey dijonaise on a toasted artisanal bun. Served with house tries or casita salad

Viva La Combinations

Made to order. Combos de mexico. Served with Refritos blancos, queso & spanish rice

Two Crispy Shell TacosUS$14.49
Crispy tacos with choice of chicken machaca, ground beef roja, braised shredded beef or carnitas. Topped with Mexican queso blend, lettuce and taco sauce
Soft Tacos Asados
Two soft tacos on flour tortillas with choice of chipotle grilled chicken breast or chimichurri marinated carne asada. Topped with chipotle mojo, roasted salsa, red onion, cilantro and Mexican queso blend
- Chipotle Chicken BreastUS$12.99
- Chimichurri Carne AsadaUS$17.25
Suizas EnchiladasUS$14.99
Two chicken machaca enchiladas topped with pasilla verde salsa, Mexican queso blend, sliced avocado, pico and crema
Chile Relleno y EnchiladaUS$14.49
Mixed cheese chile relleno, pickled onion, queso fresco and ranchero salsa; Enchilada filled with choice of cheese, chicken machaca, ground beef roja or braised shredded beef. Topped with guajillo sauce, queso fresco and crema
Chile Relleno y Crispy TacoUS$13.75
Mixed cheese chile relleno, pickled onion, queso fresco and ranchero salsa; Crispy taco with choice of chicken machaca, ground beef roja, braised shredded beef or carnitas Topped with Mexican queso blend, lettuce, and taco sauce
Crispy Taco y EnchiladaUS$15.49
Crispy taco with choice of chicken machaca, ground beef roja, braised shredded beef or carnitas. Topped with Mexican queso blend, lettuce, and taco sauce; Enchilada filled with choice of cheese, chicken machaca, ground beef roja or braised shredded beef. Topped with guajillo sauce, queso fresco and crema
Crispy Taco, Enchilada y Chile RellenoUS$18.25
Crispy taco with choice of chicken machaca, ground beef roja, braised shredded beef or carnitas. Topped with Mexican queso blend, lettuce and taco sauce; Enchilada filled with choice of cheese, chicken machaca, ground beef roja or braised shredded beef. Topped with guajillo sauce, queso fresco and crema; Mixed cheese chile relleno, pickled onion, queso fresco and ranchero salsa
Enchiladas de VegetalesUS$14.49
Two enchiladas filled with sautéed garlic mushroom, chipotle and pasilla peppers. Topped with ranchera sauce, melted Mexican queso blend and diced red onion. Served with black beans, queso & Spanish rice

Sea of Cortez Especial / Special From the Sea

Fresh Fish TacosUS$14.99
Choice of two flour or corn tortillas! Fresh grilled mahi fish filets or crispy lightly battered rock cod. Topped with jalapeño cabbage slaw, pico, roasted garlic, avocado mojo, cilantro and chipotle crema. Served with Spanish rice, black beans and queso freso
Sinaloa Seafood EnchiladasUS$18.49
Two enchiladas filled with seasoned shrimp mixed with mahi fish and Mexican queso blend. Topped with light pasilla verde sauce, crema and pickled red onion. Served with Spanish rice, black beans and queso fresco
Jalisco Shrimp QuesadillaUS$15.49
Mexican queso blend spread over a grilled flour tortilla, then folded and melted with grilled gulf shrimp, roasted corn salsa and chipotle crema. Served with cotija cheese, diablo salsa, guacamole and crema
Guaymas Burrito Del La PlayaUS$17.25
With Mexican shrimp or blackened mahi mahi, tequila cream sauce and pasilla chiles, Mexican queso, Spanish rice and chipotle aioli mojo. Topped with pasilla verde sauce and melted queso. Served with guacamole, pico de gallo and crema. Available wrapped in a grilled tortilla "burrito style" or as a crispy chimichanga

Desserts

Hand Rolled Fried Ice CreamUS$8.75
Coconut honey crusted cinnamon brown sugar ice cream, chocolate & caramel sauce, and whipped cream
Cinnamon Custard FlanUS$8.75
Homemade Mexican custard with a cinnamon bunelo and whipped cream

What 183 people are saying

Sandbar Mexican Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Sandbar Mexican Restaurant in Santa Barbara offers a "great ambiance" and "excellent food and service," making it a popular spot for celebrations. Guests enjoy "fresh food," a "friendly vibe," and a "stellar assortment of drinks." The restaurant's accommodating nature and lively atmosphere make it a "fun dinner out on State Street."

183 Reviews

J
Jennine VIP
Orange County68 reviews
3.0
Dined on 9 March 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Every time I try to use my Open Table rewards, the restaurant says they don’t accept Open Table rewards even though I made the reservation through Open Table. Using Open Table rewards is a BUST!!! Not worth the time or effort to collect a $10 reward for2,000 points.
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H
Hailey
Unspecified1 review
4.0
Dined on 9 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My boyfriend and I visited SandBar last night, and overall, it was a great experience! The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and we really enjoyed our time there. The raspberry margaritas were so refreshing. Definitely a highlight of the evening! I couldn’t stop raving about it! We started with the bean dip, which was delicious… until my boyfriend bit down on something incredibly hard. It might have been a rock or something similar. It was a bit jarring, but the staff was very attentive, and they took care of the situation immediately. For the main course, I had the ceviche, which was mostly incredible, but I did find a few chewy and weird pieces of fish that weren’t quite as fresh as the rest. Despite that, the flavors were spot on, and the dish was pretty refreshing overall. Despite the little hiccups, the food and drinks were still amazing, and the service was fantastic. I’d definitely come back and give it another try!
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R
Ryne
Sacramento1 review
3.0
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Servers meander uselessly and act as if inconveninced when asked for anything.
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M
Michael
Munich2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sehr gutes autentisches Mexikanisches Essen und gute Drinks.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles1 review
2.0
Dined on 18 August 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The host didn’t check us in with our reservation and we got a No-show inquiry. The food left a lot to be desired. The chicken in the enchilada was extremely dry. The crispy tacos were really greasy.
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DG
DGMNYC
New York City5 reviews
3.0
Dined on 8 July 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The kitchen brought our entrees before the chips & guacamole appetizer. When dinner arrived we cancelled the appetizer. Had they done it correctly we probably would’ve ordered a 2nd round of drinks. Their loss of business due to poor service. Our waitress was great however which made for a great evening.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New Mexico1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 June 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Fun night! Beautiful location Perfect for people watching
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L
Lauren VIP
Los Angeles6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 May 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lily and Brandon were awesome! Great service and great ambiance
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TM
TimM VIP
Orlando17 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and experience! Awesome server and hostess!
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JH
JoseH VIP
Orange County9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I always bring my wife to Santa Barbara to celebrate her birthday and we always eat here when we arrive because the food and service is always great. We had a great time dining here.
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FAQs

Sandbar Mexican Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 966-1388.

Sandbar Mexican Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars by 183 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

17 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Sandbar Mexican Restaurant

514 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Additional information

Cross Street
Between Haley and Cota on State St.
Area
Santa Barbara
Hours of Operation
Breakfast/Brunch Sat, Sun 09:00–13:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–16:00 Sat, Sun 13:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–23:00 Bar Daily 21:00–01:30
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Please park in the City Lot 11, its directly behind our restaurant and offers the first 75 minutes for free. There are 2 entrances to this lot, one on Anacapa St. and one on Haley St.
Public transit
Local taxis pick up and drop off at a designated area 20 yards from our front door. The State Street Shuttle runs in front of our restaurant from 9am-11pm. It costs $1.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Richardo Maxwell
Entertainment
We feature live DJ's after 10pm every night except Wednesday when we have Live Reggae that has been a locals favorite for over 15 years.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://Sandbar.net/
Phone number
(805) 966-1388
Catering
We offer on-site and off-site catering options for parties of 10-500. Please contact our Event/Promotions Department at (805) 252-5409 or email at sandbarpromo@sharkeez.net

Sandbar Mexican Restaurant

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Bocaditos / Shareable Bites

Ceviche de PescadoUS$18.49

Guacamole FreshUS$11.99

Crispy Potato TaquitosUS$9.75

Nachos La CantinaUS$11.25

Wicked Buffalo Wings or Bites

Sizzling Queso Fundido

Sonora Style TaquitosUS$9.49

Quesadilla de la ParillaUS$10.99

Taqueria

Chipotle Mushroom TacosUS$10.99

Pollo Asado TacosUS$10.99

Rib Eye Steak TacosUS$12.99

Baja Sur Fish TacosUS$11.75

Gulf Coast Shrimp TacosUS$11.99

Isla Cortez Shrimp TacosUS$8.99

Birria Crusty Queso TacosUS$8.49

Ensaladas / House Made Salads

Sonora Chopped Chicken SaladUS$12.99

Ensalada de CasitaUS$8.99

Serrano Caesar SaladUS$12.49

Rio Grande Fajitas Salad

Tostadas del Rancho

Refritos BlancosUS$11.49

Chicken MachacaUS$13.75

Ground Beef RojaUS$13.75

Braised Shredded BeefUS$13.75

Chipotle Chicken BreastUS$13.75

Chimichurri Carne AsadaUS$21.99

Burritos and Bowls

Baja Breakfast BurritoUS$12.49

Cheesy Birria Beef BurritoUS$12.49

Rancho Bean & Cheese BurritoUS$10.99

El Supreme Burrito or Bowl

Chicken Machaca

Chipotle Chicken Breast

Roasted Carnitas

Braised Shredded Beef

Ground Beef Roja

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Chimichurri Carne Asada

Baja Asada Burrito or Bowl

Chipotle Chicken Breast

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Chimichurri Carne Asada

Parilla al Mesquite / Wood Fire Grill

Blazin' Fajitas al Carbon

La Asada con SalsaUS$23.99

Chimichurri Ribeye EnchiladasUS$21.49

Arroz con Pollo RancheroUS$14.99

Sausalito Double BurgerUS$17.25

Viva La Combinations

Two Crispy Shell TacosUS$14.49

Soft Tacos Asados

Suizas EnchiladasUS$14.99

Chile Relleno y EnchiladaUS$14.49

Chile Relleno y Crispy TacoUS$13.75

Crispy Taco y EnchiladaUS$15.49

Crispy Taco, Enchilada y Chile RellenoUS$18.25

Enchiladas de VegetalesUS$14.49

Sea of Cortez Especial / Special From the Sea

Fresh Fish TacosUS$14.99

Sinaloa Seafood EnchiladasUS$18.49

Jalisco Shrimp QuesadillaUS$15.49

Guaymas Burrito Del La PlayaUS$17.25

Desserts

Hand Rolled Fried Ice CreamUS$8.75

Cinnamon Custard FlanUS$8.75

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Sandbar Mexican Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sandbar Mexican Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Sandbar Mexican Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking