Cantwells Market Deli - Santa Barbara

Hands down the best green chicken enchiladas in Ventura County. I drive from Ventura up to Santa Barbara every day just to taste the delicious flavor of Isla Vista Food Co-op's premier cuisine. Never mind the hour and a half traffic, it's no bother with the knowledge of what i'm waiting for, in fact, it is a PRIVILEGE to wait in traffic for just a single mouthful of their green chicken enchiladas. It's an absolute steal that I get 2 of them. And at a price that can't be beaten anywhere else in the area. It doesn't get any better than this. Thoughts on Isla Vista? The shelves are always stocked, lighting is perfect to set the mood, and customer service is impeccable. I can't wait for tomorrow's enchilada run.

An absolute disgrace to the world of co-ops. The produce selection is of poor quality and wilting. Zero bulk bins. They haven't made any improvements in the quality of the Cantwells deli menu. If they had any business savvy at all they would be using this resource to bring back the diverse organic wrap/sandwich and spread selection that made the isla vista food co-op a special community resource for students and workers while also bringing something unique to the downtown area. Instead they've outsourced most of the IV deli options to third parties. I don't see how opening a wildly underwhelming downtown store is supposed to help the plummeting quality of the Isla Vista location. Now you have two disappointing stores.

When I heard the Isla Vista Food Co-op was introducing an additional location on State Street downtown, I couldn't wait for the opening! The location is ideal, and includes an ADA parking space in its lot. The selection is wonderful- with a larger space than the Isla Vista location, more products and a larger variety are on hand, as well as the deli serving fresh deliciousness. The staff were warm, welcoming and informative. It was a fantastic place to meet a friend and chat over tea in one of their awesome sitting booths. I will be back often!

Wow. Really blown away by the quality of the food at the hot Deli and the customer service. Well done.

I 'm knowingly writing a biased review because I want this little deli and co-op to continue indefinitely. It is a much needed little gem in the area, ran by friendly employees. There 's seating outside if you want to sit and eat your little deli finds. Just beware. This is food for white people. I mean, I haven 't had this white of food since London. The sandwiches and wraps are flavorless. They carry salt-free potato chips and carrot cake. This isn 't a Jewish deli or a deli like Erewhon. Heck, it 's not even a deli like Whole Foods. You 'll need to visit to see what I 'm talking about and most likely, you 'll agree. That said, it 's sort of an iconic place in a great location. I always feel like a local when I visit. It 's not a place where tourists pack in, so if a quick bite with peace and sanity is your thing, you can 't go wrong with Cantwell 's.