Mexican restaurant with family-run atmosphere and homey, peaceful vibe feels like sitting at grandma's house. Interior shows beautiful but dated decorations. Known for authentic food and free chips, guacamole, and salsa with meals.
Staff includes three generations working together over 30 years, showing deep family involvement. Service stays friendly and consistent, reflecting the family-owned nature of the business.
Free chips, guacamole, and salsa arrive quickly as appetizers. The guacamole is simple, delicious, and among the best around.
"I wish I had the recipe for this amazing guacamole."
"It's a family owned place with great service, food, and prices."
Good to know
Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos and drinks.
Free chips, guacamole, and salsa are included with every meal.
Most menu items are under $20, making it budget-friendly.
Spacious Mexican restaurant with stunning design and beautiful decor creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Music plays softly while a large screen TV shows NBA games behind the bar. The place welcomes families and groups, featuring large tables for celebrations.
Family ownership means all food is homemade and fresh. The place keeps a close, personal touch in its kitchen and service.
Freshly made guacamole comes with crispy chips and pairs well with hibiscus water. The guacamole stands out as a delicious starter alongside tacos and various meats.
"The guacamole and chips here are freshly made and delicious."
"It's family owned and they serve all homemade, fresh food."
Good to know
Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.
Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.
The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.
Small, clean space with comfortable seating and bright, warm decor creates a welcoming atmosphere. Vibrant energy fills the room, enhanced by a Spanish rock playlist that sets a lively tone. The vibe balances casual dining with a sense of care and attention to detail.
Two brothers run this family-owned business with pride and focus on kind customer service. It serves delicious comfort food and represents a multi-generational community effort.
Guacamole comes fresh and generous here, often served complimentary with chips. It pairs well with crispy taquitos and fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro.
"The guacamole here is so fresh and flavorful."
"It's a family-owned business with quality food and great service."
Good to know
First-time customers receive a complimentary drink.
They have weekly specials.
Vibrant Mexican-themed decor fills the space with colorful folk art and a lively bar area. Live music plays on weekends, creating an inviting and festive atmosphere. Authentic Oaxacan dishes and freshly made tortillas complement strong, flavorful drinks like mezcal margaritas and micheladas.
Authentic Oaxaca food comes from a family-owned kitchen that welcomes kids. The place feels personal and kid friendly.
Freshly made guacamole stands out with its freshness and delicious flavor. The version with Chapulines adds a unique twist.
"The churros at this Family Owned spot are better than Disneyland's."
"The guacamole here is fresh and delicious."
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.
Live music is featured every Saturday night starting at 7pm.
Margarita Wednesdays offer half-priced margaritas all day.
Cozy Mexican restaurant with authentic atmosphere and a large outdoor patio offers a family-oriented vibe and friendly service. Quiet on weeknights, it features indoor and covered outdoor seating with views of nearby mountains. The place blends traditional decor and music, creating a welcoming, old-school feel.
Family ownership shapes the restaurant's care and commitment. Staff show a friendly, family-oriented vibe throughout.
Fresh guacamole gets made right in front of you, keeping it authentic and vibrant. It comes with dishes like flautas, topped with a nice amount of homemade guacamole and crema.
"It's family owned and you can feel the care and commitment."
"The guacamole is freshly made right in front of you."
Good to know
Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy hours.
The restaurant is located inside a small shopping mall off Route 66.
Expect to pay between $20 and $40 for a good-sized plate of food.
Mexican restaurant with family-owned atmosphere and authentic recipes creates a cozy, lively vibe that feels like visiting a friend's home. Expansion adds a full bar and TVs without losing warmth or quiet conversation. Decor is colorful and clean, matching the flavorful food and balanced margaritas.
Family ownership shows in the home-cooked recipes and the personal touch in service. The business is run by a family, creating a warm, familiar atmosphere.
House-made guacamole tastes very fresh with a bright, creamy texture. It pairs well with perfectly crisp tortilla chips and appears as a small side with dishes like the beef taquitos.
"This family owned spot has the best salsa and albondigas soup."
"The guacamole is so fresh, the avocados taste like they were picked this morning."
Good to know
Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.
Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.
Delivery service is available for parties with a taco bar setup.
Family-owned Mexican restaurant with a cozy, laid-back vibe and warm, friendly atmosphere. Televisions show sports, adding to the casual feel. Known for authentic food and strong margaritas, it blends dive bar appearance with inviting comfort.
Family ownership shows in the friendly service and operated with care atmosphere. Food quality reflects the personal touch of a family-run kitchen.
Fresh and flavorful guacamole comes in an 8oz portion alongside salsa and sour cream. It appears in dishes like the jumbo burrito with pork chile verde, rice, and beans, adding a creamy texture inside.
"The guacamole is fresh, flavorful, and ideal for parties."
"It's a family owned restaurant with great food and friendly service."
Good to know
The restaurant opens at 4 pm during summer hours.
Expect busy parking, especially during peak dinner hours.
Prices for entrees range from $10 to $25.
Open patio overlooks the Pacific Ocean and beach, creating a colorful authentic Mexican vibe with outstanding specialty margaritas. Atmosphere is lively, especially outdoors where traffic noise can be noticeable. The setting suits enjoying sunsets and tequila in a beachfront environment.
Family-owned operation continues after many years, maintaining a connection to its history when President Nixon dined here. Food reflects a home-cooked style rooted in the family's traditions.
Freshly made guacamole offers a creamy, chunky texture with a citrusy, fresh flavor. It pairs well with chips and salsa, enhancing the overall experience.
"It's a family owned restaurant that's been around for years."
"The guacamole here is fresh, creamy, and citrusy."
Good to know
Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using nearby public lots.
The restaurant does not allow dogs on the patio, only service animals.
Expect higher prices for menu items, especially for add-ons like rice and beans.
Colorful, authentic Mexican decor creates a family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The space feels like a small village taqueria, filled with great Mexican music and a warm vibe. It offers a hidden gem experience with strong cultural energy.
The spot feels like a small Mexican village eatery with wonderful decorations and friendly staff. It operates as a family owned restaurant with great service and food.
Tacos come with a generous amount of guacamole, cilantro, and onion. Carnitas torta includes guacamole along with beans, cheese, lettuce, and pico de gallo. Fries no longer come with guacamole but with sour cream instead.
Good to know
There are no public restrooms at this taqueria.
The prices are very affordable for authentic Mexican food.
Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.
Spacious layout includes covered outdoor patio and air-conditioned bar with a DJ on weekends creating a lively vibe. Atmosphere is vibrant and fun, often filled with loud music and groups hanging out. Seating offers ample room for large parties, making it comfortable for family and friends.
Family ownership dates back to the late 1960s, with the restaurant still family owned and operated today. This gives the place a genuine, authentic feel.
Fresh-made guacamole comes in large portions with chunks instead of purée. Options include vegan and keto-friendly molcajete styles, available in mild, medium, or spicy.
"This family-owned spot has the most tender, tasty carne asada."
"You have to try their fresh-made guacamole, it's amazing."
Good to know
Parking is very limited at the restaurant.
Inside seating is limited in the dining area.
Prices are extremely reasonable for the food offered.