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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Authentic Mexican food

You are looking for Mexican food that prioritizes heritage recipes over modern interpretations.

Based on 678 Opinions
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01
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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.

Food comes out fresh and packed with authentic Mexican flavor. The blend of upscale looks with genuine taste creates a unique dining experience. Generous portions and good prices add to the appeal.

Tacos stand out with rich flavors, especially the Paloma and costeรฑo burrito. Agua fresca and churros offer refreshing and sweet options that appeal even to picky eaters.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing."

"The food here is so flavorful and truly authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.

3

The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

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Small, cozy restaurant with a family-run feel and casual atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes two small tables, one suitable for dogs. Loud juice machine and blenders near dining area affect the otherwise relaxed vibe.

Food features authentic Oaxacan flavors with dishes like mole that are hard to find elsewhere. Every item is impeccably seasoned and fresh, delivering genuine Mexican breakfast and traditional meals.

Chilaquiles stand out with authentic seasoning and a chef's kiss quality. Huevos rancheros and mole offer home-cooked flavors rarely found elsewhere.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so fresh and has amazing flavors."

"The authentic Mexican breakfast food here is delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Yagul Cafe is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

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The cafe seats around 30 people, making it an intimate dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chicken enchiladas, which may be considered small in portion.

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Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Flavors hit with authentic Mexican taste in every dish. Spanish phrases on the walls add to the genuine vibe. Tacos and burritos come through as true to Mexico.

Tacos stand out with tender carnitas and fresh fish, all wrapped in handmade tortillas. Breakfast burritos and shrimp burritos pack bold flavors, while esquites offer a creamy, tangy heat.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is oozing with flavor and moisture."

"I found the food to be authentic Mexican cuisine."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

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Small space with three tables and a wall mural creates a cozy, family-owned vibe. Atmosphere blends authentic Oaxacan charm with clean, simple design and good music. Food features fresh, flavorful Oaxacan dishes like birria tacos and mole, offering a standout fast casual Mexican experience.

Vibrant Oaxacan dishes like tlayuda and authentic tacos deliver a truly traditional Mexican taste. The food offers an authentic Oaxacan vibe that feels genuine and satisfying.

Burritos and tacos stand out with authentic flavors that recall Mexico and Latin America. The Oaxacan mole is dark, rich, slightly gritty with pumpkin seed, and slightly spicy. The tlayuda with cecina offers a phenomenal taste of traditional Oaxacan food.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were excellent."

"I loved the authentic Oaxacan food, especially the flavorful mole."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available at SaMoโ€™s Oaxaca.

2

Parking is a little dense in that small strip mall.

3

A simple burrito costs almost twenty dollars with a can of soda.

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Large interior with authentic Mexican aesthetic and plenty of seating creates a casual, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Noise levels rise during busy times, reflecting a lively vibe. Offers a great variety of Mexican dishes, including many vegetarian options.

Tacos here deliver authentic Mexican flavors with generous portions. The food feels genuine and not gentrified, capturing classic tastes well.

Carne Asada hard tacos stand out for their flavor and freshness. The menu includes shrimp chimichanga with cheesy filling and perfectly cooked shrimp, plus fresh made chips and salsa daily.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and amazing."

"I thought the Mexican food here was great and very authentic."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available, with limited metered spots.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian choices on the menu.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, but wait times are generally short.

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Mexican restaurant with vibrant indoor/outdoor seating and constant Mexican music creates a fun and lively atmosphere. The space features stunning artwork and pretty lights, offering a cozy and clean environment. The vibe stays busy but chill, attracting those who appreciate halal Mexican food.

Halal options include authentic birria tacos and burritos with rich, traditional flavors. Mexican street food offerings deliver genuine taste and a delicious, authentic experience.

Tacos here stand out with tender beef birria dipped in rich consomรฉ and keto cheese shell options. Churros come crispy outside, soft inside, coated in cinnamon sugar with Dulce de leche and Nutella toppings.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were the best Mexican food I ever had."

"I found the authentic tacos to be incredible and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is 100% halal.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

Four street size tacos with avocado cost $22.

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Mexican restaurant offers a huge covered outdoor patio with built-in propane heaters and plenty of shaded seating. Interior walls display historical photos and memorabilia, creating a neighborhood family vibe. The atmosphere is lively and casual, with tight seating that makes conversations noisy.

Food here delivers authentic home-cooked Mexican flavors with every dish. The menu features flavorful, pocket-friendly options that reflect Central American culinary traditions.

Authentic home-cooked style Mexican food shines with enchiladas suizas and robust rice and beans. The Diablo salsa stands out, paired with margaritas that balance tanginess and sweetness perfectly.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is served by the friendliest, most attentive staff."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and on the street.

2

The restaurant gets really busy on weekends, expect longer wait times.

3

Indoor seating is limited, especially during peak hours.

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Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with an open-air front section and traditional music that creates a warm, welcoming vibe. The space balances lively and calm energy, making it suitable for relaxed meals or casual drinks before heading to the beach.

Authentic Mexican food shines with comforting flavors and a genuine atmosphere. Service stays expressive and fast, matching the mid- to high-end vibe.

Steak tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. The wet steak burrito with mole offers a unique, savory twist. Chicken tacos and fish tacos also deliver solid, authentic tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing, especially the queso."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and atmosphere."

Good to know

1

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bills for parties of two or more.

2

Prices are higher than average, with meals costing around $95 for two.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers; check the timing.

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Mexican street taco spot with a no-frills atmosphere and loud bachata music creates a lively vibe. Seating consists mostly of counter-height stools along plain walls, keeping the space casual and simple. A self-serve salsa bar adds variety and interaction to the experience.

Mexican street tacos here taste authentic and delicious, closely matching those found in Mexico. The spot offers a fast casual vibe while delivering authentic Mexican cuisine.

Tacos here stand out for their juicy al pastor and flavorful pork options. Fast service delivers authentic Mexican street tacos and burritos that satisfy both meat lovers and vegetarians.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is authentic and delicious."

"I found the authentic Mexican street tacos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The pork taco is priced at $3.75 each.

2

There are no pick-up orders available.

3

The restaurant is located next to the Santa Monica Pier.

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