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Local picks

Salsa spots in Santa Monica

You are looking for a place where the music and the floor are dedicated to the craft of salsa.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
Desvelados Santa Monica image 2
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Mexican restaurant

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.

Two salsas come in a container, one red and one green, both with great depth of flavor. The red salsa has the right kick, while the green salsa is milder, perfectly balancing spice and taste.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is perfectly spicy and flavorful."

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.

02
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

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.

Free chips come with three types of salsa, all fresh and impressive. The variety of salsa is amazing and pairs well with grilled fish tacos.

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."

"They make fresh corn tortillas right when you get there."

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.

03
SaMoโ€™s Oaxaca image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Salsas here are very flavorful and spicy. The red salsa stands out as better than the green one.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Oaxacan."

"I thought the street tacos were the best I've had anywhere."

"The salsas here are super good and flavorful."

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.

04
Papi Tacos & Churros image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Red salsa delivers a perfectly spicy and savory kick that can make your nose run. Green salsa offers a balanced spice without overwhelming heat. Both add a unique flavor that complements tacos well.

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."

"The birria quesadilla with its consume was very delicious."

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.

05
Lares Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with live mariachi music and folk art decor creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, with a small, friendly dining area upstairs. Superior margaritas complement the festive, family-friendly vibe.

Mexican food here is authentic and true to LA style. The atmosphere feels genuine with live music adding to the experience.

Freshness stands out with fresh nachos and salsa verde served right from the kitchen. Adding their spicy sauce enhances the salsa's flavor, making the chips and salsa a memorable start.

People are saying

"I had one of the best wet burritos in my life."

"The salsa and chips were fresh and delicious."

"I found authentic Mexican food here, not a tourist trap."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough; limited street parking is available.

2

Asada nachos cost $17.95 plus 10.75% tax.

3

Lares Restaurant offers free re-fills on drinks.

06
Tacos Por Favor image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Fresh made in-house every day, the complementary chips and salsa come with a generous amount of both green and red varieties. The red salsa stands out as exceptional and on another level.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here, especially red and green, is delicious."

"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.

07
El Cholo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room with historic decor and a courtyard-like interior creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Outdoor patio and family room add to the kid-friendly, lively vibe. Strong margaritas and classic Mexican dishes complement the authentic, nostalgic setting.

Offers authentic Mexican cuisine with a home-style feel. The food delivers a genuine dining experience true to southern California flavors.

Free chips arrive hot and fresh. Salsa tastes fresh and tasty, likely made in-house or of high quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious, especially the salsa."

"The salsa here is fresh and yummy."

"I found the Mexican cuisine here to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; consider using valet services.

2

Happy hour offers two drinks for $44, providing a good ambiance.

3

The restaurant accommodates large groups of 15-20 people easily.

08
Tacos 1986 image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Lots of flavorful salsas are available, including a smoky salsa macha that stands out. Fresh salsa complements tender chicken tacos and pairs well with guacamole and other sides.

People are saying

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

"I loved the variety of flavorful salsas to choose from."

"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.

09
Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant image 1

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.

Chips and salsa arrive quickly and stay full throughout the meal. Pickled carrot slices come with the complimentary chips. The Diablo salsa stands out and they even pack salsa to go with takeout orders.

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."

"The salsa here is the best I've ever had."

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.

10
Maria Sol image 1
Mexican restaurant

Ocean-facing patio offers breathtaking views and warmth from scattered heating lamps. Live music from street artists creates a lively atmosphere with a touristy vibe. Fresh, locally sourced seafood and exceptional margaritas complement the energetic seaside setting.

Fresh and authentic Mexican flavors stand out in a stylish atmosphere. The menu offers a solid selection of dishes at an affordable price, including a notably thick clam chowder.

Endless chips and salsa come quickly with service. The $4 deal serves up to four people and keeps the chips and salsa flowing.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served with quick, friendly, and welcoming service."

"The salsa here is good, even though it's kind of spicy."

"I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food and its fresh flavors."

Good to know

1

Check your bill carefully as extra charges may be added.

2

Expect a reasonable cost of about $50 for two entrees and drinks.

3

Outdoor seating is available, but the upper level may be closed.

11
Casa Martin | Ocean Ave image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Salsas offer real flavor beyond just heat. House guacamole and chips pair well with the spot-on salsa that recalls home.

People are saying

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

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and atmosphere."

"The salsa here has real flavor, not just heat."

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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Santa Monica, California

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