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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Mexican food

A plate of authentic Mexican food is the only thing that hits the spot.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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01
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Spacious Mexican spot shines with rich tacos and refreshing agua fresca. Stunning design and cozy atmosphere invite families and groups. Soft music and NBA games on a large screen add lively charm.

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."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

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

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The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

02
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Small, cozy spot with a family-run feel and casual vibe. Mexican dishes shine with authentic chilaquiles and rich mole. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the relaxed charm despite noisy blenders.

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."

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.

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

03
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Flame grilled chicken shines with tender juiciness and fresh salsas. Burritos and tacos pack great flavor and filling portions. Calm atmosphere and ample seating make it perfect for locals seeking fresh, healthy meals at reasonable prices.

Chicken dishes come out tender and juicy with fresh salsas, rice, and beans. Burritos, quesadillas, and tacos offer great flavor and filling portions, while churros add a sweet finish.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is perfectly cooked and always arrives on time."

Good to know

1

This location does not have a drive-through; only dine-in or takeout is available.

2

Parking is limited at the Santa Monica location but ample at others.

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The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for those needing assistance.

04
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Vibrant Mexican restaurant offers tender beef birria tacos with keto cheese shells and crispy churros topped with Dulce de leche. Lively atmosphere features stunning artwork and constant Mexican music. Cozy, clean space with halal options keeps the vibe busy but chill.

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."

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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Cozy spot with authentic Oaxacan charm and a vibrant wall mural sets a warm vibe. Burritos and tacos burst with authentic flavors, while the dark, rich mole offers a unique taste. Small space and family-owned feel make it a standout fast casual Mexican experience.

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."

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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Small Mexican spot serves tender carnitas tacos and bold shrimp burritos in a family-friendly setting. Spartan interiors and paper plates keep it casual. Background Mexican tunes and local sports on TV create a welcoming vibe for quick meals.

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."

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.

07
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Small family-run spot serves all-day breakfast burritos with amazing green sauce on enchiladas. Casual vibe with soccer games on TV and generous portions make it welcoming. Affordable prices and home-cooked flavors keep students coming back.

Burritos stand out with great flavor and price, especially steak and chicken options popular among students. The food offers a home-cooked feel with a unique flavor profile, including amazing green sauce on enchiladas and tasty quesadillas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is from a family-owned spot with super nice owners."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family owned and has been operating for over 30 years.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price.

3

They offer all-day breakfast options in a casual atmosphere.

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Large interior with authentic Mexican aesthetic offers a casual, warm vibe. Carne Asada hard tacos and shrimp chimichanga shine with fresh, bold flavors. Plenty of seating and fresh chips and salsa make it great for groups and vegetarians.

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."

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.

09
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Mexican food here is authentic home-cooked style with standout enchiladas suizas and Diablo salsa. Outdoor patio offers built-in propane heaters and shaded seating for comfort. Inside, historical photos create a lively, casual vibe perfect for family gatherings.

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."

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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Cozy Mexican spot shines with steak tacos and a wet steak burrito rich in mole sauce. Open-air seating and traditional music create a warm vibe. Perfect for relaxed meals or casual drinks before the beach with its charming atmosphere.

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."

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 tacos shine with juicy al pastor and flavorful pork in a lively spot playing loud bachata music. Casual seating on counter stools and a self-serve salsa bar keep the vibe simple and interactive.

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."

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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Burrito spot offers a nostalgic vibe with lively, noisy energy. Mexican dishes shine with flavorful burritos like avocado and Chile Verde. Casual dining feels like home despite some stickiness and limited accessibility.

Burritos here feature a great ratio of tortilla to filling with quality meat and good texture beans. The avocado burrito and Chile Verde burritos stand out for their flavor and size at a reasonable price.

People are saying

"I thought this Mexican food was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but street spots are available nearby.

2

The restaurant offers a salsa bar with various spice levels.

3

Expect to pay around $11 for a meal, including chips and salsa.

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Colorful, artsy decor and live music create a vibrant vibe. Dogs enjoy the warm back patio with heaters. Menu shines with chicken tortilla soup and tender steak fajitas. Strong margaritas complete the festive Mexican dining experience.

Chicken tortilla soup offers a creamy, full flavor experience. Fajitas arrive with a generous serving of tender steak, grilled vegetables, and classic sides like rice, beans, and guacamole. Nachos and margaritas also stand out on the menu.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the staff are so friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Draft beer is $6 and margaritas are $10 during happy hour.

3

Most dishes on the happy hour menu are priced between $8 and $10.

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