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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Monica

Salsa spots

The heat of fresh salsa is the essential companion to a good Mexican meal.

Based on 555 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.

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.

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 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.

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The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

02
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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.

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.

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

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were excellent."

"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.

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

03
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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.

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.

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."

"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.

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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.

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.

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."

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.

05
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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.

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.

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."

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.

06
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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.

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.

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."

"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.

07
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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.

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.

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."

"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.

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Small family-run Mexican restaurant offers all-day breakfast burritos and solid Mexican food with delicious green sauce on enchiladas. Atmosphere is excellent and casual, with soccer games playing on TV. Portions are generous and prices affordable, creating a welcoming spot with a mom and pop vibe.

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.

Salsa comes as a single option per order with a great flavor. Asking about the mole salsa is a good idea for variety.

People are saying

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

"I suggested asking about the mole salsa."

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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Burrito restaurant with a nostalgic, divey vibe and lively, noisy atmosphere feels like home rather than fancy. Interior decor evokes 80s LA and Mexican influences, serving food on styrofoam plates with a salsa bar offering various spice levels. Regulars enjoy large, flavorful burritos and casual dining 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.

Fresh salsa comes in five varieties ranging from mild to hot at a salsa bar. Both green and red salsas are available, with the green salsa being tangy and a little spicy and working well as a sauce or side.

People are saying

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

"The fresh salsa bar had five varieties, from mild to hot."

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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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.

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.

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."

"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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