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 costeño 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.
"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing."
"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."
"The salsa here is perfectly spicy and flavorful."
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.
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 consomé 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.
Good to know
The restaurant is 100% halal.
There is no restroom available for customers.
Four street size tacos with avocado cost $22.
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.
Good to know
There are no restrooms available at SaMo’s Oaxaca.
Parking is a little dense in that small strip mall.
A simple burrito costs almost twenty dollars with a can of soda.
1940s-style diner with vintage decor and original bar stools creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Cozy indoor booths and a dog-friendly patio with private dividers offer varied seating. Intimate space fills with lively energy, blending classic charm with relaxed outdoor vibes.
Breakfast burritos stand out with options like vegan chorizo and steak, paired with hash browns. House-made spicy salsa complements dishes like huevos rancheros and burritos well.
House-made spicy salsa adds a strong kick and depth to dishes. Both salsas served complement the flavors well.
Good to know
Parking is usually easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant.
The menu features a diverse selection of traditional American diner dishes.
Daily specials and fresh juices are offered regularly.
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.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.
Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.
Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.
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.
Good to know
The pork taco is priced at $3.75 each.
There are no pick-up orders available.
The restaurant is located next to the Santa Monica Pier.
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.
Good to know
Street parking is the only option available, with limited metered spots.
The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian choices on the menu.
Expect a busy atmosphere, but wait times are generally short.
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.
Chicken mole stands out as a signature dish with rich, authentic flavor. Traditional plates like carnitas, carne asada, and wet burritos showcase classic Mexican cuisine with fresh, well-prepared ingredients.
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.
Good to know
Parking can be tough; limited street parking is available.
Asada nachos cost $17.95 plus 10.75% tax.
Lares Restaurant offers free re-fills on drinks.
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.
Carnitas stand out as some of the best, paired with homemade tortillas that elevate every dish. Large portions include fresh guacamole, perfectly cooked vegetables with fajitas, and unique items like blue corn tamales and rich mole.
Free chips arrive hot and fresh. Salsa tastes fresh and tasty, likely made in-house or of high quality.
Good to know
Parking can be difficult; consider using valet services.
Happy hour offers two drinks for $44, providing a good ambiance.
The restaurant accommodates large groups of 15-20 people easily.
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.
Good to know
The restaurant is family owned and has been operating for over 30 years.
Expect generous portion sizes for the price.
They offer all-day breakfast options in a casual atmosphere.
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.
Good to know
Parking is available in the back and on the street.
The restaurant gets really busy on weekends, expect longer wait times.
Indoor seating is limited, especially during peak hours.
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.
Good to know
Parking is limited, but street spots are available nearby.
The restaurant offers a salsa bar with various spice levels.
Expect to pay around $11 for a meal, including chips and salsa.
Mexican restaurant offers spacious covered patio and ample outdoor seating with a Californian vibe. Atmosphere varies from stuffy indoors to lively but loud outdoors near busy streets. Food service is casual and self-ordering, attracting a crowd that appreciates generous portions and notable tacos.
Burritos stand out with fresh ingredients and stay hot throughout. Tacos feature best tortillas and include favorites like Al pastor and barbacoa, all at reasonable prices.
Salsa here has a wet texture that pairs well with burritos and churros. It tastes above average but lacks the warmth and freshness of homemade frijoles de la olla salsa.
Good to know
Parking can be tricky but there is a free small lot available.
Expect large portions for the price, which is generally considered good.
Taco Tuesdays offer special promotions worth checking out.
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.
Good to know
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bills for parties of two or more.
Prices are higher than average, with meals costing around $95 for two.
Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers; check the timing.