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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Tacos

Made for those who view the taco as the only acceptable metric for evaluating a Mexican kitchen.

Based on 481 Opinions
+478
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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.

Tacos come with a wide variety and use fresh ingredients. Options like the lengua taco and El Coronel stand out for their flavor and innovation.

People are saying

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

"I've never had a better Birria taco, it was amazing."

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 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.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and pack a lot of flavor. Options like fish, shrimp, carnitas, and steak offer fresh, spicy, and satisfying tastes.

People are saying

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

"I found some of the best tacos I've ever had."

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.

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.

Birria tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and a perfect moisture level. Street tacos come loaded with meat and fresh fixings, offering an authentic taste reminiscent of Mexico and Latin America.

People are saying

"I thought the burritos here were excellent."

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

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
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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.

Tacos here are super flavorful and crunchy with options like keto cheese shell beef and birria. The carne asada and street tacos come at a great price and offer authentic, halal Mexican flavors.

People are saying

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

"I thought the birria tacos were the best 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.

05
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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.

Carne Asada hard tacos stand out with their fresh, authentic, and flavorful taste. Other tacos like birria, pastor, and shrimp come in generous portions and deliver consistent, delicious quality.

People are saying

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

"I thought these were the best tacos in America."

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.

06
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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.

Steak and fish tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and large portions. Chicken and potato tacos also offer delicious variety alongside burritos and enchiladas.

People are saying

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

"I've never had tacos this good; they're the best I've ever tasted."

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.

07
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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.

Tacos here feature authentic Mexican street style with standout options like melt-in-your-mouth pork and juicy, smoky carne asada. The chicken tacos come tender with fresh salsa and cilantro, all at reasonable prices.

People are saying

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

"You should definitely try the authentic tacos here."

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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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.

Tacos come loaded with fillings and feature grilled chunks of chicken instead of shredded. Chicken tacos stand out as a great option alongside tamales.

People are saying

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

"I loved their dorado tacos."

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.

09
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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.

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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Colorful, artsy decor fills the open, lively dining room and back patio where dogs are welcome. Warm outdoor heaters and live music create a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of regulars and visitors. Strong margaritas and traditional Mexican dishes complement the festive vibe.

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.

The Taco Tuesday Special offers two tacos of your choice plus a House Margarita for $18. Shrimp, crispy fish, carne asada, and sweet potato tacos stand out as delicious options.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the Taco Tuesday special; it's unforgettable."

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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