# Tacos in Santa Monica > Made for those who view the taco as the only acceptable metric for evaluating a Mexican kitchen. Source: https://www.atly.com/united-states/california/santa-monica/best-mexican-food-taco ## Places (29) ### 1. Mariscos Guillen La Playita Food counter with a small seating area offers fresh seafood dishes like fish tacos and ceviche praised for their quality and flavor. Atmosphere is simple and unchanged for decades, with affordable prices and a casual vibe. Popular for campechana cocktail featuring fresh octopus, shrimp, and abalone. - Address: 3306 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MariscosGuillenLaPlayita ### 2. The Upper West Spacious restaurant with urban rustic decor and a large glassed-in event room offers an upscale atmosphere that shifts from warm and inviting to noisy as it fills. Cocktails range from flawless espresso martinis to strong Old Fashioneds, complementing a menu featuring standout dishes like juicy braised short ribs and an acclaimed veggie burger. The space suits families and private events, though parking can be challenging. - Address: 3321 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheUpperWest ### 3. Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge Frank Gehry-designed space offers a gorgeous architectural setting with chic decor and warm, comfortable vibes. Music from a DJ energizes the atmosphere, creating a lively and busy environment. Outdoor patio features vintage Los Angeles clips, adding a unique touch to the experience. - Address: 2435 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Edgemar-Restaurant-Lounge ### 4. LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA 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. - Address: 725 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LAPUREPECHACOCINAMEXICANA ### 5. The Cloverfield Large outdoor patio offers an airy, dog-friendly space with heaters and warm fires for chilly nights. Smooth jazz music plays, creating a peaceful and warm vibe that suits groups and families. A special bar room in the back hosts celebrations, adding to the cozy atmosphere. - Address: 3300 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheCloverfield ### 6. Papi Tacos & Churros 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. - Address: 313 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Papi-Tacos-Churros1 ### 7. SaMo’s Oaxaca 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. - Address: 1865 Lincoln Blvd Ste 5, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/SaMo’s-Oaxaca ### 8. The Curious Palate Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families. - Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl 3rd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheCuriousPalate ### 9. Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place. - Address: 1000 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Santa-Monica-Seafood-Market-Cafe ### 10. Perry's Café & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 Outdoor seating on sand with ocean views and umbrella-covered tables creates a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Comfortable beach chairs and live music on select days add to the laid-back vibe. The setting features sunset views and casual dining right by the water. - Address: 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Perry's-Café-Beach-Rentals---Santa-Monica-2400 ### 11. Tacos Por Favor 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. - Address: 1408 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TacosPorFavor2 ### 12. Tavern on Main SM Bar and grill offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas with a full bar and numerous big screens showing sports. Atmosphere ranges from relaxing and welcoming to lively during major games, with music often loud. Features include a pool table, power outlets, and a genuine neighborhood vibe. - Address: 2909 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TavernOnMainSM ### 13. 1212 Santa Monica Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment. - Address: 1212 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/1212SantaMonica ### 14. Shirubē Long, narrow space with open kitchen and intimate bar seating offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that highlights the antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work. The setting feels distinct from typical izakayas, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design. - Address: 424 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Shirubē ### 15. The Whaler Santa Monica Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment. - Address: 101 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheWhalerSantaMonica ### 16. Rabano Spacious restaurant with open, airy design and natural lighting creates a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Heated outdoor patio welcomes dogs and offers a spot for people watching. Consistent focus on healthy, organic, and vegan options defines the dining experience. - Address: 2507 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Rabano ### 17. Casa Martin | Ocean Ave 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. - Address: 1654 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Casa-Martin-Ocean-Ave ### 18. The Albright Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe. - Address: 258 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheAlbright ### 19. Tacos 1986 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. - Address: 135 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Tacos19865 ### 20. Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant 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. - Address: 2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Gilbert's-El-Indio-Restaurant ### 21. Lares 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. - Address: 2909 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LaresRestaurant ### 22. Lula Cocina Mexicana 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. - Address: 2720 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LulaCocinaMexicana ### 23. Library Alehouse Gastropub offers a library of craft beers with options like Pliny the Elder on tap and Russian River brews. Back patio features green plants and a quiet, comfortable space with dog-friendly seating. Interior feels warm and inviting but can be loud and crowded due to dense seating arrangements. - Address: 2911 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LibraryAlehouse ### 24. El Cholo 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. - Address: 1025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ElCholo1 ### 25. Campos Famous Burritos 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. - Address: 2008 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/CamposFamousBurritos1 ### 26. Jack in the Box Fast food restaurant with affordable prices and a convenient drive-through. Atmosphere varies but often features low crowd levels and a focus on tasty burgers and tacos. Some locations show signs of wear but maintain a generally clean environment. - Address: 2025 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/JackInTheBox169 ### 27. Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken in Santa Monica 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. - Address: 915 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Benny's-Tacos-Rotisserie-Chicken-in-Santa-Monica ### 28. Vamos. Vamos. Small restaurant with a super relaxed atmosphere and fun musical background featuring 90s tunes. Vibe shifts from casual and welcoming to a more trendy, dimly lit setting in the evening. Friendly staff create a warm, inviting energy without feeling too busy. - Address: 2917 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Vamos-Vamos ### 29. Casa Martin | 3rd St Promenade Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, stylish atmosphere with live Mariachi music and outdoor seating on a promenade. The space feels warm and inviting, blending a laid-back vibe with exquisite decoration. Guests enjoy a mix of traditional dishes and notable margarita flights in a lively setting. - Address: 1251 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Casa-Martin-3rd-St-Promenade ## Get this data directly This page comes from the Atly Places API, which scores close to 2 million places against more than 1,400 intents — "nice view", "work friendly", "gluten free", "dog friendly" — from what real reviewers say, with the statements behind every score. - **MCP server:** `https://agentic-api.atly.com/mcp` — connect it in ChatGPT or Claude. Nothing to install. - **Guide for agents:** - **OpenAPI contract:** - **No key needed to start.** `POST https://agentic-api.atly.com/v0/keys` with an email raises the quota. Coverage is densest in the United States, with pockets in Mexico, Israel and Thailand.