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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Monica

Salsa dancing

A dance floor where the salsa is the main event, not just background noise for a crowded bar.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
LA Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy image 1
LA Salsa and Bachata Dance Academy image 2
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Studio offers mirrors and cozy setup for learning. Salsa classes build strong solo footwork and include fun dance parties. Warm, welcoming vibe creates a community feel where all skill levels thrive.

Classes focus on building strong solo footwork that improves partner dancing. The instructor creates a welcoming and fun space with dance parties that ease entry into salsa.

People are saying

"I learned so much in Alexis's fun and friendly Salsa classes."

"It's a fun, patient, and joyful place for Date Spots."

"These dance classes are fun and welcoming with an inclusive atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Alexis hosts weekly dance parties for extra practice and fun.

2

The studio offers a supportive environment for all skill levels.

3

Class sizes are ideal for personalized attention and partner rotation.

02
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot shines with stunning design and a lively vibe. Enjoy two salsas, red with a kick and mild green, both full of flavor. Large tables suit families and groups, while soft music and NBA games add to the cozy feel.

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."

"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."

"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.

3

The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

03
Snug Harbor image 1

1940s-style diner offers vintage decor and cozy booths for a nostalgic feel. House-made spicy salsa adds bold flavor to dishes. Dog-friendly patio with private dividers creates a relaxed outdoor vibe.

House-made spicy salsa adds a strong kick and depth to dishes. Both salsas served complement the flavors well.

People are saying

"The food here felt like a home-cooked meal in an untouched-by-time diner."

"It's a cute retro diner with an authentic 1940s-50s feel."

"The breakfast burrito with salsa was excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant.

2

The menu features a diverse selection of traditional American diner dishes.

3

Daily specials and fresh juices are offered regularly.

04
Tacos 1986 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican street tacos shine with smoky salsa macha and tender chicken. Loud bachata music fuels a lively vibe in a simple space with counter stools. A self-serve salsa bar invites flavor exploration, making it a casual spot for bold tastes.

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."

"It's a good casual spot to grab a quick bite."

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.

05
Papi Tacos & Churros image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with vibrant seating and stunning artwork that create a lively vibe. Red salsa packs a perfectly spicy kick, while green salsa balances heat for tacos. Halal options keep the menu inclusive and appealing.

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."

"These churros are warm, fresh, and melt in your mouth."

"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.

06
SaMoโ€™s Oaxaca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot with family-owned vibe and a colorful wall mural offers fresh, flavorful Oaxacan dishes like birria tacos and mole. Salsas are very spicy, with the red salsa standing out. Clean design and good music complete the authentic charm.

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

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Oaxacan."

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

"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.

3

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

07
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

Small Mexican spot offers a family-friendly vibe with quick, casual dining. Free chips come with three fresh salsas that shine alongside grilled fish tacos. Background Mexican tunes and local sports on TV add to the welcoming atmosphere.

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."

"You have to try their thick, homemade tortillas; they're full of flavor."

"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.

08
Lares Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy vibe with live mariachi music and folk art decor. Fresh nachos and salsa verde shine with a spicy kick. Enjoy superior margaritas in a family-friendly setting with indoor and outdoor seating.

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.

People are saying

"I had one of the best wet burritos in my life."

"This local spot serves authentic, old-school Mexican American fare."

"The salsa and chips were fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough; limited street parking is available.

2

Asada nachos cost $17.95 plus 10.75% tax.

3

Lares Restaurant offers free re-fills on drinks.

09
Tacos Por Favor image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large interior with authentic Mexican aesthetic offers a warm, lively vibe. Fresh, in-house salsa shines with generous green and red varieties. Menu includes many vegetarian dishes, making it a great spot for diverse tastes.

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."

"I found the chicken quesadilla with veggies to be the best Iโ€™ve ever had."

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.

10
El Cholo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room with historic decor and a courtyard-like interior creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Free chips arrive hot with fresh salsa that tastes homemade. Strong margaritas and classic Mexican dishes add to the authentic, nostalgic vibe.

Free chips arrive hot and fresh. Salsa tastes fresh and tasty, likely made in-house or of high quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious, especially the salsa."

"The chimichangas and enchiladas here are delicious and filling."

"The salsa here is fresh and yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; consider using valet services.

2

Happy hour offers two drinks for $44, providing a good ambiance.

3

The restaurant accommodates large groups of 15-20 people easily.

11
Campos Famous Burritos image 1
Burrito restaurant

Burrito spot boasts a nostalgic divey vibe with 80s LA decor and Mexican touches. Guests enjoy large flavorful burritos served on styrofoam plates in a lively, noisy setting. A fresh salsa bar offers five varieties, including a tangy green salsa that adds perfect spice.

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 I found the best burrito I ever had here."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"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.

12
Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant image 1

Mexican spot boasts a huge covered patio with built-in propane heaters and lively, casual vibes. Chips and salsa come fast and stay full, featuring a Diablo salsa that shines. Walls show historical photos, adding a cozy neighborhood feel.

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."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and flavorful."

"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.

13
Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken in Santa Monica image 1

Mexican spot boasts a spacious patio with a lively vibe and generous portions that satisfy hearty appetites. Salsa is wet-textured, pairing well with burritos and churros but lacks the warmth of homemade versions. Casual self-ordering suits those who enjoy a relaxed meal outdoors.

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.

People are saying

"The Outdoor Seating is great for delicious, well-seasoned tacos."

"The outdoor patio has a relaxing, spacious vibe."

"The salsa here is really yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky but there is a free small lot available.

2

Expect large portions for the price, which is generally considered good.

3

Taco Tuesdays offer special promotions worth checking out.

14
Fast Taco 11 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-run spot serves all-day breakfast burritos and solid Mexican dishes with delicious green sauce on enchiladas. Casual vibe with soccer games on TV and generous portions at affordable prices. Salsa is flavorful, and asking about mole salsa adds variety.

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 found the chicken quesadilla filling and fresh."

"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.

15
Promenade Street image 1
Shopping mall

Outdoor mall buzzes with live street musicians and local artists. Sunday nights shine with Salsa and Bachata dancing, creating a lively social scene. Strong security keeps the area safe and welcoming near the ocean.

Sunday nights feature a Salsa and Bachata event that draws dancers. The atmosphere centers on lively social dancing with a focus on these styles.

People are saying

"I found the street performers and outside entertainment really fun."

"The Promenade's shopping scene is casual and great for tourists."

"I loved dancing Salsa at the Sunday event."

Good to know

1

The Sunday salsa event runs from 7pm to 10pm every week.

2

Farmers market takes place on Promenade Street every Saturday morning.

3

Street musicians perform daily, creating a lively atmosphere.

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Santa Monica, California

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