# Taco spots in Santa Monica > Made for those who consider the taco the only acceptable answer to any hunger craving. Source: https://www.atly.com/united-states/california/santa-monica/best-taco ## Places (28) ### 1. The Upper West Spacious spot blends urban rustic decor with an upscale vibe. Steak tacos deliver rich flavor and tender meat, while cocktails like flawless espresso martinis shine. Juicy braised short ribs and a famed veggie burger round out the menu, perfect for families or events. - Address: 3321 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheUpperWest ### 2. Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge Frank Gehry-designed space offers gorgeous architecture and chic decor with warm vibes. Fish tacos come in impressive portions with strong flavor, while duck tacos bring tender meat and unique taste. DJ music energizes the lively atmosphere, making it a busy spot. - Address: 2435 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Edgemar-Restaurant-Lounge ### 3. Mariscos Guillen La Playita Fresh seafood shines in fried fish tacos and ceviche, both packed with bold flavor. Simple, unchanged setting keeps prices low and vibe casual. Don't miss the campechana cocktail with octopus and shrimp for a true taste of the sea. - Address: 3306 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MariscosGuillenLaPlayita ### 4. LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA Small Mexican spot serves handmade tortillas with tacos like fish and carnitas that burst with flavor. Casual vibe with family-friendly seating and paper plate service keeps it quick and easy. Background Mexican tunes and local sports on TV add to the welcoming feel. - Address: 725 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LAPUREPECHACOCINAMEXICANA ### 5. The Cloverfield Large outdoor patio with dog-friendly space and warm fires creates a cozy vibe. Fish tacos shine with fresh ingredients and solid flavor. Smooth jazz adds a peaceful atmosphere perfect for groups and families. - Address: 3300 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheCloverfield ### 6. The Curious Palate Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Squash blossom tacos deliver a melting cheesy flavor that stands out. Fish tacos are always fresh, never frozen, ensuring high-quality taste in a bright, spacious setting. - Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl 3rd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheCuriousPalate ### 7. 1212 Santa Monica Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun vibe. Short rib and lamb tacos offer velvety, fresh flavors at $5 each. Outdoor seating with fire pits adds warmth to the lively atmosphere. - Address: 1212 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/1212SantaMonica ### 8. Papi Tacos & Churros Vibrant indoor and outdoor seating with stunning artwork sets a lively, cozy vibe. Tacos are super flavorful and crunchy, featuring keto cheese shell beef and birria. Halal Mexican food shines with authentic flavors and great prices on carne asada and street tacos. - Address: 313 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Papi-Tacos-Churros1 ### 9. SaMo’s Oaxaca Cozy spot with authentic Oaxacan charm and a vibrant wall mural offers a family-owned vibe. Birria tacos shine with exceptional flavor, while street tacos bring authentic taste and fresh fixings. Clean design and good music complete the fast casual experience. - Address: 1865 Lincoln Blvd Ste 5, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/SaMo’s-Oaxaca ### 10. Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe Seafood market blends fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining. Baja style seafood tacos shine with wild fish and shrimp options. Atmosphere mixes bustling energy with quiet spots, creating a community hub vibe for shopping and eating. - Address: 1000 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Santa-Monica-Seafood-Market-Cafe ### 11. Shirubē Long, narrow space with intimate bar seating sets a cozy, romantic mood. Pork belly taco shines with bold flavor and great value. Open kitchen showcases skilled chefs crafting unique sushi and toro tacos, while corn ribs add a tasty side. - Address: 424 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Shirubē ### 12. Perry's Café & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 Outdoor seating on sand offers ocean views and a relaxed vibe with umbrella-covered tables. Shrimp and mahi mahi tacos shine with fresh ingredients and pair well with sweet potato fries. Live music on select days adds to the laid-back atmosphere 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 ### 13. Casa Martin | Ocean Ave Cozy Mexican spot shines with steak tacos and fish tacos that pack big flavor and size. Open-air front and traditional music create a warm vibe perfect for relaxed meals or casual drinks. Great for enjoying authentic dishes before heading to the beach. - Address: 1654 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Casa-Martin-Ocean-Ave ### 14. Tavern on Main SM Bar and grill boasts a full bar and big screens for sports fans. Tacos shine with juicy chicken and steak options, plus a tasty green sauce. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating creates a genuine neighborhood vibe perfect for relaxing or lively game nights. - Address: 2909 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TavernOnMainSM ### 15. Harvelle's Small venue with an intimate stage offers live band karaoke and soulful melodies. Outside, food trucks serve delicious tacos at great prices. Friendly crowds enjoy a vintage bar vibe and an inviting dance floor for a classy night out. - Address: 1432 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Harvelle's ### 16. Rabano Spacious, airy restaurant offers heated outdoor patio where dogs are welcome. Tacos shine with fresh ingredients in large portions, featuring unique flavors like Thai Chicken Curry and seafood. Focus on healthy, organic, vegan options makes dining here feel fresh and friendly. - Address: 2507 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Rabano ### 17. Tacos Por Favor Large interior with authentic Mexican aesthetic offers a warm, lively vibe. Carne Asada hard tacos shine with fresh, bold flavors. Plenty of seating and vegetarian options make it welcoming for all. - Address: 1408 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TacosPorFavor2 ### 18. The Whaler Santa Monica Oceanfront setting delivers unmatched beach views and lively vibes with a DJ at night. Taco Tuesdays bring a flavor fiesta featuring crispy fish tacos and Margaritas. Outdoor terraces offer sunset views while game rooms and sports TVs keep groups entertained. - Address: 101 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheWhalerSantaMonica ### 19. The Albright Seaside spot boasts a huge outdoor deck with scenic views and dog-friendly patio seating. Shrimp tacos shine with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Chill vibe flows with Bob Marley tunes and cozy heaters, making it a casual, relaxed place to enjoy. - Address: 258 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheAlbright ### 20. Tacos 1986 Mexican street tacos shine with melt-in-your-mouth pork and smoky carne asada. Lively vibe comes from loud bachata music and simple seating with counter stools. Self-serve salsa bar adds fun and flavor variety. - Address: 135 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Tacos19865 ### 21. Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant Mexican spot boasts a huge covered patio with propane heaters and lively, casual vibes. Chicken tacos shine with grilled chunks instead of shredded meat. Walls show historical photos that add a cozy, family feel to the noisy, tight seating. - Address: 2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Gilbert's-El-Indio-Restaurant ### 22. Lares Restaurant Mexican restaurant shines with live mariachi music and folk art decor for a cozy vibe. Tacos are crispy and flavorful, especially the potato taco served hot. Enjoy superior margaritas in a family-friendly setting with indoor and outdoor seating. - Address: 2909 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LaresRestaurant ### 23. Lula Cocina Mexicana Colorful, artsy decor and live music create a vibrant vibe. Taco Tuesday shines with shrimp and crispy fish tacos plus a House Margarita. Dogs enjoy the warm back patio, making it a lively spot for all. - Address: 2720 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LulaCocinaMexicana ### 24. Library Alehouse Gastropub shines with Pliny the Elder on tap and a dog-friendly back patio filled with green plants. Crispy fish tacos deliver outstanding flavor and come with hearty beans and rice. Warm, inviting interior can get loud due to dense seating. - Address: 2911 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LibraryAlehouse ### 25. Campos Famous Burritos Burrito spot offers nostalgic divey vibe with lively noise and 80s LA decor. Tacos shine with in-house made shells, especially the hard shell turkey ones. Casual dining feels like home, with a salsa bar for varied spice and large, flavorful burritos. - Address: 2008 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/CamposFamousBurritos1 ### 26. Jack in the Box Fast food spot offers affordable prices and a convenient drive-through. Mini tacos are delicious and small, perfect with burgers and fries. Atmosphere is usually calm with a clean environment despite some wear. - Address: 2025 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/JackInTheBox169 ### 27. El Cholo Large dining room with historic decor offers a warm, festive vibe. Tacos, especially fish and ground beef, are flavorful and loved by kids. Outdoor patio and family room make it a kid-friendly spot with strong margaritas and classic Mexican dishes. - Address: 1025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ElCholo1 ### 28. Frida Tacos - Brentwood Courtyard picnic tables create a friendly vibe where families gather and noise rises on weekends. Mexican food shines with generous portions and excellent salsas that bring heat. Crispy tacos with shredded beef stand out, alongside tasty fish and vegetarian options for variety. - Address: 227 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Frida-Tacos---Brentwood ## 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.