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Guide to Downtown Santa Monica

Mexican food

You have a specific craving for Mexican food, and you refuse to settle for anything less than the real thing.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot shines with rich tacos and refreshing agua fresca. Stunning design and cozy atmosphere invite families and groups. Soft music and NBA games on a large screen add lively charm.

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.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."

"The atmosphere here is great and chill."

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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Yagul Cafe image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a family-run feel and casual vibe. Mexican dishes shine with authentic chilaquiles and rich mole. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, adding to the relaxed charm despite noisy blenders.

Chilaquiles stand out with authentic seasoning and a chef's kiss quality. Huevos rancheros and mole offer home-cooked flavors rarely found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos here are phenomenal and delicious."

"This Mexican food is so fresh and has amazing flavors."

"The coffee here is amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Yagul Cafe is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

2

The cafe seats around 30 people, making it an intimate dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chicken enchiladas, which may be considered small in portion.

03
Brightside California Kitchen image 1

Cozy spot with live music and large Fonzi-style tables offers a bright, clean space perfect for brunch. Enjoy delicious huevos rancheros and a tasty breakfast burrito in a relaxed, quiet setting.

Huevos rancheros stand out as a delicious and well-prepared dish. The breakfast burrito is tasty, filling, and consistently well done.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The servers here are so friendly and welcoming."

"You have to try their amazing breakfast burrito; it's so tasty and filling."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy with a garage across the street, free for the first 90 minutes.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it a good choice for families.

3

Vegan breakfast options are available on the menu.

04
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market offers fresh seafood displays and a lively oyster bar. Baja style seafood tacos with homemade corn tortillas bring authentic Mexican flavors. Atmosphere blends bustling market energy with a casual dining space perfect for conversation.

Seafood tacos stand out with baja style and wild fish options. Corn tortillas and sauces come homemade, adding fresh flavor to each taco.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The market has an excellent selection of fresh seafood."

"The seafood tacos here are amazing and well prepared."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

05
The Chestnut Club image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with dim lighting and a live saxophone sets a cool vibe. Happy Hour offers tuna tacos and solid margaritas. Seating suits both relaxed drinks and dancing, blending old-timey charm with modern beats.

Happy Hour features sliders, tacos, and deviled eggs that stand out. Tuna tacos offer a better flavor than the ceviche. Margaritas come solid and well-made.

People are saying

"The DJ mixed different music and played all the jams."

"The old-school speakeasy vibe and decor inside is really cool."

"The Mexican Food here is so nice and friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect wait times of less than 10 minutes for drink orders.

3

Happy hour offers specials on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm.

06
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

Small Mexican spot serves tender carnitas tacos and bold shrimp burritos in a family-friendly setting. Spartan interiors and paper plates keep it casual. Background Mexican tunes and local sports on TV create a welcoming vibe for quick meals.

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.

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."

"The carnitas were tender with a perfect crisp."

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.

07
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Squash blossom tacos deliver a melting cheesy flavor while fish tacos stay fresh and vibrant. Tortilla soup balances spice just right, making it a bright, spacious spot to relax away from noise.

Squash blossom tacos offer a melting cheesy flavor that stands out. Fish tacos come fresh, never frozen, and tortilla soup hits a perfect spice level.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"This Local Spot's fresh, from-scratch cooking uses local ingredients."

"You have to try the Baja fish tacos; they're incredible."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

08
Shirubฤ“ image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with intimate bar seating creates a cozy vibe. Pork belly tacos offer flavorful, affordable Mexican food alongside corn ribs and prawn tempura. Romantic lighting highlights antique sake cups and skilled chefs, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Pork belly tacos stand out as a flavorful and affordable option at $6. Other notable dishes include corn ribs, prawn tempura, and Dan Dan noodles, which add variety beyond typical Mexican fare.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"You have to get the corn ribs; they're amazing."

"You have to try the pork belly tacos; they're great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sunday with food and drink specials.

2

Most happy hour menu items are about $5 cheaper than regular prices.

3

They offer both early and late-night happy hour specials.

09
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space buzzes with live DJ music and a dog-friendly patio featuring fire pits. Tacos with tequila chicken and velvety short rib come fresh and fast, perfect with a 12 oz wine mega pint. Loud, fun vibe energizes every evening.

Tacos come with tender tequila chicken and velvety short rib options, each priced at $5. Crostinis, lamb tacos, and sliders arrive fresh and fast, pairing well with a 12 oz wine mega pint.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and delicious."

"Our Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

"I loved the all-night happy hour deal on Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

10
Casa Martin | 3rd St Promenade image 1

Cozy Mexican spot shines with live Mariachi music and stylish outdoor seating. Fish tacos and mole enchiladas offer bold flavors that pair perfectly with a unique margarita flight. Warm, inviting vibe blends tradition with lively charm.

Fish tacos come loaded and very tasty, standing out alongside mole and verde enchiladas that deliver strong flavors. Margaritas include a unique, balanced flight and pair well with dishes like the wet burrito and fresh guacamole.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the fish tacos, is fantastic."

"The seafood, especially the garlic shrimp, was delicious."

"The vegetarian options here are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Expect an 18% automatic service charge on your bill.

2

Happy hour offers better value with a 2 taco special.

3

The average entree costs around $25.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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