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Local picks

Mexican food in Ocean Park, Santa Monica

Finding authentic Mexican flavors that prioritize traditional recipes over the watered-down versions found everywhere else.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated April 2026
01
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 1
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 2
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge image 3
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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.

Food shows exceptional detail and quality with next level flavors. Cocktails complement the fantastic dishes well.

Breakfast burritos come with vibrant green sauce and a smoky red sauce. Fish tacos offer impressive portions. Duck tacos are tender and packed with unique flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The food and cocktails here are amazing for Date Spots."

"The duck tacos here are tender and packed with unique flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks for $10.

2

Parking is available, but not validated.

3

The restaurant has a family-style dining option for sharing.

02
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with flame grilled chicken visible from the dining area offers a calm atmosphere and ample seating. The place attracts locals who appreciate fresh, healthy meals at reasonable prices without a fast-food feel.

Food here feels fresh and healthy with consistently hot chicken, fresh salsas, rice, and vegetables. Service moves fast even when busy, keeping the food quality high and affordable.

Chicken dishes come out tender and juicy with fresh salsas, rice, and beans. Burritos, quesadillas, and tacos offer great flavor and filling portions, while churros add a sweet finish.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The Mexican food here is perfectly cooked and always arrives on time."

"I thought the prices here were affordable."

Good to know

1

This location does not have a drive-through; only dine-in or takeout is available.

2

Parking is limited at the Santa Monica location but ample at others.

3

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for those needing assistance.

03
Mariscos Guillen La Playita image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Mixed seafood tostada and pulpo tostada stand out with fresh ingredients. Food comes from a small food counter with limited seating, offering Mexican dishes that range from very good to bland.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, fried options that many find excellent. Burritos and ceviche also shine, with the mixed seafood tostada and shrimp ceviche offering fresh, flavorful choices.

People are saying

"I thought the ceviche here was the best in the world."

"The food here is fresh and flavorful, especially the seafood."

"The fish tacos here are incredible Mexican food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7:45 PM, not 9:00 PM as indicated by GPS.

2

Expect to eat outside or next door at the tire shop due to limited seating.

3

Prices are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

04
Rabano image 1
Restaurant

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.

Food here is fresh and healthy with a great variety of options. Portions are ample and dishes come out beautifully prepared and tasty.

Tacos come in large portions with fresh ingredients and strong flavors. The menu features California burritos, seafood tacos, and all-day breakfast burritos, offering a variety of burritos and bowls.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and always good."

"I found the healthy foods here to be delicious and fresh."

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Rabano offers a variety of dishes suitable for all tastes, including options for kids.

2

The kids menu includes a drink for a very reasonable price.

3

Rabano now offers breakfast burritos all day.

05
Perry's Café & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 image 1

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.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious, avoiding fast food style. The menu suits beachside cravings with quality that matches the relaxed ambience.

Shrimp and mahi mahi tacos stand out with perfect size for a beach walk and fresh flavors. Burritos, especially the Big Wave Breakfast and King Richards veggie, offer tasty, satisfying options.

People are saying

"I loved watching everything happening on the beach from the cafe."

"I thought the food here was pretty good."

"The Mahi Mahi tacos and Cali bowl were really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays.

2

Bikes and beach umbrellas can be rented for $8 per hour.

3

The café closes just before sunset, limiting evening visits.

06
Tavern on Main SM image 1

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.

Affordable and delicious bar food stands out here, with excellent execution on classics like fried pickles. Daily food and drink deals add value, and the staff serves everything with a smile.

Tacos stand out with juicy steak and flavorful chicken options, often paired with a green sauce. Small plates like deviled eggs with bacon and sliders complement the Mexican offerings well.

People are saying

"This bar is the best place to watch the Detroit Lions games."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience amazing and friendly."

Good to know

1

No one under the age of 21 is allowed in the restaurant or on the terrace.

2

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday between 9 and 11 pm with 2-for-1 deals.

3

Wings are a special on Wednesdays, with a 50 cent deal.

07
Library Alehouse image 1
American restaurant

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.

Food comes out promptly even when busy, with consistently excellent quality. The menu pairs super delicious dishes with a diverse beer selection.

Fish tacos stand out with a crispy texture and generous portions. Shrimp tacos come with beans and rice on the side, and quesadillas add variety to the Mexican food options.

People are saying

"They have an awesome, wide selection of craft beers."

"I found the food here to be very good."

"I had outstanding crispy fish tacos, some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm Monday to Friday with great deals.

2

Trivia night is held every Wednesday evening in the back area.

3

Parking can be challenging, but there are usually spots available nearby.

08
Lula Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Food features fresh ingredients and shows intentional care in preparation. Dishes consistently deliver amazing flavor and a very good dining experience.

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.

People are saying

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

"The Seafood here is amazing, and the staff are so friendly."

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

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.

09
Jameson’s Pub image 1

Irish pub with authentic decor and many TVs creates a lively sports bar atmosphere. Live music and karaoke add to the energetic vibe, while indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beachside feel without sand. The crowd varies from chill on weekdays to busy and spirited on weekend nights.

Food here is consistently excellent and great tasting with a lively atmosphere. Drinks and coffee complement the quality food well.

Fish tacos stand out with exceptional flavor and are a highlight of the menu. Taco Tuesdays offer an all-you-can-eat deal for $12.99, making it a popular choice for Mexican food lovers.

People are saying

"It's a lively bar with a fun, energetic atmosphere."

"I thought the food here was awesome."

"You've gotta try the all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesdays."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 7pm with 2-for-1 drink specials.

2

A cover charge applies after 10 PM on Saturday nights.

3

The pub can get very crowded during football season.

10
Vamos. Vamos. image 1
Restaurant

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.

Fresh, beautifully seasoned Mexican food stands out here. Portions are generous and prices reasonable, with dishes cooked with obvious love and great flavor.

Tacos come in many varieties like carne, grilled fish, birria, and duck with an Asian twist. Burritos have a grilled crunchy outside. Nachos and margaritas, including fresh cucumber juice and cocktails with a twist, complement the dishes well.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served by the friendliest, most welcoming staff."

"You have to try the elote nachos; they're possibly sublime."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and seasoned beautifully."

Good to know

1

Prices have increased since the management change, making it a bit pricey.

2

The menu has been pared down to a few items, losing some previous favorites.

3

Salsa is not included with tacos and must be purchased separately.

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Ocean Park, Santa Monica

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