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Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
7.6
This health-conscious Mexican chain uses organic ingredients and wood-fired grills to create fresh, wholesome Mexican fare that doesn't sacrifice flavor. The extensive salsa bar and tempura fish tacos have earned a devoted following among Beverly Hills locals seeking quick, quality Mexican food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura Mahi Mahi Tacos, Wood-Fired Fajita Bowl, Mexican Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Organic ingredients and famous self-serve salsa bar
Who should go: Health-conscious diners, families, quick lunch crowd
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid lines, Happy Hour 3-6pm
What to order: Fish tacos, fajita bowls, salsa bar variety
Insider tip: Try the off-menu 4-cheese Mexican pizza
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Beverly Drive ($3/hour), free 2-hour garage one block away on Canon
Dress code: Come as you are - athleisure to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Family-friendly buzz - easy conversation at tables
Weekend wait: 10-15 min peak times, order-at-counter speeds things up
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min noon rush, otherwise immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options with organic beans, grilled veggies
Vegan options: Yes - can customize most items, dedicated vegan protein options
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, staff knowledgeable about prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 3rd+ dates - the order-at-counter format and bright lighting are too casual for romance, but perfect for low-key getting to know someone
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with plenty of seating, rarely a wait except weekday lunch rush
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, high chairs, casual atmosphere where noise is expected, plus the salsa bar keeps them entertained
Best For
Better for: Healthier, customizable Mexican that Chipotle wishes it could be - organic ingredients, wood-fired flavors, and that legendary salsa bar puts it above other fast-casual chains
Skip if: You want full-service dining with margaritas and ambiance - head to Gracias Madre or Casa Madera for elevated Mexican instead
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
7.8
Since 1992, this health-conscious chain serves woodfired Mexican fare with organic ingredients and non-GMO options. Known for their tempura fish tacos and customizable bowls, Sharky's offers fresh, made-to-order meals at prices surprisingly reasonable for Beverly Hills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura Fish Tacos, Fajita Power Plate, Stone-Fired 4 Cheese Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Organic ingredients and woodfire grilling at fast-casual prices
Who should go: Health-conscious diners wanting quick Mexican
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest service
What to order: Fish tacos, power plates, organic salads
Insider tip: Order the off-menu stone-fired pizza for something different
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with 2-hour meters, small lot behind building fills by noon
Dress code: Come as you are - athletic wear to business casual all common
Noise level: Moderate buzz - easy conversation at tables, louder near ordering counter
Weekend wait: 5-10 min line to order, grab seats immediately
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min line during 12-1pm rush, clear by 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - full veggie menu with organic beans, grilled veggies, tofu options
Vegan options: Yes - can veganize most items, cashew cream available
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated prep protocols, marked menu items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual third date - ordering at counter kills romance but healthy vibe shows you care about wellness
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - order at counter, seat yourself. Patio tables go fast at dinner
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, organic options parents appreciate, casual enough for messes, high chairs available
Best For
Better for: Cleanest Mexican option when Chipotle feels too heavy - actually tastes grilled not steamed
Skip if: You want margaritas and ambiance - this is fuel not a fiesta
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
7.8
This health-conscious chain uses organic ingredients and wood-fired cooking to create substantial burritos that don't sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Since 1992, they've served Beverly Hills families looking for quick, wholesome Mexican fare with customizable options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fajita Burrito, Wild Alaska Salmon Burrito, Tofu Veggie Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Non-GMO organic ingredients with wood-fired cooking technique.
Who should go: Health-conscious diners, families, lunch crowds
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid lines
What to order: Fajita burrito, stone-fired pizza, organic rice bowl
Insider tip: Order ahead on their app to skip the lunch rush line
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Beverly Drive with 2-hour meters, small lot behind building fills up at lunch
Dress code: Completely casual - athletic wear and flip-flops common
Noise level: Lively and bustling - expect family chatter and open kitchen sounds
Weekend wait: 10-15 min during peak hours (6-7:30pm)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min from 12-1pm, no wait otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - black bean and veggie options for all items, grilled veggie plates
Vegan options: Yes - can make any item vegan, skip cheese and sour cream, vegan-friendly beans
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, bowls without tortilla, dedicated prep protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Too casual for most first dates - better for a quick lunch date or very low-key meetup. The counter-service format doesn't create romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - it's counter service with first-come seating. No reservations taken. Plenty of tables turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, high chairs, casual atmosphere where noise is expected. Staff is patient with customization requests for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious Mexican without sacrificing portion size - better ingredient quality than Chipotle, more convenient than sit-down Mexican restaurants
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos, margaritas with dinner, or date-night ambiance - try Gracias Madre or Pink Taco instead
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
7.6
Health-conscious chain serving organic ingredients and woodfired proteins in customizable tacos and bowls since 1992. The open kitchen showcases mesquite grilling while the casual dining room attracts families seeking wholesome Mexican fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempura Fish Tacos, Grilled Salmon Tacos, Organic Chicken Street Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Organic ingredients and woodfired cooking
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and families
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quick service
What to order: Fish tacos, power plate bowl, fresh guac
Insider tip: Customize any taco with organic options
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with meters on Beverly Drive, 2-hour limit. Small lot behind restaurant often full at lunch
Dress code: Casual - athletic wear and flip-flops common, anything goes
Noise level: Moderate to loud - open kitchen adds energy, conversations easy at tables
Weekend wait: 10-15 min peak times, mostly walk-in friendly
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during 12-1pm rush, otherwise immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - black beans, grilled veggies, extensive salad options
Vegan options: Yes - can customize bowls and tacos, vegan cheese available
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated gluten-free menu section
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - the counter-service style and family atmosphere lack romance, but it's great for low-key getting to know someone over healthy food
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - it's counter service with ample seating. No reservations taken or needed
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, high chairs, casual vibe where noise is expected. Staff patient with customizations for picky eaters
Best For
Better for: Healthier Mexican than Chipotle with organic ingredients and visible grilling process. More customization options than typical sit-down Mexican restaurants
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or upscale Mexican dining. Choose Gracias Madre for vegan Mexican or Republique for date-worthy atmosphere
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
7.6
Health-conscious fast-casual chain serving made-to-order Mexican fare with organic and non-GMO ingredients since 1992. The salsa bar and customizable bowls appeal to Beverly Hills' wellness-minded residents seeking fresh, clean Mexican flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Salmon Bowl, Stone Fired Pizza, Power Plate
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Organic, non-GMO Mexican fast-casual with extensive salsa bar
Who should go: Health-conscious diners wanting quick, fresh Mexican food
When to visit: Lunch for efficient counter service and freshest ingredients
What to order: Grilled salmon bowl, stone-fired pizza, salsa bar exploration
Insider tip: Download rewards app to skip lines and earn points
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking $2/hour, nearby municipal lot $3/hour - valet not available
Dress code: Very casual - athleisure, jeans, shorts all fine
Noise level: Moderate - can hold conversation but not intimate
Weekend wait: 10-15 min during peak hours (6-8pm)
Weekday lunch: 5 min wait typical, 15 min during lunch rush (12-1pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including veggie bowls, quesadillas, and salads
Vegan options: Yes - can build bowls with beans, rice, veggies, and guacamole
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, clearly marked GF options on menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - fast-casual counter service lacks romantic ambiance, better for casual meetups or later-stage dating
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with open seating, just order and find a table
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - simple customizable bowls, high chairs available, casual atmosphere welcomes families
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious Mexican food with organic ingredients and quick service in upscale Beverly Hills location
Skip if: You want full-service dining, romantic atmosphere, or authentic traditional Mexican cuisine