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Casa Martin
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Casa Martin
7.6
This family-operated restaurant brings authentic Jalisco flavors from Tepatitlan to the Promenade with recipes passed down from their mother's kitchen. Live mariachi performances and generous portions create a festive atmosphere perfect for celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor, Fajitas Mixtas
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Live mariachi and authentic Jalisco family recipes
Who should go: Groups celebrating and mariachi music lovers
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live mariachi performances
What to order: Carne asada tacos, tableside guacamole, margaritas
Insider tip: Happy hour 4-8pm weekdays for best deals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public parking structures $3-15, closest at 2nd/Santa Monica. Street parking scarce, arrive early or use rideshare
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, tourists in shorts welcome
Noise level: Loud during mariachi sets - expect to speak up
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, 60+ during summer tourist season
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean/cheese options, veggie fajitas, can modify most dishes
Vegan options: Limited - guacamole, veggie tacos without cheese/sour cream
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - mariachi makes conversation difficult and festive vibe is more group-oriented than intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky - call ahead for parties over 4 or Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs, kids menu, loud environment masks crying, mariachi entertains children
Best For
Better for: Live entertainment and party atmosphere beats nearby Lula or Tocaya for group celebrations
Skip if: You want innovative modern Mexican - stick to traditional here, try Tallula's for creative takes
Casa Martin
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Live Music Showtime
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-owned since establishment, serving traditional Tepatitlan Jalisco recipes passed down through generations. Live mariachi on weekends brings authentic Mexican celebration energy to the Promenade.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wet Burritos, Fajitas Mixtas, Homemade Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Jalisco recipes and live weekend mariachi
Who should go: Families seeking traditional Mexican
When to visit: Weekend evenings for mariachi performances
What to order: Wet burritos, fajitas mixtas, fresh guacamole
Insider tip: Happy hour 4-8pm weekdays only
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Promenade parking structures $3/hr, fills up weekend evenings. Street parking 2-hour limit until 6pm
Dress code: Come as you are - tourists in shorts welcome, locals in everything from gym clothes to date night attire
Noise level: Lively, especially with mariachi - expect festive volume on weekends, moderate weeknights
Weekend wait: 30-45 min when mariachi plays, call-ahead list available
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10 min max during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean/cheese options, veggie fajitas, most items customizable
Vegan options: Limited - can modify rice/bean dishes, request no cheese/sour cream
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but kitchen has cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - mariachi nights are fun but loud, weeknight happy hour more intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, weekend mariachi nights risky - they take walk-ins but expect 30+ minute waits after 7pm
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, crayons, staff patient with families, mariachi often plays requests for kids
Best For
Better for: Authentic family recipes and live entertainment at budget prices - more genuine than touristy Promenade chains
Skip if: You want modern Mexican fusion or craft cocktails - this is traditional comfort food and standard margaritas
Casa Martin
8.1
Family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant from Jalisco featuring live mariachi performances and traditional recipes. Located directly on the Third Street Promenade, offering generous Happy Hour deals Monday-Friday 3-6pm with a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Molcajete Mixto, Enchiladas Rojas
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Live mariachi shows Wed-Thurs evenings with authentic Jalisco recipes
Who should go: Families and groups seeking traditional fare
When to visit: Wednesday or Thursday for live salsa band
What to order: Carnitas tacos, house margaritas, molcajete
Insider tip: Happy Hour extends to 8pm on weekdays
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking tough after 5pm, public garages on 2nd/4th Street ($8-15), rideshare recommended weekends
Dress code: Casual - shorts and flip-flops welcome, locals come straight from beach
Noise level: Loud - especially during mariachi nights, difficult for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, 60+ during summer tourist season
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive bean/cheese options, veggie fajitas standout
Vegan options: Limited - can modify most dishes, ask for no cheese/sour cream
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - too loud for getting-to-know-you conversation, but fun once comfortable
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes weekdays, grab a Happy Hour bar seat. Weekends book ahead or expect 30+ min wait
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, crayons, mariachi often plays requests for children
Best For
Better for: Authentic Jalisco-style carnitas and festive group celebrations vs. trendy modern Mexican spots
Skip if: You want intimate ambiance or innovative fusion - go to Tallula's or Mercado instead
Casa Martin
7.6
Family-operated restaurant bringing traditional recipes from Tepatitlan, Jalisco to the Promenade. Live mariachi performances add festive atmosphere to authentic regional dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Street Tacos, Carne Asada, Traditional Jalisco Specialties
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Live mariachi performances on weekends
Who should go: Tourists and mariachi music lovers
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live entertainment
What to order: Street tacos, traditional Jalisco plates
Insider tip: Promenade location has the best atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public parking structures nearby ($3-15), arrive early weekends. Third Street Promenade is pedestrian-only, park at Structure 6 or 7
Dress code: Very casual - come as you are, beachwear totally fine
Noise level: Loud on weekends with mariachi, moderate weeknights - better for groups than intimate dates
Weekend wait: 30-45 min when mariachi plays (Fri-Sat nights)
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, maybe 5-10 min peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean & cheese options, veggie quesadillas, nopales tacos
Vegan options: Limited - can modify bean tacos without cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - too loud with mariachi on weekends, very casual vibe. Better for established couples who want fun atmosphere
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Expect waits weekend evenings, but turnover is quick
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the mariachi, simple menu they'll eat, high chairs available, outdoor seating helps with noise
Best For
Better for: Live entertainment and festive atmosphere - no other taco spot on Promenade has weekend mariachi
Skip if: You want innovative/modern Mexican - this is traditional comfort food. For trendy tacos hit Tacos Por Favor instead