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Tu Madre
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Tu Madre
8.4
Born from a happy accident with a fried chicken taco, Tu Madre reinvents the taco game with creative combinations like ahi tuna on handmade tortillas. Their vibrant cantina atmosphere and $1.50 happy hour tacos make this a local favorite for groups and date nights alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Ahi Tuna Tostada, Street Corn Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Inventive fusion tacos with daily happy hour featuring $1.50 tacos
Who should go: Young professionals and creative taco enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday happy hours 3-6pm for best deals
What to order: Fried chicken taco, ahi tuna tostada, margarita flight
Insider tip: Tuesday bottomless brunch is legendary among locals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public garage 2 blocks away on 2nd Street ($3/hr)
Dress code: Casual cantina vibe - anything from jeans to sundresses works
Noise level: Lively during happy hour - expect raised voices, quieter after 7pm
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during happy hour rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cauliflower, mushroom, and black bean options available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 tacos by removing cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated fryer for chips
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - lively atmosphere takes pressure off, shareable plates encourage interaction, and happy hour keeps it budget-friendly
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available, but book ahead for happy hour tables - walk-ins work best before 5pm or after 8pm weekdays
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than toddlers - no kids menu but they'll enjoy the quesadillas, gets loud during peak hours
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion tacos you won't find elsewhere, unbeatable happy hour value, and energetic group dining atmosphere
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos, need a quiet conversation spot, or prefer traditional Mexican cuisine
Tu Madre
8.5
Born from a happy accident with a fried chicken taco, Tu Madre brings creative Mexican fusion to Broadway with seared ahi tuna tacos and craft margaritas. The vibrant cantina atmosphere and $1 Taco Tuesday specials draw crowds for both date nights and group celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Seared Ahi Tuna Taco, Crispy Shrimp Taco with Mango
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Creative fusion tacos meet traditional Mexican flavors
Who should go: Young professionals and adventurous eaters
When to visit: Happy hour or weekend bottomless brunch
What to order: Fried chicken taco, ahi tuna, margarita flight
Insider tip: Daily bottomless brunch feels like a party
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-15), rideshare recommended for brunch
Dress code: Casual trendy - jeans and nice top perfect, beach casual ok for brunch
Noise level: Lively buzz - good for dates but gets loud during happy hour
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ for groups
Weekday lunch: Walk right in except Taco Tuesday (15-20 min wait)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including cauliflower tacos and veggie quesadillas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 dishes, ask server for options
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, most tacos can be made GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - vibrant but not too loud at dinner, shareable plates encourage conversation, margarita flights are a fun ice breaker
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but make a reservation for Friday/Saturday nights or weekend brunch. Bar seating usually available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) - no kids menu but shareable portions work well. Skip for date night vibes after 7pm
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion tacos you won't find elsewhere, best margarita selection in Santa Monica, liveliest brunch scene with bottomless deals
Skip if: You want authentic traditional Mexican, need a quiet conversation spot, or are on a tight budget outside of Taco Tuesday
Tu Madre
8.2
Born from a fried chicken taco experiment, this inventive taqueria pushes boundaries with unexpected combinations like ahi tuna tacos and margarita flights. The energetic space stays open until midnight on weekends, serving creative twists on Mexican classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Ahi Tuna Taco, Fried Avocado Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Inventive fusion tacos that defy traditional Mexican boundaries
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking creative Mexican fusion
When to visit: Friday/Saturday nights before midnight
What to order: Fried chicken taco, ahi tuna taco, margarita flight
Insider tip: $1 tacos on Taco Tuesday
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 7pm, nearby public lots $8-15, rideshare recommended weekend nights
Dress code: Casual trendy - anything from nice jeans to date night outfits fits in
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation flows but gets louder after 10pm
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours (8-10pm), walk-ins possible after 10:30pm
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative veggie options including cauliflower and mushroom tacos
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 items, ask server for vegan cheese option
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but shared kitchen prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - fun atmosphere breaks the ice, shareable margarita flights, and late hours give flexibility to extend if going well
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially if flexible on timing - best luck before 7pm or after 10pm, bar seating usually available, Tuesday nights easiest
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids - gets loud and crowded, no kids menu, but earlier dinner hours (5-7pm) work for families
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion tacos you won't find elsewhere, late night dining when other spots close, Instagram-worthy presentations, margarita variety
Skip if: You want authentic traditional tacos, need a quiet dinner conversation, dining with young children, or strict about dietary restrictions
Tu Madre
8.2
This vibrant taco joint reimagines Mexican street food with creative twists like fried chicken tacos and seared ahi tuna on handmade tortillas. The bottomless brunch and midnight weekend hours fuel Santa Monica's party crowd with affordable plates and strong margaritas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Shrimp Tacos, Al Pastor Burrito, Korean BBQ Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Fusion tacos meet party atmosphere with daily bottomless brunch
Who should go: Groups wanting loud fun and creative tacos
When to visit: Weekend nights or bottomless brunch any day
What to order: Ahi tuna taco, fried chicken taco, cucumber caliente margarita
Insider tip: Skip the wait by grabbing seats at the bar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking scarce after 7pm, paid lots nearby ($8-15), rideshare recommended weekend nights
Dress code: Casual - anything goes from beachwear to going-out clothes
Noise level: Very loud - expect to lean in and repeat yourself
Weekend wait: 60-90 min after 8pm, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: Walk right in before 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom, sweet potato, and black bean tacos available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos without cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard, but cross-contamination likely from shared fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's very loud and party-focused. Better for established couples who want to let loose or group dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations. Hit the bar for immediate seating or come before 7pm weekdays. Weekend waits can exceed an hour
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended - loud music, party crowd, and late-night focus. No kids menu. Better for 21+ crowd
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion tacos, bottomless brunch every day, and late-night party vibes you won't find at traditional taquerias
Skip if: You want authentic Mexican, intimate conversation, or dinner before 9pm on weekends when the party crowd dominates
Tu Madre
8.4
Bold reimagined Mexican favorites meet creative twists like fried chicken tacos and ahi tuna on handmade tortillas. The daily bottomless brunch feels like a party with craft margaritas, vibrant music, and unforgettable energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Tacos, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Cucumber Caliente Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Creative taco twists and daily bottomless brunch parties
Who should go: Brunch lovers and margarita enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Friday night festivities
What to order: Fried chicken tacos, margarita flight, ahi tuna
Insider tip: $1 tacos on Taco Tuesday
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging on weekends, nearby public lot $8 flat rate after 6pm
Dress code: Casual trendy - jeans and nice top perfect, Instagram-ready outfits encouraged
Noise level: Lively during brunch - expect DJ vibes, quieter weeknights for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, 60+ for brunch without reservation
Weekday lunch: Walk right in except Taco Tuesday (15-20 min wait)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom tacos, veggie quesadillas, cauliflower options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 dishes, ask server for vegan cheese
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, dedicated fryer for chips
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for fun, casual first dates - lively atmosphere breaks the ice, but skip weekend brunch if you want to actually talk
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually fine, but book ahead for weekend brunch or groups over 4 - bar seating often available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who can handle the energy - weekend brunch is a party scene, weeknight dinners more family-appropriate
Best For
Better for: More creative and party-focused than traditional spots - choose Tu Madre for Instagram moments and bottomless drinks over authentic street tacos
Skip if: Want quiet intimate dining or traditional Mexican - try Tallula's for romance or Tacos Por Favor for authentic
Tu Madre
7.8
Creative taco concept featuring unconventional combinations like fried chicken and ahi tuna tacos. Popular with younger crowds for margarita flights, daily bottomless brunch, and $1 Taco Tuesday specials in a vibrant, party atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Ahi Tuna Taco, Margarita Flight
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Non-traditional fusion tacos with daily bottomless brunch
Who should go: Young crowds and adventurous eaters
When to visit: Tuesday for $1 tacos all day
What to order: Fried chicken taco, margarita flight, brunch items
Insider tip: Bottomless brunch available every day
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging, nearby public lots $8-15, consider Expo Line from downtown
Dress code: Casual - anything goes from beach wear to jeans and tees
Noise level: Loud - expect DJ/music, better for groups than intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min for brunch
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating except Tuesdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - black bean tacos, veggie quesadillas, solid options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian items, ask server
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but limited menu adaptation
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - very loud and party-focused, hard to have meaningful conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes (except Tuesday), weekends arrive before 6pm or expect 30+ minute wait
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - bar-heavy atmosphere, better for 21+ crowd, no kids menu
Best For
Better for: Bottomless brunch every day (not just weekends), creative fusion tacos you won't find elsewhere, best $1 taco deal in Santa Monica
Skip if: You want authentic Mexican, need a quiet atmosphere, or prefer traditional flavors over experimental fusion