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Blue Plate Taco
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Blue Plate Taco
8.2
This beachside Baja-meets-Santa Monica spot features ocean views, handmade tortillas made fresh all day, and a coastal approach to Mexican cuisine. Happy hour brings discounted margaritas and sustainable, organic ingredients prepared with California flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos, Short Rib Tacos, Lobster Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Ocean views with organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients
Who should go: Tourists and beachgoers seeking upscale tacos
When to visit: Happy hour Mon-Thu 4-6pm for sunset views
What to order: Baja fish tacos, house margarita, guacamole flight
Insider tip: $10 parking at Shore Hotel with restaurant receipt
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, Shore Hotel lot $10 with receipt validation, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm on Ocean Ave
Dress code: California casual chic - nice jeans and a stylish top work, beachy but put-together
Noise level: Lively but manageable - outdoor seating can get loud during peak times but indoor tables allow conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, no wait before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 solid options including mushroom tacos and cauliflower ceviche
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 items, ask for dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated fryer for chips
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - upscale enough to impress but casual enough to feel relaxed, ocean views provide natural conversation starters, and sharing plates encourage interaction
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, dinner unlikely - try bar seating or put your name in and grab drinks at the beach while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) - no kids menu but they'll do plain quesadillas, atmosphere skews adult especially at dinner
Best For
Better for: Ocean views and upscale ambiance beats other taco spots, plus the only place with a proper guacamole flight and craft margarita program
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos under $3 each or need quick casual dining - try Tacos Por Favor on Olympic instead
Blue Plate Taco
8.5
Baja-inspired beachside taqueria where hand-pressed tortillas meet sustainable seafood and organic ingredients. The ocean-view patio buzzes with families enjoying house-made agua frescas while kids delight in the casual beach vibe and parents appreciate the carefully sourced menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Tacos, Carne Asada Fajitas, Fish Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Hand-made tortillas and ocean views from every table
Who should go: Beach-loving families and taco purists alike
When to visit: Sunset dinner for magical Pacific views
What to order: Lobster tacos, salsa trio, watermelon agua fresca
Insider tip: $10 parking at Shore Hotel next door
Logistics & Planning
Parking: $10 validated at Shore Hotel next door, metered street parking fills up by 6pm on weekends, free 2-hour spots on side streets 3 blocks inland
Dress code: Beach casual - flip-flops to sundresses all welcome, come as you are from the sand
Noise level: Lively but manageable - outdoor patio gets loud during peak hours, inside booths better for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially sunset hours
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, grab a margarita at the bar while waiting
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - full vegetarian section with 8+ options including cauliflower ceviche and mushroom quesadillas
Vegan options: Moderate - 4-5 solid options, can modify most items, separate vegan cheese available
Gluten-free options: Yes - all tacos available on corn tortillas, dedicated fryer for chips, staff well-versed in modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - the sunset views provide natural conversation starters, sharing plates encourage interaction, and the relaxed vibe takes pressure off. Request a patio table facing the ocean.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, but weekend dinners are nearly impossible without booking 3-4 days ahead. Bar seating is first-come and has the same menu plus ocean views.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu with build-your-own tacos, crayons provided, high chairs available, and servers bring kids' food first. The outdoor patio lets kids be louder without disturbing others.
Best For
Better for: Ocean views you won't find at other Mexican spots, plus the only place making tortillas to order beachside. Happy hour (3-6pm) beats any nearby competitor with $5 tacos and $7 margaritas.
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos under $3 or need a quiet romantic dinner - try Tacos Punta Cabras on Rose instead for authenticity or Tar & Roses for date night ambiance.
Blue Plate Taco
8.0
Coastal Baja-meets-Santa Monica restaurant with ocean views featuring scratch-made tortillas and innovative aguas frescas. Their burritos come loaded with mojo de ajo brown rice and Mexican slaw, perfect for sunset dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Surf & Turf Burrito, Blackened Fish Burrito, Chicken Fajita Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Ocean views and handmade tortillas prepared fresh all day
Who should go: Sunset seekers and margarita lovers
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm for ocean views
What to order: Blackened fish burrito, guacamole flight, house margaritas
Insider tip: $10 parking at Shore Hotel with validation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shore Hotel garage $10 with validation, metered street parking $2/hr until 9pm, very competitive on weekends
Dress code: California casual - anything from beach attire to smart casual works, most diners in nice jeans and tops
Noise level: Lively but conversational - outdoor patio quieter than inside, bar area gets loud during happy hour
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially for ocean-view tables
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, immediate seating at bar
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cauliflower and mushroom options, black bean base available for all burritos
Vegan options: Yes - can modify most items, cashew crema substitute available
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but shared prep space - inform server about severity
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - the ocean view provides natural conversation starters, sharing plates encourage interaction, and the $$$-price point feels special without being intimidating
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available within 30 min, but for ocean-view tables book ahead or arrive at 5pm when they open. Tuesday-Thursday your best bet for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 7pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided, outdoor patio gives wiggle room. After 7pm becomes more date-night focused
Best For
Better for: Ocean views while eating quality Mexican, craft margaritas with fresh ingredients, and upscale Baja flavors you won't find at typical burrito chains
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos under $10, need quick takeout, or prefer traditional Mission-style burritos without the coastal twist
Blue Plate Taco
7.6
While primarily a Baja-style Mexican restaurant, Blue Plate Taco offers Mary's shredded chicken in various preparations including enchiladas and fajitas. Their ocean-view patio and handmade tortillas create a beachside dining experience steps from the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Fajita Skillet, Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Crispy Chicken Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas prepared fresh throughout the day
Who should go: Families and margarita enthusiasts
When to visit: Sunset for best patio experience
What to order: Fajita skillet, fish tacos, house margaritas
Insider tip: Most tables are walk-in only despite reservation system
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Beach lot $15 flat rate, metered street parking hard to find after 5pm, consider rideshare on weekends
Dress code: Beach casual - shorts and flip-flops welcome, locals come straight from the sand
Noise level: Lively outdoor patio - expect mariachi on Friday nights, quieter indoor seating available
Weekend wait: 60-90 min for patio tables, 30 min for indoor seating
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for patio preference, immediate indoor seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie fajitas, cheese enchiladas, bean burritos, plus sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie fajitas, ask for no dairy
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but shared fryer for chips
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - the sunset patio views create romance without being too formal. Skip if your date doesn't like crowds or needs quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, actually most patio tables are walk-in only. Arrive 30 min before sunset for best shot at prime ocean-view spots.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, crayons provided, and the outdoor patio means noisy children won't disturb others. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Ocean views and handmade tortillas beat chain competitors, plus stronger margaritas than most beachside spots
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or innovative Mexican - this is crowd-pleasing Americanized fare done well
Blue Plate Taco
8.4
This coastal Baja-meets-Santa Monica destination features handmade tortillas crafted fresh all day, scratch-made agua frescas, and stunning ocean views from the expansive patio. Founded by chef Jenny Rush, the restaurant delivers a clean, fresh take on Mexican cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Tacos, Carnitas, Calamari Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Ocean views with handmade tortillas and craft margaritas
Who should go: Date night couples and sunset seekers
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm for sunset views
What to order: Lobster tacos, salsa flight, watermelon margarita
Insider tip: Most tables held for walk-ins despite reservation system
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, metered street parking scarce after 5pm, public lot 2 blocks away
Dress code: California casual - nice jeans and a stylish top work perfectly
Noise level: Lively but manageable - patio quieter than inside for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, 30 min with
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cauliflower and mushroom tacos plus sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos, ask for dairy-free
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the ocean view patio creates romance without being too formal, and sharing tacos breaks the ice naturally
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they keep 60% of tables for walk-ins. Arrive before 5:30pm or after 8:30pm for best chances
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately - kids welcome until 8pm, no kids menu but plain quesadillas available, can get loud
Best For
Better for: Ocean views and upscale ambiance beats other taco spots, plus the handmade tortillas are unmatched locally
Skip if: You want cheap street tacos or need quick takeout - this is a sit-down experience with prices to match