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Lula Cocina Mexicana
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lula Cocina Mexicana
7.9
Día de Muertos-themed cantina established in 1991 featuring Mexico City-inspired dishes and over 300 tequilas on a colorful outdoor patio. The kitchen emphasizes lighter preparations suitable for various dietary preferences while maintaining authentic regional flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Tacos, Lula Margarita, Chicken Mole
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: One of LA's largest tequila collections with over 500 varieties and vibrant Chicano art
Who should go: Tequila enthusiasts and groups wanting a festive patio experience
When to visit: All-day Taco Tuesday for deals; Happy Hour 3-6pm Tuesday-Sunday
What to order: Legendary shrimp tacos, potent Lula Margarita, tres leches cake, tequila flights
Insider tip: The back patio with large booths is perfect for groups with kids
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets; can be challenging on weekends. Public lot on Ashland Avenue (2 blocks) charges $8-12. Arrive 15 minutes early for best spots.
Dress code: Casual beach vibes - shorts and sandals are perfectly fine. The colorful patio setting encourages relaxed California style.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - patio ambiance with music creates buzz but booths allow conversation. Inside dining room is quieter.
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation on Friday/Saturday 6-8pm. Bar seating usually available within 15-20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes except Taco Tuesday which can see 20-30 minute waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 8+ vegetarian options including mushroom tacos, chile relleno, veggie enchiladas, and multiple salads. Kitchen emphasizes lighter preparations.
Vegan options: Good selection - 5-6 options available with dairy substitutions. Staff well-versed in modifications. Chips and multiple salsas are vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available for all tacos and enchiladas. Staff can guide on safe menu items but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date. The lively patio atmosphere and festive Día de Muertos decor create fun energy but can make intimate conversation challenging. If you're both social and enjoy vibrant settings, it works. For quieter connection, request indoor seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) rarely need reservations. Weekend dinners require either a reservation or willingness to wait 45+ minutes. Bar seating is first-come and turns over faster if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly, especially the back patio booths which accommodate families well. Standard kids' menu available. The festive decor keeps children entertained. Best before 7pm when the scene shifts more toward adult cocktail hour.
How strong are the margaritas? Notably potent - the Lula Margarita is a house specialty that packs punch. Tequila flights showcase their 500+ bottle collection beautifully but pace yourself. Order food first if you're doing a tasting flight.
Is the outdoor patio open year-round? Yes - the patio is heated and partially covered, making it viable year-round in Santa Monica's mild climate. Peak experience is spring through fall. Request patio when reserving as it's the signature experience.
What's the damage for two people? $70-90 for dinner with margaritas and shared appetizer. Taco Tuesday brings this down to $50-60. The extensive tequila selection can push bills higher if you're exploring premium bottles - flights run $18-45.
Best For
Better for: Best tequila selection in the area with serious agave expertise; vibrant social atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations; accommodates dietary preferences better than traditional Mexican spots; Taco Tuesday value is exceptional.
Skip if: You want quiet romantic ambiance (try Border Grill instead); seeking cutting-edge modern Mexican cuisine (head to Mírame); need guaranteed seating without planning ahead; looking for authentic regional Mexican rather than LA-adapted style.
Lula Cocina Mexicana
8.1
Since 1991, this Día de Muertos-themed cantina serves Mexico City-inspired cuisine alongside the legendary Lula Margarita. The outdoor patio buzzes with locals who return for fajitas, handmade tamales, and a tequila selection exceeding 300 bottles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Tacos, Sizzling Fajitas, Lula Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: 34-year Main Street institution with 300+ tequilas and potent signature margaritas
Who should go: Margarita enthusiasts and Main Street regulars seeking festive vibes
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm Tuesday-Sunday or all-day Taco Tuesday
What to order: Shrimp tacos, any fajita plate, Lula Margarita
Insider tip: The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and ideal for groups
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and side streets - arrive early on weekends. Public lot at Main/Hollister $2/hr
Dress code: Casual beach attire perfectly fine - flip-flops to sundresses, no formality needed
Noise level: Lively and festive - expect music and conversation buzz, better for groups than intimate talks
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, patio fills first
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seat immediately Tuesday-Thursday lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including veggie fajitas, cheese enchiladas, and bean-based dishes
Vegan options: Limited - request modifications on veggie dishes (no cheese/cream), about 3-4 adaptable items
Gluten-free options: Moderate - corn tortillas available, several naturally GF items, inform server of restrictions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates. The festive, louder atmosphere works if you want casual energy versus quiet intimacy. Patio tables offer slightly more conversation space than indoor.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) - yes, walk right in. Weekend evenings expect 30-45 min wait. Bar seating available first-come.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - families common at lunch and early dinner. Kids menu available, outdoor patio gives them space. After 8pm skews more adult crowd.
How strong are the margaritas really? Genuinely potent - the Lula Margarita is a house legend for a reason. Pace yourself, especially during happy hour when they're discounted. One typically does the job.
Is the outdoor patio open year-round? Yes - heated on cooler evenings. Dog-friendly section makes it popular with pet owners. Request patio when booking, it's the prime seating especially sunset hours.
Best For
Better for: Best Main Street happy hour value and outdoor patio scene. Superior tequila selection versus typical beach cantinas. More authentic Mexico City flavors than tourist-trap competitors nearby.
Skip if: You want quiet romantic ambiance or cutting-edge modern Mexican. For innovative cuisine, try Rosaliné in West LA. For intimate dates, choose Mercado in Pasadena instead.