Any insider tips for La Purepecha?

Ask for taconazos style with melted cheese inside

What should I order at La Purepecha?

Carnitas taconazos, fish taco, consomé

Who should go to La Purepecha?

Authenticity seekers and taco purists

Any insider tips for Yagul Cafe?

Order the grasshoppers if you're adventurous

What should I order at Yagul Cafe?

Tasajo tacos, cecina tacos, Oaxacan hot chocolate

When should I visit Yagul Cafe?

Weekday breakfast for peaceful authentic experience

Who should go to Yagul Cafe?

Oaxacan food purists and tortilla aficionados

Any insider tips for Papi Tacos & Churros?

Order the OG Plate for best variety and value

What should I order at Papi Tacos & Churros?

OG Plate, birria quesataco, churros

When should I visit Papi Tacos & Churros?

Lunch for shorter lines than dinner rush

Who should go to Papi Tacos & Churros?

Street food lovers and birria enthusiasts

Any insider tips for Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken?

Portions are huge - sharing is encouraged

What should I order at Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken?

Surf & turf burrito, chicken tacos, churros

When should I visit Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken?

Lunch for quick service and fresh tortillas

Who should go to Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken?

Hungry families seeking value and portions

Any insider tips for Casa Martin?

Happy hour 4-8pm weekdays for best deals

What should I order at Casa Martin?

Carne asada tacos, tableside guacamole, margaritas

When should I visit Casa Martin?

Weekend evenings for live mariachi performances

Who should go to Casa Martin?

Groups celebrating and mariachi music lovers

Any insider tips for Lanea?

Try their at-home tequila flights and picnic packs

What should I order at Lanea?

Barbacoa tacos, tequila flight, canned cocktails

When should I visit Lanea?

Happy hour weekdays 5-7pm or weekend brunch

Who should go to Lanea?

Cocktail enthusiasts and late-night crowds

Best Cheap Eats Tacos Restaurants in Santa Monica (90401)

6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 La Purepecha

8.4

$ Downtown Santa Monica

Vibes: Hidden Gems Heaven Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions

Family-run Michoacan taqueria making handmade tortillas with serrated edges from scratch daily. Carnitas and fish tacos shine, especially during the $1.99 Taco Tuesday special.

Must-Try Dishes: Carnitas Taconazos, Grilled Fish Taco, Adobada Taco

What makes it special: Handmade tortillas with cheese-melted taconazos option

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#2 Yagul Cafe

8.2

$ Downtown Santa Monica

Vibes: Hidden Gems Heaven Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance

Oaxacan cafe using fresh nixtamal corn from their sister tortilleria Maria's. Tasajo and cecina tacos arrive on supple handmade tortillas with vibrant farmers market vegetables.

Must-Try Dishes: Tasajo Tacos, Cecina Tacos, Mole Enchiladas

What makes it special: House-made nixtamal tortillas from their own tortilleria

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#3 Papi Tacos & Churros

8.1

$ Downtown Santa Monica

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites

Wood-fired birria specialists taking three days to prepare their signature beef. The OG burrito with consome-dipped tortilla creates an unforgettable crispy-wet texture combination.

Must-Try Dishes: Birria Quesataco, OG Plate Combo, Dulce de Leche Churros

What makes it special: Authentic birria with 16-hour slow-cooked beef and handmade churros

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Worthy Picks

#4 Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

7.8

$ Wilshire Corridor

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites

Family-friendly spot grilling meats on authentic rotisserie spits as done on Mexican streets. Known for generous portions and their signature rotisserie chicken transformed into various Mexican dishes.

Must-Try Dishes: Surf & Turf Grande Burrito, Rotisserie Chicken Tacos, Bavarian Cream Churros

What makes it special: 24-hour citrus-brined rotisserie chicken

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#5 Casa Martin

7.6

$$ Third Street Promenade

Vibes: Live Music Showtime Family Friendly Favorites Birthday & Celebration Central

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: Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor, Fajitas Mixtas

What makes it special: Live mariachi and authentic Jalisco family recipes

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#6 Lanea

7.5

$$ Downtown Santa Monica

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Late Night Legends Girls Night Out Approved

Cocktail bar featuring 400+ tequilas and mezcals paired with East LA's underground barbacoa tacos. The lamb barbacoa is wrapped in agave leaves and pit-roasted for 36 hours.

Must-Try Dishes: Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Al Pastor, Carnitas with Consommé

What makes it special: One of the largest tequila/mezcal selections in the US

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