Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica (90405)
6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Hidden Gems Heaven
Live Music Showtime
Family-run institution serving authentic Mexican fare since 1968 in an atmospheric dining room with carved wood details and live mariachi entertainment on weekends. The kitchen excels at traditional preparations like chicken mole, carnitas con chile verde, and chile rellenos with perfectly melted cheese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Mole Enchiladas, Carnitas con Chile Verde, Chile Relleno
What makes it special: 57-year Santa Monica institution with live mariachi and old-world Mexican charm
8.1
Santa Monica staple since 1974 serving hearty breakfast plates and classic Mexican comfort food in a casual setting decorated with memorabilia and vintage photos. The family operation is known for generous portions, excellent menudo on weekends, and their legendary Diablo salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Weekend Menudo, Carne Asada Breakfast, Dorado Tacos
What makes it special: Won Santa Monica's 2024 Most Loved Mexican Restaurant with 50 years of family recipes
Worthy Picks
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
What makes it special: One of LA's largest tequila collections with over 500 varieties and vibrant Chicano art
#4
Vamos Vamos
7.8
New Mexico-inspired mezcal bar from the Everson Royce Bar team serving street-style tacos and hatch chile-forward dishes in a narrow dining room with sidewalk patio. The cocktail program emphasizes premium tequilas and mezcals with fresh ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hatch Green Chile Cheeseburger, Carne Adovada Nachos, Carne Asada Taco
What makes it special: Brings New Mexico's hatch chile culture to beachside Santa Monica with craft cocktails
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Modern evolution of the 1999 taqueria bringing elevated Puebla-style recipes with a full bar to the gentrifying Lincoln Boulevard corridor. The family operation maintains traditional preparations while expanding the experience with craft cocktails and weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Breakfast Burrito, Carnitas Plate
What makes it special: Family recipes from Puebla passed down through generations with new bar program
7.6
No-frills taqueria on Main Street serving oversized burritos and street tacos until late night with fresh-made tortillas. The casual counter-service spot draws beach crowds with its late hours and straightforward Mexican staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Asada Burrito, Fish Tacos, Breakfast Burrito
What makes it special: Open until 2:15am on weekends serving big portions to the late-night crowd