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Desvelados Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Desvelados Cantina
7.8
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Sixth location of this LA institution brings 50+ taco varieties and premium mezcal to downtown Santa Monica. Opened November 2024 with full liquor bar and the famous 'Alcapone' taco grande.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alcapone Taco Grande, Mas Buscados Tacos, No Seas Naca Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 50+ taco varieties and premium mezcal selection
Who should go: Adventurous eaters and mezcal enthusiasts
When to visit: Happy hour or Día de los Muertos celebrations
What to order: Alcapone taco, varied taco flight, mezcalitas
Insider tip: New location opened with exclusive Santa Monica-only tacos
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking $3/hr until 8pm, public garage 2 blocks away ($8 flat rate evenings). Valet not available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, beachy Santa Monica vibe welcome
Noise level: Loud during peak times - conversation challenging at bar, better in dining room
Weekend wait: 60-90 min Friday/Saturday without reservation, bar seating sometimes available sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8-10 dedicated taco options plus sides, clearly marked on menu
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 taco options, can modify others by removing cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard, but shared fryer for chips. Alert server for celiac needs
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - very lively atmosphere makes intimate conversation tough. Great for fun, casual dates where you want good energy and shareable food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 20-30 min wait. Weekends very difficult - try for bar seating or come before 6pm. They don't take same-day reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided. After 8pm becomes more of a bar scene, especially weekends.
Best For
Better for: Most extensive taco variety in Santa Monica, superior mezcal selection vs other Mexican spots, better happy hour deals than Mercado or Tallula's
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos (try Tacos Por Favor), need a quiet dinner spot, or prefer traditional Mexican over modern interpretations
Desvelados Cantina
7.7
Newly opened family-run cantina bringing authentic Guadalajara street tacos with over 40 varieties. Features charcoal-grilled meats, handmade tortillas, and agave wine slushies in the former Mercado space since November 2024.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alcapone Taco Grande, Mas Buscados Tacos, Carnitas Street Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 40+ taco varieties with authentic charcoal grilling technique
Who should go: Budget-conscious taco enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday lunches for shorter waits
What to order: Alcapone taco, variety sampler, agave wine slush
Insider tip: Try the special mezcals at their full bar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging after 5pm, consider the 2nd Street garage ($2/hr)
Dress code: Very casual - come as you are, beachy attire welcome
Noise level: Lively and bustling - expect raised voices for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min max, often immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including nopales, mushroom, and cheese tacos
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos without cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second/third dates - very informal setting, can get messy with street tacos, but great for breaking the ice over agave slushies
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - arrive before 6pm weekdays or expect a wait. Bar seating usually opens up faster
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual atmosphere welcomes families, simple quesadillas available, though no dedicated kids menu. Best before 7pm when bar crowd picks up
Best For
Better for: Authentic variety and value - more taco options than Tacos Por Favor, better prices than Mercado, real charcoal flavor unlike most competitors
Skip if: You want table service dining or upscale Mexican - try Tallula's or Forma instead for date nights requiring ambiance