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Lanea
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Lanea
8.1
This cocktail bar showcases over 400 tequilas and mezcals alongside authentic street tacos from East LA's 'Barbacoa Queen' Petra Zavaleta. The 36-hour pit-roasted lamb barbacoa wrapped in agave leaves pairs perfectly with handcrafted wellness-driven cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Al Pastor, Carnitas with Consommé
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: One of the largest tequila/mezcal selections in the US
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and late-night crowds
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays 5-7pm or weekend brunch
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, tequila flight, canned cocktails
Insider tip: Try their at-home tequila flights and picnic packs
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, nearby public lots $8-15, rideshare recommended for happy hour
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy, jeans with nice top works, gets more upscale after 9pm
Noise level: Lively buzz during happy hour, louder after 9pm - challenging for intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Not open for weekday lunch - opens at 5pm Mon-Fri
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom and nopales tacos, quesadillas, multiple apps
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos without cheese, ask about lard in beans
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, most tacos GF, ask about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for drinks-focused first dates - impressive tequila selection shows sophistication, sharing tacos breaks ice, but can get loud after 8pm so book early slots
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available with 20-30 min wait, tables tough on weekends. Best walk-in chances Tuesday-Thursday before 6pm or after 9:30pm
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids - bar-focused atmosphere, late dining crowd, no kids menu. Better for 16+ or weekend brunch only for families
Best For
Better for: Unmatched tequila education with 400+ bottles, authentic 36-hour barbacoa you won't find elsewhere, craft cocktails that rival dedicated cocktail bars
Skip if: You want quick casual tacos, need family-friendly atmosphere, prefer beer over tequila, or dining before 5pm on weekdays
Lanea
8.1
This tequila-forward cantina pairs over 400 agave spirits with authentic Baja-inspired barbacoa from East LA's BaBaKush family. The lamb barbacoa wrapped in agave leaves and pit-roasted for 36 hours represents a rare delicacy in beachside Santa Monica.
Must-Try Dishes:
36-Hour Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Arizona Street Tacos, Shrimp Tacos with Habanero
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Authentic pit-roasted barbacoa lamb from BaBaKush
Who should go: Tequila enthusiasts and barbacoa connoisseurs
When to visit: Taco Tuesday for $15 all-you-can-eat special
What to order: Barbacoa lamb, street tacos, tequila flight
Insider tip: Tuesday-Thursday AYCE tacos for just $15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 7pm, nearby public garage $8 flat rate after 6pm
Dress code: Casual - anything from beach attire to date night works
Noise level: Loud during live music nights - conversation difficult after 9pm
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min during live music nights
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - grilled veggie tacos, quesadillas, multiple appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos, ask for no cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - gets loud with live music, strong tequila focus might be intense, but great energy if you both love Mexican food and cocktails
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes if you arrive before 7pm or after 9:30pm. Weekends tough - try bar seating or expect 45+ minute wait
Is it kid-friendly? Before 8pm yes - high chairs available, kids menu. After 8pm becomes more of a bar scene, especially with live music
Best For
Better for: Authentic barbacoa you won't find elsewhere in Santa Monica, best tequila selection on the Westside, Tuesday AYCE deal beats any comparable spot
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, quick lunch under 30 min, or traditional Tex-Mex rather than Baja-style
Lanea
8.4
This tequila-forward cocktail bar brings authentic Mexican street food to downtown Santa Monica with 600+ agave spirits and barbacoa tacos from East LA's BabaKush. The late-night scene pulses with DJs and margarita flights while taqueros craft handmade tortillas until 2am.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Tacos, Al Pastor with Pineapple, Carnitas Street Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: One of the West Coast's largest tequila collections paired with authentic East LA street tacos
Who should go: Tequila enthusiasts and late-night taco seekers
When to visit: After 10pm when the DJ starts spinning
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, tequila flight, carnitas
Insider tip: All-you-can-eat tacos Tuesday-Thursday for $15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking until 8pm, then free but competitive. Paid lots within 2 blocks ($10-15)
Dress code: Smart casual - trendy jeans and nice top work well, gets dressier after 10pm
Noise level: Moderate until 10pm, then loud with DJ - sit on patio for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min after 9pm without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - opens at 5pm daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom, bean, and cheese options plus sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify bean tacos, ask for no cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Yes - all tacos available on corn tortillas, certified GF prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect before 10pm for cocktails and conversation. After 10pm it's loud with DJs - better for established couples who want to dance
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 8pm usually ok. Friday/Saturday book ahead or expect 60+ min wait. Bar seats are first-come and turn over faster
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - it's a tequila bar that gets clubby at night. Before 8pm teens ok, but better options nearby for families
Best For
Better for: Best tequila selection on the Westside, authentic late-night tacos when everywhere else is closed, Tuesday-Thursday all-you-can-eat deal
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, need extensive vegan menu, dining with kids, or prefer craft beer over agave spirits
Lanea
8.4
This cocktail-forward cantina pairs over 600 tequilas and mezcals with East LA's legendary Barbakush lamb barbacoa, pit-roasted underground for 36 hours. The late-night DJ sets and 2 AM kitchen create Santa Monica's premier after-hours taco destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Arizona Street Tacos, Chorizo Breakfast Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: East LA's underground barbacoa meets craft cocktail culture with 600+ agave spirits
Who should go: Night owls seeking tacos and tequila after midnight
When to visit: Weekend nights when DJs spin until 2 AM
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, tequila flight, watermelon sugar high cocktail
Insider tip: The annex bar upstairs has shorter lines for drinks
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking scarce after 7pm, public lot on 4th Street ($8 flat rate after 6pm), valet available weekends ($15)
Dress code: Elevated casual - think nice jeans and a stylish top, gets dressier as night progresses
Noise level: Loud after 10pm with DJs, moderate during dinner hours - sit on patio for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min after 9pm without reservation, bar seating usually available in 20 min
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - opens at 5pm daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom and cauliflower tacos, quesadillas, multiple apps
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos, chips/guac/salsa always safe
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas standard, but cross-contamination likely in fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect after 8pm - intimate lighting, sharable plates, and impressive tequila list shows sophistication. Avoid peak DJ hours (11pm+) if you want to talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 8pm yes, otherwise expect 45+ min wait. Pro tip: eat at the bar or grab drinks upstairs while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Before 9pm only - gets adult-oriented with bar scene later. No kids menu, but they'll do plain quesadillas.
Best For
Better for: Late night cravings (kitchen open til 2am), serious tequila enthusiasts (600+ bottles), and authentic underground barbacoa you can't find elsewhere in Santa Monica
Skip if: You want quick casual tacos (this is an experience), need a quiet dinner spot, or prefer beer over tequila
Lanea
8.0
Hand-selection of 400+ tequilas and mezcals paired with East LA's famous barbacoa from the 'Barbacoa Queen.' The lamb wrapped in agave leaves and pit-roasted for 36 hours defines authentic street food excellence.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Tacos, Street Corn, PCH Picante Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 400+ tequilas and authentic 36-hour barbacoa
Who should go: Tequila aficionados and barbacoa seekers
When to visit: Late night or weekend DJ sessions
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, tequila flight, street corn
Insider tip: All-you-can-eat tacos Tuesday-Thursday for $15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 7pm, nearby public garage $8 flat rate after 5pm
Dress code: Casual cool - anything from nice jeans to date night attire works
Noise level: Loud during DJ nights, moderate otherwise - sit on patio for quieter conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating usually available in 20 min
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom barbacoa, cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify sides and salads, ask for corn tortillas
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, most tacos naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for fun first dates - tequila flights are great ice breakers, but skip weekend DJ nights if you want to talk
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, but book ahead for weekends. Bar seats are first-come and offer full menu
Is it kid-friendly? Before 8pm yes - kids love the churros. Gets adult-oriented during late night DJ sessions
Best For
Better for: Unmatched tequila selection and authentic barbacoa you won't find elsewhere in Santa Monica
Skip if: You want quick cheap tacos - this is an experience restaurant, not a taco stand
Lanea
8.6
Sophisticated cocktail bar with over 400 tequilas and mezcals paired with authentic East LA street tacos from Barbakush. Known for expertly crafted cocktails and famous 36-hour pit-roasted barbacoa lamb in a stylish lounge setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Tequila Flight
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: One of largest tequila selections in US with legendary barbacoa
Who should go: Tequila aficionados and late-night crowds
When to visit: Late evenings for cocktails and atmosphere
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, tequila flight, Picante Coast Highway cocktail
Insider tip: All-you-can-eat tacos Tuesday-Thursday for $15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking scarce after 5pm, nearby public lots $10-20
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - jeans ok but pair with nice top, many dress up for date night
Noise level: Lively but manageable - can have conversation, gets louder after 9pm
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating often 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - opens at 5pm daily
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom and cauliflower tacos, quesadillas, sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian tacos, ask server
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, most tacos naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated atmosphere, conversation-friendly early evening, impressive tequila selection shows taste, sharing tacos breaks ice naturally
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 7pm usually ok, weekends book ahead or expect long wait. Bar seats first-come with full menu, often best bet for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - bar-focused atmosphere, late opening time, adult crowd. Better for teens who appreciate food or special occasions
Best For
Better for: Superior tequila selection and cocktail craft vs typical Mexican spots, barbacoa outclasses most LA tacos, late-night scene beats standard restaurants
Skip if: Want quick casual Mexican, need large group seating, looking for traditional family restaurant atmosphere, on tight budget
Lanea
7.5
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, Arizona Street Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 36-hour pit-roasted barbacoa lamb preparation
Who should go: Tequila aficionados and late-night crowds
When to visit: Happy hour for best taco deals
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, tequila flights, churros
Insider tip: All-you-can-eat taco special on Wednesdays