Best Outdoor Dining Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Back on the Beach Cafe
A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.
Notable Picks
8.4
This longtime beachfront cafe attached to the Annenberg Beach House serves a trio of seafood tacos—fish, shrimp, and salmon—steps from the sand. The tacos pair crisp slaw and pico with ocean views that make a casual plate feel like a mini vacation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Tacos
What Makes it Special: A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.
8.2
This beachside Baja-meets-Santa Monica spot features ocean views, handmade tortillas made fresh all day, and a coastal approach to Mexican cuisine. Happy hour brings discounted margaritas and sustainable, organic ingredients prepared with California flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos, Short Rib Tacos, Lobster Taco
What Makes it Special: Ocean views with organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients
Family-operated Jalisco-style restaurant bringing authentic Tepatitlan regional cuisine to Santa Monica since 2015. The Martin family's dedication to fresh ingredients and traditional techniques creates vibrant flavors in generous portions that keep locals returning weekly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wet Burrito Ahogado, Molcajete Mixto, Carnitas Michoacanas
What Makes it Special: Authentic Jalisco family recipes from Tepatitlan region
#4
Socalo
8
From Border Grill's Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, Socalo offers conscientiously-sourced SoCal Mexican with a famous salsa macha. The dog-friendly patios and proximity to Santa Monica Pier make it ideal for casual lunches with craft beers and creative antojitos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Tacos, Tacos Gobernador with Cheesy Shrimp, Jackfruit Tinga Tacos
What Makes it Special: Award-winning chefs' modern Mexican interpretation
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
7.9
A long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot built around traditional preparations—mole, chile verde, lengua—served alongside nightly live guitar and weekend mariachi that set the tempo for the whole room. It draws families and large groups who want festive, communal dining with outdoor seating and enough noise to let the table get loud. Expect to raise your voice during peak hours, but that's the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas, Mole, Chile Verde
What Makes it Special: Long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot where live mariachi accompanies traditional dishes like mole and chile verde
#7
Vamos Vamos
7.6
A nacho-and-margarita bar that pivoted toward Japanese-Mexican fusion under new chef Ivan Barros, with duck tacos and carne asada earning repeat praise while the cocktail program—anchored by nine margarita variations and a mezcal-watermelon standout—remains the most reliable draw. The sprawling Main Street patio sets the tone for a casual, flip-flops-welcome session, though food quality swings between visits and portions run lean for the price point. Best approached as a drinks-forward hangout where you graze the taco menu and lean into happy hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nachos, Duck Tacos, Grilled Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Nacho and margarita bar blending New Mexican hatch chile specialties with beachside Santa Monica energy on Main Street.