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RED O Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
RED O Cantina
8.2
Upscale Baja-inspired seafood and elevated Mexican dishes steps from the Santa Monica Pier. Expertly crafted cocktails featuring premium tequilas complement the sophisticated coastal ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Striped Seabass A La Talla, Lobster Enchiladas, Casamigos Margaritas
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Elevated Baja seafood next to the iconic pier
Who should go: Seafood lovers seeking upscale Mexican
When to visit: Sunset dinner or weekend brunch
What to order: Seabass, lobster enchiladas, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Happy hour 3-6pm Monday-Friday with discounted specialty cocktails
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, nearby public lots $10-20, street parking scarce after 5pm especially weekends
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans acceptable but lean dressy for dinner, business attire common at lunch
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but energetic weekend nights
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min peak hours, no wait before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including vegetable fajitas and cheese enchiladas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetable dishes, ask server for preparation
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortilla options, servers knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic patio with ocean breeze, sophisticated but not stuffy, cocktails help conversation flow
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes, dinner unlikely - try the bar area or arrive before 5:30pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) - upscale atmosphere, no kids menu but will accommodate, lunch more suitable than dinner
Best For
Better for: Premium tequila selection and seafood-forward Mexican that rivals any LA upscale Mexican spot
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or budget-friendly Mexican - try the food trucks on Main Street instead
RED O Cantina
8.4
Upscale Baja-inspired cantina adjacent to Santa Monica Pier offering creative seafood-forward Mexican dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. Happy Hour features $6 street tacos and $13 signature cocktails in a resort-like atmosphere with ocean views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilled Ahi Tuna Tartare, Slow Braised Duck Taquitos, Baja Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Oceanside location with elevated Mexican seafood and flaming cocktails
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and seafood lovers
When to visit: Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-6pm for best value
What to order: Street tacos, duck taquitos, signature margaritas
Insider tip: Request patio seating for pier views during sunset
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-parking in nearby structures $8-20, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - nice jeans acceptable but lean elevated for the upscale atmosphere
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly at tables, louder at the bar during Happy Hour
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially for patio seating
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including veggie enchiladas and cauliflower ceviche
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 dishes, ask server for vegan preparations
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, several naturally GF seafood dishes marked on menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the upscale atmosphere and ocean views create romance without being overly formal. Happy Hour makes it budget-friendly while still impressive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available during Happy Hour. For dinner, try walking in before 6pm on weekdays. Weekend dinner walk-ins face long waits - book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate elevated food. The upscale vibe and cocktail focus make it more suited for adult dining or special family occasions.
Best For
Better for: Superior cocktail program and oceanside ambiance compared to other Mexican spots. The seafood-forward menu and flaming tableside presentations outshine typical cantinas.
Skip if: You want authentic street food prices or casual family dining. Choose Casa Linda or Frida instead for traditional comfort Mexican without the scene.