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Vamos Vamos
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Brings New Mexico's hatch chile culture to beachside Santa Monica with craft cocktails
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and couples seeking upscale casual Mexican with margarita focus
When to visit: Weeknights for shorter waits; make reservations for weekend prime time
What to order: Hatch chile cheeseburger, carne adovada nachos, premium margaritas, tres leches
Insider tip: Sidewalk patio has shorter waits than indoor tables on busy nights
Vamos Vamos
7.9
New Mexico-inspired nacho and margarita bar from the Everson Royce Bar team features hatch chile-heavy fare and expertly crafted cocktails. The narrow Main Street spot draws crowds for nachos loaded with carne adovada and a burger that rivals its Arts District sibling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hatch Chile Verde Nachos, Green Chile Cheeseburger, Carne Adovada Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Westside outpost bringing Everson Royce Bar's cocktail expertise with New Mexican flair
Who should go: Margarita lovers and nacho enthusiasts seeking casual Westside hangs
When to visit: Happy hour Tuesday-Sunday 5-6:30pm or weekend brunch
What to order: Hatch chile verde nachos, green chile burger, any margarita
Insider tip: Counter seating lets you watch the kitchen work their magic
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - Main Street metered spots ($1.50/hr until 8pm) or residential streets two blocks east. Arrive early or use rideshare for prime dinner hours
Dress code: Casual Westside - jeans and tees totally fine, but locals tend to elevate slightly for evening
Noise level: Lively but conversational - narrow space amplifies energy during peak hours but won't drown out your table talk
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for walk-ins after 7pm; happy hour fills fast by 5:30pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - grab counter seats immediately most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options - several nacho variations, quesadillas, and veggie-forward sides featuring hatch chiles
Vegan options: Limited but doable - nachos can be modified, ask about cheese substitutions
Gluten-free options: Moderate - burger available on GF bun, some nacho bases work, but kitchen isn't dedicated GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual vibes - counter seating creates natural conversation flow and shared nacho plates are low-pressure. Skip if you want quiet romance; the narrow space gets energetic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seats are first-come during off-peak (3-5pm, after 9pm). For tables during prime hours, expect 30+ min waits or book ahead on weekends. Tuesday-Thursday evenings are your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who can handle spice and won't get restless - it's a tight space with bar energy. No kids menu but nachos and quesadillas work. Avoid peak happy hour chaos.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail quality rivals Downtown's best but with Westside ease - the margarita program is more sophisticated than typical neighborhood Mexican spots, and hatch chile execution is legit New Mexican, not Tex-Mex
Skip if: You want traditional table-service Mexican with extensive menus, need accommodations for large groups (space is tight), or prefer quieter date-night ambiance - this is a scene-y hang