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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
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
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Nacho and margarita bar blending New Mexican hatch chile specialties with beachside Santa Monica energy on Main Street.
Who should go: Groups and dates chasing margaritas and shareable plates
When to visit: Weekdays for shorter patio waits; avoid Friday nights
What to order: Start with nachos to share, grab a duck or grilled fish taco each, and pair everything with the watermelon margarita — skip the vegetarian options.
Insider tip: The sidewalk patio seats faster than indoors and has a better vibe — book ahead if you want a table inside.
Logistics & Planning
Weekend wait: Expect long waits on Friday and Saturday nights—could stretch to hours for indoor seating in this narrow dining room; the large sidewalk patio is easier to snag
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—chips and guacamole, avocado fries, seven layer dip, and Santa Fe salad are the main options; no dedicated vegetarian labels on the menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the atmosphere has evolved into a solid date night spot with dim, moody lighting and an inviting energy. The mezcal-forward cocktail menu gives you plenty to explore together, and the small-plates format (tacos, snacks, desserts) keeps the vibe relaxed and shareable. Couples are a big part of the crowd here. Book an indoor table for a more intimate feel, or grab the sidewalk patio if you want a casual, breezy start to the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? For indoor seating, book ahead — especially on weekends. During the week, walk-ins can usually score a spot on the large sidewalk patio within about 30 minutes. They're open Tuesday through Saturday, 5–10 PM only (closed Mondays), so plan accordingly. Reservations can be made through their website.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. Vamos Vamos is primarily a cocktail bar with a mezcal-and-tequila-driven drink program. The food menu is limited to tacos, small snacks, and a couple of desserts — no dedicated kids menu has been confirmed. The casual patio could work for older kids who are adventurous eaters, but the dim bar-forward atmosphere skews adult. Not confirmed whether high chairs are available — call ahead if bringing young children.
Is it good for groups? Works well for casual groups — reviewers note a mix of couples and groups in the crowd, and the shareable taco-and-cocktail format suits communal dining. Specific max party size and private dining options are not confirmed online. For groups of 6 or more, call ahead at (424) 744-8408 to arrange seating, as the space is not large.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a large sidewalk patio is a signature feature of the space. It's dog-friendly and spacious enough that weeknight walk-ins can often be seated there without a long wait. No confirmed details on heaters or overhead cover — expect open-air California sidewalk dining. The patio is the go-to spot for a casual, lively meal.
Best For
Better for: A fun date night or a margarita-fueled evening with friends who care more about vibes than culinary fireworks—huge sidewalk patio, strong mezcal and tequila program, solid street-style tacos
Consider Alternatives If: You want substantial vegetarian options or groundbreaking food—this is a nacho-and-margarita bar first, restaurant second
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday5pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm