The results are in! The search for Santa Monica’s tastiest taco is over!
Well, we have some good ideas at least…
Last week on NextDoor, I asked for the best Mexican food in Santa Monica. At least 197 people weighed in. (Maybe more. I sort of lost count along the way.)
There were a lot of recommendations — and a lot of passionate opinions.
People feel strongly when it comes to Mexican food. I appreciate that. ☺️
The top vote getter by far was Gilbert’s El Indio.
Gilbert’s — on Pico Boulveard — is unassuming and traditional. It is known for its burritos, tacos, and tostadas. People rave about their signature “Mule” burrito and diablo sauce. The restaurant features both an interior with comfortable booths and a popular outdoor patio area added during the pandemic. People especially like the chips and salsa, the guacamole, and the friendly staff.
Frederick Abrams commented: “I went to Gilbert’s often decades ago, left the US for 25 years, returned and love it even more than back then.”
Stacey Smizik said, “Gilbert’s is the best!”
A close second was Lares, also on Pico. (Close to where the 10 Freeway crosses that boulevard.) Lares offers authentic Mexican cuisine with specialties like mole enchiladas, carnitas, and distinctive seafood offerings including camarones a la diablo and fresh fish ceviche. Lares is known for having two stories — some people find the upstairs full of activity and bustle, while the downstairs is a bit quieter and more laid back.
Erin Anderson said, “Lares tastes most like the Mexican food my mom made. They have Fideo, Albondiga soup, and my favorite is the potato tacos.”
The third top vote getter was Tacos Por Favor, which has grown to three locations on the Westside. (The Santa Monica restaurant is on Olympic.) Tacos Por Favor is a no-frills, authentic Mexican restaurant known for generous portions and flavorful food. Their menu is extensive, featuring everything from breakfast burritos to tacos and pozole. While the decor is simple, people rave about their red and green salsas, carne asada, and crispy fish tacos.
Paulette Rochelle-Levy commented, “Tacos por Favor is so economical for warm comfort food.”
Notable mentions go to:
- Socalo
- Tu Madre
- El Cholo
- Lula Cocina Mexicana
- Campos
- Blue Plate Taco
- Desvelados
- Mariscos Guillen La Playita
- Casa Martin
About Socalo, Paulette Rochelle-Levy said, “Socalo is in a category of its own. It is delightfully surprising sustainable food. And really fun if you appreciate adventures in dining.”
One commenter – Donna Gentry – summed Santa Monica’s Mexican food scene up nicely: “There’s a range of food selections representing many states of Mexico and prices, from the small stands to upscale. Depending on your taste and wallet. In SM: Gilbert’s, Socalo, Tacos Por Favor — all different.”
One remark requires further investigation. Bart Petty said, “This is crazy, but the restaurant at Penmar Golf Course has great tacos . . . the carnitas tacos are amazing.”
I think we’re going to need to do some taste-testing on that one!
Thank you to everyone who contributed!
I asked last week for the best Mexican food in town, and while there were a lot of diverging, intense thoughts on the matter, it’s clear that there are also many great options in Santa Monica. For my part, I’m ready to try them all. Taco Tuesday cannot come soon enough in my house!
