Blue Plate Taco just shot to the top of our Santa Monica food list. We stopped in for lunch after wandering around the pier, and it was exactly what we were hoping for – fun, flavorful, and right across from the ocean. We started with the chips and guac, and honestly, I could’ve been happy just eating that for the rest of the afternoon. The chips were warm and crispy, and the guacamole tasted super fresh, creamy, and perfectly seasoned – not bland, not overpowering, just right.
We both ordered the steak tacos and they were divine. The steak was tender and flavorful, not dry at all, and the tortillas held everything together without falling apart. Every bite tasted like it was actually cared about in the kitchen, which I really appreciate. Portion sizes were solid – we left full but not weighed down, which is saying something for tacos and guac.
The vibes here were just as good as the food. The restaurant has a bright, beachy feel, and sitting that close to the ocean automatically makes everything better. Service was friendly and relaxed, and we never felt rushed. Overall, Blue Plate Taco is the perfect spot for a beach-day lunch or casual dinner with great food, good energy, and a killer location
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine
Great fajitas, margaritas, and views. Delicious guac. Fun music, welcoming hostess and friendly service. Can't wait to return.
Ruby Duey
What a great dinner! And the best waiter ever! Marcelino! Found some great guacamole, salsa verde to die for and carnitas tacos are bomb! Ended with tres leche cake and cheese cake so good. I give this place 5 stars!!! Thanks Marcelino!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Juan Contreras
The rude Server and manager attempted to charge $4 for a small side of salsa after I ordered a taco combo!! What? I’ve been coming here for many times over the past months and I’ve asked other servers for extra salsa and have had NO issues. What is wrong with this place? $4 for a small side of salsa? You’re already charging high prices for Mexican food- It’s not okay. Wont be back
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
K-La Sasa
Yummy tacos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gwen Parks
Great margs and SUCH yummy tacos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bob
Unfortunately Blue Plate Taco has lost its former luster and good food. I tried three different tacos, all way too salty, mushy and tasted like they were boiling in a pot for a couple of days. Could not tell the difference between chicken, pork or steak. All tasted the same, all came on a soggy, drippy tortilla. To be honest, tacos from a street truck are 100% better. The Margaritas were good but pricy. From memory a pitcher of Cadillac Margaritas was around $80. All in all, although I've been going to the Blue Plate for years now, I was very disappointed yesterday. Perhaps it was an off day....I'm hoping so.
Alberto
It was the perfect environment to have a pleasant date conversation with a beautiful view of the Santa Monica Pier
Eva
The food was amazing. Had the sea bass tacos Baja style. My only issue was I ordered a spicy jalapeno marg and there was a cucumber in my marg but no jalapeno and no heat. Otherwise food was great!
Cody
Great for lunch or a quick bite at the end of a day walking around downtown. Not great for date spot or romantic evening
We have been to Blue Plate a number of times and loved it. This visit was different. Our server was busy with other tables when we arrived so another person (possibly manager) took our drink and appetizer order. We never saw this person again. We waited almost 30 minutes to order. Other tables that sat around the same time as us already had their food. Our server who was kind and efficient stopped by the table about 5 minutes later and took our order - 2 simple taco order - no modifications. The food arrived 20 minutes later. The food (chicken and red snapper tacos) was bland and unflavorful. We were really disappointed. Plus, the bill for 2 aqua fescas, two taco entrees and chips was almost $100 with tip. There are so many great restaurants in Santa Monica. We will not return to Blue Plate any time soon.
Raleigh
We love this restaurant! Can't go wrong with a pitcher of their margaritas (passion smash is our favorite) and some of their chips and guac. Barbacoa tacos and the chicken fajitas are incredible. Such a wonderful meal and overall experience. Wouldn't pass this place up.
Katie
Our server Ryan was amazing! He was so welcoming and really made our experience. We were celebrating a birthday and he made sure we got a treat before the kitchen closed. We didn't eat much, but the drinks were really good as well. Overall, great experience.
Bruno
Nachos were disappointing. No taste and chicken wasn't good. Tacos were decent so were drinks. Service was superb
Adam
Great experience with the family Beautiful location as close to beach as you can, great service, excellent food, can't recommend high enough
Blue Plate Taco just shot to the top of our Santa Monica food list. We stopped in for lunch after wandering around the pier, and it was exactly what we were hoping for – fun, flavorful, and right across from the ocean. We started with the chips and guac, and honestly, I could’ve been happy just eating that for the rest of the afternoon. The chips were warm and crispy, and the guacamole tasted super fresh, creamy, and perfectly seasoned – not bland, not overpowering, just right.
We both ordered the steak tacos and they were divine. The steak was tender and flavorful, not dry at all, and the tortillas held everything together without falling apart. Every bite tasted like it was actually cared about in the kitchen, which I really appreciate. Portion sizes were solid – we left full but not weighed down, which is saying something for tacos and guac.
The vibes here were just as good as the food. The restaurant has a bright, beachy feel, and sitting that close to the ocean automatically makes everything better. Service was friendly and relaxed, and we never felt rushed. Overall, Blue Plate Taco is the perfect spot for a beach-day lunch or casual dinner with great food, good energy, and a killer location
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great fajitas, margaritas, and views. Delicious guac. Fun music, welcoming hostess and friendly service. Can't wait to return.
What a great dinner! And the best waiter ever! Marcelino! Found some great guacamole, salsa verde to die for and carnitas tacos are bomb! Ended with tres leche cake and cheese cake so good. I give this place 5 stars!!! Thanks Marcelino!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The rude Server and manager attempted to charge $4 for a small side of salsa after I ordered a taco combo!! What? I’ve been coming here for many times over the past months and I’ve asked other servers for extra salsa and have had NO issues.
What is wrong with this place? $4 for a small side of salsa? You’re already charging high prices for Mexican food- It’s not okay. Wont be back
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Yummy tacos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great margs and SUCH yummy tacos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately Blue Plate Taco has lost its former luster and good food. I tried three different tacos, all way too salty, mushy and tasted like they were boiling in a pot for a couple of days. Could not tell the difference between chicken, pork or steak. All tasted the same, all came on a soggy, drippy tortilla. To be honest, tacos from a street truck are 100% better. The Margaritas were good but pricy. From memory a pitcher of Cadillac Margaritas was around $80. All in all, although I've been going to the Blue Plate for years now, I was very disappointed yesterday. Perhaps it was an off day....I'm hoping so.
It was the perfect environment to have a pleasant date conversation with a beautiful view of the Santa Monica Pier
The food was amazing. Had the sea bass tacos Baja style. My only issue was I ordered a spicy jalapeno marg and there was a cucumber in my marg but no jalapeno and no heat. Otherwise food was great!
Great for lunch or a quick bite at the end of a day walking around downtown. Not great for date spot or romantic evening
Restaurantji Recommends
We have been to Blue Plate a number of times and loved it. This visit was different. Our server was busy with other tables when we arrived so another person (possibly manager) took our drink and appetizer order. We never saw this person again. We waited almost 30 minutes to order. Other tables that sat around the same time as us already had their food. Our server who was kind and efficient stopped by the table about 5 minutes later and took our order - 2 simple taco order - no modifications. The food arrived 20 minutes later. The food (chicken and red snapper tacos) was bland and unflavorful. We were really disappointed. Plus, the bill for 2 aqua fescas, two taco entrees and chips was almost $100 with tip. There are so many great restaurants in Santa Monica. We will not return to Blue Plate any time soon.
We love this restaurant! Can't go wrong with a pitcher of their margaritas (passion smash is our favorite) and some of their chips and guac. Barbacoa tacos and the chicken fajitas are incredible. Such a wonderful meal and overall experience. Wouldn't pass this place up.
Our server Ryan was amazing! He was so welcoming and really made our experience. We were celebrating a birthday and he made sure we got a treat before the kitchen closed. We didn't eat much, but the drinks were really good as well. Overall, great experience.
Nachos were disappointing. No taste and chicken wasn't good. Tacos were decent so were drinks. Service was superb
Great experience with the family Beautiful location as close to beach as you can, great service, excellent food, can't recommend high enough
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