The food was prepared a little bit differently from other Mexican restaurants in the area and this was a nice change...Delicious
Alex
We stumbled upon Socalo by chance as we were staying next door. However, our experience was so great that we ended up dining there twice during our time in Santa Monica. Food was excellent, specially considering that the menu was put together by two celebrity chefs. As a mexican who has travelled and tried many interpretations of mexican food, I found that Socalo delivers an outstanding modern mexican menu. We werelucky to also partake in a special ‘Dia de Muertos' menu the second night that disappoint. To crown our experience, we were lucky to coincide with Chef Susan Feninger. She made us an each of her patrons at home and taken care of which reflected on the experience her staff provides as well. Finally, the prices were a breath of fresh air. A restaurant created by two celebrity chefs could easily charge double (like many non deserving spots do in Santa Monica). A must visit if you're in town!!
Hilary
All around incredible experience! Quality food and taste 👅 Kind and delightful staff . Incredible ambiance for a wonderful evening
Jeffrey
On Thursday at 7 Pm they were out of nearly everything that we wanted to eat and drink. The server was inept and either confused or drugged out. So we left and can't really comment on the quality of the food other than guacamole that was meh. The chips were fresh and warm though.
Patricia
It was my first time at Taco Tuesday. I loved the Santa Monica Street Bowl and will definitely order it again. Was disappointed with the drinks. I ordered two different margaritas and there was hardly any tequila in either.
Michael
My family and I are not from the area and we're recommended this restaurant by a local. We made a reservation right before going in to celebrate a late birthday. We were honestly expecting Mexican food and an overall experience that was bland and inauthentic, but were delightfully surprised each step of the way. From the moment we were seated we started admiring the restaurant's design, from the unique lighting to the floral wall to the dog prints. Once we started looking at the menu, we were hopeful after seeing a lot of classic items such as milanesa, chiles toreados, and arrachera. Horchata is a pretty good litmus test as to how good a mexican restaurant is and theirs was an 11/11 and I wish I didn't finish it in 2 minutes. The guacamole was fantastic and was paired with a salsa macha that was smoky and savory with the perfect amount of spice. It was so good, I ended up buying a jar to take home. The frijoles charros and chimichurri from the Grilled Steak Arrachera were fantastic. When it came time for desert, we ordered the churro sundae and sorbet trio, which they brought out with a candle. I believe the flavors were blood orange raspberry, and lemon, and each of my family members and I had different favorites but we all loved all of them. My biggest regret was not tasting any wine and not even asking about the seasonal agua frescas. I have never seen Mexican wine offered in a restaurant and I regret not ordering the Sangiovese. Simone was our server and she was very friendly and helped us when even we didn't know what “zarandeado” meant. Ana also made multiple visits to our table and she was so bubbly, welcoming, and sweet. Towards the end of our visit, the general manager (I presume) stopped by and we talked about the menu and he was also great. This restaurant had great, food, great prices, and great people, and a consistent theme. The fact that this place wasn't jam packed on a Saturday night made absolutely no sense to us. We'll definitely be back.
Larry
Always great food, attentive service and a place that is intimate. Go here to have a place that helps you relax.
June
I went for a small concert by the Pat Senatore trio in the back room. I hadn't been to the restaurant and didn't know it was there. The staff was terrific, and the concert was great! I hope they have more. I will return for meals now that I know about it.
Janet
We very much enjoyed our lunch. We appreciated them having a well stocked bar. Great mojito (not too sweet, real mint). The lamb burrito was fabulous - generous without being huge, and great flavor balance. Service was excellent. Everything was easy, relaxed, and friendly - from validated parking to the vibe to the food. Next time we are in Santa Monica, we will return.
Frank
Amazing dishes one and all, perfectly served. Very pleasant staff. Uniformly enjoyable on each visit.
We love Socalo every time we visit. We like to sit outside on the side patio because it's less noisy than inside. We are big fans of Susan Feniger and she was there last night, dropping by tables to say hello. Cocktails and guacamole, chips and salsa to start. The salsas are not the usual and are special. Then entrees—vampiro tacos, skirt steak and short rib were all delicious and perfectly prepared, which is no surprise because that is consistently the norm. Service was attentive and friendly and we are never rushed allowing us to enjoy a perfect evening with our friends.
kevkraus
Very tasty authentic and original Mexican food
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Hazel Mccormack
Healthy eating. Lots of dietary choices. Great flavor well priced. Nice vibe. Great staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barry
Always a great place for Taco Tuesday or any other time you're looking for a delicious meal.
Evelyn
Great dining experience. A little pricey for the portion sizes. Love the staff. Pedro (Peter) Maria, Danea. We go there every time we are in Santa Monica.
The food was prepared a little bit differently from other Mexican restaurants in the area and this was a nice change...Delicious
We stumbled upon Socalo by chance as we were staying next door. However, our experience was so great that we ended up dining there twice during our time in Santa Monica. Food was excellent, specially considering that the menu was put together by two celebrity chefs. As a mexican who has travelled and tried many interpretations of mexican food, I found that Socalo delivers an outstanding modern mexican menu. We werelucky to also partake in a special ‘Dia de Muertos' menu the second night that disappoint. To crown our experience, we were lucky to coincide with Chef Susan Feninger. She made us an each of her patrons at home and taken care of which reflected on the experience her staff provides as well. Finally, the prices were a breath of fresh air. A restaurant created by two celebrity chefs could easily charge double (like many non deserving spots do in Santa Monica). A must visit if you're in town!!
All around incredible experience! Quality food and taste 👅 Kind and delightful staff . Incredible ambiance for a wonderful evening
On Thursday at 7 Pm they were out of nearly everything that we wanted to eat and drink. The server was inept and either confused or drugged out. So we left and can't really comment on the quality of the food other than guacamole that was meh. The chips were fresh and warm though.
It was my first time at Taco Tuesday. I loved the Santa Monica Street Bowl and will definitely order it again. Was disappointed with the drinks. I ordered two different margaritas and there was hardly any tequila in either.
My family and I are not from the area and we're recommended this restaurant by a local. We made a reservation right before going in to celebrate a late birthday. We were honestly expecting Mexican food and an overall experience that was bland and inauthentic, but were delightfully surprised each step of the way. From the moment we were seated we started admiring the restaurant's design, from the unique lighting to the floral wall to the dog prints. Once we started looking at the menu, we were hopeful after seeing a lot of classic items such as milanesa, chiles toreados, and arrachera. Horchata is a pretty good litmus test as to how good a mexican restaurant is and theirs was an 11/11 and I wish I didn't finish it in 2 minutes. The guacamole was fantastic and was paired with a salsa macha that was smoky and savory with the perfect amount of spice. It was so good, I ended up buying a jar to take home. The frijoles charros and chimichurri from the Grilled Steak Arrachera were fantastic. When it came time for desert, we ordered the churro sundae and sorbet trio, which they brought out with a candle. I believe the flavors were blood orange raspberry, and lemon, and each of my family members and I had different favorites but we all loved all of them. My biggest regret was not tasting any wine and not even asking about the seasonal agua frescas. I have never seen Mexican wine offered in a restaurant and I regret not ordering the Sangiovese. Simone was our server and she was very friendly and helped us when even we didn't know what “zarandeado” meant. Ana also made multiple visits to our table and she was so bubbly, welcoming, and sweet. Towards the end of our visit, the general manager (I presume) stopped by and we talked about the menu and he was also great. This restaurant had great, food, great prices, and great people, and a consistent theme. The fact that this place wasn't jam packed on a Saturday night made absolutely no sense to us. We'll definitely be back.
Always great food, attentive service and a place that is intimate. Go here to have a place that helps you relax.
I went for a small concert by the Pat Senatore trio in the back room. I hadn't been to the restaurant and didn't know it was there. The staff was terrific, and the concert was great! I hope they have more. I will return for meals now that I know about it.
We very much enjoyed our lunch. We appreciated them having a well stocked bar. Great mojito (not too sweet, real mint). The lamb burrito was fabulous - generous without being huge, and great flavor balance. Service was excellent. Everything was easy, relaxed, and friendly - from validated parking to the vibe to the food. Next time we are in Santa Monica, we will return.
Amazing dishes one and all, perfectly served. Very pleasant staff. Uniformly enjoyable on each visit.
Restaurantji Recommends
We love Socalo every time we visit. We like to sit outside on the side patio because it's less noisy than inside. We are big fans of Susan Feniger and she was there last night, dropping by tables to say hello. Cocktails and guacamole, chips and salsa to start. The salsas are not the usual and are special. Then entrees—vampiro tacos, skirt steak and short rib were all delicious and perfectly prepared, which is no surprise because that is consistently the norm. Service was attentive and friendly and we are never rushed allowing us to enjoy a perfect evening with our friends.
Very tasty authentic and original Mexican food
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Healthy eating. Lots of dietary choices. Great flavor well priced. Nice vibe. Great staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a great place for Taco Tuesday or any other time you're looking for a delicious meal.
Great dining experience. A little pricey for the portion sizes. Love the staff. Pedro (Peter) Maria, Danea. We go there every time we are in Santa Monica.
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