Absolutely delicious food with fast pleasant service. No rush at all to enjoy the food - I recommend the Barbacoa tacos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salsa Flight & Chips
Gratitude Attracts Blessings - Sam
Great experience. The food had flavor and looked amazing too. Great place for an intimate meal: date
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Burrito, Tres Leches French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, Jackfruit Tinga, Vampiro Steak and Shrimp, Smoky Roasted Cauliflower, Tomahawk Pork Carnitas
Henryk S
Super delicious. I was there a bit early in the day so it was relatively slow but the staff and the food were awesome.Parking: 90 minutes free parking
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jackfruit Tinga
Lydia Kao
Really friendly staff and then pomegranate salad is delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Markie b
Food is fantastic. Super clean restaurant. Fast friendly
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Dmitry Sadakov
Ceviche was fine, not great, great guacamole, wine wasn’t good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Stephanie Marie Fraide
OMG! These Gobernador (shrimp and poblano pepper) tacos are ridiculously good. I would have taken a picture but I was too busy inhaling them. Come for happy hour — free parking!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SwankDiggety
I am sad that Border Grill (also from Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken) is no longer in Santa Monica or DTLA, but very happy that the newer Socalo is around. Great food, great drinks, great service, and wonderful happy hour specials.
TiredBaker
Socalo is consistently great. Everyone I introduce it to ends up returning on their own. Everything is great here, the food especially of course (the menu is innovative with kind of a classic base and the ingredients are very high end). Somehow though, they manage to keep the prices reasonable. The staff is really nice, the design and atmosphere are beautiful both during the day and the evening. I love that it's an all day restaurant so you can even grab a meal or a snack during in-between hours. This place is kind of a sleeper favorite and because it seems to be under the radar a bit, getting a reservation is always easy. I truly love this place.
borntoeat
Service was very attentive but not intrusive. Cocktails were good. The ribeye steaks were nice and thick but surprisingly chewy even at medium rare minus. The pork belly was good and the fish was fresh. Vegetables (squash and grilled corn accompanying the entrees was good)
I don't even know where to start. I discovered Susan on TikTok and fell in love. She's so adorable! I knew I had to head over for my birthday and the crew that evening were exceptional. Friendly, attentive just an overall great experience. The food was simply amazing. I can't stop thinking about it. Flavors and presentation were beyond expectations which were pretty high to begin with. One gent even knew my son's name origin. I can't wait to visit again.
An amazing experience, the tacos were PHENOMENAL and the Valentine's Day special meal was such a hit with my fiancée and I. Our server was also so nice and professional. Huge thumbs up, we will be back!
MARKB
We are huge fans of Susan Feniger going back to the old Border Grill on 4th st and have had several great conversations and tastings with her in Baja...and that is what we love most about Socalo, she brings the heart + soul of the Valle to Santa Monica - along with some very good Mexican wines! Service is always on point, we have had the same waitress a few times and she's really attentive and sweet. The overall vibe is mellow and not overstated in decor like so many spots these days. Portions and pricing are fair but the flavors are outstanding. My only gripe, the wine pours are too small per glass - other than that, all Aces. If you find yourself in Santa Monica, definitely pay a visit to Socalo, you'll be happy you did! Mb
Montejo Dominguez
Delicious Mexican fusion with a modern twist.As a Mexican with a discerning palate, I was impressed by El Zocalo's menu and flavorful dishes. They offer a unique blend of traditional Mexican cuisine with a touch of American influence, creating a truly enjoyable dining experience. While the restaurant doesn't strictly adhere to authentic flavors, the food is delicious and satisfying.The addition of soft mariachi music in the background would further enhance the ambiance and transport diners to Mexico. I also appreciated the restaurant's parking validation, as parking in the area can be challenging.Overall, El Zocalo is a great choice for those seeking a modern take on Mexican cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 3
Jo Trust
Love this restaurant excellent service and outstanding
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole & Chips with Macha & Quemada Salsas Vegetarian Vegan No Wheat
Absolutely delicious food with fast pleasant service. No rush at all to enjoy the food - I recommend the Barbacoa tacos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salsa Flight & Chips
Great experience. The food had flavor and looked amazing too. Great place for an intimate meal: date
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Burrito, Tres Leches French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, Jackfruit Tinga, Vampiro Steak and Shrimp, Smoky Roasted Cauliflower, Tomahawk Pork Carnitas
Super delicious. I was there a bit early in the day so it was relatively slow but the staff and the food were awesome.Parking: 90 minutes free parking
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jackfruit Tinga
Really friendly staff and then pomegranate salad is delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Food is fantastic. Super clean restaurant. Fast friendly
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ceviche was fine, not great, great guacamole, wine wasn’t good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
OMG! These Gobernador (shrimp and poblano pepper) tacos are ridiculously good. I would have taken a picture but I was too busy inhaling them. Come for happy hour — free parking!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am sad that Border Grill (also from Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken) is no longer in Santa Monica or DTLA, but very happy that the newer Socalo is around. Great food, great drinks, great service, and wonderful happy hour specials.
Socalo is consistently great. Everyone I introduce it to ends up returning on their own. Everything is great here, the food especially of course (the menu is innovative with kind of a classic base and the ingredients are very high end). Somehow though, they manage to keep the prices reasonable. The staff is really nice, the design and atmosphere are beautiful both during the day and the evening. I love that it's an all day restaurant so you can even grab a meal or a snack during in-between hours. This place is kind of a sleeper favorite and because it seems to be under the radar a bit, getting a reservation is always easy. I truly love this place.
Service was very attentive but not intrusive. Cocktails were good. The ribeye steaks were nice and thick but surprisingly chewy even at medium rare minus. The pork belly was good and the fish was fresh. Vegetables (squash and grilled corn accompanying the entrees was good)
Restaurantji Recommends
I don't even know where to start. I discovered Susan on TikTok and fell in love. She's so adorable! I knew I had to head over for my birthday and the crew that evening were exceptional. Friendly, attentive just an overall great experience. The food was simply amazing. I can't stop thinking about it. Flavors and presentation were beyond expectations which were pretty high to begin with. One gent even knew my son's name origin. I can't wait to visit again.
An amazing experience, the tacos were PHENOMENAL and the Valentine's Day special meal was such a hit with my fiancée and I. Our server was also so nice and professional. Huge thumbs up, we will be back!
We are huge fans of Susan Feniger going back to the old Border Grill on 4th st and have had several great conversations and tastings with her in Baja...and that is what we love most about Socalo, she brings the heart + soul of the Valle to Santa Monica - along with some very good Mexican wines! Service is always on point, we have had the same waitress a few times and she's really attentive and sweet. The overall vibe is mellow and not overstated in decor like so many spots these days. Portions and pricing are fair but the flavors are outstanding. My only gripe, the wine pours are too small per glass - other than that, all Aces. If you find yourself in Santa Monica, definitely pay a visit to Socalo, you'll be happy you did! Mb
Delicious Mexican fusion with a modern twist.As a Mexican with a discerning palate, I was impressed by El Zocalo's menu and flavorful dishes. They offer a unique blend of traditional Mexican cuisine with a touch of American influence, creating a truly enjoyable dining experience. While the restaurant doesn't strictly adhere to authentic flavors, the food is delicious and satisfying.The addition of soft mariachi music in the background would further enhance the ambiance and transport diners to Mexico. I also appreciated the restaurant's parking validation, as parking in the area can be challenging.Overall, El Zocalo is a great choice for those seeking a modern take on Mexican cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 3
Love this restaurant excellent service and outstanding
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole & Chips with Macha & Quemada Salsas Vegetarian Vegan No Wheat