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Mercado

Mexican Restaurant$$$$
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica
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8.3/10
324
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    Gregory R.
    "Many great items: choriqueso, duo dip, carnitas, fish tacos."(4 Tips)
    Lydia B.
    "We love the choriqueso, nachos and dos gringas tacos."(3 Tips)
    Jeff
    "Their carnitas - pretty awesome, AND it's on the happy hour menu!"(10 Tips)
    Rachel R.
    "Great margaritas, friendly staff, tasty tacos"(14 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon80 Tips and reviews
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  • margaritas
  • choriqueso
  • dos gringas
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  • Dress for the Date
    Dress for the DateSeptember 21, 2013
    Serving classic and contemporary Mexican food. With over 60 premium Tequilas and mescal's. Be sure to order the Guacamole with fresh chips as a starter.
  • Rachel K.heart icon on user image
    Rachel KMarch 8, 2015
    Not the widest selection of vegetarian options, but they label them on the menu which is really nice. The guac is fantastic. The chili relleno is not bad either.
  • Lesly M.
    Lesly MariethSeptember 21, 2019
    Started with guac and chips...really good! The elote, cauliflower and wild mushroom chile relleno were SO tasty. Service really good. Took leftovers home for breakfast.
  • Gregory R.
    Gregory RMarch 2, 2014
    Many great items: choriqueso, duo dip, carnitas, fish tacos. Went in a group of 9. had an upstairs table. The food was outstanding. Service excellent. Would go back again and again.
  • Eater
    EaterApril 4, 2017
    From straightforward guacamole to kale salads to a proper chile relleno, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Read more
  • Danger G.
    Danger GrayOctober 24, 2013
    The guac is superb. The tostaditas are great and fresh. The hibiscus tea is great. The pollo de chipotle is superb. And there is a reason the flan is award-winning. Super pleased!
  • Chris C.
    Chris CooksonJanuary 22, 2017
    Great for special occasions, the drink menu has enough variety to please absolutely everyone. Portions are a bit small and lighting is too dark but if you are okay with that, it's a nice place.
  • Tasting Table
    Tasting TableJune 27, 2012
    Get an order of the “choriqueso” for the table. The smooth melted cheese is studded with poblano chiles, chorizo and mushrooms; you’ll surely be scraping it from the bottom of the bowl: Read more
  • Kirti V.heart icon on user image
    Kirti VasheeJanuary 14, 2016
    Cooking with care and finesse -- but I wish they would expand their vegetarian options as I am limited to a very few things. Guacamole is the best of any competitors
  • Christina C.heart icon on user image
    Christina ChinJanuary 23, 2017
    Fish tacos were good and has spicy kick. Nachos are home made and guacamole is chunky but delish
  • Veronica C.heart icon on user image
    Veronica ChaviraJuly 16, 2018
    The Mexican Kale salad is a light started to prepare for their good entree portions. I recommend the mole enchiladas. They are flavorful and filling!
  • Veronica C.heart icon on user image
    Veronica ChaviraAugust 16, 2018
    The Mexican Kale salad is a light starter to prepare for their good entree portions. I recommend the mole enchiladas. They are flavorful and filling!
  • Wendy S.
    Wendy SchapiroJuly 24, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Absolutely amazing meal- everything was perfect. Jesse, the owner, is as charming as the food is excellent. Can't wait to go back!
  • Elaine N.
    Elaine N.October 6, 2013
    Definitely try the Carnitas - it's a great dish to share. But make sure you ask for extra tortillas because they only give you two at a time!
  • Deborah A.heart icon on user image
    Deborah AbibOctober 5, 2015
    My favorite Mexican in LA ! Try the Carnitas and the Trés Leches Cake (it's divine !)
  • Andrew R.heart icon on user image
    Andrew RamseySeptember 13, 2016
    Their nachos rock. Margs are pretty damn good too. There's an upstairs so don't fret if the downstairs looks packed
  • Jamie L.
    Jamie LynnDecember 18, 2016
    Dip duo and carne asada were on point. I'm pregnant and can't drink, so the mint lemonade hit the spot!
  • Lydia B.heart icon on user image
    Lydia BMarch 10, 2017
    Been here 25+ times
    The happy hour menu is fantastic M-F 5-7pm and S-S 4-6pm. We love the choriqueso, nachos and dos gringas tacos. Wash it down with a refreshing margarita.
  • Liliana V.
    Liliana VillanuevaJune 10, 2013
    The guacamole was great indeed, a little salty but tasted super authentic. Go for the special drinks, although the menu I'm sure is great.
  • Wendy S.
    Wendy SchapiroAugust 11, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Actually, there ARE purse hooks on the communal tables! :) The best food & nicest folks in the neighborhood- love Mercado!
  • Ryan A.heart icon on user image
    Ryan AmbsDecember 23, 2015
    Pros: ambience, carne asada, guacamole. Cons: brought wrong side, had to send drink back, no steak knife. Without those whiffs, it could have been very nice
  • Lauren F.heart icon on user image
    Lauren FosterAugust 5, 2015
    The sea bass taco is amazing as is everything else. Jalapeño margarita is a must try.
  • Sean B.heart icon on user image
    Sean BesserFebruary 4, 2013
    Upscale Mexican with a fun vibe and one the best flans anywhere (call ahead to reserve because they often sell out).
  • Josef S.heart icon on user image
    Josef SzottenFebruary 18, 2017
    Get the special fish of the day. Hasn't failed me yet. Also - Seasonal margaritas ftw!
  • Lauren M.heart icon on user image
    Lauren MelcherJanuary 19, 2016
    Cucumber jalapeño margarita goes down like juice. Carnitas taco plate and queso + chips are delicious.
  • Shawn T.heart icon on user image
    Shawn ThorntonJuly 21, 2018
    Absolutely love this place. Great service and amazing food. Gauc, carne asada, and marg!
  • Terry A.heart icon on user image
    Terry AdamsMay 5, 2019
    Been here 10+ times
    Good food. Good Tequilas and Mezcal. Hip and cool vibe.
  • Melissa M.
    Melissa McGuireAugust 11, 2012
    This place is delicious! Everything we had was cooked and flavored very well! The flan is to die for!!
  • Kayheart icon on user image
    KayMay 25, 2016
    cant get enough .. the fish tacos is delicious
  • Lisa C.
    Lisa CousinsNovember 19, 2012
    The guacamole and queso dips are orgasmic...hands down the best ever. Don't ask questions, just order it.
  • Melike Y.
    Melike YersizJanuary 19, 2014
    The flan is orgasmic, but big. Save room for it and share with a friend.
  • Susan H.
    Susan HMay 30, 2013
    Try the Flan, you won't be disappointed. Great energy, excellent food!
  • Phil P.heart icon on user image
    Phil PallenJanuary 23, 2013
    You can't go wrong with a margarita at this place. Every time I've been I've loved it.
  • Gail H.
    Gail HJanuary 13, 2013
    Get the queso dip w mushrooms and chiles etc. Rich but oh so good as a starter.
  • Lane P.heart icon on user image
    Lane PelovskyFebruary 28, 2017
    Tacos and Guac was tasty. Very expensive though. Margaritas were tiny for the price.
  • Lailanie G.
    Lailanie GadiaJanuary 2, 2017
    The happy hour is amazing. The Dos Gringas and Carnitas Nachos were delicious!
  • Leslie N.
    Leslie NgoSeptember 3, 2014
    I had the fish and my boyfriends had the carnitas
  • Jeff
    JeffMarch 13, 2013
    Their carnitas - pretty awesome, AND it's on the happy hour menu!
  • Mark G.
    Mark GogginMarch 4, 2013
    Some of the best food ever. Sit at the communal tables during happy hour.
  • Russell A.heart icon on user image
    Russell AdamsDecember 3, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Excellent guacamole and chips. We'll be back.
  • Norman E.
    Norman EllisOctober 23, 2014
    The margarita's are absolutely to die for!
  • Kim M.
    Kim MartinsenJuly 30, 2013
    Carne Asada, Poblano Margarita (with Mescal and Chipotle Salt)
  • Rachel R.heart icon on user image
    Rachel RothFebruary 18, 2022
    Great margaritas, friendly staff, tasty tacos
  • Adam C.
    Adam ChrisakisJune 27, 2013
    Awesome spot. Amazing service. Get the guac
  • Dalit T.
    Dalit TroyceMay 10, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Everything is amazing. Try the choriquezo and the shrimp tacos!
  • Patrick F.
    Patrick FluryMay 10, 2016
    Genuine tasty Mexican food with great service
  • P J.heart icon on user image
    P JJanuary 23, 2016
    Chili releno is amazing
  • crystal
    crystalMay 18, 2012
    Carne Asada was excellent. A bit loud but fun atmosphere.
  • Ariel C.
    Ariel ChaitJuly 19, 2014
    Do not leave this place without trying the flan.
  • Valeria K.heart icon on user image
    Valeria KholostenkoDecember 15, 2012
    O my god, amazing (coming from a spoiled San Francisco foodie)
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