Socalo

4.7

866 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 23, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 2 times today

Neighborhood gem
Great for happy hour
Good for groups

SOCALO is a beachy, California canteen and Mexican pub from award-winning chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Located within the Gateway Hotel, SOCALO offers seasonal and organic SoCal Mexican fare with cocktails, Mexican wines and craft beers.

SOCALO has been named Eater's Superb Santa Monica Restaurants and Hottest Happy Hours, LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants, Best Tacos and Best Mexican Restaurants in LA by Time Out and Thrillist.

Open for indoor and outdoor dining, and counter service dining prior to 4pm (no reservations necessary nor taken). Takeout and delivery with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.

For groups of 7 or more, please call 310.451.1655 to discuss accommodations, or visit socalo.com. We offer semi-private spaces, private banquet rooms, long communal tables, and two spacious outdoor patios.

Mary Sue & Susan are the founders of Mundo Hospitality Group, including Border Grill, Pacha Mamas, BBQ Mexicana, SOCALO & Alice B.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Californian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Tue 11:30 am–8:30 pm Wed–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(310) 451-1655
Website
http://socalo.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Raul Plascencia
Catering
Breakfast meetings, office lunches, holiday parties and celebrations of all types - we can help with your next event.
Private party facilities
Socalo is a California canteen and Mexican pub from award-winning chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Located within Santa Monica’s Gateway Hotel, we can accommodate groups of all sizes in our private dining rooms or beautiful outdoor patios.
Private party contact
Brianna Gallardo: (310) 451-1165

Location
1920 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404-1909
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Cross street
20th Street
Parking details
First 90 minutes free parking, with restaurant purchase. Self-parking is available in the underground parking lot at The Gateway Hotel.
Public transit
17th Street / SMC Station - Expo Light Rail Line
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

West Coast Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Offers

Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Wed - Fri - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Sat - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Named best happy hour in Santa Monica! Walk-ins welcome for indoor, outdoor or bar seating. Reservations available 4PM and after. Join us every Wednesday - Friday from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday 3pm to 5pm for happy hour: - $5 tacos - $5 beers - $8 cocktails - $8 to $10 glasses of Mexican wine Dine-in only.
Taco Tuesday
Multiple dates available
Tue - 4:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Join us all day, every Tuesday for $4 tacos, $5 beer, and $8-$10 cocktails and Mexican wines. Taco Tuesday menu is available from 11:30am to 8:30pm for dine-in only. Tacos include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!

What 866 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.3Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Los Angeles
Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Socalo offers a delightful dining experience with "great food and service" in a warm atmosphere. Guests rave about the "unique menu" and "best guacamole in town." Taco Tuesday is a hit, and the "passion fruit mimosa" is a must-try. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and welcoming staff at this standout spot.

866 Reviews

A
Anne
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food and service was very attentive. I had an early dinner around 5:30 so it wasn’t crowded at all—so quiet and service was great. The special was chicken pozole and it did not disappoint. Followed by the The Gobernador tacos, then a guava empanada for dessert. The tacos had such great flavor along with the jicama slaw—perfect addition. Go to Socalo, you won’t regret it.
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R
Robert
VIP
Los Angeles
35 reviews
2.0
35 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We have had dinner here multiple times since they opened. This was the first time we had to send a meal back. My wife ordered the dorado tacos which were overly fried. Everyone has a bad day. I certainly hope they correct the problem and it doesn’t occur too often if at all. However the waiter and manager went out of their way ho make things right. We appreciate the effort.
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G
Geo
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ate mostly vegetarian (not necessarily by design) plus an Really Fantastic whole fish dish. Nice design upscale but casual and free parking:)
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a
andrew
Los Angeles
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was great very tasteful would certainly go back
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D
Donna
Los Angeles
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful Food & Service! Would highly recommend!
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D
Dave
Yosemite
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and drinks, great service ... and all at reasonable prices too . who could ask for anything more
Is this helpful?
S
Stephanie
VIP
Raleigh
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service! The tacos were delicious as were the chips and guacamole.
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A
Anne
VIP
Los Angeles
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the ability to eat outside in a quieter area. Food and service excellent as always.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went on Taco Tuesday which they offer some of their tacos and cocktails at a discount. Great value. The lobster tostada was pretty good but the brisket taco was so delicious!!
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t
thomas
Philadelphia
11 reviews
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
This was our 2nd visit to Socalo. The first time we ate there, we were in the front room and were cold every time people came in the door. I called at 5:30 to ask if we could eat anywhere but in the front dining room near the door. The person who answered said he would make sure we were seated somewhere else. When we arrived, we were shown to the table in front of the door. When I told them my story, they said there were no other tables. Meanwhile there were quite a few tables empty on the side porch. After 10 minutes, they finally put us at a round table for 6 which made it difficult to talk to each other (we were 4 people). It took 15 minutes to get our first drinks. The food was very good. We ordered another round of drinks halfway through our meal and the drinks came after we finished and our plates were cleared.
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FAQs

Socalo offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (310) 451-1655.

Socalo is rated 4.7 stars by 866 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 23, 2024

9:30 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1920 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404-1909

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
20th Street
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Tue 11:30 am–8:30 pm Wed–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Californian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
First 90 minutes free parking, with restaurant purchase. Self-parking is available in the underground parking lot at The Gateway Hotel.
Public transit
17th Street / SMC Station - Expo Light Rail Line
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Raul Plascencia
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://socalo.com/
Phone number
(310) 451-1655
Catering
Breakfast meetings, office lunches, holiday parties and celebrations of all types - we can help with your next event.
Private party facilities
Socalo is a California canteen and Mexican pub from award-winning chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Located within Santa Monica’s Gateway Hotel, we can accommodate groups of all sizes in our private dining rooms or beautiful outdoor patios.
Private party contact
Brianna Gallardo: (310) 451-1165

Featured in

West Coast Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Socalo

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

West Coast Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Offers

Happy Hour

Taco Tuesday

Menu

What 866 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Socalo offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Socalo restaurant rated?

Is Socalo currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

West Coast Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day