Planning a trip to Los Angeles?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
Mercado
Mexican Restaurant$$$$
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica
"Many great items: choriqueso, duo dip, carnitas, fish tacos."(4 Tips)
"We love the choriqueso, nachos and dos gringas tacos."(3 Tips)
"Their carnitas - pretty awesome, AND it's on the happy hour menu!"(10 Tips)
"Great margaritas, friendly staff, tasty tacos"(14 Tips)
See what your friends are saying about Mercado.
By creating an account you are able to follow friends and experts you trust and see the places they’ve recommended.
orSign up with email
80 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- Mexican food
- margaritas
- choriqueso
- dos gringas
- happy hour
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Dress for the DateSeptember 21, 2013Serving 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.
Upvote8Downvote
Rachel KMarch 8, 2015Not 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.
Upvote2Downvote
Lesly MariethSeptember 21, 2019Started 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.
UpvoteDownvote
Gregory RMarch 2, 2014Many 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.Upvote1Downvote
Chris CooksonJanuary 22, 2017Great 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.UpvoteDownvote
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.UpvoteDownvote
Absolutely amazing meal- everything was perfect. Jesse, the owner, is as charming as the food is excellent. Can't wait to go back!
Upvote1Downvote
Veronica ChaviraAugust 16, 2018The Mexican Kale salad is a light starter to prepare for their good entree portions. I recommend the mole enchiladas. They are flavorful and filling!UpvoteDownvote
Danger GrayOctober 24, 2013The 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!UpvoteDownvote- Veronica ChaviraJuly 16, 2018The Mexican Kale salad is a light started to prepare for their good entree portions. I recommend the mole enchiladas. They are flavorful and filling!UpvoteDownvote
Tasting TableJune 27, 2012Get 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 moreUpvote4Downvote
Kirti VasheeJanuary 14, 2016Cooking 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 competitorsUpvoteDownvote
Josef SzottenFebruary 18, 2017Get the special fish of the day. Hasn't failed me yet. Also - Seasonal margaritas ftw!
UpvoteDownvote
Christina ChinJanuary 23, 2017Fish tacos were good and has spicy kick. Nachos are home made and guacamole is chunky but delish
UpvoteDownvote
Deborah AbibOctober 5, 2015My favorite Mexican in LA ! Try the Carnitas and the Trés Leches Cake (it's divine !)
UpvoteDownvote
Liliana VillanuevaJune 10, 2013The guacamole was great indeed, a little salty but tasted super authentic. Go for the special drinks, although the menu I'm sure is great.UpvoteDownvote
Elaine N.October 6, 2013Definitely 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!Upvote1Downvote
Sean BesserFebruary 4, 2013Upscale Mexican with a fun vibe and one the best flans anywhere (call ahead to reserve because they often sell out).UpvoteDownvote
Jamie LynnDecember 18, 2016Dip duo and carne asada were on point. I'm pregnant and can't drink, so the mint lemonade hit the spot!UpvoteDownvote
Lauren MelcherJanuary 19, 2016Cucumber jalapeño margarita goes down like juice. Carnitas taco plate and queso + chips are delicious.UpvoteDownvote
Andrew RamseySeptember 13, 2016Their nachos rock. Margs are pretty damn good too. There's an upstairs so don't fret if the downstairs looks packedUpvoteDownvote
Lailanie GadiaJanuary 2, 2017The happy hour is amazing. The Dos Gringas and Carnitas Nachos were delicious!UpvoteDownvote- Actually, there ARE purse hooks on the communal tables! :) The best food & nicest folks in the neighborhood- love Mercado!Upvote1Downvote
Shawn ThorntonJuly 21, 2018Absolutely love this place. Great service and amazing food. Gauc, carne asada, and marg!UpvoteDownvote
Lauren FosterAugust 5, 2015The sea bass taco is amazing as is everything else. Jalapeño margarita is a must try.UpvoteDownvote
Good food. Good Tequilas and Mezcal. Hip and cool vibe.UpvoteDownvote
Ryan AmbsDecember 23, 2015Pros: ambience, carne asada, guacamole. Cons: brought wrong side, had to send drink back, no steak knife. Without those whiffs, it could have been very niceUpvoteDownvote
Melissa McGuireAugust 11, 2012This place is delicious! Everything we had was cooked and flavored very well! The flan is to die for!!Upvote2Downvote
Lane PelovskyFebruary 28, 2017Tacos and Guac was tasty. Very expensive though. Margaritas were tiny for the price.
UpvoteDownvote
Lisa CousinsNovember 19, 2012The guacamole and queso dips are orgasmic...hands down the best ever. Don't ask questions, just order it.Upvote3Downvote
Phil PallenJanuary 23, 2013You can't go wrong with a margarita at this place. Every time I've been I've loved it.UpvoteDownvote
Excellent guacamole and chips. We'll be back.UpvoteDownvote
Susan HMay 30, 2013Try the Flan, you won't be disappointed. Great energy, excellent food!UpvoteDownvote
Gail HJanuary 13, 2013Get the queso dip w mushrooms and chiles etc. Rich but oh so good as a starter.UpvoteDownvote
Melike YersizJanuary 19, 2014The flan is orgasmic, but big. Save room for it and share with a friend.UpvoteDownvote
- Mark GogginMarch 4, 2013Some of the best food ever. Sit at the communal tables during happy hour.UpvoteDownvote
Everything is amazing. Try the choriquezo and the shrimp tacos!Upvote1Downvote
Kim MartinsenJuly 30, 2013Carne Asada, Poblano Margarita (with Mescal and Chipotle Salt)Upvote1Downvote
219 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Closed until 4:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Fri
- 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Sat
- 4:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Sun
- 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
- 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
(310) 526-7121
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Happy Hour
Drinks
Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
You might also like
Appears on 303 lists
Created by Christopher T
42 items • 84 followers
Created by Nick Huddleston
85 items • 12 followers
LA's Essential Sit Down Mexican Restaurants
Created by Eater
16 items • 54 followers
