Blue Plate Taco
1 / 10

Blue Plate Taco

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Vibrant Mexican eatery in the Shore Hotel, serving locavore dishes with Pacific views and a beachy vibe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Blue Plate Taco

Blue Plate Taco

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vibrant Mexican eatery in the Shore Hotel, serving locavore dishes with Pacific views and a beachy vibe.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Best tacos I’ve ever had! Must try if you are in the area. Lovely people."

TIP

Reserve Ahead for Peak Times

Book online for busy periods or special occasions like Cinco de Mayo to secure a table.

Catch Happy Hour

Arrive before 6 PM for great deals on appetizers like chips & guac and farmers market nachos.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

Mexican

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(310) 458-2985

Address

1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean Views and Beachy Vibes

Ocean Views and Beachy Vibes

Dine with stunning Pacific views on the ocean-facing patio, perfect for sunset and people-watching.

Unique Tacos and Fresh Flavors

Unique Tacos and Fresh Flavors

Savor creative tacos like lobster with truffle oil or red snapper, made with fresh, local ingredients.

The 12 Greatest Taco Spots in Coastal LAGoogle Review
Refreshing Cocktails and Happy Hour

Refreshing Cocktails and Happy Hour

Enjoy popular margaritas, sangrias, and other refreshing drinks, especially during happy hour deals.

12 Best Margaritas in Los AngelesGoogle Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Engineers turned taco critics 🌮 Tim and I swapped UT Austin for Blue Plate Taco — Queso Fundido + Taco del Día combo (off-menu 👀) = perfection. Sunset, ocean breeze, and the Santa Monica Pier right next to you? 10/10. 📍1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 We ordered: 🌯 Queso Fundido 🌮 Taco del Día combo (off-menu 👀) @Blue Plate Taco #LivingMyDreamLife #SantaMonicaEats #BeachsideBites #Calif...
@kim.unscripted_journey
13 likes • 269 views

Reserve Ahead for Peak Times

Book online for busy periods or special occasions like Cinco de Mayo to secure a table.

Catch Happy Hour

Arrive before 6 PM for great deals on appetizers like chips & guac and farmers market nachos.

Este restaurante esta en ka ciudad de Santa Monica, CA. Me gusta la comida y sus ricas bebidas. Estos nachos están RIQUÍSIMOS. #blueplatetaco #santanonicabeach #larestaurants #restaurantsinlosangeles #food #cocinadeignacio #foryou #tacos #tacos #foryourpage #foryoupageofficiall #parati #tiktok #recetasfaciles #trending #trendingvideo
@cocina_de_ignacio
72 likes • 4.2K views
#losangeles #santamonica #blueplatetaco #tacotuesday @Sianjpap ❤️🍹☀️🌴
@michaelaatkinson78
3 likes • 2K views

Try Unique Menu Items

Don't miss upscale options like lobster tacos with truffle oil for a special treat.

Enjoy the Patio

Sit outside on the ocean-facing patio for beautiful views of Santa Monica Pier.

First Stops on the CA MUST TRY LIST: 1. North Italia @eatnorthitalia ~ Great Breakfast and Brunch dishes. Plus the peach mimosa was delicious! 2. Blue Plate Taco @blueplatetaco ~ Great Vibes and the tacos were really good! Plus it’s right by the pier! 3. Bodega @bodegasantamonica ~ Super cozy vibe, coffee shop during the day and perfect nighttime spot. Outside seating with heaters or great opt...
@arecipe4disaster
136 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Reserve Ahead for Peak Times

Book online for busy periods or special occasions like Cinco de Mayo to secure a table.

Catch Happy Hour

Arrive before 6 PM for great deals on appetizers like chips & guac and farmers market nachos.

Try Unique Menu Items

Don't miss upscale options like lobster tacos with truffle oil for a special treat.

Enjoy the Patio

Sit outside on the ocean-facing patio for beautiful views of Santa Monica Pier.

Post-Beach Relaxation

Ideal stop after beach time or shopping; enjoy a relaxing meal with great views.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners rave about Blue Plate Taco's fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine, unique taco creations, and vibrant atmosphere with ocean views. The friendly service and popular cocktails, especially margaritas, are frequently praised. While some find the portions a bit small for the price, the overall consensus is a highly recommendable dining experience for its quality, location, and beachy vibe.

"So good we went back three days in a row. I actually asked to take home the hot sauce back to the UK but they don’t bottle it up just yet! All freshly made. Best tacos I’ve ever had. Nachos also very unique. Must try if you are in the area. Hopefully they franchise this place and it comes to the UK soon! Thanks to Ryan and Morgan our amazing servers. Lovely people."

Dale Harrington

"Very welcoming staff, pleasant environment and great outdoor seating area. Food was delicious! There’s also a happy hour we didn’t know of, so that made everything twice tastier. Additionally, we were given homemade tortilla on the house."

R P

"I love love love the food here. I ordered the veg bowl, and it’s really goooood. The truffle oil wasn’t too strong and didn’t kill the overall flavour. Portion is good, value for money, toilet is clean, everything is good.

I’m gonna to miss the food when I go back home! See yall next time!

Keep up the good work!!"

Yap hh

What People Like

Fresh and flavorful tacos
Stunning ocean views
Refreshing cocktails and happy hour

What People Dislike

Portion sizes vs. price
Chips can be crumbly

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times or for special occasions, and can be made online.

Beachfront Restaurants on the Santa Monica Pier

Popular choices include the taquitos deliciosos, red snapper tacos, lobster tacos with truffle oil, and the farmers market nachos.

The 12 Greatest Taco Spots in Coastal LAGoogle Review

Yes, happy hour is available before 6 PM, featuring deals on appetizers like chips & guac and nachos.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant has a popular outdoor patio with ocean views, perfect for enjoying the beachside ambiance.

Beachfront Restaurants on the Santa Monica PierGoogle Review

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options like the farmers market nachos and vegetarian bowls.

Google Review

The vibe is relaxed and beachy, with a lively atmosphere, often featuring great music.

Beachfront Restaurants on the Santa Monica PierSanta Monica's Most Instagrammable SpotsGoogle Review

There is a parking lot nearby, and the location is convenient for walking after visiting the beach or promenade.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Atly

Top 50 Gluten-Free Brunch Spots to Enjoy in Santa Monica

The tacos are great, but if you have food allergies, STAY AWAY. I have celiac, and I spoke to the server, and had a relatively high degree of confidence that I could be accommodated. But after my meal, while waiting in line for the bathroom, I observed the kitchen put slaw on a plate of flour tortillas, look at the ticket, and then proceed to dump the slaw BACK INTO THE PREP LINE. I have to do a lot of research to go to restaurants and understand that I eat out at my own risk.

Visit Source →
Lemon8

Discover the Best Mediterranean Food in Santa Monica

When searching for a memorable experience, consider popular spots like 'Blue Plate Taco,' known for its Pacific views and fresh ingredients, or 'The Albright,' which offers a casual vibe and seafood delicacies. Additionally, 'A.O.C.' features a stunning wine selection paired with its Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Dining in Santa Monica allows guests to enjoy not just the food but also the ambiance contributed by its beach-town vibe.

Visit Source →
Vox Creative Next

12 Best Margaritas in Los Angeles

The name is only half the story at this small but lively Santa Monica spot right on sceney Ocean Avenue. Stuff your gullet with guac, salsa and chips, and plenty of tacos — bites ranging from steak to pork belly to lobster — but don’t neglect the margaritas. Warm your insides with the simple but nicely balanced Cadillac, made with tequila, Grand Marnier, lime, and agave (and available by the pitcher!), as you soak up the sun on the patio.

Visit Source →
Visit Santa Monica

Beachfront Restaurants on the Santa Monica Pier

When the sun starts to set on Ocean Avenue, Blue Plate Taco’s ocean-facing patio is exactly where you want to be. Start with some house-made chips and guacamole, order a round of fish tacos and finish your meal strong with some churros for the table. Blue Plate Taco’s relaxed atmosphere and proximity to the beach make it an easy stop after a long day at the beach (or after shopping along the Third Street Promenade).

Visit Source →
CBS Los Angeles

Santa Monica's Best Mexican Food

Situated next to the Shore Hotel, Blue Plate Taco sits right on Ocean Avenue overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. With a popular drink menu that offers drinks by the pitcher or by the glass, guests love their sangrias and margaritas with their tasty Mexican food. Using fresh ingredients on beautiful small plates, items that are a must order include guacamole and chips, ceviche, quesadillas and more to start.

Visit Source →
Locale Magazine

The 12 Greatest Taco Spots in Coastal LA

For those looking for a more upscale experience, Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica is an unbeatable option. With views of the Santa Monica Pier and ocean, Blue Plate Taco gives customers a true taste of that local life in Santa Monica. Their menu has some unconventional and unique items, such as the divine lobster tacos drizzled with truffle oil—um, yum.

Visit Source →
WE LIKE L.A.

16 Beachside Dining Spots Perfect for a Summer Meal in Los Angeles

Blue Plate Taco is located right across from the Santa Monica Pier at The Shade Hotel and serves farm fresh Coastal Mexican food. Conceived by those behind Blue Plate and BP Oysterette you can get plenty of seafood here like lobster tacos, a shrimp cobb, and seafood enchiladas. Sit outside on their patio overlooking the pier and ocean.

Visit Source →
santamonicasuv.com

Blue Plate Taco, located on Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, is famous for its tacos and outstanding Mexican food. Blue Plate Taco offers many organic and sustainably farmed ingredients, which contribute to the fresh, mouthwatering flavors. The menu is simple and primarily includes tacos, fajitas, burritos, and bowls.

Visit Source →
Next Luxury

The 12 Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Blue Plate Taco is a hip Mexican restaurant located right on Ocean Avenue. Both their tacos and drinks have a contemporary twist to them, and their dishes tend to be a little lighter than authentic Mexican cuisine. If you enjoy a refreshing cocktail, you’ll definitely want to give their La Pina a spin.

Visit Source →
Palm Trees & Pellegrino

Santa Monica's Most Instagrammable Spots

Beach inspired decor, DELICIOUS food, and gorgeous drinks – what else could you want from an oceanside restaurant with a view?. Located on Ocean Avenue inside the Shore Hotel, Blue Plate Taco is a great lunch stop. It also makes for a great stop after a long day for happy hour and the sunset.

Visit Source →
Trip101

10 Casual Restaurants In Santa Monica, California

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Blue Plate Taco (@blueplatetaco). Have your favorite meal at one of the best restaurants in the region offering great ambiance, exceptional customer care services, and healthy meals.

Visit Source →
LA Date Ideas

The Best Romantic Restaurants and Bars on Ocean Avenue Santa Monica

Under the same ownership as Blue Plate Oysterett is Blue Plate Taco, just up from Ivy. It’s usually crowded with lots of young people and noisy, but I really like the food here. Do not miss the grilled corn on the cobb with cotija!

Visit Source →
Santa Monica Daily Press

Dine LA Restaurant Week has diners delighted

Fans of Mexican food will have full plates at Socalo, Mercado Santa Monica, Red O Cantina and Blue Plate Taco. Socalo chef Susan Feniger said that the event is exciting due to “how it brings people together around food.

Visit Source →
Black Girls Eat

Santa Monica: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Near the Pier

LA is a plant-based advocate for the Bronx who loves to travel. She also loves to find new and exciting ways to get more plants on her plate. Want to go from plant-curious to plant-focused?

Visit Source →
mexicanrestaurantsantamonica.com

Best Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica|Restaurant Sol Agave

Visit Source →
Venice Beach Happy Hours and Bar Specials

Santa Monica Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus

Visit Source →
Lipgloss and Crayons

The Best Tacos in Los Angeles

Visit Source →
thewholegang.org

Gluten Free Restaurants in Santa Monica

Visit Source →