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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Santa Monica
Best Late Night Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Family Friendly Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Tacos in Santa Monica
Best Cheap Eats Tacos in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
La Purepecha
8.8
Named after Michoacán's indigenous societies, this year-old taquería offers handmade corn tortillas with exceptional meat-to-tortilla ratios. Tuesday's $1.99 tacos draw crowds for authentic carnitas, adobada, and their memorable grilled fish tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taconazos, Grilled Fish Taco, Adobada Taco
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Handmade tortillas with cheese-melted taconazos option
Who should go: Authenticity seekers and taco purists
When to visit: Taco Tuesday for $1.99 deals
What to order: Carnitas taconazos, fish taco, consomé
Insider tip: Ask for taconazos style with melted cheese inside
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered until 6pm. Gets tight during Taco Tuesday rush - arrive before 6:30pm or walk from nearby lots
Dress code: Come as you are - locals in everything from beach gear to work clothes
Noise level: Lively and bustling - expect to lean in during peak hours
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for seating, order at counter
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min line for ordering, grab-and-go friendly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - beans, cheese quesadillas, nopales (cactus) tacos available
Vegan options: Very limited - nopales tacos can be made without cheese, beans without lard on request
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - low-key atmosphere takes pressure off, and sharing different tacos is a natural conversation starter. Skip Taco Tuesday if you want to actually hear each other
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's order at counter, first-come seating. Best strategy is avoiding 7-8pm Tuesday rush or taking it to-go to the beach
Is it kid-friendly? Very - casual atmosphere where kids can be themselves, simple quesadillas and bean tacos available, quick service means less waiting
Best For
Better for: More authentic than Tocaya or Tallula's - handmade tortillas and traditional Michoacán recipes you won't find at trendy spots. Best meat-to-tortilla ratio in Santa Monica
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy presentation or craft cocktails - head to Mercado instead. Also skip if you need extensive vegan options or table service
Hours
Monday9am - 9pm
Tuesday9am - 9pm
Wednesday9am - 9pm
Thursday9am - 9pm
Friday9am - 9pm
Saturday10am - 9pm
Sunday11am - 6pm