30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Desvelados Cantina
7.8
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Sixth location of this LA institution brings 50+ taco varieties and premium mezcal to downtown Santa Monica. Opened November 2024 with full liquor bar and the famous 'Alcapone' taco grande.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alcapone Taco Grande, Mas Buscados Tacos, No Seas Naca Margarita
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 50+ taco varieties and premium mezcal selection
Who should go: Adventurous eaters and mezcal enthusiasts
When to visit: Happy hour or Día de los Muertos celebrations
What to order: Alcapone taco, varied taco flight, mezcalitas
Insider tip: New location opened with exclusive Santa Monica-only tacos
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking $3/hr until 8pm, public garage 2 blocks away ($8 flat rate evenings). Valet not available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, beachy Santa Monica vibe welcome
Noise level: Loud during peak times - conversation challenging at bar, better in dining room
Weekend wait: 60-90 min Friday/Saturday without reservation, bar seating sometimes available sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 8-10 dedicated taco options plus sides, clearly marked on menu
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 taco options, can modify others by removing cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - very lively atmosphere makes intimate conversation tough. Great for fun, casual dates where you want good energy and shareable food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 20-30 min wait. Weekends very difficult - try for bar seating or come before 6pm. They don't take same-day reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided. After 8pm becomes more of a bar scene, especially weekends.
Best For
Better for: Most extensive taco variety in Santa Monica, superior mezcal selection vs other Mexican spots, better happy hour deals than Mercado or Tallula's
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos (try Tacos Por Favor), need a quiet dinner spot, or prefer traditional Mexican over modern interpretations
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 12am