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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Holy Guacamole
7.6
No-frills taqueria on Main Street serving oversized burritos and street tacos until late night with fresh-made tortillas. The casual counter-service spot draws beach crowds with its late hours and straightforward Mexican staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Asada Burrito, Fish Tacos, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Open until 2:15am on weekends serving big portions to the late-night crowd
Who should go: Beach-goers and night owls seeking affordable quick Mexican food
When to visit: Late nights on weekends for post-bar fuel; early morning for breakfast burritos
What to order: Super Asada burrito, fish tacos, breakfast burrito with grilled hash browns, fresh salsas
Insider tip: Request the special hot sauces from the register to elevate any dish
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street with 2-hour meters until 8pm; free after 8pm and all day Sunday. Small public lot one block east on Pier Avenue.
Dress code: Ultra casual - beach attire, shorts, and flip-flops completely acceptable
Noise level: Loud - bustling counter-service spot with open kitchen and high ceilings, not ideal for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait, minimal seating wait as most grab-and-go
Weekday lunch: Under 5 min - quick counter service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese options, veggie burritos, cheese quesadillas available
Vegan options: Limited - rice and bean tacos possible without cheese/sour cream, corn tortillas available
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - better as a casual meetup spot. The loud counter-service environment and plastic tables don't create romantic ambiance, though it works for beach-casual daytime dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's counter-service only. Grab your food and find a seat, or take it to go. Seating is limited but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual vibe, simple menu items kids love (tacos, quesadillas), high chairs available, and families are common especially during daytime hours.
How does it compare to Tacos Por Favor down the street? Holy Guacamole wins on portions and late-night hours (open until 2:15am weekends vs 10pm). Tacos Por Favor has slightly better fish tacos and nicer outdoor seating, but both serve solid beach-casual Mexican.
Is the food authentic? It's Cal-Mex style - think oversized Mission-style burritos rather than Mexico City street food. Fresh-made tortillas and solid fundamentals, but not trying to be fine dining or regionally authentic.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings (latest hours in the area), massive portions for the price, quick pre-beach fuel, hangover recovery breakfast burritos
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience, authentic regional Mexican cuisine, or a quiet date spot.
Hours
Monday8am - 10pm
Tuesday8am - 10pm
Wednesday8am - 10pm
Thursday8am - 10pm
Friday8am - 2:30am
Saturday8am - 2:30am
Sunday8am - 9pm