30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Santa Monica
Best Cheap Eats Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Late Night Tacos in Santa Monica
Best Late Night Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Santa Monica
Best Cheap Eats Tacos in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Lanea
8.1
This cocktail bar showcases over 400 tequilas and mezcals alongside authentic street tacos from East LA's 'Barbacoa Queen' Petra Zavaleta. The 36-hour pit-roasted lamb barbacoa wrapped in agave leaves pairs perfectly with handcrafted wellness-driven cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Lamb Tacos, Al Pastor, Carnitas with Consommé
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: One of the largest tequila/mezcal selections in the US
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and late-night crowds
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays 5-7pm or weekend brunch
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, tequila flight, canned cocktails
Insider tip: Try their at-home tequila flights and picnic packs
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, nearby public lots $8-15, rideshare recommended for happy hour
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy, jeans with nice top works, gets more upscale after 9pm
Noise level: Lively buzz during happy hour, louder after 9pm - challenging for intimate conversations
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Not open for weekday lunch - opens at 5pm Mon-Fri
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom and nopales tacos, quesadillas, multiple apps
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie tacos without cheese, ask about lard in beans
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, most tacos GF, ask about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for drinks-focused first dates - impressive tequila selection shows sophistication, sharing tacos breaks ice, but can get loud after 8pm so book early slots
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available with 20-30 min wait, tables tough on weekends. Best walk-in chances Tuesday-Thursday before 6pm or after 9:30pm
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids - bar-focused atmosphere, late dining crowd, no kids menu. Better for 16+ or weekend brunch only for families
Best For
Better for: Unmatched tequila education with 400+ bottles, authentic 36-hour barbacoa you won't find elsewhere, craft cocktails that rival dedicated cocktail bars
Skip if: You want quick casual tacos, need family-friendly atmosphere, prefer beer over tequila, or dining before 5pm on weekdays
Hours
Monday6pm - 2am
Tuesday6pm - 2am
Wednesday6pm - 2am
Thursday6pm - 2am
Friday6pm - 2am
Saturday6pm - 2am
Sunday6pm - 2am