Best Group Dining Gatherings Mexican Restaurants in Santa Monica
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Back on the Beach Cafe
A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.
Notable Picks
8.4
This longtime beachfront cafe attached to the Annenberg Beach House serves a trio of seafood tacos—fish, shrimp, and salmon—steps from the sand. The tacos pair crisp slaw and pico with ocean views that make a casual plate feel like a mini vacation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Tacos
What Makes it Special: A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.
#2
Tu Madre
8.4
Born from a happy accident with a fried chicken taco, Tu Madre reinvents the taco game with creative combinations like ahi tuna on handmade tortillas. Their vibrant cantina atmosphere and $1.50 happy hour tacos make this a local favorite for groups and date nights alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Ahi Tuna Tostada, Street Corn Nachos
What Makes it Special: Inventive fusion tacos with daily happy hour featuring $1.50 tacos
Worthy Picks
7.9
A long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot built around traditional preparations—mole, chile verde, lengua—served alongside nightly live guitar and weekend mariachi that set the tempo for the whole room. It draws families and large groups who want festive, communal dining with outdoor seating and enough noise to let the table get loud. Expect to raise your voice during peak hours, but that's the point.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas, Mole, Chile Verde
What Makes it Special: Long-running Pico Boulevard Mexican spot where live mariachi accompanies traditional dishes like mole and chile verde
#4
Cabo Cantina
7.8
This party-centric cantina near the Promenade serves mega margaritas and late-night tacos until 2am daily. Known for its 2-for-1 happy hours and raucous atmosphere, it's where beach vibes meet border-town energy with affordable street tacos and bottomless specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Fish Tacos with Habanero Sauce, Grilled Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: 36oz Mega Margaritas and kitchen open until 2am every night
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
What Makes it Special: 50+ taco varieties and premium mezcal selection