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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
Master Critic Review
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
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Inventive fusion tacos with daily happy hour featuring $1.50 tacos
Who should go: Young professionals and creative taco enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday happy hours 3-6pm for best deals
What to order: Fried chicken taco, ahi tuna tostada, margarita flight
Insider tip: Tuesday bottomless brunch is legendary among locals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public garage 2 blocks away on 2nd Street ($3/hr)
Dress code: Casual cantina vibe - anything from jeans to sundresses works
Noise level: Lively during happy hour - expect raised voices, quieter after 7pm
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during happy hour rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cauliflower, mushroom, and black bean options available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 3-4 tacos by removing cheese/crema
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated fryer for chips
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - lively atmosphere takes pressure off, shareable plates encourage interaction, and happy hour keeps it budget-friendly
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available, but book ahead for happy hour tables - walk-ins work best before 5pm or after 8pm weekdays
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than toddlers - no kids menu but they'll enjoy the quesadillas, gets loud during peak hours
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion tacos you won't find elsewhere, unbeatable happy hour value, and energetic group dining atmosphere
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos, need a quiet conversation spot, or prefer traditional Mexican cuisine
Hours
Monday11am - 11pm
Tuesday11am - 11pm
Wednesday11am - 11pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 11pm