Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Los Angeles
  4. Westside
  5. Santa Monica
Chefs/Owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken - Socalo, Santa Monica, CA

Socalo

4.7
4.7
868 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
  • Great for happy hour
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for groups
SOCALO is a beachy, California canteen and Mexican pub from award-winning chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Located within the Gateway Hotel, SOCALO offers seasonal and organic SoCal Mexican fare with cocktails, Mexican wines and craft beers.

SOCALO has been named Eater's Superb Santa Monica Restaurants and Hottest Happy Hours, LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants, Best Tacos and Best Mexican Restaurants in LA by Time Out and Thrillist.

Open for indoor and outdoor dining, and counter service dining prior to 4pm (no reservations necessary nor taken). Takeout and delivery with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.

For groups of 7 or more, please call 310.451.1655 to discuss accommodations, or visit socalo.com. We offer semi-private spaces, private banquet rooms, long communal tables, and two spacious outdoor patios.

Mary Sue & Susan are the founders of Mundo Hospitality Group, including Border Grill, Pacha Mamas, BBQ Mexicana, SOCALO & Alice B.
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Californian, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Tue 11:30 am–8:30 pm Wed–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    First 90 minutes free parking, with restaurant purchase. Self-parking is available in the underground parking lot at The Gateway Hotel.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Raul Plascencia
  • Delivery & takeout

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Wed - Fri - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM,Sat - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Named best happy hour in Santa Monica! Walk-ins welcome for indoor, outdoor or bar seating. Reservations available 4PM and after. Join us every Wednesday - Friday from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday 3pm to 5pm for happy hour: - $5 tacos - $5 beers - $8 cocktails - $8 to $10 glasses of Mexican wine Dine-in only.

    Happy Hour Photo
  • Taco Tuesday

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - 4:00 PM - 8:15 PM
    Join us all day, every Tuesday for $4 tacos, $5 beer, and $8-$10 cocktails and Mexican wines. Taco Tuesday menu is available from 11:30am to 8:30pm for dine-in only. Tacos include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!

    Taco Tuesday Photo

What 868 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Los Angeles

    Mexican

  • Westside

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Socalo is a vibrant gem in Santa Monica offering "excellent food, service, and a pleasant atmosphere." Known for its innovative and flavorful Mexican cuisine, it features standout dishes like tacos and ceviche. Guests rave about the "friendly and attentive staff" and enjoy a "great Taco Tuesday deal."

868 Reviews
  1. Tish

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Friendly, helpful staff and delicious food! What more could you ask for?!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Izak VIP

    Los Angeles17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We welcomed the New Year with Taco Tuesday specials which were original, tasty and fun! Love this place.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Anne

    Sacramento1 review

    5.0

    Dined on December 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent food and service was very attentive. I had an early dinner around 5:30 so it wasn’t crowded at all—so quiet and service was great. The special was chicken pozole and it did not disappoint. Followed by the The Gobernador tacos, then a guava empanada for dessert. The tacos had such great flavor along with the jicama slaw—perfect addition. Go to Socalo, you won’t regret it.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robert VIP

    Los Angeles40 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on December 15, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We have had dinner here multiple times since they opened. This was the first time we had to send a meal back. My wife ordered the dorado tacos which were overly fried. Everyone has a bad day. I certainly hope they correct the problem and it doesn’t occur too often if at all. However the waiter and manager went out of their way ho make things right. We appreciate the effort.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Geo

    Minneapolis2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ate mostly vegetarian (not necessarily by design) plus an Really Fantastic whole fish dish. Nice design upscale but casual and free parking:)

    Is this helpful?

  6. andrew

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great very tasteful would certainly go back

    Is this helpful?

  7. Donna

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful Food & Service! Would highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Dave

    Yosemite2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on November 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and drinks, great service ... and all at reasonable prices too . who could ask for anything more

    Is this helpful?

  9. Stephanie VIP

    Raleigh12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service! The tacos were delicious as were the chips and guacamole.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Anne VIP

    Los Angeles10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love the ability to eat outside in a quieter area. Food and service excellent as always.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Socalo offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (310) 451-1655.

Socalo is rated 4.7 stars by 868 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Google Map for Socalo

1920 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404-1909

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Californian, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–4:00 pm Happy Hour Tue 11:30 am–8:30 pm Wed–Fri 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Sat 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    First 90 minutes free parking, with restaurant purchase. Self-parking is available in the underground parking lot at The Gateway Hotel.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Raul Plascencia
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo