Mercado is one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever enjoyed. The blood orange margaritas were spectacular, the coliflor con escabeche (roasted cauliflower with peppers that I thought were poblanos, but turned out to be jalapeños) was sublime, and the broiled mahi mahi over Mercado's "Cahuenga Cucumber Salad" (look it up on their menu - WOW) with their fresh guacamole blew my mind.
I’ve been a Mexican food aficionado since before most of the waiters’ parents were born, from Charro’s in Arizona to Rosa Mexicana in NYC to Aguila y Sol in Mexico City and never, ever, have I enjoyed a dish more than Mercado’s enchiladas, or their guacamole. And the Blood-Orange Margarita was no slouch either. Thanks also to great wait staff, including Tasha. See you again, not soon enough!
A bit away from the Santa Monica Pier. Cool air and open space. The water was refreshing. Service was great, consistency and teamwork from the team of service. The food had unique flavor and fused with Mexican dishes with a bit of American. Definitely worth a visit while at the pier and no wait time as a plus.
Team Ultimate Exposure William & Bug
+5
So we were in town last night and were looking for a taco Tuesday. We stop at one place will not say any names and it was absolutely the worse so we decided to try this place. Well let’s just say we were happy we did. From the moment we walked in you can just tell from the way it looked that they take very high level of pride in there restaurant. We were greeted by the host and we said we would just take a seat at the bar. The bar area was cute probably had about 8 to 10 seats there. The bartender was very quick to say hello and ask us if we needed anything. He told us about the specials and told us about the happy hour menu. So we decided to work our way with the whole happy hour menu. And let us tell you all the tacos were amazing. The nachos were outstanding and the service was spectacular. When we were done with one plate someone came right away to clear it out of our way. And the food came fresh, hot and everyone was great. We will definitely go back again without a doubt. We saw other food coming out and it all looked amazing
This is a wonderful Mexican restaurant with good options for every type of water - carnivores, omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. I tried the Chile rellino and I was pleasantly surprised because it came in soup/broth. The guacamole was fresh and excellent. The chips were perfectly salted. Next time I will have to try dessert here, because apparently it has the best flan in town!
Update: the Papas tacos were really good and freshly fried! the churro ice cream is delicious, with pieces of churro in the ice cream, I would highly recommend.
Hand down, some of the best Mexican food and spicy margs you can find in LA. We’ve loved our meals every visit and the service has been wonderful. I personally love the cauliflower tacos and my partner has loved both of his fish meals. The guacamole is great too and I highly recommend for sharing with a group.
Excellent food and service. The pastor tacos were particularly good. The drink special for the day - pina colada margarita - wasn't the best idea.
Tasty food considering they dumb it down for the white locals. The Jamaica marguerita is bomb.
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TL;DR: This is one of the BEST upscale and quality Mexican restaurants in Southern California. This is an excellent quality craft Mexican dining experience which is difficult to beat. Order the guacamole, that’s a must. I also recommend the filet mug on tacos or the mole enchiladas. Absolutely one of my favorite Mexican dining experiences, hands down.
The food and drink are unlike much Mexican dining I’ve ever had. To start, the drinks are carefully made with good amounts of liquor, they’re unique, and they stray away from many artificial fillers. Delicious! The food is on another level. Everything seems like it was made from scratch. It’s also well presented. The guacamole is the best I’ve ever tried at a restaurant. The food is cared for and the flavors reflect the high quality that the chefs place into making the entree.
The service here is also excellent. At first, I thought maybe this place was a little too fancy for our family as we were strolling around in sandals and vacation clothes. Not at all. They were welcoming, helpful, and fast. Excellent service. Many casual folks here just looking for amazing food.
One of the best Mexican dining experiences I’ve ever had. I thought I was spoiled by the food in NorCal. I was wrong. 10/10
My wife and I, plus my dog Leo had a great dinner tonight. Some of the best food we’ve had while in town. Mike was also a great server. I will definitely be returning.
I can’t not give this place a 5-star review. I’m in town for a conference and had to get away by myself for the evening. Found this place and just wanted to sit at the bar, drink a margarita and eat some food. But it was packed. Not a seat available! I had totally forgotten that it’s Cinco de Mayo. 😱🤣
Manager was outstanding. Squeezed me in between two reservations. I wasn’t allowed to linger, but that was fine by me on this occasion.
I had items off their special holiday menu. Ceviche was fresh, spicy (almost too much) and delicious. I had striped bass with beautifully grilled vegetables, rice and sauce. That was outstanding. I enjoyed the special blood orange margarita. It might not have had the most generous pour of tequila, but it was a perfect partner to the food.
Service was attentive, polite and efficient. The atmosphere is excellent. From the outside, this place doesn’t look like much. But I had a great time and enjoyed my dinner.
First Time Visiting This Place. We Managed To Get Same Day Reservation Within 1 Hour Of Our Arrival.
Guacamole Was Freshly Made, Tortilla Chips Were Hot.
Drinks Are Really Good, Well Balanced.
Handmade Tortillas For The Tacos.
Shrimp Plate Was Delicious, In My Opinion A Little Too Much Lime On The Rice.
Mole Oaxaqueño Was On Point, Good Portion Size.
For Dessert We Got Flan And Cake, Delicious.
Service Is Really Good, Fast And Attentive.
Overall I Would Definitely Come Back.
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