Azule Taqueria

Great cheap eats spot in Santa Monica when you’re craving Mexican but don’t want to head downtown. I’d recommend going on Tuesday when it’s 50% off tacos (comes out to about $2-3 a taco). For vegans/vegetarians, the cauliflower al pastor was surprisingly good - well-seasoned and I like the big chunks of pineapple. You could get the cauliflower al pastor bowl too if you want a more substantial meal than just tacos - comes with white rice, refried beans, and fajitas. For the meat-eaters, I particularly like the chicken and the shrimp tacos. There is a salsa bar inside for you to serve yourself, and a shared water station. If you’re in a group, I’d get an order of chips and guacamole. The chips are large so be sure to break them up to get a good chip to guacamole ratio. You pay first (they do take credit card) and they’ll give you a buzzer. You can sit outside and people watch but there’s tables inside as well. You can order takeout through various apps like ritual and the food is usually made pretty quickly. Service is alright, just your standard fast food. Overall this is one of my go-to spots for a cheap quick meal.

I was very pleased with the Cauliflower Al Pastor taco. It was full of flavor! I just wish it was bigger. But I ordered it as a bowl and my server was very kind enough to add a tortilla along with it. The bowl was HITTIN! Would definitely recommend that choice to anyone not just vegans!