About

Located within Santa Monica’s Gateway Hotel, Socalo is a beachy, California canteen and Mexican pub from award-winning chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Socalo serves conscientiously-sourced, seasonal SoCal Mexican fare with quick counter service at lunch while dinner shifts to full-service dining alongside cocktails featuring small-batch spirits, Mexican wines and craft beers on tap.

Socalo debuted in December of 2019, earning such accolades as “101 Best Restaurants", “Best Tacos", and “Best Vegan Tacos" from The LA Times; “Superb Santa Monica Restaurant” and "Hottest Happy Hour" from Eater; "Best Mexican Restaurant in Los Angeles" from Thrillist; "Best Restaurant in Santa Monica" from Time Out; and "Best Tacos in Los Angeles" from Lonely Planet.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Socalo uses organic rice, beans, and corn tortillas; seasonal, local ingredients; as well as antibiotic/hormone-free meats and poultry. Socalo serves only sustainable seafood and is a member of James Beard Foundation's Smart Catch and Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program.

Socalo is a women and LGBTQ+ owned restaurant. 

Our photography is by Luke Gibson & Anne Fishbein.