'Tis the season to be on vacation and enjoy all the happy hours you never get to go to because you're usually stuck in the office!
This past weekend, the hand model and I visited Mercado Restaurant in Santa Monica. (They have additional locations in LA near Beverly/The Grove area, as well as Hollywood.) We had a 5:45pm dinner reservation, but much to our surprise, they had 15 minutes of happy hour left – SCORE! Finding happy hour on a Saturday is always a great challenge, so we took full advantage and ordered almost the entire menu – they even let us put a double drink order in.
The food is fresh, packed with flavor & authentic spices, and truly amazing. (In fact, Mercado just might push Loteria Grill out of my #1 favorite Mexican spot.) Dishes like Carnitas hail from recipes that have been handed-down by Chef Jose Acevedo & co-owner Jesse Gomez' Mexican heritage. Tortillas are hand-made, rustic, spongey & warm. And, seasonal vegetables plucked from the Santa Monica Farmers Market are hand-written on the mirror overhanging the modern booths, decor & architecture.
Happy hour is offered weekdays from 5-7pm, and weekends from 4-6pm. Here's what to order.
The Grubdown:
- hits the spot, velvety 'n spicy with a red salsa that perfectly complements adding acid & smoke, Choriqueso Dip with Melted Cotija, Parmesan, Oaxaca Cheese, House Chorizo, Poblanos, Mushrooms & Fresh Chips $7
- perfectly chopped chunks of fruity 'n spicy meat with cream to cool it down, Dos Gringas Tacos with Spit-Roasted Pastor, Oaxaca Cheese, Onions, Cilantro, Yxta Salsa Brava, Avocado Salsa & Flour Tortillas $9
- sweet corn, stewed stringy meat in delicate green sauce, Tamales with Chicken, Queso Fresco & Crema Fresca $8
- fresh 'n bursting with sweet chunky tomato, Tacos Dorados de Camaron with Sauteed Shrimp, Spicy Tomato Salsa, Avocado & Crispy Corn Tortillas $8
- massive, super filling 'n tender, Tacos de Carnitas with slow-cooked Pork, Guacamole, Red Onions & Cilantro $9
- slanted salt rim is a nice touch, Top Shelf Margarita $9
We definitely left this happy hour feeling more than full. Everything was truly outstanding, but make sure not to miss the Choriqueso Dip and Dos Gringas Tacos because 1.) it's always hard to find a good queso dip, and 2.) the tacos are bursting with multiple layered flavor notes from sweet to spicy 'n creamy.
My Christmas wish this year is that Mercado comes down to The OC!
Feliz Navidad.
1416 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401. 310-526-7121.
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