If this your first time in California. It's a must to try true authentic Mexican food..I've been to a few continents and it's my favorite!! The Best authentic Mexican food and restaurant atmosphere in Santa Monica is Casa Martin opened by a local family of brothers!! The restaurant is almost new, gorgeous &huge. They usually have live Mariachi on holidays & Mother's Day. You can rent out the back of restaurant 4 private events!! read more

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I genuinely drive 4 hours to Santa Monica JUST to eat here and that should tell you everything you need to know. This place is one of the few restaurants I've ever been to that is CONSISTENT every single time. The food is always fresh, flavorful, beautifully prepared, and made with obvious care. Their ceviche tower is absolutely to die for -- insanely fresh seafood, bright flavors, perfect texture, and honestly one of my favorite dishes anywhere. And the Carne Asada torta? I'm not exaggerating when I say you cannot get a torta like this in Las Vegas. I've searched. I've tried. I've even attempted to recreate it at home myself and failed miserably . Whatever they do to that carne asada should probably be protected by federal law. It's THAT good. The entire menu is excellent. Breakfast, lunch, happy hour, weekend specials... always have something amazing going on. Their breakfast hours (11am-2pm most days) are absolutely worth planning around too. But honestly, what makes this place special is the feeling. The service is warm, welcoming, and attentive without feeling fake or corporate. It feels like eating in the home of your fancy family member that REALLY knows how to cook. Add in the traditional Mexican ballads playing in the background, and it genuinely takes me back to childhood in the best way possible. There's nostalgia, comfort, quality, and flavor all wrapped into one experience. Worth every single mile of the drive. Every. Time. read more

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We came for the food... but ended up staying for the drinks and the incredible atmosphere. From the moment you walk in, the energy of this place pulls you in. The vibrant Mexican décor, lively music, and warm lighting create an ambiance that feels both festive and welcoming. It's the kind of spot where you instantly feel relaxed- perfect for a casual dinner that easily turns into a long, fun night. The food absolutely delivers. Every dish tastes fresh, flavorful, and authentically made- comforting, satisfying, and clearly prepared with care. But what really takes the experience to the next level are the drinks. The cocktails are creative, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, making it very easy to order "just one more" while enjoying the music and atmosphere. The service adds to the whole experience as well- friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, making you feel like more than just another table. This is the kind of place you come to for great Mexican food, but stay for the drinks, the vibe, and the unforgettable ambiance. Already looking forward to the next visit. read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - Patio - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I don't usually leave negative reviews but in this case I feel obligated to share my experience. I had dinner at the restaurant last night with a group of friends and accidentally left my black blazer on my chair. I am certain it was left there because I went straight to my car after dinner. I also contacted my friends and they confirmed that they saw my blazer on the chair when we left. I called the restaurant this morning and the lady who answered asked me to call back after 3pm which I did but so this time she check with Pedro, who closed the restaurant last night. Unfortunately, it seems there is no clear lost-and-found process in place. I sincerely hope someone at the restaurant has the honesty and professionalism to return my blazer if it was found. For context, I left approximately 30 minutes before closing time and the kitchen had already closed, making it unlikely that another customer took our table afterward. I would greatly appreciate any effort from management and staff to help locate and return my missing blazer. read more

I give the service closer to a 3 because they didn't let me sit down near the TV and said they would have to adjust it a certain way because it was only 2 of us. They later gave someone the seats I wanted and didn't adjust it so it made me feel as though they were just being a bit rude. The vibe of the restaurant was great though. The people were all having fun watching the game though I do wish they either had a bigger screen or more screens but I love that the restaurant is inside yet it gets that amazing ocean breeze. Food carries this place though because I got the carne asada and man it was amazing. It was authentic and the drinks were good too. I would definitely come back. read more

We celebrated a high school milestone yesterday with a group of seven at Casa Martin in Santa Monica, and the experience was absolutely spectacular from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, Sandro and Fernando, the hosts and owners, greeted us with warmth and genuine hospitality that set the perfect tone for the evening. The ambiance is vibrant yet comfortable--ideal for a celebratory gathering. Service stood out as much as the food. Sandro and Fernando went above and beyond to ensure every detail was just right, checking in with our group, accommodating dietary preferences, and offering thoughtful recommendations that enhanced the experience. The menu offered a wonderful balance of flavors, with dishes that were beautifully presented and crafted with high-quality ingredients. Each course arrived at a perfect pace, allowing us to savor the evening without feeling rushed. The staff's attentive but unobtrusive service contributed to a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that our group will remember for years to come. A special shout-out to the chefs for delivering standout plates--creative, well-executed, and clearly made with passion. The wine and beverage pairings complemented the meal perfectly, adding an extra layer of celebration to the night. If you're planning a group event or a special occasion in Santa Monica, Casa Martin is a stellar choice. The team, especially Sandro and Fernando, will make sure your celebration feels personal, festive, and absolutely unforgettable. Would highly recommend and we're already looking forward to returning soon. read more

Shouts out to Casa Martin! Recently hosted my daughter's baptism party and had a blast to say the least. Customer service and food was awesome. We rented out the back room and it was amazing. Shouts to Sandro and all of his staff for making it an amazing experience. Highly recommend Casa Martin read more

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Quaint little place where you could look at third Street and people watch or sit closer to the full bar. Staff is super friendly. Bartender was fabulous. Drinks were so well-made. The kitchen was very accommodating to some of our requests. The food was delicious. We will be back for sure. It was bothersome that they added an 18% gratuity for a party of two and never mentioned it. We would always give more! Another odd thing was we asked for cloth napkins since we saw others had them as it was all paper on the table and she said she didn't have them. Other tables had them. I think it must be a dinner thing not a lunch thing or they ran out of them when we asked not quite sure, but it was challenging to try to get a cloth napkin. Other than that it was pure perfection. read more

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Food was amazing. Very flavorful, great portion sizes. Drinks were strong and delicious. The ambience is beautiful. The restaurant was clean with simple Spanish aesthetic. The restrooms were clean and gender neutral accommodating. Orlando was wonderfully gracious and polite. 10/10! read more

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Completely trash.. I used to love coming here for their watermelon mint margarita that they make but now I don't know what has happened to this place from service to the ambience and the loud very ratchet crowd. I guess apparently it was one of the workers or the owners friend's birthday party and it was sad because nobody was attending any of the other customers besides that party you would think that they would just close down the place if that was the case but no, it was a long day stressful and hungry waited so long all for nothing. I felt bad for the waiter because she was bartending too as well, so I had to go up there and order my drink. It was too loud in there, so we had to move outside. Ended up leaving because it was just completely terrible still paid for our food respectfully even though we did not eat it. I'd say this place means a lot of work. read more

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0 stars, food was not good at all. We the tried camarones ala diabla and camarones empanizados our rice was under cooked and asked the server to switch out the rice and brought us the same uncooked rice. Plus they already include the tip of 18% Super over priced for the quality of the food read more

We sat on the outside of a pretty empty place when we first walked in. It started filling up towards the evening. They don't have heaters by the balcony area so it does get chilly at night. It was definitely really good service being that the lady was so efficient taking care of every single table. I was very impressed with her friendliness and speed. Ambience is really comfortable and set up really well. The restroom is clean and the overall vibe is casual/sexy. Don't be surprised if some come in here and flip-flops because this is a promenade after all, which is by the beach. Now let's get to the food which I was pretty Meh about. First of all the veggie tostada was disappointing. This really felt like steamed vegetables that they put on top of tostada. The vegetables smelt a bit sour which makes me think it was steamed too long or not fresh at all. It felt like frozen vegetables! The beans and cheese were in the bottom. The whole set up was just strange and unappetizing. Took a few fork and literally was done with the entire thing. I know eating vegetables is not the best experience, but this really turned my stomach. It made me wonder. What else can I eat now? I turned to the tortilla soup to save me. It was actually pretty decent, but she was a bit too salty for my liking. They should've had more chives on it to add to the flavor. It is served on a huge plate so if you are hungry, this big plate of soup will fill you up. The churros dessert only has a great cast: the ice cream. The churro itself was hard and felt like baked frozen churros dressed up really well and red strawberry and brown chocolate. Since we all eat with the eyes, it does look nice at first sight, but don't be fooled. I ordered the baked ice cream after tasting the churros and my baked ice cream was so hard and frozen!!!! It took me a knife to eat an ice cream with a fork to cut it in half. At least I have the first experience of eating ice cream with a knife and fork so I must say this restaurant gave me a new story to tell. I felt like quality of food went down from last time I was here three years ago. The chain in Ocean Avenue may be better given the better reviews. I was pretty surprised that they added 18% gratuity automatically to a party of four. Make sure to check your tab very carefully. Typically it is six people for auto gratuity, but they downsized party and upsized bill. No Bueno for me and that's a Taco wrap! I'm out. read more

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This particular review will cover everything from the club, the server, the food, the DJ..the music, you name it. Came here for an evening on the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade for the "official" actual retirement party for my good buddy. I say official retirement party because his last one was a pre- retirement affair...so here we go. LOL In any case the function was nice setup. At Casa Martin on the promenade you can opt to sit right outside the main entrance under the under the watchful gaze of a security guard, you can eat in the immediate dining area which still offers views out onto the promenade, or you can head down a hall straight onto the back where another bar in reserve tables await you. This is where the DJ in the music and dancing takes place. The DJ-Dj Q had the old school '80s and '90s hip hop Hop going, so the vibe was nice. He was bumping everything from Old School Warren G to Janet jackson... Who had a few nearby ladies singing "what have you done for me lately"? All in all a good time was had, and the ambiance was nice. My server Christina L was on point and effective given the loud environment with music and beats blasting in your ears. I definitely recommend Casa Martin on the 3rd Street promenade. read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - Chicken salad. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

The BIGGEST ISSUE is the WAITRESS SHE IS SO RUDE! Today when having dinner with my wife, she added 18% tips without telling us. Dropping the dishes and the pen to sign the check. The food is decent but the service is awful by this ONE WAITRESS. FIRE HER! read more

From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with such genuine hospitality that it felt like more than just a meal -- it felt like visiting family. The food was absolutely delicious. I had the camarones a la diabla -- perfectly cooked shrimp in a bold, spicy sauce that had just the right amount of heat. My sister ordered the milanesa de pollo, and it was golden, crispy, and full of flavor -- classic comfort food done right. One of the highlights of our visit was getting to meet the owner. Hearing the story behind the restaurant and the inspiration behind the dishes made the experience even more special. You can taste the love and tradition in every bite. Authentic food, amazing service, and a welcoming atmosphere -- this place truly stands out. Can't wait to come back! read more

What an amazing find! The food and service here are absolutely fantastic. Fernando was incredibly welcoming--one of the friendliest people we've ever met in food service. The food was delicious, and the spicy margaritas were perfection. We almost skipped this place because of some of the reviews, but the ones questioning the low ratings convinced us to give it a try--and we're so glad we did. This is now our go-to spot whenever we're in town. Thank you for an unforgettable lunch! We can't wait to come back! read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - Tiara - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Excellent spot !!!! I've been here a few more then a few times , and as a local Mexican girl service is exceptional here ,along with their margaritas, food , ambiance ,such a chill classy vibe that's not over priced for SM read more

Came here yesterday for my bday dinner. Started off good until everyone got their food and I had to wait 20 minutes for mine . I almost cancelled my food because everyone was done and it was pointless for me to eat at that point . And we were waiting to tell the waitress and she disappeared for 15 minutes and then comes back and says she was on break . If someone is on break shouldn't someone else take over in the mean time ?? Kind of ruined the night . Wont come back here again. read more

Service is excellent, especially at the bar. Super friendly and great drinks. The mango margarita is the best! read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - Great bar! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

After leaving the trash Cantina across the street we came here and were so pleased in all of the ways the other place disappointed! The food was super delicious, the drinks were exactly what we wanted, and the owner was personable and polite, even though the restaurant was slammed. The chicken burrito was large and very delicious and my sangria reminded me of the first time I had sangria in Malaga, Spain. I look forward to the next time we can visit this place! read more

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My husband and I wanted to eat there today and while my husband is looking at the menu I needed to use the restroom (I'm 9 months pregnant) and I asked the owner were is the restroom and he was so rude and look at my eyes and said it's for customers only! I was in shock and I told him that as he can see I'm also pregnant but he is not human I guess so he also lost us as a customers today but also for ever!!! read more

Casa Martin is a family-owned Santa Monica treasure, great for locals and visitors alike. Cool ambiance.... perfect for a date night, family outing, or a group celebration. Food is delicious!!! Best chile verde I've ever had and portion was generous Impossible not to leave satiated and happy :-) read more

Food was amazing service was great! And the restaurant isn't decorated so beautifully

Caught my eye as I was walking down promenade. Happy Hour sign lured me in.. Cute indoor and outdoor seating .. I had the skinny martini and chicken crispy tacos. As soon as I bit down on the taco it was so juicy .. I really enjoyed them very much nice and hot. Server wasn't friendly I didn't feel the vibe and felt uncomfortable was the only customer so I didn't stay for second drink read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - 2 CHICKEN CRISPY TACOS A LA CARTA - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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The atmosphere here is incredible, the service is top-notch, and everything was truly excellent read more

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The people who work there are fantastic. Have to say thank you to them and say I'm sorry. The food in the restaurant is so awful because you guys were fantastic. We sent three out of six dishes back. The hamburgers were OK but one out of three was really overcooked. It's a great place on the promenade - very cozy. They were kind enough to close the door because it was getting really cold and they even turned the music down because when we got in there it was blasting. read more

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Came in for happy hour which is Monday-Friday 3-7 and Sundays 11-3. Their drinks and margaritas flight ($24) was delicious. Excellent service . Food was mediocre, not sure if it's cause of the location on promenade. But the vibes are amazing as there's a blend of indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

We were down in Santa Monica for an event and decided to go out to dinner while walking on 3rd street. Mexican food sounded interesting and we saw two tables outside that were open and were seated immediately. Each of the two couples split a meal and a salad and the food was delicious! The wine was good as was the Sex on the Beach drink. Would definitely recommend this restaurant and will come back when down in Santa Monica read more

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Go see Orlando!!! I'm not sure if he's the owner, waiter, or bartender.... but he was amazing!!! He made out night entertaining and delicious. My margaritas came out with fireworks, and then he set my fajitas on fire!!! Which isn't anything new, but Orlando definitely put on a show that made it special. Everything tasted fresh, you can tell they use top shelf ingredients... read more

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A perfect spot for a happy hour experience! Margaritas are $10 and the taco plates are about $12 and are very filling! Plus they bring you complementary chips and salsa - which can sometimes be hard to find in LA! Definitely worth checking out if you're on the promenade:) read more

Worst nachos I've had in 14 years of living in California. Went for happy hour and the nachos were a soupy mess of watery refried beans and soggy chips. The bartender shrugged and said they were training a new cook. The chips also had a flavor like they were cooked in old oil. It's a shame that so many businesses on the 3rd Street Promenade have gone out of business but this is one that deserves to. Glad I didn't order a meal there. Beware. read more

The food was basic. I felt it didn't really taste like anything fantastic. The platter wasn't nothing to talk about. The fundido was probably my favorite. The cheese is melted to perfection with chorizo. The sizzling bowl wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked it to be. read more

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The ceviche was beautiful and delicious. The owner friendly attentive Fernando wears many hats... a sign of the struggles of restaurants in Cali today. Location on promenade with airy seating is perfect for a day out in SaMo. Support this totally worth it locally owned business! read more

Walking thru 3rd street Promenade make sure to try out Casa Martin. Plenty of outside seating nice and couple tables inside. If you love tequila this place has a whole lot of tequilas you can try out. Start of with drinks and bring out chips and salsa. Service is fast and they nice waiters. Recommend to get the platter comes with little bit of nachos, quesadilla 4 little pieces, 6 wings, 2 chicken flutas, and 2 shredded beef flutas. Main course ordered chicken fajitas comes with side of beans, rice, guacamole, and sour cream. Only problem the chicken did have too much flavor but was good still with mixing everything. Must try there habanero not sauce nice spicy kick but has good flavor. read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - CASA MARTIN PLATTER - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Food mediocre at best Service the worst. I still feel bad for the one waiter who was handling every table alone. Wtf Manager???? This could've been a waaaay better experience even if the food wasn't great. Great outdoor seating, people watching. This place has so much going for it, but f@$&s it up with under staffing on Friday night. What a shame. You coulda been a contender... Won't be back read more

Amazing service stopped here for a quick mimosa for my wife's bday. They were so friendly drinks amazing , tacos superb and flan for bday girl. Salsa so good I wanted to go steal the daily batch from the kitchen. lol read more

Casa Martin Authentic Mexican - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I have NO IDEA why this place is rated so low. We had an amazing time last night with great food and great people, great music. The staff were so accommodating with the chef who offered to make some fresh guacamole after the restaurant closed. read more

Very good authentic Mexican food with great service . Love the soup not to much salt which I find amazing for a Mexican restaurant.

Terrible food with even worse service. Rude front waitress that belittles customers and projects negativity. Steer clear at all costs.

Just simply said not good. I ate there about an hour ago I ordered the steak fajitas and my husband the combo plate, but everything just tasted so wrong. The flavors were very off and did not mix together. It just wasn't good, I feel like for drinks they would be good but food not at all. I would say go to another place where you will actually like the flavor especially when paying that much. On top of that the other reason why I give it a one star is the lady waitress. She was just straight up rude and completely ignored anything I had to say. When I asked her nicely if she could help me with my plate because it's hot she was rude. Definitely will not be returning. read more