Where to start with this fantastic Mexican food restaurant! Customer Service is exceptional. The wait times are appropriate, they are attentive, and they genuinely look like they are happy to be there. It's an honest family run business. Food is exceptional and authentic. Their portion size is extremely generous. They never skimp you on protein. Margaritas and the nachos are my favs! Having a parking lot is a nice touch. 5 stars all the way! ***** read more

Bad experience at Mexican restaurant Server unpleasant Difficult to get order Long wait to be served read more

I stopped by for dinner here with a co-worker and it felt like a hole-in-the wall with excellent vibes. I learned the resturant had been here for over 50 years! Rating: Ambiance : 5/5 Service: 5/5 Food: 3/5 I got the grilled shrimp taco and the flan. The flan didn't taste sticky, moist and "caramely" enough . It was a bit disappointing. Service was very good. Our server kept checking up on us and the host even remembered my name after we were seated. The shrimp taco was alright. The ambiance was fun and lively. read more

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Restaurant has a nice and cozy atmosphere. Food was very delicious. All staff members were very friendly and professional and food came out quick. read more

Gilbert's has been a staple for my coworkers and I for several years now and especially for taco Tuesday. Even now when we don't work on the Westside or live in the area, it's a go to spot for casual hangs. Their patio is newer and while it takes up some of their parking spaces, it offers a lot more seats with very cute customized tables. The staff is always super on top of things and friendly (which can be dangerous when it comes to eating chips and salsa). My friends go to is carne asada burrito and potato tacos. I love the el Diablo salsa. read more

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This place is always packed and I tried it years ago but truly didn't remember. Well we decided to go back and it didn't disappoint. It should a home feel! All the staff knew so many of the customers and the food was really good! Service was fast, drinks were good as well. I got the enchilada and taco plate and it was really good. My husband got fajitas and he loved his plate too! Easy parking read more

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Dined in on 11/10/25. My daughter and I thought the food was just okay -- nothing particularly memorable, but not bad either. We ordered nachos, combo with chile relleno and chicken hard shell taco and beef chimichanga. We thought everything was ok but What really stood out, though, was the service. The staff was warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly, which made the experience much better overall. They made sure we had everything we needed and checked in just the right amount without being overbearing. Even though the food didn't wow us, the great service made the visit pleasant. It's the kind of place you might come back to mainly for the welcoming atmosphere and the people who work there. Located on Pico and they have several parking spaces in the back. read more

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Good friendly service. Nice patio with heaters. Loved the photos made into the tabletops. Chips and salsa were very good and served with a side of marinaded carrots and onion as well. Tasty. Hubby had the 2 crispy tacos (1 chicken & 1 beef), these were the fattest tacos we had ever seen. Delicious & Excellent! Fillings were flavorful, tortillas were crispy. I had the chimichanga with chicken, and it came with rice & beans. The chimichanga was crispy, cooked all the way through (no doughy ends here), filled/stuffed with chicken that was seasoned perfectly. Rice was fluffy and tasty and the beans were delicious as well. We don't live here, but if we did, we would be regulars! Parking is a bit difficult, but we found a space down the street. See you next time! read more

Gilbert's is the type of local spot you take your entire family for a good time, great conversation, and excellent Mexican food. My fiancée and I have been there twice now and we still have so much we want to try from their expansive menu! Service is always quick and with a smile. House made chips and salsa complementary with the meal as well, and many entrees have an included coffee or tea! read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Staff is great Fernando is a great server. And is quick with service and polite ask for Fernando they have great margaritas as well and Micheladas. And the salsa is so good and location is great usually stop here after surfing at Venice beach. read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Super chicken nachos best I ever had 10/10 - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

What can I say that's not already known about this gem of a place. As soon as you walk in you're greeted as if you're part of their family. Lovely place. I ordered the beef fajitas and they were delicious! I devoured the plate . My wife ordered the chicken enchilada and beef taco combo and she said it was delicious as it always is. My plate also came with an albondigas soup that was to die for. I would come back here just for the service. The food is just an added bonus and that's saying something because the food is immaculate. What a great family owned spot. read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Beef Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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The complimentary chips and salsa were good. I had the wuevos a la mexicana. Real good. I'd go back. The got outside seating which is nice. It looks like it gets popular at nights read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Breakfast time - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A neighborhood staple, and such it is. The decor and feel is of a mimsy light hearted Hispanic eatery with all the favorites. Made fresh and plentiful portions, the serving staff is attentive and quick. complimentary chip and salsa are served as soon as you get seated. Chile Relleno is yummy and the rice is delicious. Some free parking in the back or paid metered spots all around. read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Chile Relleno & Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Gilbert's is one of the few family owned restaurants left in Santa Monica and it is definitely one of the very best!!! I recently had a group of retirees come here for our monthly luncheon. Eddy, our server went above and beyond to take care of our group of 14. Everything was delicious, all of the food came out in a timely manner and also, they treat you like family!!! I personally go every other week for breakfast and was extremely happy to share this gem with my friends. Not a single person had any complaints about their food as everything is just so darn good!!! Do yourself a favor and go enjoy a wonderful meal at this extremely long standing treasure!!! read more

Born and raised in Santa Monica. Family and I have been going to Gilbert's for over 40+ years. My go to order is a bean and cheese burrito, one taco de asada with extra avocado, and a small order of carrots. The carrots, salsa, and chips here are amazing! You'll keep wanting more. My mom loves the chorizo con huevos and my dad gets the chilaquiles. My tio can't go without the carne asada. If you have a big appetite, try the Mule burrito. Great place for a first date or family dinner. Great music always playing and they have an outdoor patio too. Tell Luna and Fernando I said hello! read more

I ordered a bean and cheese burrito and order of guacamole to go and they both were super delicious! The staff had my order ready quick and the staff were very friendly! read more

Great service! All staff were friendly, happy, and very considerate. Outdoor and indoor seats are available--a good portion serving size. We celebrated a co-workers retirement party here (party of 25 at 0800-after shift party). They don't accept reservations. read more

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Love the family atmosphere a new local, will come back for sure !!! Albondigas soup is the best ! ! ! read more

Wow were do I start. Was here for a friends birthday because they choose the place. The chips were stale, The replacement chips were warmer and staler. The service and food was mediocre at best. They got my order wrong the first time out. Not authentic in any sense of the word. Plates were mostly lots of rice and beans with something covered in sauce because otherwise no flavor. Guacamole was served not in a bowl but on a plate. So as you tried to scoop it up with the chips you just pushed it off the plate. Margaritas were served in tumbler glasses instead of margarita glasses. This may be a drinking place because can't image going there for the food. But you could do better almost anywhere else. We will not be back. Friends shouldn't let friends eat this crap. read more

Gilbert's is unbelievable. Some people have no appreciation for tasty food and family legacy's but I definitely do. They do the little things right, constant chips, salsa, and picked carrots before you eat. Followed by a great menu and extremely comforting staff, they find themselves at the pinnacle of best sit down Mexican on the whole westside. The over abundance of family photos over the last 50 years makes you feel part of a long lasting historical community. (One that I had the privilege to always be part of. Gilbert's for life as long as I'm in LA I know the whole menu like the back of my hand. Try the Calamari steak (ask for it dry with Ranchero Salsa on the side) or the Carne Asada if you are a gym rat. Comes with rice and beans. (Can always replace beans with carrots!) huge for the Golds Pump lol and healthier! If you are vegetarian get Veggie Tamales or Fernando Burrito (comes with red sauce, but you could easily order verde instead) They even have some killer potato tacos Enjoy Please message if you think I should make a food review page haha read more

First time here for my wife and I. Tried the fried snapper, best choice for me I will say. Loved it along with their red salsa, refried beans and rice. My wife had the chicken fajitas and loved them as well. The service was also excellent, bringing the kids next time. read more

Order takeout Friday night chicken quesadilla two number ones with a beef taco and a chicken taco and two beef tacos. They did not come with rice and beans which was included the chicken quesadilla had no chicken and I waited over 35 minutes. I will never be going back to Gilbert again. read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

My FAVORITE place to go, I could come every day and not get sick of it. I've been going here for years and always get the mule burrito with chicken, it's amazing. When you sit down, you get salsa and chips for free and as much as you'd like. The service is excellent and you get your food fast. I love the outside patio with the lights which makes it so cute! read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Mule - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Love that they now take credit cards :) Also, love that they expanded to have a patio. Thank you COVID for allowing more outdoor seating in LA, much needed forever. My favorite is still the cheese enchilada combo. Love the beans with cheese. My new favorite is the potato taco, super bueno. Deep fried, mashed potato topping. Service still great and the prices have been updated, but not break the bank. Parking lot in back, but often full. read more

Had the chimichanga and chips. It was only ok. Seems like this place would be great for drinks though. On the other hand, service here is excellent! read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Chin - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

When I walked inside it smelled and it was dingy. I sat outside and ordered two beef and one cheese enchilada. I received three cheese enchiladas. The cheese was not all melted inside. The enchiladas looked dry as well. Also, they brought out the food right after I ordered it. It looked like it was put in the microwave. The waiter had a hoodie and jeans on. The chips were good though. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. read more

Gilbert's has been one of my favorites for years. They serve traditional Mexican food; the staff is always super accommodating and genuine. The enchiladas are one of my go to's! Always great energy and the decor feels like you're dining at someone's home. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't been! read more

My family has been coming here for longer than I've been alive. I absolutely love this place! It is home! Food is amazing; staff is extraordinary. Plenty of parking and street parking and quick service! Love it! 1000/10 the best! read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Stopped in for my first time this past weekend and was very impressed. That won't be my last time that I dine here. I grew up in San Diego, but moved to LA five years ago but still struggle to find Mexi restaurants in LA that I like as much as back home, but this is certainly one for the books. The flavors are truly great and taste very authentic and as someone that has been down to Mexico for surf and vacation trips countless times it tastes like cuisine down across the border. I would say Gilbert's and Don Antonio's are my two favorite sitdown Mexican restaurants in Santa Monica. This location has a free parking lot in back and they have a very large menu filled with all of the Mexican classics. Our server was very polite and everything we ordered came out super quick. For my meal I chose two of my favorite dishes to order: Albondigas Soup and Carne Asada. Both were absolutely terrific, and the Carne Asada plate was very large in portion size and cooked perfectly. The steak was not as thin as some other cheaper cuts you get at other places, it was very thick and juicy. They also have some great merch and I especially like how they have a lot of indoor and outdoor seating available. Overall Gilbert's is a seriously delicious Mexican restaurant that would hit the spot no matter the time of day that you visit. I would recommend to anyone searching for a good Mexican meal and I definitely plan to be back again in the near future. read more

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I was traveling solo.. I read this place was good in passing and it was close to my bnb. The waitress was so sweet and kind and made me feel welcome. I'm an enchiladas fiend, and I got one verde with a taco for lunch. Holy when I tell you it was perfection I mean it... like it was made with total love. The taco was amazing too. But I told her it's the best enchilada I've ever had (and I've had so so many) thank you for the nice experience I'll definitely be back. You can tell it's family owned and I loved the pictures on the tables! Thank you read more

PIG LARD HEAVEN If you love pig lard this is the place for you . Pig lard in the beans Pig lard in the tortilla chips Pig lard in everything If you don't believe me call Gilbert's and ask them Happy Pig Lard read more

Gilbert's has been my go to local restaurant for years! Friendly service, great food, and atmosphere!

Meh. Dumpy, dirty old place, needs a major makeover. Ordered the taquitos as an app, but they were served with our dinner. Enchilada was greasy but tasted good. Kept trying to clear our plates, but not asking if we needed anything else. Hubby wanted another beer and had to flag someone down for it. Overcharged for our drinks, questioned the server and he didn't do anything about it. Wouldn't return. read more

Solid Mexican restaurant that has everything you will want with service to boot...in addition outdoor seating and booths.

The chase: Go! Exemplary "classic" Mexican restaurant that serves wonderful "classical" style Mexican fare. Bonus: some of the best tortilla chips in the universe (or at least the West Los Angeles-Santa Monica part of the universe). This place has two different vibes -- the spacious light and airy, somewhat hip and yet easy going outside, and the dark(er) post-WW2 "Noir-ish dive-bar-esque" interior. I prefer the inside with it's private feeling booths, photos of local regulars past and (more) present. It's a time capsule, so to speak. (Formosa Cafe, anyone?) [My dining companion considers this place to be a lower energy cousin to Lares, which is also a favorite for different reasons.] Service is friendly though not warm, but I get the sense they warm up for regulars. Last visit -- ample enchilada plate with rice and cheese smothered beans. Anything I've had here has been solid, tasty and satisfying. read more

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Gilbert's always is a go-to neighborhood Mexican restaurant. I especially like their Chimichanga plate. It's a whole lot of food, enough for two meals, really. But it's so tasty I end up eating the whole thing! read more

Great place I really like their micheladas and their nachos. It's an easy place to go to no reservations and always a short wait.

The food is fantastic. The vibe is incredible. For a real treat, try the chicken soup! Eat here! read more

Good authentic Mexican food, in Santa Monica. After Florida attempts at Mexican food prep? It's so nice to have some real California cuisine! I always try an enchilada to judge flavor and the green sauce didn't disappoint. Carne asada steak was so enjoyed by my hubby and the chili relleno Was good says the niece. Fajitas were a plateful and no carb style! I'd come again! read more

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A bit let down from Gilbert's. The restaurant was crowded on a Wednesday evening, so I had high hopes. But my meal was pretty uninspiring. Compared to fajitas from other west side Mexican spots, these were below average. The meat was a bit chewy and on the bland side, not the most tender or zesty. The peppers and onions needed to be sautéed longer, a bit too firm and raw. And the beans and rice didn't have that beloved homey, authentic, comfort taste that you might find at other spots. They were just fine. Everything was just fine. I still cleaned my plate. But I was hoping for a more fresh, succulent, flavorful meal. I will say, I did appreciate the portion sizes. That was a plus. And I don't drink but my friends do. They ordered some margaritas, and those seemed to be a hit! So it seems like this is definitely a solid spot for drinks. However, the service was also a slight bummer. Our server took a while to take our food order. I had to flag him down after we had been ready to order for a about 10 minutes. Not sure how much longer we would have had to wait had I not done so. I might have ordered the wrong thing. Maybe I'll come back to try the carnitas or fish burrito. But there are so many great Mexican spots around here that I won't be going out of my way to do so. read more

Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant - Chicken or Beef Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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