Taco Libre Rocks Fresh Mexican Comfort Fare Just Steps From Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica has a new taco and burrito specialist, and it's just a few short steps from the beach. Tacos Libre, which just opened this past week where Compagnia Pizza resided, isn't owner Vicente Del Rio's first project. He also owns Frida Restaurant and Frida's Tacos around Los Angeles, so he gets the kind of scrubbed-down Mexican fare that Angelenos love.

Find breakfast burritos, fajitas, carne asada and chicken mole tacos, as well as fresh ceviches with octopus, shrimp and fish. And for the healthy Santa Monica crowd, options include veggie and chicken rice bowls. Look forward to aguas frescas to wash it down, plus churros for dessert, all in a dressed-down dining room. Check out the rest of the menu here.

With a lack of quick Mexican options by the Promenade, Taco Libre could be a solid lunch option for local businesses tired of their Chipotle routine. Hours run 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a happy hour running 3 to 5 p.m.

Taco Libre
1551 Ocean Ave # 135
Santa Monica, California 90401