Border Grill
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 451-1655
- Cross Street:
- Santa Monica Boulevard
- Specialties:
- Mexican Food
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm
Editorial Review for Border Grill – by Allison Austin
The Scene
Black, terra-cotta, yellow, red and blue paint covers the walls. If the room weren't so loud, the clever flavor pairings and precise execution of the kitchen wouldn't be as surprising.
The Food
Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, the "Two Hot Tamales," present Mexico's bold flavors on this eclectic menu. Purists will find the tart, cool seviche authentic and refreshing. Charred, seasoned carnitas on fresh corn tortillas are terrific examples of Mexican street food. But those who step away from the well-worn taco path will be handsomely rewarded with cilantro-spiked skirt steak or achiote-marinated pork, braised in banana leaves until fall-apart tender.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitBook a private mural-accented room that holds up to 40 people. It's upstairs, but has elevator access. A seasoned manager will help you plan a perfect bash.
The ExtrasLet the Grill do the cooking for your next shindig; call the general manager and ask about catering.
Happy HourWeekdays from 4pm to 7pm, drinks like margaritas, mojitos and imported beers are $4, and munchies such as quesadillas and green corn tamales are all $3.
User Reviews for Border Grill
09/02/2008 Posted by restaurantshatecutomers
Deplorable for an upscale restaurant. The male (age 40s) waiter was insincerely fake as he approached our table. When he realized that we were not ordering drinks (only food) his entire demeanor changed. He was no longer nice. Didn't check in or refill anything. We had to ask other staff for help. He then dotted on a part of ten towards the back. His favoritism and partiality was ridiculous! It had completely changed my feeling about eating out in LA. I usu just pick up food to go. Dining out is no longrer fun but a chore. Waiters are sadistic towards me and enjoy seeing me hurt. What is wromg with these people!!! Anyways, the food was overpriced. The portions smaller than before. A disappointment. A costly disappointment. We had a party of 6. We were celebrating abirthday. After the large bill, the mean waiter still charged us half-price for the dessert when he told me he wouldn't. A sleezy experience. Waiters are so fickle & too faced. Yuck!
Pros: Cons outweigh the Pros
Cons: The waiter became insincere & neglectful. He ignored us. Very high priced bill!
07/24/2008 Posted by kiercemartin
This is definitely one of the cooler Mexican places in Santa Monica. The food is great (Try the empanadas), but the bar scene is also pretty lively. They have a great selection of beers on tap and have everything else you would expect from a Mexican place. We went here for Cinco de Mayo and had a great time, but it seems like the crowd kind of depends on the night. Definitely worth checking out.
Users Like You Also Viewed
The Whale & Ale
327 W Seventh St
San Pedro, CA 90731
