Share(310) 829-4550
2909 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica,
CA
90405
34.025
-118.4594
Neighborhoods: Pico, West LA
What People Are Saying About Lares Restaurant
The Editor
Mar Yvette
Citysearch
In Short – Stepping into this dimly lit space is like walking into a rustic Mexican adobe. Framed prints of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo artwork hover near the sunken bar made of heavy carved wood, while the roaring fireplace, exposed beams and a white stucco interior make it homey and inviting. (And if that doesn't do it for you, the host's "Hola, como estas?" greeting will.) The noise level is conversational; upstairs there's yet another bar and tables that fill up with late-night revelers on weekends. Dishes range from the simple (carnita tacos, cheese enchiladas) to the more…
11/23/09
Bland Tam;les, Chocolate Pudding Mole
by dlmuns at Citysearch
I really liked the atmosphere of this place, and with 40 years owned by the same family, wanted to love this place. The atmosphere is legit...dim lighting with interesting wooden tables and bar. By the time the chips and salsa arrived and the margaritas were on the table, my anticipation of a great meal was peaked. The chips were thick and made on site it seems and the salsa was spicy and tasty.
Unfortunately when my tamales arrived, there were beyond bland. When I requested hot sauce for them, the waiter brought some kind of goopy tomato paste instead of more of the fabulous salsa. It seemed to have no spice in it. Beans were flavorless as was the rice.
My boyfriend says Bill Cosby would have loved the Mole because it tasted just like Chocolate pudding. It was very sweet.
Service started out good but soured as soon as I asked for the hot sauce. Like I said, I really wanted to like this place, but would love to go back in time and not have gone. At least we didn't pay outrageous prices like we did at Border Grill. Poor Santa Monica. Is there any good mexican food here?
- Pros: Decent drinks, great chips and salsa
- Cons: boring tamales and too sweet mole
03/16/09
Fantasic Mexican Food
by gobblespark at Citysearch
This place is highly recommended if you want a great meal with great service. There is an upstairs and a downstairs area (both are great), but no matter where you sit you get great service. I have been about 10 times now, and each time I am impressed. Any carnitas dish is excellent.
- Pros: Great food, Great interior, great service
- Cons: Starting to get crowded
01/11/09
Among the best Mexican restaurants
by justplanejane at Citysearch
With so many Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles, it's hard to stand out, but this place definitely does! Everything I've had on the menu has been wonderful - I recommend the huevos rancheros or the carne asada tacos - the meat is tender and very flavorful. Their margaritas are strong, but still taste good and I love their Mexican hot chocolate. Oh ... and they have the best guacamole!
- Pros: great food
- Cons: none
The Details on Lares Restaurant
Parking:
The surrounding residential neighborhood parking is permit-only, so the restaurant's valet is the best option.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Hidden Find, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Live Music, Happy Hour, Carry Out, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
General Info:
Open 7 Days
