Lula Cocina Mexicana

Reviews

• Parker A.

  star star star star star 30 June 2026

  I had the carnitas tacos. It came with two loaded small tacos, with avocado, rice and black beans. Loved it. They serve a brown salsa, which is bob, with chips. I also tried the flan. Amazing.
  
  This place hits the spot. The windows open from the bottom and has a very comfortable atmosphere. I would love to stop in again.
  Tacos plate with water and foam and tip = $28. Can't go wrong if you want a great atmosphere and meal while you take a lunch break.

• Art M.

  star star star star star_border 27 June 2026

  If you happen to be in Santa Monica near lifeguard tower 26 and have a large group with a bunch of loud kids, Lula has a nice patio in the back with a large booth that is just perfect for the occasion.
  
  A long menu of strong margaritas make up for the OK eats.
  
  The kids menu is limited to either quesadillas or burritos but they offer a la cart items that may appeal to your kiddo.
  
  I came here with a party of 8 half of which were rowdy kids, we enjoyed a nice early dinner.

• Megan R.

  star star star star_border star_border 25 June 2026

  Extremely mediocre Mexican food in a fantastic location in Santa Monica. I have to guess that's how this enormous restaurant stays busy, because in a city full of extraordinary tacos, these were so sad. Three stars because it's good for groups and we were able to snag a nine top with no reservation on a Friday night. Plus, the margs weren't bad.
  
  The food though? A major disappointment. The tortilla chips are paper thin and broke while attempting to put any amount of salsa on top. The chicken taco plate had two dry, sad tacos and pretty flavorless beans. I have a very healthy appetite and showed up hungry, but sadly hardly made a dent.
  
  Prices are high because of the area, although this part of SM has a special place in my heart as it's the first place I lived in LA and is less touristy than the Promenade or Abbot Kinney. Do yourself a favor and drive a couple miles east for some killer taco truck tacos at a quarter of the price.

• Lorena S.

  star star star star star 18 June 2026

  A Main Street staple as far back as I can remember. Stopped in for afternoon drinks on the patio. We opted for a pitcher of Margaritas. It was more like a carafe, however they save the ice for the glasses so really is all you need. They have a selection to choose from, we opted for the Laura: Top shelf Cadillac inspired. Perfect on the rocks. Always generous with their chips and salsa too. Loved that they were playing *Juanga the entire time we were there! (*Juan Gabriel, beloved Mexican singer/songwriter)

• Katie L.

  star star star star_border star_border 3 June 2026

  One word to describe my meal here - Meh.
  
  My friend and I decided to come here for dinner a couple of Saturdays ago around 7 PM. We didn't have to wait and were seated right away in the dining area. Love that we were greeted with some chips and salsa as well! That being said, the salsa is not traditional and kind of has a garlic or tangy flavor, I really couldn't put my finger on it, but not bad.
  
  We each ordered a margarita, which came out right away - she opted for a jalapeno marg whilst I got a blood orange marg. Let me tell you, these were STRONG so if you want to get a nice buzz, definitely worth ordering. I decided to order the grilled fish tacos plate and my friend got the carne asada tacos plate. Our food came out pretty quickly but it was just alright, nothing to write home about. I had a small measly piece of fish, tortillas on the side, and lukewarm rice and beans. For the price, I was expecting a lot better!
  
  I wouldn't recommend this place to grab dinner, but maybe a happy hour for apps and strong drinks! I can see the appeal, but wasn't my cup of tea.