I’ve always liked tacos–pretty much everyone does, especially around Cinco de Mayo. But I now like them even more thanks to the Downtown Santa Monica Taco Trek. Menu tastings at Border Grill and Copa d’ Oro offered great Mexican inspired dishes and drinks, and now I was at Mercado ready to see what their chef and bartender had brewing in the back of the kitchen and behind the counter.

The moment I walked into Mercado, I could see how beautiful it is from top to bottom. The two-story restaurant has a vast amount of open seating on the first floor, beautiful chandeliers lighting up the dining area, and the immaculate bar sits central for everyone to see. Just a few steps upstairs and there are intimate tables and a section for larger parties to dine. What’s best is there’s a small rail allowing you to look over to the first floor and see all the budding excitement of its diners. This is where I and the other food bloggers sampled Mercado’s plates–and yes, did a little people stalking watching.

The first item on the menu was the Spicy Cucumber Margarita ($13). It was a silver tequila with house jalapeno puree and chipotle salt around the rim. The margarita was beautiful! A jubilant color of green filled the cup and the salt made it look like crystals were sprinkled along the rim. I, of course, started with the salt and then sipped the drink. I wasn’t too spicy or heavy; but it still maintained its flavor which was perfect for me. In the words of beloved childhood story, “It was just right”. With that, I finished it pretty quickly.

Paired with the drink was the Dos Gringas Tacos ($11). Spit roasted pastor, onions, Oaxaca, chile de arbol salsa, cilantro, and avocado salsa all sat on top of a flour tortilla. It was beautiful, and just like the drink, the bright green color of the avocado salsa made it eye catching. The taco was delicious. The meat was tender and the addition of the onions and cilantro kicked up the spiciness. But it was the avocado and the chile salsa that made it taste like a hybrid of elegance and culture. I really enjoyed it!

The taco and drink together are a perfect pairing. They’re not too fiery and they don’t lack in their creativity and distinguished taste. The two together are a great way to get an exciting taste of Mexico while ringing in the holiday–or any day of the week really.

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Address: 1416 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
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