Mercado Restaurant Manhattan Beach — Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

I came in for a quick lunch between meetings, looking for quiet spot to chill out. I sat at the end of the bar thinking I’d be away from the action so I could power down for a bit. The hosts were super sweet and welcoming. The bartender greeted me quickly and when I wondered what to get—he made a great recommendation: the grilled fish tacos served with a small side of rice and beans. It was yummy! There was supposed to be an avocado aioli on it but I didn’t see anything resembling avocado so I order a very small side of guac when I got them. $5 extra The bartender put in the side and rushed back to grab it so I could have it with my meal. Super efficient and friendly service. My only issue was that I wanted to just relax but the bartender was very ON. Very chatty, making mundane conversation even when I didn’t engage. Honestly, great bartender. And I could see having lots of fun hanging with him at the bar for happy hour and a group of friends. But I chose the wrong seat for my purposes. Right by the well so there was a constant stream of servers, a wine rep, plus the fun, chatty bartender prepping garnishes and setting the containers around me as I ate—disturbing my space. Also I had to pour my water on to the bar and wipe it down with my paper cocktail napkin because it was sticking to my arm. I didn’t get that moment of zen I was looking for but I’ll definitely be back when I’m looking for a fun spot...

The Service: Alright, let's dive into my latest visit to Mercado in Manhattan Beach. I've been here a bunch of times, but this visit? It was something else, all thanks to our server, Matt. This guy knows his stuff and makes you feel right at home from the get-go.

The Matt Effect: Matt was on point the entire evening. He’s got this knack for recommending the perfect dishes and drinks. His suggestions? Spot on. We tried the Crudites Guacamole, Carnitas Plate, and those lobster & shrimp tacos – each dish was a hit.

The Upsell Genius: Now, here’s where Matt really shines. He’s got this subtle way of upselling that doesn’t feel pushy at all. He suggested some specialty drinks and desserts, and honestly, we were all for it. It's like he knew exactly what we'd enjoy. And you know what? He was right every time.

Food & Ambiance: The food at Mercado never disappoints, but with Matt's guidance, it felt like a whole new experience. As for the place itself, it’s perfect for any occasion – chill enough for a casual outing but fancy enough for something special.

Why I Keep Coming Back: The vibes, the food, and service like Matt's are why I keep coming back to Mercado. It's not just a meal; it's...

By far one of my favorite restaurants in this area. The service is always good and the food tastes fresh and great quality. I have been coming regularly for a few months and bringing friends and family to Mercado and they all love it. The menu is contemporary Mexican but the flavors are authentic, not fusion, just modern. Some of my favorite meals here are the mole enchiladas, carnitas, carne asada and the asada tacos. Their guacamole is one of the best compared to many other places I’ve eaten. They also make different agua fresca everyday and they are always delicious. This is the only place where I found calabacitas which is a zucchini dish that I love! Environment wise, music varies throughout the week and during the weekend it is mostly reggaetón and bachata sprinkled with salsa, so it could improve but the noise level is manageable and provides a fun environment during their happy. Seats are comfortable, lighting is dim, but appropriate to match the dark walls and decor. The outside patio is nicely integrated to the main restaurant through the bar, which allows a fresh breeze to flow throughout the place. Overall Mercado hasn’t disappointed and I highly...