Tacos 1986 — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Unfortunately, my recent visit left much to be desired. The ambiance was far from enjoyable, as there was no AC, making it uncomfortably hot and humid inside. To add to the discomfort, the place was filled with smoke, which further affected the dining experience negatively.

On to the food, it was quite disappointing. The dishes lacked taste and were surprisingly small, leaving us unsatisfied with the portions. There were no standout flavors or unique ingredients that would make us want to return for another visit. You’re better off going to Del Taco.

Moreover, the service didn't improve the situation either. While the speed of service was acceptable, we were disappointed when our initial order, which admittedly was large, was outright refused. This left us feeling unwelcome and unappreciated as customers. We ordered horchatas and weren’t informed they were out until we asked where we could find them.

Overall, I cannot recommend this restaurant based on my experience. The lackluster ambiance, underwhelming food, and poor service left me with a negative impression. I hope the management takes these issues seriously and works on improving the overall dining experience for...

Taco 1986 is a must-visit spot near the Santa Monica Pier! The main dishes are absolutely fantastic—especially the tacos, which are on a whole new level of delicious. The corn tortillas are perfectly made and clearly fresh, elevating every bite. While the beans and rice are just okay (nothing special), the tacos more than make up for it.

The prices are incredible for the area. Three full meals with drinks for under $40? That’s nearly unheard of near the beach. Serving sizes were just right—not skimpy, but not over the top either. It’s one of the most affordable and satisfying meals you can get this close to the water—without settling for fast food chains.

The only real downside is the seating. Most of it is bar-style along a plain white wall, which isn’t very inviting. All of the seating is counter-height, which isn’t ideal if you’re on the shorter side. The interior could really benefit from a more thoughtful layout and cozier seating options.

Still, the flavor and value win hands down. If you’re anywhere near the pier, skip the chains and head...

Unsanitary practices and quite subpar food -

When you first walk in, the place feels like a poorly done Five Guys establishment, and although the low prices in the expensive Santa Monica area may seem appealing, their limited menu options were quite disappointing; the tostadas were completely burnt, and the guacamole was somehow bland, bitter, and sour all at once. Along with that, their quesadillas and tacos were stuffed full of cilantro as if they were trying to compensate for their lack of rice. Their dining area didn't seem very clean and their safety practices didn't seem very sanitary at all; we saw the cashier show some customers a tostada with his bare hands, put it back with the rest of them to be served, then go back to touching the register, while another employee scooped out meat from one container into another again with his bare hands and fist bumped another employee before putting his gloves back on-? There was just a lot of touching ingredients without gloves in general. Was hoping for...