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Border Grill - Santa Monica Reviews List
Border Grill - Santa Monica
Enjoy upscale, modern Mexican food in a vibrant setting at Border Grill, the hip, urban cantina from Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales”. Presenting the bold foods and flavors of Mexico, Border Grill has established a new standard for gourmet Mexican fare.
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121 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 121 reviews
5 stars
(47)
4 stars
(49)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(66)
- good for groups(49)
- neighborhood gem(38)
- great for lunch(35)
- special occasion(30)
- great for brunch(29)
Border Grill - Santa Monica Reviews List
Review 1 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love Border Grill
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This flagship restaurant was fantastic. The food is amazing- I don't think you can go wrong with whatever you order. My favorite is the Churro Nuggets!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
P & D
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had the Chicken enchiladas and Yucatan Pork, both were excellent.
Our experience at the Border Grill was very very good."
Our experience at the Border Grill was very very good."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pros - food is very good. We both got appetizers, entree, and dessert. Skirt steak was cooked perfectly with a nice flavor from a spicy marinade. Appetizers, especially the empanadas, were great.
Cons - a lot of noise from the bar which is right next to dining area. Service was so-so. Brought us one wrong dessert and we had to wait a good while for the right one.
Overall - good food, so-so dining experience."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing attitude
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was very embarrassed about my experience through no fault of the restaurant. I just happened to come here with some extremely picky people and I was too sick to fight them... but my friends decided that they did not care for the food at all and wanted to cancel our brunch altogether. The manager Marc came over, and was gracious and nice enough to cancel our tab for us, and didn't even ask us to pay for the drinks. Of my years working in the restaurant business, I would say that was one of the coolest moments I could remember. I definitely felt horrible, and he even wished me a happy bday. This place was just super accommodating despite me not being able to taste their food. I am sure I'll be back one of these days to eat it again!"
Dined on 4/28/2013
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Review 5 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Small Plates Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Unlimited small plates brunch a nice alternative to buffet. A dozen or so different choices (some sweet; some savory) made for good variety and a fun time trying everything. Price is reasonable. Mimosas could be a bit "stronger" but at $8 for "bottomless" can't complain too much."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 6 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great for the variety of the small plates, though both times I've dined at Border Grill, I've enjoyed the service and atmosphere more than the food itself."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 7 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Cinco De Mayo
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was worried that Cinco De Mayo at a regularly-popular restaurant like Border Grill would be a crowded mess, but it was utterly enjoyable! Their happy hour specials for the day were fantastic, and our server was the most helpful/thoughtful person ever."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 8 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great as usual! I've been coming for years when my girlfriend worked across the street at Bloomingdales. I wish somebody would reach out to me with a neighbor discount card! Great mexican with strong cocktails and an amazing brunch. I have been coming here for years. The service can be a bit spotty sometimes, but the food is always great."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food! Good enough
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic food! Good enough for breakfast the next morning!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 10 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food and service. The steak almost melted in my mouth. Wait staff very attentive and friendly. Very helpful making recommendations for my severe food allergies."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 11 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Sunday Brunch is amazing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Sunday Brunch is amazing. I loved the "small plate" style.
We are already looking forward to our next visit."
We are already looking forward to our next visit."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 12 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I think I was expecting a
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I think I was expecting a little more from two Top Chef Masters but it was okay overall."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
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Review 13 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Too Noisey - Unpleasant because
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Too Noisey - Unpleasant because of noise"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2008
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Review 14 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not changed enough over the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Not changed enough over the years - so I go there very rarely in the past decade. Many (many) years ago, I loved it."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2006
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Review 15 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
For my first time there,fantastic!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"For my first time there,fantastic!!! Thank you"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the best restaurants I've been. Food was FABULOUS. Service was impeccable. I will become a regular here for sure."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not worth the prices
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have to say I was disappointed with Border Grill. From the menu selections and the prices I was expecting a more upscale dining experience. The Chicken Mole Verde was presented in a very rustic way with 2 whole pieces of chicken and a sauce that was red and not green. The price is $25 for this dish. I would have been happier going to El Pollo Loco. The bar walls and ceiling paintings are really amateurish and not in a good way. They desperately need a decorator. They wooden seats are not comfortable, nor stylish. Overall, we left feeling unsatisfied."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2012
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Review 18 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was terrible. The vegetables in the farmers market moqueto were charred black and inedible: the greens that accompanied the grilled shrimp were covered in grease and the spices in the Caesar salad totally overwhelmed the greens. No one finished their meal. Service was indifferent at best, the margaritas were watery and small for $12. The chips and salsas were tasty and they did accommodate us being 15 minutes late. It's also very loud in the dining room, the music being the overwhelming reason, not the diners' conversations.
Overall,this was very disappointing. We found it overpriced, and the quality was terrible. Would not recommend as there are much better options in Santa Monica."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly
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Review 19 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent upscale mexican food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Since there is not a Border Grill in my area - I make it a MUST to stop in for dinner (or brunch) when I am in the area - and I am never disappointed!
Wonderful food for a great price. Everything on the menu is fantastic (trust me, we've tried almost everything)!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 20 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Border Grill is our favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Border Grill is our favorite Mexican restaurant. The cucumber jalapeno margarita is the best!!!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
New time for an old favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"In the evening, the Border's noise level could be euphemistically called energetic (very loud) and very crowded. The food however, is always good. This was the first time I have been at the BG for brunch and it was lovely and quiet, the service was very good. Lunch is my usual choice because of the oh so lively evening scene. Next time I will come back with guests who will be willing to try the small plates brunch, I was disappointed that my guests this time were not at all culinary adventurers. That said, we all enjoyed our meals."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2008
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 22 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Haven't been back in years
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Haven't been back in years and this was the first time since then.
A bit disappointed, as the focus seems to be on sales versus a quality dining experience.
Hard to swallow, especially given the prices.
Spicy Ceasar was mediocre at best, while the rest of the food was acceptable.
A bit disappointed, as the focus seems to be on sales versus a quality dining experience.
Hard to swallow, especially given the prices.
Spicy Ceasar was mediocre at best, while the rest of the food was acceptable.
Overall, I had much higher hopes."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
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Review 23 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Still nothey've really put
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Still nothey've really put a focus in the food. One of my favorites again."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was excellent, very flavorful! Ambience is modern mexican restaurant. Our waitress Natasha was very nice. We dined there for brunch, unfortunately our party did not all get to eat at the same time. Plates were coming out in random waves, some of us never received food we had ordered. Our waitress was nice and offered us a discount for the unfortunate experience. I would definitely reccomend this place and will be back; just maybe not for brunch."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As always the food and the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always the food and the service were great."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 26 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I appreciated the healthy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I appreciated the healthy and good for the environment food selections - I had one of them - the Brazilian vegetable stew with coconut milk broth (I forget the name of it) using fresh vegetables from the Santa Monica farmer's market; It was delicious and healthy."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 27 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Food was absolutely wonderful,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Food was absolutely wonderful, with a few misses like the Mexican Cream Pie. The Yucatan Pork was absolutely amazing!!! The Server was great but took a while to get to us and did not pay as much attention to detail as I would have liked him too (glasses emptied and he missed a few items ordered)"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service was great,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and service was great, as usual."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 29 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We went here for Valentine's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went here for Valentine's Day and the special menu for the evening was interesting and delicious! I am not always a big fan of this place - I think it can get really noisy - but I was so happy that we gave it another chance. I don't know if they often have asparagus soup, ahi ceviche on a quinoa fritter, paella or the peanut butter chocolate cupcake but order them if they do!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
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Review 30 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is wonderful, the food was delicious and the best part it's located right on the heart of downtown Santa Monica. I will definitely come back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 31 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic Food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food at a reasonable price! Delicious! Went on a Sunday, mid-afternoon, so not too crowded. Great place to go before seeing a play at the Santa Monica Performing Arts Center. Excellent, cheerful service."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place...
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Finally went here, after living in the neighborhood for 3 years - hate to even admit it. My husband and i loved nearly everything we ordered:
What we had
Cadillac margaritas - pricy but worth it!
Guac - of course, excellent
Ceviche trio - liked all but one of them.
Yucatan pork w/yam - amazing--- large portion,took rest home.
Skirt steak - my husband devoured it
Cadillac margaritas - pricy but worth it!
Guac - of course, excellent
Ceviche trio - liked all but one of them.
Yucatan pork w/yam - amazing--- large portion,took rest home.
Skirt steak - my husband devoured it
we can't wait to go back soon!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Super vegetarian friendly,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Super vegetarian friendly, not just on Meatless Monday, though the Meatless Monday 3-course special is quite a good deal. And they're not just sad, watered-down versions of meaty dishes either. Thoughtfully crafted recipes and super-fresh ingredients make it much easier for the calorie-conscious food lover to eat out without sacrificing anything. I can't wait to go back, though it's going to be tough to try new things since I am kind-of obsessed with the roasted potato rajas relleno now. I only wish the tacos were available at dinner, not just lunch."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 34 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Much more than I was expecting.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Much more than I was expecting. The food is wonderful and extremely appealing in presentation. The staff is friendly - in fact the entire experience is exactly what I hope for in dining out. We will definitely be back."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 35 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food is great, but the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is great, but the decor and the menu need updating. The two hot tamales are busy making money elsewhere, and need to spice up the place. It is still the best thing going if you have out of town guests who want to try something different from two tacos, beans and rice.
The Dine LA menu was a lot of fun, and a good value. We caught the last night. Still the best skirt steak in town.
I love the place, but I wish they would up the decorations."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 36 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was creative and delicious.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was creative and delicious. The chicken enchilada with poblano sauce topped with slivered mushrooms and roasted corn was the best enchilada I've ever eaten. My husband, who does not like Mexican food, devoured his carnitas. And the guacamole was excellent--properly seasoned but with a real, fresh avocado taste."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 37 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Took our vegetarian grandson
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"Took our vegetarian grandson for meatless Monday, which was mentioned on the menu but not explained clearly. The three of us were given 3 different menus, which was confusing. After the waitress explained the special promotions and what were the meatless entrees, we finally tried what she recommended because the menus still didn't make sense. However, once the food came, we were sold. Starting with the complimentary grapefruit salad bite, which was fresh and wonderful, we had the corn tamale--the best tamale ever. The food we had , even the vegetarian, was delicious and just different enough to be exciting. Who knew an avocado taco could be so tasty and so crunchy? Yum!"
Dined on 01/28/2013
2005
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Review 38 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food here is the absolute
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food here is the absolute best. The only improvements could be to reduce the noise. I think they have designed the interior to make it LOUDER, and they succeeded."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 39 for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great service average food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went there for my wife's birthday. Service was very good - we had our 3 year opd with us so they let us order the happy hour cocktails to our table. Our waiter was well informed and very attentive. The cocktails - jalapeno margarita nad capirinha were also well made. The food on the other hand was a let down. It was really bland for my taste and I love spicy Mexican food. Word that comes to mind is "too Americanized". I would say tacos por favor is more authentic and flavorful.
But the service made for a food overall experience - my wife got a flan cake with a candle for her birthday and I got a free flan cake as well."
But the service made for a food overall experience - my wife got a flan cake with a candle for her birthday and I got a free flan cake as well."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Border Grill - Santa Monica
Based on the average of (82) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
10 out of 11 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic