Place Category: Happy Hours, Mexican, and Outside Dining
Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, Mercado serves as the third installation of a classic and contemporary Mexican restaurant group that includes El Arco Iris in Highland Park and Yxta Cocina Mexicana in Downtown LA.
Mercado is an inventive mix of food, atmosphere and tradition, reflecting the heart and soul of Mexican dining. The beautiful space by New York architect Poonam Khanna, is an eclectic fusion of modern design, accented with traditional touches, that create the ultimate in intimate upscale dining, while remaining accessible and comfortable.
The menu exemplifies the cuisine and flavor of Chef Jose Acevedo’s and co-owner Jesse Gomez’s Mexican roots, featuring items such as Chef Acevedo’s signature carnitas, created from a recipe handed down through generations. With tortillas made by hand daily, the finest meats, poultry and seafood, flavorful sauces, carefully crafted ceviche, enchiladas and tacos, produce from the local farmer’s market, and everything made from the freshest ingredients, Mercado offers handcrafted Mexican cuisine, artful design, a warm atmosphere and friendly service.
Mercado’s bar offers over 70 premium Silver, Reposado and Anejo Tequilas, as well as 14 draft and bottled beers. Try a creative cocktail like the Escabeche Martini, Jamaica Margarita, or La Picosa.
From large party dinners to private dining on the mezzanine level overlooking the main room, or a cocktail at our eclectically stocked bar, Mercado welcomes you to join us for any occasion. We look forward to seeing you soon!Mercado Menu - Santa Monica - Updated 4/22/2021
Menu and prices subject to changeVEGETABLES
CALABACITAS 9
mexican-style zucchini, onions, tomatoes, grilled sweet corn (v)ELOTE 9
grilled sweet corn, caramelized onions, chile piquín butter, queso cotija (veg)COLIFLOR AL PASTOR 10
roasted cauliflower, chile morita marinade, pineapple, cilantro (v)
STARTERS
GUACAMOLE 14
hass avocado, serranos, cilantro, tomatoes, red onions, Yxta salsa brava, spicy pepitas, fresh chips (v)MUSHROOM CHORIQUESO 13
melted cotija, parmesan, oaxaca cheese, white wine, mushroom-chorizo, poblanos, fresh chips (veg)DIP DUO 23
guacamole, mushroom choriqueso, Yxta salsa brava, fresh chips (veg)MEXICAN KALE SALAD 13
kale, arugula, queso fresco, candied pepitas, pears, dried strawberries, cotija-pesto bread crumbs, agave-lime vinaigrette (veg) (add grilled Jidori chicken breast 7 or shrimp 9)DOS GRINGAS 14
slow-cooked natural pork al pastor, oaxaca cheese, red onions, cilantro, Yxta salsa brava, avocado salsa, flour tortillasLELA'S GROUND BEEF TACOS 12
ground beef, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, jack cheese, salsa cruda (limited availability)TACOS DE FILETE 18
filet mignon, Yxta salsa brava, avocado, pickled red onions, micro-cilantroTACOS DE PESCADO 16
grilled white fish, mexican slaw, pico de gallo, lime crema, chile de árbol aioli, flour tortillasCEVICHE TROPICAL 18
citrus-marinated shrimp and white fish, cucumber, corn, tomatoes, mango, fresnos, onions, serranos, avocado, chile de árbol aioliTAMALES 13
fresh masa, chef's choice of filling, queso fresco, crema fresca (limited availability)
ENTRÉES
TACOS DE COLIFLOR AL PASTOR 18
coliflor al pastor, cilantro-lime aioli, pico de gallo, avocado salsa, mexican rice (v)WILD MUSHROOM CHILE RELLENO 19
mushroom-chorizo, oaxaca cheese, tomato-chile broth, queso fresco, mexican rice (veg)ENCHILADAS DE POLLO EN MOLE OAXAQUEÑO 21.5
pulled free-range chicken, oaxacan mole, queso fresco, crema fresca, red onions, sesame seeds, mexican riceCARNITAS 28
Chef Jose's slow-cooked natural pork, guacamole, Yxta salsa brava, pico de gallo, cauliflower al pastor, cilantroPOLLO EN SALSA DE CUATRO CHILES 26
roasted free-range half chicken, salsa de cuatro chiles, queso fresco mashed potatoesCAMARONES AL AJILLO 26
mexican sweet shrimp, chile de árbol garlic butter, cilantro lime rice, ciabattaPOLLO EN MOLE OAXAQUEÑO 26
roasted free-range half chicken, oaxacan mole, sesame seeds, spicy pepitas, mexican rice, black beans, tortillasCARNE ASADA 31
marinated skirt steak, guacamole, cebollita, grilled cornPESCADO DEL DÍA MKT
today's fresh catch
SIDES
CHIPS AND TWO SALSAS 3.5
(veg)LELA’S MEXICAN RICE 5
(v)CILANTRO LIME RICE 5
(veg)ORGANIC CHILE PIQUÍN BLACK BEANS 5
(veg)ESCABECHE 3
(v)CHILES TOREADOS 4
(v)PICO DE GALLO 3
(v)HABANERO SALSA 1.5
(veg)
DESSERT
FLAN 11
TRES LECHES 11
with fresh berries(veg) = vegetarian, (v) = vegan / Some vegetarian plates can be made vegan.
Events and Specials
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DowntownTuesday, February 7, 2023, 4:00 pm-6:00 pmTill 7pm weekdays Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 4-7 pm and Sat-Sun, 4-6 pm DRINKS TECATE 4 can PACIFICO 4 21ST AMENDMENT “EL SULLY” 5 draft DOS Read more...
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DowntownWednesday, February 8, 2023, 4:00 pm-6:00 pmTill 7pm weekdays Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 4-7 pm and Sat-Sun, 4-6 pm DRINKS TECATE 4 can PACIFICO 4 21ST AMENDMENT “EL SULLY” 5 draft DOS Read more...
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DowntownThursday, February 9, 2023, 4:00 pm-6:00 pmTill 7pm weekdays Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 4-7 pm and Sat-Sun, 4-6 pm DRINKS TECATE 4 can PACIFICO 4 21ST AMENDMENT “EL SULLY” 5 draft DOS Read more...
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DowntownFriday, February 10, 2023, 4:00 pm-6:00 pmTill 7pm weekdays Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 4-7 pm and Sat-Sun, 4-6 pm DRINKS TECATE 4 can PACIFICO 4 21ST AMENDMENT “EL SULLY” 5 draft DOS Read more...