Blue Plate Taco, located directly across the street from the Santa Monica beach, is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the area. The atmosphere, as well as the food itself, is coastal, fresh, and bright, and the restaurant’s wood lanterns, colorful décor, and string lights makes eating the Baja comfort food very trendy. Blue Plate Taco serves mostly traditional Mexican dishes, as well as the old classics with an untraditional spin. Whether you come during the sunny day for a filling lunch or at night to sip on a pear-hibiscus margarita under the twinkling lights, you won’t be disappointed…
Even though Blue Plate does not have a gluten free menu, eating gluten free here is really easy to do. Just make sure to avoid anything that has a flour tortilla (you can usually opt for a corn tortilla instead) and substitute anything that comes with sherry vinaigrette or ponzu sauce for another dressing. Blue Plate prides itself on its tacos and I can see why. The 8 different tacos on the menu have a unique and flavorful combination of toppings; from the shrimp tacos with pumpkin seed pesto and jicama to the veggie tacos with goat cheese and truffle oil. The taco plates, like most of the entrees at Blue Plate, come with a generous amount of food; they include three small street tacos, rice, and beans, and your entree will absolutely leave you full. To start, ordering a plate of chips and guac here is a must. Freshly house-made corn tortilla chips are served with possibly the creamiest guacamole I’ve ever had. If you are in the mood for a lighter meal, Blue Plate has some surprisingly impressive salad options. The fresh and colorful Mexican chopped salad with radish, corn, green beans, cauliflower, carrot, cotija cheese, and quinoa served on a bed of kale and arugula is delicious and the salmon quinoa salad is also a satisfying, healthy choice. I went to the restaurant for lunch and passed on having a margarita, but on my next visit I will absolutely be trying one of Blue Plate’s amazing margaritas, like the blended passion fruit or pear-hibiscus.
Blue Plate Taco’s innovative twists on classic Mexican dishes, as well as the bright and positive atmosphere are why people keep coming back. If you are in the Santa Monica area, and in the mood for a filling meal, give Blue Plate a visit… you’ll definitely enjoy it!