Socalo

Border Grill’s Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken have returned to the city where it all began with Socalo, a casual spot serving the seasonal, California-inspired Mexican cuisine that put their original concept on the map over two decades ago. While times have certainly changed—L.A. diners now usually gravitate towards Mexican restaurants led by Mexican chefs—the citrusy, rainbow-colored tacos, crudos and entrées still make for a solid Mexican lunch or dinner option on the Westside. On our visit, we enjoyed the pescado zarandeado, marinated in adobo sauce, as well as the cheesy, decadent vampiro steak and shrimp tacos. Always-trusty potato flautas get an upgrade with zippy green aguachile, and you can’t go wrong with Socalo’s chicken tacos dorados, which come with creamy guacamole and some excellent housemade salsas.