Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant

Located on a stretch of Pico with an unusually high concentration of dental offices, Gilbert’s is a Santa Monica landmark from the '70s that does classic Mexican food in a festive space filled with tchotchkes. Mostly, it's a fun place for a night out that involves margaritas by the pitcher. You won’t find any flashy takes here, but you will find huge, delicious burritos, solid crispy shell tacos, and little sides of pickled carrots served with the chips and salsa (a nice touch).

In a city that changes frequently, the yellowing headshots and decades-old photos of baseball teams and scruffy pets stapled to every flat inch of this 45-year-old family-run joint become as comforting as the humble fare they serve. Crispy-shelled tacos and soft-shelled basics can be ordered a la carte or as a combo with extra tortillas, refried beans, and rice. It’s affordable, usually generates leftovers, and includes all-you-can-eat chips and salsa and bottomless zesty pickled carrots.

For 47 years and counting, Gilbert's El Indio has been serving up the best Mexican food in Santa Monica. This family-run eatery has lasted through thick and thin (and the pandemic), despite lots of competition for the city's Mexican-food loving denizens. Created by and still run by the Rodriguez family, who also live in Santa Monica, this is truly a "local" joint, complete with top-notch Mexican favorites and pitchers of margaritas to help everything go down very smoothly.

It’s best to kick off with this classic restaurant that just celebrated their 45th anniversary on May 20, 2019!. There’s no denying that the rich and flavorful Mexican cuisine they offer has been loved by generations of local patrons and even families. Lots of Mexican restaurants have already popped up with new modern twists, but this place is where you get the traditional, old-style serving.

At Gilbert’s, located on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, diners for the past 45 years havebeen comingg for the Super Mule Burrito, staying for the margaritas and leaving with leftovers. To be put simply, the Super Mule (or any burrito at Gilbert’s for that matter) is a wet burrito, but it is a wet burrito done right. Served on a bed of rice, this is Mexican comfort food at its finest.

Experience traditional Mexican cuisine at Gilbert’s El Indio, a favorite among locals in Santa Monica since 1974. Located on Pico Boulevard, this family-run restaurant offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with classic dishes and hearty portions, making it a community favorite for authentic flavors and friendly service.

If you and a group are looking for somewhere fun and delicious for dinner, I would strongly suggest checking out Gilbert’s El Indio. This family owned and operated Mexican restaurant has been serving locals delicious food for over 45 years and is a family favorite. They do a classic Mexican menu but truly do it all so well.

A local haunt that serves south-of-the-border dishes in an informal atmosphere, Gilbert’s is the place to come for pitchers of frozen margaritas, chile rellenos, salsa-topped carne asada—and did we mention the margaritas?. Gilbert’s El Indio: 2526 Pico Blvd; 310-450-8057

You did miss a great, longtime hole in the wall in Santa Monica, Gilbert’s El Indio, on Pico next to a car wash. It’s small (cozy), comfortable and very, very good. The menu has about everything from south of the border anyone could want.

Gilbert’s El Indio: A longstanding community favorite since 1974, Gilbert’s El Indio is celebrated for its commitment to traditional Mexican cuisine and has been recognized as a beloved business in Santa Monica.