The Border Grill. Santa Monica

1445 4th Street, Santa Monica CA, 90401

310-451-1655

Hours of Operation:

Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:30am - 5:00pm. Saturday & Sunday - 11:30am- 4:00pm

Brunch: Saturday & Sunday - 11:30am - 3:00pm

Dinner: Monday - Thursday 5:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday - 5:00pm- 11:00pm

            Saturday 4:00pm - 11:00pm  and Sunda 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Reservations recommended for busy weeknights and weeekends.

THE ROOM & THE FOOD:

In this funky, no frills, almost spartan atmosphere, close to Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade, wonderful things happen. Mexican food takes one giant step forward. There is no doubt that this is one of my most favorite upscale, gourmet  Mexican restaurants. Ever! Famous Chef's Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Fenniger are the reason for its success and for it's amazing food.  They can do it all. The dishes are  out of the Oxacan and Yucatan states of Mexico and they are fabulous. The flavors are rich and bold, tantalizing and (I have to say this) sensual. Really! I just automatically closed my eyes the first time I dug into my first bite of their Chile Relleno. Let's face it there are Chile Rellenos and then there are The Border Grill's Chile Rellenos. I had never tasted such a wonderfully prepared roasted poblano. I had just picked up Nancy from her flight from Toronto and took her there for her first taste of Mexican food for this trip. It is always her first request. She was delighted and had the Carnitas Tacos and we also ordered  the Grilled Chicken Chilaquiles. My motto has always been "Left Overs" are a wonderful thing. The slow roasted pork of the Carnitas Tacos was melt in your mouth good and the wonderful combination of Mexican cheeses over the grilled achiote chicken was just delicious. On another occasion I ordered the Shirt Steak and it was perfectly marinated and  prepared with sides of a charred corn relish, black beans and, of coarse, a fresh hot hand made tortilla. Heaven!Excellent food on a consistent basis.

THE SERVICE:

The service is equally as impressive as the food. The atmosphere is casual and laid back but you are treated well and served promtly.

COMMENTS:

This is one of the best Mexican resturants in town. Just a pleasure to eat here. Go you won't ever be disspointed.

Ratings:

Food: ****                        Cost: $$ -$$$