Gilbert's El Indio - Santa Monica

Grew up eating here. Gilbert’s will always have a special place in my heart and stomach. This was my favorite restaurant growing up, and I still love eating here and grabbing a margarita too. 10/10

Family-owned small business- been running this restaurant since May 20th, 1974. They greet you with warmth and hospitality. The interior of the restaurant is filled with fascinating memorabilia to admire while you wait for your food. The food itself is delicious, and you will leave the restaurant full, all at an affordable price. Don't miss out!!! Parking: When the adjacent Santa Monica Car Wash is closed, it functions as additional parking for Gilbert's.

Stopped in for my first time this past weekend and was very impressed. That won’t be my last time that I dine here. I grew up in San Diego, but moved to LA five years ago but still struggle to find Mexi restaurants in LA that I like as much as back home, but this is certainly one for the books. The flavors are truly great and taste very authentic and as someone that has been down to Mexico for surf and vacation trips countless times it tastes like cuisine down across the border. I would say Gilbert’s and Don Antonio’s are my two favorite sitdown Mexican restaurants in Santa Monica. This location has a free parking lot in back and they have a very large menu filled with all of the Mexican classics. Our server was very polite and everything we ordered came out super quick. For my meal I chose two of my favorite dishes to order: Albondigas Soup and Carne Asada. Both were absolutely terrific, and the Carne Asada plate was very large in portion size and cooked perfectly. The steak was not as thin as some other cheaper cuts you get at other places, it was very thick and juicy. They also have some great merch and I especially like how they have a lot of indoor and outdoor seating available. Overall Gilbert’s is a seriously delicious Mexican restaurant that would hit the spot no matter the time of day that you visit. I would recommend to anyone searching for a good Mexican meal and I definitely plan to be back again in the near future. Parking: free parking behind restaurant

Always on point with the food! Margarita's are good any time of day. Serve is great! Love coming to a local restaurant

NOT authentic Mexican food. WORSE margarita it is a straight up disappointing sour’s mix with very little tequila. The guacamole was only ok — lightly seasoned avocado with low quality store bought shedded yellow cheese and red sauce on top. Go up the street to Don Antonio’s!