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Border Grill: Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
4.5 of 5 stars 54 ratings
54 ratings
5.0 of 5 stars
5
4.0 of 5 stars
24
3.0 of 5 stars
18
2.0 of 5 stars
5
1.0 of 5 stars
2
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveler satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#78 of 297 restaurants in Santa Monica
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  • Cuisines: Mexican
  • Price range*: $21-$30
  • Neighborhood: West
  • Special features: Romantic

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Border Grill

( 8-12 of 24 )
“We went here after hours...”

Border Grill

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3 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Contributor
Apr 20, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

We went here after hours of relaxation and massage at the nearby Burke Williams Spa. We ordered Caipirinha & Passion Fruit/Lychee Martini for drinks. They were certainly not your traditional Caipirinha & Martini, but Border Grill's take on these two drinks are way too sweet for my taste. We ordered Guatemalan Chicken Tamale and Chicken Empanadas in Mole sauce, which we all agreed that we tasted similar items better at different restaurants. For our entrees, we chose pibli (pork) and drunken chicken. While the pork dish was probably the best among all other food we tasted, our chicken was not drunk at all. To us, our drunken chicken sandwich tasted like sober chicken pieces that were smothered in sauces and piled up with cheese, lettuce & avocado.

This review is the subjective opinion of an individual contributor and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“I have only been once...”

Border Grill

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3 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Contributor
Apr 5, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

I have only been once, but the loud SaMo hipsters made dining dull.

This review is the subjective opinion of an individual contributor and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“Too dark and too loud...”

Border Grill

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2 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Contributor
Mar 7, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Too dark and too loud. Nothing on the happy hour menu. No place to sit.

This review is the subjective opinion of an individual contributor and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“loud but fun place with great food”

Border Grill

Feb 19, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

I have to agree with the other reviewers. The place was very loud the whole time we were there (7:30 pm-8:45 pm) but that said, we were there on a Friday night . We also found the prices to be a little bit steep-on both the food and the drink menu. The service was very pleasent but we felt like we were rushed out the door. The happy hour is only at the bar unavailable at the tables. (We made reservations through "open table") We were seated and didn't know that we wouldn't be able to cash in on a cheap drink prior to our meal until we had already placed our order. Too bad for us. If we went again. We would show up EARLY for the happy hour in the bar area and let the server know that we are NOT in a hurry. We did enjoy ourselves and would recommend this restaurant. The nice thing about the noise is that if you are bringing along children you can relax and enjoy yourselves!
Cheers!- or should I say, Ole~

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“Gourmet Mexican”

Border Grill

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4 of 5 stars
New Mexico mountains
Feb 16, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

My husband and I went to dinner at 8:30 pm on a Thursday night, and we still had to wait 20 minutes for a table! However, it was time well spent at the bar with margaritas and three delicious complimentary salsa with chips. I disagree with the other reviewer about the tamales. I had the appetizer size order of green corn tamales, and they were absolutely delicious. My husband and I are cogniscenti of Mexican food having enjoyed it for 20 years in Arizona and New Mexico. This is a different style of Mexican food, very fresh and well presented. The noise level was too high for our taste, but all the younger couples there did not seem to mind it. I would definitely go back, but I would call to find out the times when it is not so crowded.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Reviews of Border Grill

( 8-12 of 24 )
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Border Grill Address

1445 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 451-1655
* Restaurant price information is based on meal cost per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.