Red O Santa Monica CA: Why It Draws Mixed Reactions
Red O Santa Monica CA: What You Need to Know
Red O Santa Monica CA is a modern Mexican cantina located at 1541 Ocean Ave, directly next to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, offering Baja-inspired seafood, prime steak, classic Mexican dishes, and craft cocktails with ocean views. The restaurant opened as Red O's inaugural Mexican Cantina location and remains operational as of May 2026, featuring weekend brunch, happy hour, and Taco Tuesday specials.
Location and Contact Details
The oceanfront address places Red O steps from Santa Monica's beach and the famous neon pier sign, making it a prime dining destination for tourists and locals alike.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 1541 Ocean Ave, Ste. 120, Santa Monica, CA 90401 |
| Phone | 310-458-1600 |
| Cuisine | Modern Mexican, Baja-inspired seafood, prime steak |
| Rating | 4.0 stars (1,035 Yelp reviews as of May 2026) |
| Photos | 1,213 customer photos available |
Operating Hours and Special Programs
Red O maintains a weekly schedule designed for both lunch and dinner crowds, with Monday closures and extended weekend brunch hours.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday-Friday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Brunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
The restaurant offers signature programs including Express Lunch ($16, Monday-Friday 12pm-6pm), Happy Hour (Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm), Taco Tuesday (all-day food & drink specials), and Weekend Brunch with bottomless mimosas, bloodies, and sangria.**New brunch items** introduced in 2025 include Fried Chicken and Churro French Toast, available Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm.
Cuisine and Menu Highlights
Chef Rick Bayless's modern Mexican approach emphasizes local, sustainable ingredients showcased through flavorful preparations of seafood, steak, and classic Mexican fare.
- Ceviche Chopped Salad: lime-marinated shrimp, romaine, tomato, serrano, cucumber, avocado, pepitas, queso fresco, creamy avocado dressing
- RED O Chopped Salad: signature house salad
- Baja-inspired seafood: tacos, fajitas, enchiladas
- Prime steak: grilled cuts with Mexican seasonings
- Craft cocktails: fine tequilas, fresh ingredients, expert mixologists
The dinner price range mirrors the original Melrose location: bites/snacks $7-$13.50, tacos/enchiladas $12-$18, specialties $23-$29.50, desserts $12. GAYOT awarded the food a strong rating, noting the palm tree and ocean backdrop enhances the dining experience.
Customer Experience and Reviews
With 1,035 Yelp reviews and 1,213 photos as of May 2026, Red O Santa Monica maintains a 4.0-star reputation for divine Mexican cuisine and superb oceanfront setting. The Critics Guide rates it 4 stars with an average bill of £83 per head, calling it "absolutely superb" and "a few steps away from Santa Monica's beach".
"Red O in Santa Monica is the second location to open in Los Angeles, with their other restaurant being on Melrose. The Santa Monica location is absolutely superb... Simply put, this is a restaurant serving some of the most divine Mexican cuisine."
Other Red O Locations in Los Angeles
Red O operates three locations across the greater Los Angeles area, with Santa Monica being the inaugural Mexican Cantina.
| Location | Address | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica | 1541 Ocean Ave, Ste. 120 | Next to Santa Monica Pier, ocean views |
| Los Angeles (Melrose) | 8155 Melrose Ave. (at Crescent Heights) | Original location, tequila lounge |
| Newport Beach | Newport Beach | Coastal dining |
| Westlake Village | Westlake Village | Valley location |
What are the most common questions about Red O Santa Monica Ca Why It Draws Mixed Reactions?
Is Red O Santa Monica still open in 2026?
Yes, Red O Santa Monica is fully operational as of May 2026, with 1,035 recent Yelp reviews and updated menu offerings including new brunch items.
What is the address of Red O in Santa Monica?
Red O Santa Monica is located at 1541 Ocean Ave, Ste. 120, Santa Monica, CA 90401, next to the Santa Monica Pier.
Does Red O Santa Monica have brunch?
Yes, weekend brunch runs Saturday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM with bottomless mimosas, bloodies, sangria, sweet and savory plates, and sizzling fajitas.
What is the happy hour at Red O Santa Monica?
Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, featuring small bites and specialty craft cocktails created with fine tequilas and fresh ingredients.
Who is the chef behind Red O?
Chef Rick Bayless is the chef behind Red O, known for his modern Mexican cuisine with focus on local, sustainable ingredients.
Is there valet parking at Red O Santa Monica?
Valet parking is available at the original Melrose location for $8; parking details for Santa Monica should be confirmed by calling 310-458-1600.
