Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Los Angeles
  4. Westside
  5. Santa Monica

Border Grill - Santa Monica - Permanently Closed

3.9
3.9
1412 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Border Grill in Santa Monica serves gourmet Mexican fare with classic French cooking techniques for lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch. Guests love the truly authentic Latin flavors, inspired by street vendors and home chefs rather than fine dining establishments south of the border. The menu at Border Grill includes green corn tamales, brisket taquitos, seasonal vegetable chilaquiles and Yucatan pork slow roasted in banana leaves. Brunch might include pumpkin tamales or quinoa fritters. The Border Grill uses organic rice and beans as well as humane certified, hormone-free meats. Seasonal ingredients take center stage on the menu, which features gluten-free and vegetarian options as well.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Latin American
  • Hours of operation
  • Phone number
    (310) 451-1655
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef/Owners: Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken
  • Catering
    Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" and Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales”, have been entertaining guests for more than 25 years at their popular, critically-acclaimed restaurants. Now you can bring their unique style and expertise to your next event. <br /><br />Choose from a mix of modern, bold flavors with menus from Border Grill and Border Grill Truck, as well as the cosmopolitan flavors of Mary Sue and Susan’s first restaurant CITY. <br /><br />Call today for an unforgettable party! 213.486.5171

What 1,412 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.9
3.9 based on all time ratings
  • 4Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.6Ambience
  • 3.8Value

NoiseModerate

1,240 Reviews
  1. NancyH

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are going to miss having this wonderful restaurant and the amazing Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken in Santa Monica. Wishing them best of all possible luck in their future endeavors.

    Is this helpful?

  2. JaimeM

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Unfortunately, this much beloved restaurant is closing today. The wait staff, the chefs and bartenders, my friend and I could barely keep from crying.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    68 reviews

    2.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2016

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We had a 11:30 reservation for Sunday brunch. The AC was broken. No ice for drinks or mimosa. We ordered and food came 45 mins later. No compensation for late food, warm drinks and no AC. Kitchen did their job. Management didn't. Asked waiter several times when food was coming and his response "I have no idea!" What on earth are we tipping him for?

    Is this helpful?

  4. Macbry

    Orange County

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love this place. Gonna miss it!

    Is this helpful?

  5. MonicaM

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The BEST! Even though these are the last few days of the Border Grill, you would never know. The service, the food, the Professionalism of the wait staff and the Margaritas were top notch. Everyone at the restaurant including patrons were there to have a good time and to me ... to relive the memories of the old Border Grill. The Friday night I went on was packed, but festive. The guacamole and green corn tamales hit the mark, as did the chicken toastadas and enchiladas. The best part of the evening was when our dessert of churro tots were personally delivered by Susan Feniger herself, wow, I was surprised and enjoyed our short conversation. It sounds like Susan and Mary Sue are ready for their next adventure and I personally cant wait to try their new restaurant creation. Cheers to you both, for giving LA the best Mexican food, but more important than that ...a fun place to have a bite and a great Margarita!!Thanks for the memories.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So sad to see the Border Grill close. It's been a favorite for years.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2016

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 1
    Great but no AC on a 95 degree los angeles day, would have been nice to know before hand.

    Is this helpful?

  8. KennethS

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good service and the food was excellent. Nice location in Santa Monica.

    Is this helpful?

  9. LAFoodie

    Los Angeles

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hadn't been to Border Grill since it first opened on Melrose in the 80's. I moved to Valley so wasn't close anymore. But heard the Santa Monica restaurant was closing soon which got me there. It was the best Mexican food I've ever had....guacamole, fish tacos, chicken quesadilla, and churro tots! I highly recommend before it's gone.

    Is this helpful?

  10. SohrabP

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2016

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Had a reservation. Showed up. Restaurant was closed with a sign saying, private event tonight. Weak sauce.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Goodfood

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Sorry to see Border Grill close in Santa Monica. The food is excellent and the ambiance is great.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Hostess is rude but food and servers were great

    Is this helpful?

  13. Grannyk

    Los Angeles

    78 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was wonderful as usual. The service was excellent. This was a farewell to the restaurant dinner. We will miss having dinner here.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Tastebuz

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We went to Border Grill because we heard it was closing! We've always loved the food and the service. The chicken tacos with wild mushrooms were fabulous as was the Baja ceviche and the Margaritas. This place has been around 25 years and they never just phone it in. Always interesting pan-Latin items on the menu. Even the noise level has come down. I hope they surface someplace else soon.

    Is this helpful?

  15. gwswartz

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of my all time favorites. Heard that it's closing (SM location only), and I'm so sad. So many great memories there. And the food is always exquisite.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2016

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    This place was awful!!!!! The chicken enchiladas came out empty w no chicken (yet bones in it!). They were returned and came back the same way again. Never go here!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Noni

    Los Angeles

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Yummy food. Great selection of salsa. Tasty dishes!!

    Is this helpful?

  18. Nukeleon

    Los Angeles

    51 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2016

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Heard that this once innovative star would be closing in a month or two and happened to be in the area, so we stopped by to say goodbye. Border Grill was groundbreaking but now there are plenty of authentic, creative Latin American restaurants and that leaves Border Grill seeming mundane and routine. They still dole out chips and salsa here, a practice is disappearing these days. The chips were hot and fresh and the variety of salsas was wonderful. We passed on cocktails and instead had Jamaica and Pomegranate Lemonade. Unfortunately they probably put more effort into the more profitable cocktails. The jamaica was watery, and the lemonade pale in color and pomegranate flavor. Unfortuantely, they sold the last carnitas pork shank, so settled for the exciting skirt steak. My date had the pork in achiote sauce, which was awesome. The sauce was citrusy and complexly flavorful. The waiter made the effort to make up for the pork shank and gave us free green corn tamales. They were extraordinary. The second best tamales I've ever had (lamb neck tamales at Broken Spanish are #1) . It was a great move by the waiter. Border Grill seems to have lost some its creative spark, but there's still quality there. The competition is plentiful from mom and pop Mexican restaurants with pedigreed chefs. When Mary Sue and Susan reopen elsewhere, let's hope they will once again be the inspirational pair they were when BG opened 27 years ago.

    Is this helpful?

  19. SamPetersOnTheTown

    Los Angeles

    52 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2016

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    This is a favorite place. Disappointed that they took our reservation for 130-- then kicked everyone out at 2! They were closing for 2 hours! Got the bums rush.

    Is this helpful?

  20. LaSirenaGorda

    San Diego

    27 reviews

    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    A good selection of tequila, and combo drinks! Food was quite tasty and the Services was exceptional!

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    everything was great

    Is this helpful?

  22. JT212

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2016

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Generic Mexican food almost like fast food but good margaritas!

    Is this helpful?

  23. Stacey

    Wilmington

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Border Grill is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in LA. The guacamole is great and the fish tacos among the best. The place is loud, energetic, and full of life! If you are looking for a quiet, romantic night out, this is not the place.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Krisbeough

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We were in Santa Monica for a show at McCabe's Guitar Shop. I'm a Top Chef fan and hadn't yet been to Border Grill so it was the natural choice for dinner. Did not disappoint- had an amazing ceviche, the best chicken enchilada's ever. Husband ordered chicken tacos that I thought were just okay, but that he was very happy with. Nice wine selection too. Will definitely go back next time I'm in the area.

    Is this helpful?

  25. SDDiner

    San Diego

    54 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our server made a great wine recommendation and we were impressed by the wine selection - well priced wines we had not seen at other restaurants. The service was outstanding. We drink a lot of water and our glasses were never empty.

    Is this helpful?

  26. NancyS

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service and food. However, ladies room is really bad. Hope this is on their agenda to improve because everything else is perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Rosie

    Manchester

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2016

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    This place came highly recommended to us when visiting Santa Monica from the uk.most things were fine,nothing special,but the fish pieces in the fish tacos were stone cold.i would accept cold salad in the tacos,cold tacos,cold salsa etc but cold fish is not nice at all.service started ok but then deteriorated.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Soninsanndiego

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    They sat us in the farthest corner in the back of the restaurant when there were several tables open closer to the windows. I hope its not because we made the reservation through Open Table.

    Is this helpful?

  29. delicio

    San Francisco

    63 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my 4th visit to Border Grill and, once again, I left feeling great! The food was excellent, the service on point and I even met Chef Feniger this time!!!

    Is this helpful?

  30. LynneG

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2016

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Restaurant was incredibly warm, hot even. Quite uncomfortable and as we were seated up front by the window half of our party faced the sun. There was virtually no ambience and everyone was sweating. We could hear no music in the restaurant and couldn't wait to leave. We have been Border Grill regulars since its inception and we will not return. Love the cookbook! Horrible dining experience at what should have been a fun festive relaxing group dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Filet

    Denver

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great dinner and very happy with their Gluten Free options!

    Is this helpful?

  32. YeznikK

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fast service

    Is this helpful?

  33. helpful

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I would love an expanded menu, but I do love everything I've had here. And I appreciate the gluten free marking on the menu very much, and the servers' knowledge of the preparations. Not a cheap date, but always a lovely experience.

    Is this helpful?

  34. SteveS

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a happy hour drink at the bar then dinner! The service from greeting to bar to table were great! Food is really diverse and tasty, we really enjoyed ourselves and were able to have a great conversation!

    Is this helpful?

  35. Barbhark

    Philadelphia

    42 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was excellent, service and waitstaff very good. The menu had many tempting offerings. The portions were generous, and unfortunately we didn't have any room left for dessert. But we heard from tables around us that it was delicious .

    Is this helpful?

  36. Ally

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2016

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Service was slow; it was not busy in the restaurant. Food was ok- we've had better flavored guac from other Mexican restaurants in the area. The server and food runner didn't know what type of fish was used in the fish tacos- but when we got the tacos at the table we could tell it was not fresh fish since it had distinct old fish smell (we're a seafood eating family). We did not eat them. The best item we ordered was the steak quesadilla. The chips and salsas they gave out first were good as well.

    Is this helpful?

  37. TroyP

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2016

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was pricey and underwhelming. For the price I would have expected much better flavors. It feels like the restaurant thinks it's food is better than it is.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Forkboy22

    Los Angeles

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I recently decided to try Border Grill after a couple years' absence from this restaurant. Of course it was one of the first Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles to become creative with their cuisine... I was curious to see how the restaurant was faring in 2016... what a delightful thing to discover that the restaurant was finer than ever. The drinks were bountiful and exciting, the chips divine and of course the fish tacos and the asada dishes were thrilling. As ever, the Border Girll is reliable and ready for you to return... again and again.

    Is this helpful?

  39. nativeangelino

    Los Angeles

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2016

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Border Grill is consistently good, we liked the guacamole, green corn tamales, chicken poblano enchiladas, Yucatan pork (yummy), and the plantains. Great selection of drinks, including margaritas and craft beers. We had a large group (13 people) including visitors from New York, and enjoyed great service. No room for dessert, next time . . .

    Is this helpful?

  40. evbaby

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2016

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Service could have been a little more prompt. Close to an hour between seating and entree service (but it was a pretty busy Saturday night).

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Border Grill - Santa Monica - Permanently Closed is rated 3.9 stars by 1412 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Border Grill - Santa Monica - Permanently Closed

1445 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Santa Monica
  • Hours of operation
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Latin American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Executive chef
    Chef/Owners: Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken
  • Phone number
    (310) 451-1655
  • Catering
    Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" and Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales”, have been entertaining guests for more than 25 years at their popular, critically-acclaimed restaurants. Now you can bring their unique style and expertise to your next event. <br /><br />Choose from a mix of modern, bold flavors with menus from Border Grill and Border Grill Truck, as well as the cosmopolitan flavors of Mary Sue and Susan’s first restaurant CITY. <br /><br />Call today for an unforgettable party! 213.486.5171
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo