Bring a pair of earplugs if you hate noisy restaurants. Given its bold, funky murals mixed with rustic wood furnishings, you might think you were in a less-upscale Mexican restaurant, but Border Grill is a far cry from any place with taco in the name. Co-owners Feniger and Milliken have designed a menu that's anything but typical.
Rated one of America's Best Restaurants by Gourmet magazine, Border Grill originated in Hollywood, then relocated to Santa Monica, where it plays host to streams of longtime fans, Westsiders and savvier-than-usual tourists. The casual atmosphere makes it an ideal place for second dates and celebrations, and the bar provides plenty of room for singles to cruise.
The chefs have certainly done their homework, visiting many parts of Mexico and Central America. Border Grill's seriously ethnic food reflects their firsthand experiences -- balancing meats, seafoods and vegetarian fare with just the right amounts of chipotle, crème-fraîche and fruit salsas. A grilled cactus or Mexican chopped salad is a tasty choice on warm summer nights. And the key lime pie is a refreshing complement to spicier dishes, although the more traditional desserts are worth sampling, too.
Border Grill is a boisterous, bustling place and reservations are definitely recommended for Friday and Saturday nights. If you do take your chances, you might just find yourself waiting at the bar or mesa grande, a huge, low table, in which case you can order a pitcher of fresh Sangria, felt by many to be some of the best in town.
-- Patti Tessen