Seemor
Sol AgaveB+Worth Trying
1733 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (824 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Polished modern Mexican near the pier with standout seafood and strong margaritas, but service can be inconsistent at peak times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Sol Agave delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong seafood execution and an attractive beach-adjacent setting that justify its Santa Monica location. However, quality variation across visits and service delays during busy periods prevent it from reaching higher territory. It's a reliable choice for elevated Mexican fare and cocktails, competitive with the area's better casual-upscale restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from the beach, Sol Agave blends polished service with lively energy, where margaritas flow and seafood leads. Diners describe beautiful interiors and a patio with heaters, while one guest noted the bar team was on point. Another mentioned, "We were checked on often and never felt rushed," though a few holiday nights brought slower seating. The cooking leans modern Mexican with premium ingredients rather than strict tradition: grilled octopus, filet mignon enchiladas, and sea bass in chile de arbol crema. Expect elevated classics like fajitas and rellenos alongside richer specials; cocktails (including flights) draw praise. Most plates land with bright, balanced flavors, though a handful of diners found certain dishes underseasoned or heavy. For families, the menu is friendly: tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and reported kids options, plus warm chips and salsa that many children love. One parent cautioned a kids salmon was a bit salty. Overall, it is a comfortable choice for family dinners near the pier with plenty kids will recognize.
At a Glance
- Standout seafood like grilled octopus and sea bass
- Strong margaritas and bar program, including flights
- Attractive space with heated patio near beach
- Service can lag at peak times and holidays
- Pricing higher than casual Mexican due to premium proteins and location
What Sets It Apart
- seafood_showpieces
- polished_beach_proximity
- separate_vegetarian_menu
What People Love
- Memorable grilled octopus and tender sea bass
- Well-crafted margaritas and tequila knowledge at the bar
- Warm, polished room with patio seating
- Reliable spot for repeat visits and small groups
- Separate vegetarian menu availability
Points of Concern
- Peak-time seating and drink delays, especially on holidays
- Occasional execution misses (overcooked steak, soggy fajitas, bland tacos)
- A few isolated safety flags (one raw chicken report, one illness claim) warrant vigilance
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($28+ many mains), which may surprise casual diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Seafood-focused path: Ceviche al Gusto + Del Mar Sea Bass
- Richer route: Jalapeno Cream Soup + Mar y Tierra
- Shareable start: Guacamole Sampler + Pulpo a las Brasas
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-beach dinner near the pier
- Seafood lovers seeking upscale Mexican flavors
- Group celebrations with cocktails
- Date night with lively ambiance
Location Insights
Area: Beach-adjacent, tourist-heavy with steady local foot traffic; polished casual destinations and hotels nearby.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit with heavy pedestrian activity; typical busy coastal hub dynamics.
Nearby: Steps from Santa Monica Beach and Pier, hotels and shopping corridors; high visitor flow.
Ocean ParkOcean Park is a laid-back neighborhood in Santa Monica characterized by its proximity to the beach and a mix of residential and commercial spaces. The dining scene here includes casual eateries, seafood spots, and trendy brunch places, catering to a diverse crowd looking for relaxed yet quality dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–22:00
Sunday10:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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