About - Tallula's Restaurant

OUR STORY

Tallula’s is a vibrant, SoCal-inspired Mexican restaurant and bar that’s like a hidden “coastal pearl” in Santa Monica Canyon. We’re tucked away between the beach and mountains in a funky, historic pagoda-style building with a huge patio, where margaritas are always flowing in Felix’s Bar, the aroma of handmade corn tortillas is emanating from the kitchen, and everyone’s digging into platters of freshly-shucked oysters and heaps of cheesy nachos.

Whether you live in the canyon or you’re just passing through, we’re the kind of fun, chill destination that offers a little something for everyone. Earlier in the evening, families and kids gather over organic chicken enchiladas suizas and soft tacos, before the vibe shifts to dates and groups of friends clinking seasonal cocktails and sharing cóctel de camarón and large molcajetes. During weekend brunch, surfers and bikers fuel up on breakfast burritos, neighbors bring their dogs and linger over cups of artisan coffee on the patio, and pals catch up over micheladas and chilaquiles.

FELIX'S BAR

Felix’s Bar is a cozy “oasis within an oasis” and an experience in and of itself.

Settle into a bar stool, take in the rows and rows of thoughtfully-curated, small-batch tequilas and mezcales, and have the bartender pour you a flight or craft an artful cocktail.

Huddle around colorful, tile tables with friends over happy hour palomas and the bar-only menu of Mexican-inspired snacks, like birria fries and Oaxacan chicken wings.

The enclosed patio feels like its own secret nook, lending itself to intimate cocktail parties under the trees or mezcal tastings with fellow agave spirits aficionados.

Chef Juan Robles plating tacos in the kitchen

THE FOOD & DRINKS

There’s also a reason “Hecho Con Amor” is painted on the side of our building. Executive Chef Juan Robles’ cooking is like a warm hug, drawing influences from childhood memories in his native Cuernavaca, indigenous recipes throughout Mexico and the melting pot of Los Angeles’ global flavors. He and the team make nearly everything from scratch—moles, salsas, chile pastes, spice blends and even the masa for our heirloom corn tortillas, which made the “Fuerte Four” in KCRW’s Annual Tortilla Tournament in 2021 and 2022.

Given our proximity to the Pacific, of course our menu has a whole section dedicated to responsibly-caught seafood, while organic vegetables, fruits and herbs hail from the nearby Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

Felix’s Bar is where Bartender Mink Dang shakes and stirs with the seasons when crafting classic Mexican cocktails and Tiki-inspired drinks. He thoughtfully cross-utilizes ingredients from the kitchen to eliminate waste and to draw a delicious connection to Juan’s food, and sources incredible agave spirits from smaller producers who care about giving back to the land and their communities.

Rustic Canyon Family

Tallula’s is part of the Rustic Canyon Family, a collection of beloved, chef-driven dining destinations which includes Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe, Sweet Rose Creamery, Milo + Olive, Cassia, Esters, Birdie G’s, and The Dutchess. The group embraces seasonality and makes as much as possible in-house using classic craftsmanship and technique, sourcing the highest-quality ingredients from local farmers and vendors with sustainable practices. Each restaurant takes “family” to heart, by ensuring all guests, as well as employees, feel at home, and leave satisfied, nourished and inspired.

Since opening in May 2017, Tallula’s has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, KCRW’s Good Food, Eater, Goop, Bloomberg News, Los Angeles Magazine, C Magazine, and more.

For media inquiries, please e-mail elise@rcrestaurants.com.

FRIENDS AND SUPPLIERS

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