Vamos Vamos

Tucked into a slender dining room along Santa Monica’s Main Street, Vamos Vamos brings together beach-town casualness with a touch of Westside buzz. This nacho and margarita bar from the folks behind Everson Royce Bar and Triple Beam Pizza draws crowds that can mean lengthy waits on weekend nights, but the energy inside is undeniably infectious. It’s the kind of spot where the priority is enjoying yourself rather than expecting a culinary revelation.

The menu centers on cheese-laden nachos and an impressive array of margaritas. The chile verde nachos stand out with tender pulled pork drenched in hatch green chile, layered over refried beans and melted cheese. Surprisingly, the star of the show isn’t actually a nacho—it’s the green chile cheeseburger. This masterful creation swaps the usual toppings for monterey jack and smoky hatch chiles, delivering just enough heat balanced by creamy aioli on a pillowy brioche bun. The margarita selection is equally impressive, with options ranging from smoky watermelon to tart hibiscus, all expertly balanced between sweet and potent.

This is the perfect destination for a casual date night or an evening out with friends who appreciate a lively atmosphere and stiff drinks. The sidewalk patio offers a more accessible option during weeknights, typically with shorter waits than the coveted indoor seats. Vegetarian options like pizzas and tostadas exist but don’t quite measure up to the meat-forward offerings.

While nothing on the menu warrants a cross-town trek on its own, the combination of solid bar food, exceptional cocktails, and prime people-watching makes Vamos Vamos worth the visit when you’re already on the Westside. Book ahead if you want a table inside, or embrace the wait knowing that a fantastic burger and buzzing crowd await.