AdVantage Partners and Ricardo Diaz (Guisados, Colonia Taco Lounge, Cook’s Tortas) have officially opened their Tacoteca (2460 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403) in the former Charleston spot. The simple space with wood accents, has mezcal-centric cocktails from Gilbert Marquez including el 57 (mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth, habanero brine, citrus), Aguacatero (mezcal, avocado, green chartreuse, lime), Apache Sour (sotol, Apple Jack, lemon, brown sugar, egg white), and Oaxacking (mezcal, toasted coconut milk, pulque, orange juice, lime). They also have a menu of beers.
As for food, order up tacos with grilled octopus, chorizo, carne asada, chicken, or lamb barbacoa. There’s also smokey guacamole, scallop crudito, duck tamal, shrimp tostada, torta de albondiga (Mexican meatballs), street corn, shrimp luis, veggie tostada, chicharron quesadilla, and finish your meal with postres including bunuelos or tortita de arroz chilled melon soup.
