Blue Period
Rib Eye Tacos and Tequila in Westwood

Ah, Westwood.

Land of tall, shiny office buildings, frolicking UCLA co-eds and... nowhere good to sneak out to for a solid three-margarita lunch.

It’s time for a change. Sooner the better.

So take a look at Casa Azul Cantina, a teal-dipped shanty of rib eye tacos and margaritas three ways, soft-opening Friday on Lindbrook.

In the former home of Tengu, past a brick courtyard and a huge portrait of the Virgin Mary, you’ll find it—a bright blue shrine to tequila, tacos and mountains of cheese. If you work in the neighborhood, bring your colleagues for a lunchtime taco tasting. You can order a plate of five, from chicken to carnitas to beef. You know, the basics.

And hell, if it’s Friday, pair it with a margarita tasting. The El Diablo marg comes three ways here: mild, medium and hot. (Margaritas are the new salsa.)

But this place also works for a leisurely, legit Mexican feast after a Westside sundown (the owners are pros; they’re also behind Frida). Settle in with a date under the white lights on the patio and summon some rib eye tacos or a Filet Mexiquense—think filet mignon, bathed in red wine.

It’s the best way to bathe.