Blue Plate Taco: How Jenny Brought Baja to Santa Monica
Discover Blue Plate Taco in Santa Monica, where owner Jenny Rush combines fresh Baja-inspired flavors with a California twist. Learn about her journey and must-try dishes at this beloved coastal restaurant.
For Jenny, the owner and founder of Blue Plate Taco, creating a great restaurant has always been about more than just good food. It’s about crafting an experience that feels effortless yet unforgettable. Located right along the Santa Monica coast, Blue Plate Taco offers fresh, Baja-inspired dishes served with a California twist.
Jenny’s journey to opening this popular spot is anything but ordinary. From her early days experimenting with Italian cuisine to developing fresh, ingredient-driven concepts, she’s built her career by following her passions and staying true to her vision. Blue Plate Taco is a reflection of that journey—and a place where her love for fresh flavors and hospitality truly shines.
A Path Fueled by Passion and Fresh Ingredients
Jenny’s journey began in New York, where she was raised by a family of entrepreneurs, with her father working as a doctor and her mother running toy stores, which gave her early exposure to the world of business and hospitality. After studying industrial design at UCLA and spending time in Italy, she fell in love with fresh, ingredient-driven cooking. “In Italy, I was blown away by how clean and simple the food was. It made me fall in love with real ingredients,” she shares.
That passion for simplicity and quality followed her back to California, where she launched a career in restaurants. After founding and selling a successful pasta business, she spent time in Baja California, where the vibrant cuisine inspired her next big idea: Blue Plate Taco.
“Baja’s food is similar to Italy’s in a way—it’s so fresh and clean,” Jenny explains. “I wanted to create a restaurant that captured those flavors, but with a California twist.”
The Dishes That Define Blue Plate Taco
At Blue Plate Taco, the food speaks for itself. While every dish has its own appeal, the Grilled Fish Tacos have become the restaurant’s signature item. “The grilled fish tacos definitely put us on the map,” Jenny says. “They’re fresh, flavorful, and really represent what we’re about.”
If you could only try one dish on the menu, Jenny says this is the one. With perfectly grilled fish, house-made tortillas, and a tangy salsa, it’s an absolute must-try for any visitor.
Beyond the tacos, other standout menu items include:
Baja-Style Seafood Ceviche: A refreshing combination of citrus-marinated seafood, perfect for a sunny day.
Signature Guacamole: Made fresh to order and served with crispy tortilla chips.
Every dish reflects Jenny’s commitment to quality. “Everything we serve is made fresh in-house. We focus on letting the ingredients shine,” she says.
A Growing Culinary Empire
Blue Plate Taco is just one part of Jenny’s growing collection of culinary ventures. From Blue Plate Oysterette, which offers a refined seafood experience, to TacoLina in Silver Lake, Jenny’s passion for developing unique concepts is unmatched. She’s even blended her love for food and fashion with Divine Vintage, a wine bar and vintage clothing store in Santa Monica.
Despite managing multiple businesses, Jenny stays deeply involved in day-to-day operations. “I’m hands-on with every concept,” she says. “Each one has a different menu, theme, and marketing strategy, so it keeps things exciting.”
Visit Blue Plate Taco
Blue Plate Taco has become a staple of Santa Monica’s dining scene, offering a perfect blend of fresh, Baja-inspired dishes and California vibes. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this spot promises a meal you won’t forget.
