RED O Westlake Village: A Boho-Luxe Escape with Bold Flavors and Baja Soul
You don’t just walk into RED O Taste of Mexico—you surrender to it.
First, a glowing tunnel of tequila. Then the air changes. Warmer. Louder. Full of Energy. The new Westlake Village spot takes its cues from Tulum’s bohemian edge, where dinner is a slow seduction and every plate dares you to stay for one more round. Opening August 18 at The Promenade, it’s not a restaurant. It’s a destination.
Teaming up again with our friends from 1921 Tequila, The Best Drink Ever stopped by ahead of the soft opening, drawn in by the lure of tequila cocktails, tomahawk steaks, and a tree growing in the middle of the patio.
The moment you enter, you know RED O plays a different game. The space, designed by the one and only Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is textured, moody, and seductive—ropes, rattan, antique Oaxacan textiles, and a plaster tree lit by hanging lanterns. It’s the kind of place that feels like a vacation even before the first sip.
And then the drinks hit.
Head Bartender Greg Gresher didn’t waste time. We asked for 1921 Tequila, something a little unexpected, and he went for it. First—a bright hit of tequila with grapefruit, St-Germain, and simple syrup. Then a sharp, no-nonsense mix of tequila, vermouth, and ginger. And to close, a sinful dessert pour that married 1921 Blanco with 1921 Cream like they were made for each other. Each unique. Each amazing.
The cocktail menu holds plenty more worth exploring, like the Cocorita—a tropical margarita served in a fresh young coconut, the kind of thing you drink barefoot on a beach at sunset. Or the Alacrán Margarita, lit up with housemade serrano-chile agave, throwing a clean, lingering heat. At RED O, drinks don’t just arrive. They make an entrance.
The kitchen, led by Corporate Executive Chef Armando Martinez and Executive Chef John Pigott, plays with regional flavors from across Mexico, grounded in Oaxacan-style cooking and layered with modern creativity.
Their signature Surf & Turf Tablita drops a 32oz tomahawk steak and a full lobster tail on your table like it’s nothing—except it’s everything. House guac, red rice, beans, and fresh-pressed tortillas round it out. You eat it with your hands. You lick your fingers. You order another margarita.
Another standout? The Branzino Zarandeado—a whole grilled branzino topped with chile-citrus soy butter and sweet heirloom tomatoes. It’s smoky, citrusy, and fresh in a way that only happens when someone in the kitchen really knows what they’re doing.
And just when we thought we were done, someone mentioned brunch. Then Taco Tuesdays. Then live music, pop-up dinners, mezcal pairings, seasonal menus, and a rotating calendar of culinary experiences that prove RED O isn’t here to coast—it’s here to make a statement.
Westlake Village just got a little wilder. A little sexier. A little more soulful. And RED O is at the center of it all. Congrats to the entire staff on the launch!
Pro tip: Make a reservation early. This place is going to fill up fast—and once you’re inside, you won’t want to leave.
RED O Taste of Mexico opens August 18 with limited hours and reservations. Visit Red O for more info.
ABOUT RED O
RED O Taste of Mexico is a premier dining destination that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, inspired by the flavors and traditions of its diverse regions. With locations in Newport Beach, Santa Monica, La Jolla, and now Westlake Village, RED brings traditional recipes to life with bold flavors, prime steaks, fresh seafood, and ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Mexico. Each location features resort-style interiors, handcrafted cocktails, and vibrant design—offering guests an immersive,escape-like experience that feels like a getaway in every visit.
About 1921 Tequila
1921 Tequila isn’t just another pretty bottle on the back bar. It’s a tequila with roots deep in Mexican soil and a name that tips its hat to the end of the revolution. From the crisp bite of the Blanco to the rich, slow-drinking Añejo and the dangerously smooth Tequila Cream, every pour is a lesson in balance—sweet, earthy, and unapologetically bold. The folks at Casa 1921 don’t make tequila for the masses. They make it for people who care about how tequila is made and the people that make it.