Red O in West Hollywood to open an outpost on the Westside!

We finally got ourselves to Red O, the much hyped restaurant and bar on Melrose in West Hollywood.  We were a little put off by the enormous bouncer with the Secret Service style earpiece demanding if we had a reservation-- it was 7pm on a Tuesday...  After a little polite conversation the Gate Keeper softened and allowed us to pass.  The space at Red O is pretty fantastic with soaring ceilings, potted palms, and the Tequila Bar (where we sat on a banquette with two Moroccan poufs) is ambient with darker lighting and huge windows framing the bustle of Melrose.

The food-  Mexican, was good but we wouldn't say mindblowing.  The margaritas on the other hand were worth getting roughed up at the door -- particularly the Scorpion which has some spicy kick to it, and this is coming from two girls who don't particularly like spicy stuff!  The Market was also quite good-- and refreshing with hints of cucumber and melon.

What we were most intrigued by is the hostess letting us know that Red O will be opening in Santa Monica sometime soon-- in the Ma Kai space (same owners, but thank goodness as Ma Kai is stale, stale, stale).  Does anybody know when??

Our vote, hit Red O early for fun drinks and apps.....  if you can get past the Gate Keeper.