Holy Mole: L.A.'s Saucy Situation
Updated: February 05, 2008
Nobody in SoCal can resist a good taco, but it takes an aficionada to truly appreciate a good mole. While most Mexican dishes are made from about 10 fresh ingredients, moles can include up to 30 different spices. Lightweights take heed: leave this choco-spiced dish to the experts!
Mex It Up
-
Gardens of Taxco
Read Reviews1113 N Harper Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)
Campy. Charming. Over-the-top, and a full five-course Mexican meal. Your server will tantalize you into your main course, which, naturally, should be the thick and rich mole.
-
Velvet Margarita
Read Reviews1612 N Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)
After the bartender coaxes you into a margarita, sidle into a cozy booth and indulge on the delicious salsa trio. That will whet your appetite for the main course--chicken mole so rich and chocolatey it tastes as though I'm in Mexico.
-
Lares Restaurant
Read Reviews2909 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)
Escape the oppressive L.A. sun at this favorite spot that?s as dark and smooth as its mole. The huge communal table is a must! This is the first place I come after I arrive at LAX, and I always end up spending a couple of hours here. Start with the albondigas before digging into the mole if you?ve been on a really long flight.
-
Guelaguetza Palms Restaurant
Read Reviews11127 Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (map)
Unwrap a steaming banana leaf filled with doughy masa oozing with rich, nutty mole. The tender pollo melts in your mouth. Tip: a second and third tamale may be hidden in the folds of the banana leaf. Un regalito! This place is Oaxacan so real that you can hear the table next to you munching on fried crickets.
-
Frida Restaurant
Read Reviews236 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (map)
I like the style and presentation here--chocolatey mole is served over juicy chicken breast that's sprinkled with little seeds for texture. They even serve a mini-pupusa on the side for gooey decadence. It's easy to get a group here after work, and they have happy hour margaritas. Not exactly laid-back, but what would you expect from Bev Hills?
-
Border Grill
Read Reviews1445 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)
This is Westside gringo mole, but oh so good. If you want to take baby steps towards real Mexican mole, this is a good place to start ... but you?ll pay for it. Their mashers are incredible as a side.
-
Guelaguetza Restaurant
Read Reviews3337 1/2 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005 (map)
No, you're not seeing double. This is a different Guelaguetza location. After a long day of abstract art MOCA, I like to head here for no-frills Mexican that beats even the best taco stand on Normandie. The tamales in Oaxacan mole can?t be missed here, either. Try one of their drinks with corn dough for something new.
