Gracias Madre — Restaurant in West Hollywood

Gracias Madre Review: A Gourmet's Guide to Vegan Mexican Cuisine in Los Angeles. Gracias!

There's something about the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles that always heightens my culinary expectations. As I made my way to Gracias Madre, a well-acclaimed vegan Mexican restaurant in the heart of the city, my anticipation was a blend of curiosity and excitement. Known for its plant-based cuisine that promises both innovation and tradition, Gracias Madre had long been on my list of must-visit culinary destinations.

Upon arriving, the restaurant's ambiance struck a chord with me instantly. The space was a harmonious blend of California cool and Mexican warmth, with vibrant, earthy tones and lush greenery creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor patio, bathed in the golden hues of the L.A. sunset, was particularly alluring, promising a dining experience that was both al fresco and intimate.

As a gourmet foodie with a deep appreciation for wine, the first thing I gravitated towards was their wine list. Gracias Madre's commitment to organic and biodynamic wines was impressive. I chose a crisp, organic white wine that, as I soon discovered, paired beautifully with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.

The culinary journey began with their famed guacamole, served with house-made corn tortillas. The guacamole was a bright, zesty affair, with just the right amount of cilantro and lime to elevate the creamy richness of the avocado. It was a simple dish, yet executed with a level of finesse that set the stage for the meal to come.

Moving on to the entrees, the Jackfruit Tacos caught my eye. Jackfruit, a unique choice for a meat substitute, was marinated and cooked to such perfection that it mimicked the texture and flavor of pulled pork astonishingly well. Topped with pickled cabbage, cashew crema, and spicy salsa, each taco was a revelation of flavors and textures – a true testament to the culinary creativity at Gracias Madre.

Another standout dish was the Cauliflower Fajitas. The cauliflower was roasted to a smoky tenderness, served alongside peppers, onions, and house-made tortillas. The dish was accompanied by a selection of vegan sides that were flavorful and hearty, defying the common misconception that plant-based cuisine lacks depth and satisfaction.

Throughout the meal, the wine I had chosen proved to be an ideal companion, its acidity and freshness cutting through the richness of the dishes and enhancing their intricate flavors.

As the evening progressed, I engaged in conversations with the staff who were not only knowledgeable about their menu but also passionate about their philosophy of sustainable, plant-based eating. Their enthusiasm added an extra layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

Dessert was a delightful surprise. The chocolate cake, rich and moist, was served with a scoop of coconut-based vanilla ice cream. It was a dish that could easily rival any traditional dessert in flavor and texture, a fitting end to a meal that had been full of surprises.

Leaving Gracias Madre, I was not only satisfied in a culinary sense but also deeply inspired. The restaurant had not only met my expectations as a gourmet foodie and wine lover but had also broadened my perspective on the potential of plant-based cuisine. It was a dining experience that resonated with me on many levels – the innovative dishes, the commitment to sustainability, and the warm, inviting atmosphere had all come together to create an evening that was as delightful as it was...

GM came highly recommended by anyone I know that is of a veg/vegan/freshness/eco midget, is from California, or has visited the restaurant. Of course upon traveling into Hollywood, had to try it.

This place did not disappoint.

First off, parking on a Monday evening was super easy to come by. While many spots have been rented as valet, there are many open street spots. The climate encourages walking, but for those that choose to not, or need something more accessible, the attendants will take care of your vehicle.

The outside facade is simple yet upon looking into the windows or the courtyard, I was blown away by its mix of organics and southwestern/central Am stylings. Just past the host stand is a wide open dining room that leads to be emptier when the weather wonderful. The center piece to the restaurant in my opinion is the L shaped bar showcasing a very outstanding Agave selection. I did not see one tequila that wasn’t listed on ‘Additive - Free’ vetting sites such as Tequila March. Proudly displayed and well lit, you have a story book of choices.

Choosing to sit in the courtyard on a beautiful evening, we were greeted by Danny. He was very welcoming and carries such a pleasantly warming personality without being forced. So very patient and accommodating to explaining the menu as well as bringing out a digital tablet displaying all allergens, while also giving suggestions on how to approach the items for preparation of our plates. Ie. Order toppings on the side for the sweet potato flautas and construct your own dipping experience.

Happy Hour menu is great. The taco trio option is for the price is absurdly affordable. The oyster mushroom chicharron taco with the house habanero sauce was not too spicy and was loaded with flavor.

The gorditas blew my mind. The cakes had such great texture and flavor.

Today they had watermelon and mint agua fresca available. Needless today, ordered two as well as finished off with a spicy Non-Alcoholic mezcal margarita that had a smoke chili salt rim and fresh jalapeño garnish. They def do not sure the cocktail with muddled remnants. It’s clean and crisp and hits the spot for a sober libation.

I will definitely return at some point. There was live music in the courtyard, un sorprendido fiesta de cumpleaños, laughter, conversations all around, and above all, amazing energy.

The bathrooms were also clean, inviting, and charming, as many people like myself consider it a large consideration of an opinion...

I came here with my boyfriend dinner a little while back and wasn’t impressed. Tonight, I decided to give it another shot and brought my family here from out of town and again, not impressed.

Guest Service: I made a last minute reservation and staff was able to accommodate. Both the host and the server was great - very friendly!

Ambiance: If you’re looking for a cute place, this is it. It’s a Spanish style vibe. There are inside, outside patio, and bar seating. We sat outside. I am also assuming this is a dog friendly restaurant as I saw a cute medium size dog outside. I love that!!!

Food Quality: Keep in mind, the dishes are very small and unsatisfying for the costs. We ordered crab cakes, guac, sweet corn, cauliflower, and the el pastor tacos. To be honest, everything was mediocre. My fave items were the crab cakes and the sweet corn but just not enough to fill me up. The cakes come in two half dollar sizes, one more would’ve been better. Luckily, the corn is an entire corn cut in two, which was good. Other than that, everything else was under seasoned, especially the el pastor tacos. This kind of sucked because I was expecting lots of flavor. :( Instead, it was very bland and I tasted more of the corn tortilla then what was inside of it. In my opinion, the tortilla was over bearing and could be thinner. The cauliflower was under cooked and to me, it was too hard but at the same time soggy because it was soaked in sauce and it looked like oil.

Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be back due to the lack of food quality and cost. There are many vegan restaurants that provide much better quality and more bang...