Zero-waste clarified margarita at Gracias Madre

It should be noted right away how stunning Gracias Madre is. The restaurant has a magnificent garden, decorative cushions and tiles, high ceilings inside, and a cozy bar. Its style combines Mexican chic and Palm Springs casual. Order the guacamole wherever you decide to sit; it's also excellent and, according to my dining companion, "some of the best I've ever eaten." It would be enough to make a Mexican restaurant (and a vegan one at that) give up, but when paired with their genuinely addicting house-made chips, it is a fantastic start.

Certain themes become apparent as you peruse the menu, like potatoes, butternut squash, and mushrooms. A lot of cashew "cheese" or cream is substituted for regular cheese and is frequently put on nachos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas, and virtually every other item on the menu. Fortunately, there are instances when the next best thing is just as excellent. We thoroughly appreciated the sweet butternut squash and salty caramelized onions snuggled between the tortillas of the quesadillas de calabaza, which are topped—but, luckily, not drowned—in the faux dairy. The enchiladas con mole, on the other hand, suffer from the fate of a meal overloaded by sauce.

It's not shocking that tequila and mezcal are taken very seriously here, especially under the direction of beverage director Jason Eisner (formerly of Drago Centro). For those who wish to try a variety of tequilas and mezcals, there are more than 100 alternatives available, including flights of each. The Lavanda ($11) is a lovely beverage for tequila lovers. The combination of tequila blanco and lime, together with the bitters and lavender syrup, prevents the cocktail from being overly sweet, showcasing Eisner's skill.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: 8905 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 90069
Website: www.graciasmadreweho.com

Phone: 323-978-2170
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm