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Guelaguetza Palms Restaurant - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
11127 Palms BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90034
Neighborhood: Palms
(310) 837-1153
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
71 reviews for Guelaguetza Palms Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"I love the mole negro, but red was great too." In 15 reviews -
"Synopsis: I'm now a fan of Oaxacan food." In 12 reviews -
"...try their other stuff like the banana leaf wrapped tamales." In 6 reviews
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Sheri C.
5/30/2010
I love this place!
Eclectic crowd; very casual atmosphere; and excellent Oaxacan style, Mexican Food and moles!!! This is not your typical Mexican food, but authentic from the region of Oaxaca. I think people who don't like the food here, don't understand that it's very regional specific, not like what they might be used to in other Mexican restaurants. Friendly waiters who mostly don't speak English, but get it right. I want to try ALL of the moles! -
Review from Ian G.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2006
I admit that the reason I ate here in the first place was to try some chupalines, a k a crickets. I heard you could snack on them while waiting for a table. They even showed me the proper way to eat one! And, one is about as many chupalines as I would recommend anyone trying. I once ordered an entire empanada full of them and it turned out that 100 chupalines is just too many to eat at one sitting. Also it's a bad choice for a first date, as your partner may have to stare at you across the table and say "you have a little leg in your teeth."
But the reason I keep coming back to this place is because of the many amazing, authentic Oaxacan moles. This is the only place in the U.S. I can recommend for trying real mole. Which mole is best? Just try them all! -
Review from Jolene M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/6/2009
The mole negro looks like tarred bird, but the taste is out of this world! It's the perfect blend of sweet, savory, spicy... and the chicken falls off the bone.
One day I'll get up the courage to try the grasshoppers... -
Review from Kevin C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/28/2007
If it weren't for my crush on Rachel Ray, I'd have never discovered Guelaguetza... I received a "$40 a day" book for Christmas and this restaurant was one of her choices for L.A. And I lived less than a few miles away!
I'm so glad I moved out west... the East coast's version of Mexican food is somewhere between Taco Hell and Chi-Chi's. It's almost like a satire of what Mexican food is... anyway, I'm always up for something new and having read Ms. Ray's reviews of the Oaxacan flavor, I had to pay tribute to my "30 Minute" honey (even if she's newly married!).
I started my meal with a horchata... my only meetings with this fine rice beverage was at the Chano's burrito stand next to SC. Guel's horchata was on another playing field... they pulled a "Pretty Woman" on the horchata I grew to know and love... a tall, iced glass of white wonder now came with nuts and fruit to top it all off. Heaven knows a name... and thy name is Horchata!
Trying mole for the first time was unique - I had read that mole comes from kind of a chocolate base, but I'm not so sure if the mole here is the same. I ordered the mole negro, Rachel's rec. The mole did have a sweet taste I had never experienced before and it complimented the chicken well (I'd suggest dark over white meat, if you can). The rice was killer- i believe it may have been cooked in chicken broth with a hint of garlic.
I've also tried the pork tamales, which come with mole rojo. Good eats at good fare! -
Review from Courtney S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/20/2007
4.5 Stars, really. The food here is AMAZING, the service fast. The ambiance was a bit lacking, but hey, it's better than some and who cares when the food is that good!
We had a group of 6. I don't know how they managed to seat us when there was just the line to get in. Yeah, I would have LOVED to put my name on a sheet and sit down, but whatever. We waited for close to a half an hour on a Sunday night. Guess it's that popular; I usually take that as a good sign. ;)
The place was definitely hopping. I was seriously blown away by how quickly our food arrived. Then again, maybe it was good company. All in all though, good place, and would definitely hit it up again.
Btw, the mole was great, but so were the Oaxacan Quesadillas. You don't have to get mole to get great food. -
Review from j n.
Los Angeles, CA
11/4/2011
I miss this place so much.
The chicken mole tamales were like seven dollars and huge and incredible tasting. SO INCREDIBLE. I remember it vividly: moist and smooth and melty and sweet and savory. I wanted to swim in one. I still would. I would.
They had a "reopening to come" kind of sign for years, but it looks like the space has finally been completely emptied and it appears to be for lease.
I must find a similar dish.
Must. -
Review from Maria T.
Santa Monica, CA
4/26/2009
Gue-le-ga-blah-blah (As I like to pronounce this place...ok, I think it's actually "gway-la-gwet-sa") rocks!
It warmed my heart to glance over the most authentic menu I have seen since I lived in Mexico! This place fits most of my experiences of good places in LA-- run down strip mall location where you'd never expect something good could come of it surprises you with something amazing!
The service was friendly and I took the server's suggestion to order a plate with beef and mushrooms. (Like the name of the restaurant, I can't seem to recall quite exactly the name of the dish--but you'll know it when you see it!) It was FANTASTIC and they served it with a ton of piping hot tortillas. No pinto beans here-- but black beans "de la olla" which means cooked in the pot--so they are served in a separate bowl with some of the liquid. Nom nom nom.
Reason we went in the first place was because the boy was sick--far as I could tell he was virtually on death's door. So he needed some chicken soup right quick--and this one did the job. It was loaded with chicken, veggies, and even my favorite Mexican vegetable--chayote! (It's like a cross between a potato and a something....you'll just have to see what I mean). The server even packed up the leftover soup for us with extra broth--no charge-- to help nurse the poor man back to health. It was one of those nice little things that usually go unrewarded-- so THANK YOU waiter dude, for being so nice. :)
Back to the menu-- it was great--lots of selection and I also noticed it had several delish looking vegetarian items as well. This place is definitely getting a re-visit from yours truly!Listed in: Hidden Gems
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Review from Dave C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/23/2008 1 photo
Underwhelmed apart from the mole and chips, which were great.
Sarah G. and I went here the other day, as eating soulmates and platonic kindred spirits, we felt like that day was the day that we finally went to Guadalalarjaradagetza!! (Guelaguetza feels like it should have one more syllable, like Guadalaguetza!). Unfortunately, we were both left a little bummed out at our meals. Sarah because she had a bunch of mushrooms in her food and me because my food was just ok overall.
True. The mole and chips are great! I wish that they kept coming out like El Cholo's chips y salsa, but alas, 'twas just the one plate.
I got the dish that was very similar to cheese enchiladas, which came with "string cheese" on the inside (the same kind I had as a kid and tried to floss my teef with? I do not know). And I was first a little bummed out that it wasn't piping hot, melty, gooey cheese all over my face (that's what she said, ok I'm stopping), making a man out of me and making me beg for some lactaid before I sat on the can all night. It was just ok cheese with ok sauce and some ok stuff on the side.
I wanted my meal to be bursting con flavor, but I was left thinking that we should have just went to Gloria's. -
Review from Toni L.
11/12/2007 7 photos
Guelaguetza just barely missed out on 5 stars, mainly due to the price which I feel is just slightly too high. Otherwise, this Oaxacan restaurant is top notch in terms of food and service.
Food: The meal starts off with complimentary chips with mole and some cheese sprinkled on top. I don't know what kind of cheese it is, but it's not your standard melted cheddar. The pink horchata with cantaloupe slices and nuts stirred in is great both on the eyes and the tongue. As for the entrees, asking for the waiter's picks might be a good idea if you're not acquainted with this type of food. Tina B. regularly gets the first item on the specials menu (beef with mushrooms). I tried the chicken which was perfectly spiced and came with a good variety of sides. You're also given black beans and tortillas in case you want to make a taco from your food.
Service: Courteous. They'll box your food for you and might offer to take pictures of your group.
Atmosphere: The interior is decorated in a Spanish style, complete with tiled floor and dark stained chairs. There's a little stand in the middle of the restaurant which houses all sorts of Oaxacan bowls and trinkets that you can buy. The lighting in here is great during the daytime.
Parking: You won't have a problem finding parking as Guelaguetza shares a pretty big lot with Trader Joe's.
Value: The plates are fairly large and the chips + beans + tortillas are a very nice touch. It could've been slightly cheaper in my opinion but really I didn't mind paying for this. It was goooooood.
Synopsis: I'm now a fan of Oaxacan food. Thanks Guelaguetza!Listed in: Latin Food
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Review from Danielle C.
West Los Angeles, CA
12/18/2008
I dunno, the reviewers don't seemed to like. I like. I like the mole. A lot. I could bathe in it, that's how much I like black mole sauce. Theirs is damn good, right up there with Monte Alban's, and since I moved from the area of Monte A. to the area of Guelaguetza, I'm pretty pleased to have this nearby.
Hubby thorougly enjoyed his pork chops and I loved my HUGE-MONGOUS Tamale Oaxacano. The appetizer everyone is talking about is spot on and that was the first thing to alert me to give them some points. Prices are great for the amount of food.
If you know you don't like mole then don't go here to try it and proclaim the place sux because you just don't like mole. And for those who say other places in the area are better: could you please mention what they are? -
Review from Christina M.
New York, NY
1/26/2010
Melty, delicious string cheese wrapped in crisp fried corn tortillas, with slices of green pepper and herb, served with a cool guacamole green sauce and sprinked with additional cheese. A-freaking-mazing! Don't go in expecting your standard Taco Bell Mexican fare - the cheese is white and Oaxacan style string - not for everyone but yummy in it's own right. Dinner starts with some nice complimentary mole and chips sprinkled with cheese. Moles are tasty and complex - it helps to know that the sauce contains upwards of 30 ingredients.
Try: Oaxacan quesadillas, anything with mole. The cactus fruit horchata is the bomb diggity: a pink and white layered refreshment with nuts and chopped melon sprinkled on top. Simply mix and enjoy!
Skip: The mostly corn dough tamales. I don't like tamales generally - I'd rather have an Argentine empanada.
Conveniently located in the same parking lot as Trader Joes. A good, inexpensive, low key Friday night after work kind of place. -
Review from todd b.
Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, CA
7/1/2007
The mole sauce is great. It had a complex, sweet cinnamon, smoky flavor, but there was one HUGE problem: everything else is bland, dry, and generally underwhelming. The chicken mole was dry and served in a huge plate of sauce. I didn't order mole soup. Next, I roll over to In N out and top a bowl of Heinz 57 Ketchup with a few fries.
The service was fine but the green mole was a bland as boiled potatoes (by the way, it was served with boiled potatoes-yuck), and the other dishes were mediocre. My friends and I came in hungry and left the same way. Four plates of "flint stone" size dishes were destined for the basura- what a waste, but I'm not kidding myself- if it wasn't good at the restaurant, it's going to be awful in the back of my fridge.
I not sure if I had a one off bad experience but I won't be headed back anytime soon. -
Review from cherie c.
4/17/2008
Smaller but just as delicious as its Koreatown counterpart, Guelaguetza serves some of the best moles in the city. It was my go-to place when I lived in the neighborhood. I love the mole negro, but red was great too. I'm not a fan of cantaloupe, so I avoid the Oaxacan horchata with cactus juice, melon, and nuts. There's a goat stew that was simply wonderful.
Stop reading now and GO!Listed in: All -time favorite foods
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Review from Daniel L.
2/22/2009
Some of my most memorable gatherings took place here. Their clayuda and horchata are very popular but this is my favorite spot to get barbacoa de chivo. The broth bursts with flavor and is bolstered with a right amount of onions, jalapeno, and cilantro. I also enjoy their grilled cactus and any of the steak dishes. As a daring eater, one of my fond memories was to try their fried grasshoppers. It was wrapped in a fried bread and the size of them were more like crickets. That was one interesting experience and I wished that they had come with a mole or salsa to further its flavor.
The ambiance is modest, casual, and down to earth, but it's a bit awkward for most people to come through the back door where the parking lot is located. Even though the place is mostly quiet it is still an ideal place for large and festive gatherings. Service is slow but friendly and inexpensive. To offset the few limitations here and there, the portions of mole served on complimentary chips are generous and very appetizing. I highly recommend this place for anyone living or traveling on the west side. -
Review from Evan N.
Torrance, CA
8/16/2007
This place came recommended by my roommate Andy who is a rabid Mexican food fan. He took us out there and I was highly anticipating my first taste of Oaxacan food. He ordered some extravagant dish (the name currently escapes my brain) with beef, sausage, cactus, pepper and chicken served with a pico de gallo and mole. It was crazy looking and the bits I nibbled off his plate were tasty.
I opted for the kinda standard Mole Negro con Pollo. The mole was quite tasty...better in my opinion than the mole rojo which my other roommate ordered. A small scoop of some type of seasone rice accompanied the chicken.
We also got a couple drinks: the champurrado, which was quite thick. I didn't enjoy it that much (it was almost like a meal in itself) and the coffee, which too was just average. I want to try some of the other moles next time. -
Review from Jonathan T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/11/2009
***4.5 stars***
This place seems to inspire some strong feelings in the neg, and i'll simply not address them, but just keep on keepin' on with this spew.
been here twice thus far, including one take-out order.
it's a freakin' Mole Orgy o' flavors-
Mole Verde
Mole Negro
Mole Rojo
Mole Amarillo, yo!
me likey comida oaxaquena mucho, and i can't wait to have the real stuff in Oaxaca itself someday. oh wait, i just DID have the real shit!
the menu is huge and it's one of the few places i've been to where i know i need to work my way down the entire menu before i'm absolutely satisfied. yea, i'm definitely hooked on this crack!
basically, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu, or at least, anything i've had thus far--the mole entrees are boss, and you've got to throw in some tamales, empanadas, and/or caldos for good measure to spread the goodness around.
i normally give a meticulous blow by blow of each dish i've tried, but in this case i recommend just getting in there and experimenting with all the colors, flavors, smells, and variety this place offers.
i can't bring myself to give 'em a 5 stars until i've done up the ENTIRE menu and signaled an all-clear. it's kinda like a shinier happier Morgan Spurlock gorgefest a la 'Supersize Me'--i'd donate my body to that scientific experiment of cycling thru the menu over 30 days fo' sho'!
sure, it's not cheap, but after you inhale all the plates, and float out of this joint on the happy sauce, your stomach will be glad you splurged. i can't make any guarantees about your lower intestines, but them be the nature of the feast!
DONE.Listed in: Holy Holes In Tha Wall!!!
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Review from Tita L.
Santa Monica, CA
11/18/2007
I'd been to this place before and decided to stop by after a morning of errands and yoga for lunch.
The place was not crowded yet about four staffers, including the manager, ignored me for a good ten minutes as I waited to be seated. The lady at the register ignored me, the waiter ignored me, the manager ignored me, the cook made eye contact but continued his duties.
I contemplated seating myself but didn't want to rude. I gave it another few minutes in hopes they would catch up on whatever they were doing and get back to me. NADA!
I was disappointed and would consider myself a really low maintance patron.
All it would've taken was 'hey, grab any table', or 'wherever you like', or WILL BE WITH YOU IN JUST A MINUTE. NADA!
Later Skaters! -
Review from Amar K.
Campbell, CA
5/11/2007
The nondescript building sits on a parking lot close to the Trader Joes I frequented. I finally decided to try it out because of it's unusual name.
The interior is very low key and feels more like a living room than a restaurant. I asked for whatever they felt I should try and they brought me a most unusual looking bundle of steaming food. It was a steaming hot banana leaf bundle with luscious mole sauce (mole negro) dribbled on it. On the inside was a 'cakey' rice preparation with shredded chicken in it.
The mole sauce had a strong chocolate flavor puncuated with seeds that lent complexity to the filling. I had a side of palantain chips and a tall glass of Horchata topped with cactus syrup (Yumm!) -
Review from Iska B.
6/17/2008
Conveniently located near Trader Joe's, this was a place I never would have noticed or tried had I not been brought there by a friend.
It's cozy inside and full of random Mexican wares. It was pretty empty when we went (9pm is kinda late for dinner I suppose) and the TV in the corner was blasting a soccer game on Telemudno. Good stuff. I've never tasted good Mexican food in a place that was stuck up.
I started with their cactus fruit horchata. FUN! I like drinks that are pink. Pink and super sweet...should have ordered more then one...
For food we had chilaquiles and the mole negro. The chilaquiles were divine. The chorizo was just, wow! This massive sizzling sausage full of spicy goodness. Yum. Everything overall was well prepared with huge portions and pleasant service. Ended up taking some stuff home despite being starving. I'd love to try their other stuff like the banana leaf wrapped tamales. Next time!
Overall a great dinner option if you're in the area.
Man am I going to miss Mexican like this on the East Coast... -
Review from Michael K.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2007
First of all, let me say this place has cleaned up its appearance pretty nicely over the last couple of years.
When you sit down, you will be greeted by the TASTIEST chips you've ever had. why? Because they're covered in queso fresca and red mole.
Let me tell you why you come to La Guelaguetza. It's because of the mole. If you're coming here for other reasons, then you're probably a seasoned veteran who comes here so much that you (somehow) got tired of the mole dishes.
If you get chicken, get the dark meat. The white meat chicken just doesn't taste that great with the mole. It doesn't absorb the flavor.
The black and red mole's are the best.
My personal favorite is the banana-leaf-wrapped tamale with black mole...
This place is definitely worth a try if you've never had Oaxacan (waah-hawk-inn) food, or mole (mo-lay).
And authentic, yes, it is definitely authentic. Enjoy. -
Review from Katy W.
San Jose, CA
9/15/2008
Ok, I don't know how it is possible not to give this place 5 stars based on their mole alone. Since I currently live 381 miles/5 hours and 55 mins or up to 7 hours and 20 mins in traffic away, according to google maps, it's really all I can think about.
Mole, mole, mole-- I love your sweet chocolate taste, your thick, wonderful texture. . . -
Review from Dorothy S.
Westwood, CA
4/7/2008 1 photo
Guelaguetza is alright. And I don't mean that in a negative way. In their defence, I only went to try their chupalines so I probably didn't get to enjoy the full Guelaguetza experience. The chupanlines were good...but nothing special...apart from being a HUGE portion (I had to box half of it...which I reheated and had with some rice for dinner. It was actually really good). I mean, I wouldn't NOT order it again, but it just wasn't very "WOW!! What IS this Godsend of a food????!?!" The complimentary nachos with mole sauce were pretty good too. Very tangy...
I DID love the interior decor. Yes, it's "gaudy" (think plastic tablecloths, clashing knick-knacks, and a TV in the corner playing 90s Spanish soaps) but it's cute! It's in this type of place where you know you can totally relax and enjoy your food.
Service was nice. I liked my waiter.
I'll probably go again...just so I can be fair to this place. It seems as if it could be promising... -
Review from Jena B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/24/2008
For those of you who don't know, Oaxaca is famous within Mexico for a lot of special dishes you can't get elsewhere, including seven types of mole; chapulines (delicious crunchy grasshoppers); quesillo (string cheese); a few unique meats such cecina (chile-rubbed pork); tlayudas/clayudas (enormous tortillas with various toppings, "Oaxacan pizza"); and the best cinnamony hot chocolate in the world. So while I see a few complaints about grease or the lack of things like burritos, if you can't afford to go to Oaxaca, this is the real deal. I like this place even better than Monte Albán, and that is high praise.
To start, you get free chips with mole (coloradito, I think?) and a sprinkling of cheese. I could eat this for dinner and be satisfied.
All the dishes are enormous. If you try to order one dish per person, everyone will take home leftovers.
Two of my particular favorites are the tamal Oaxaqueño which comes absolutely bathed in mole negro; and the "Cielo, mar, y tierra" which comes with the juiciest of juicy chicken, delicious tasajo, and the best grilled shrimp I have eaten in my life.
That said, I recommend absolutely everything, except the one dish I wasn't absolutely crazy about: the mole amarillo is often on the gloppy side, and not as flavorful as it could be. -
Review from mary p.
Venice, CA
4/12/2010
Are you still open, greatest restaurant in the world? I know a car crashed through your wall (WHAT?!?!?) and you've been closed for a while...
The mole negro here is truly the greatest food ever made in a kitchen. I have looked all over for a replacement and have found none. This place is just the tops for an inexpensive, beyond delicious dinner or lunch. Have a Negro Modello or two, chow on their chips and cheese, get a side of guacamole and you will be so happy.
Please re-open before I die of withdrawal! -
Review from Enjella L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/19/2008
Rachel Ray & Food Network - you have thoroughly disappointed me with this one.
It was featured (the Palms location at that) on tv. So I was excited to try it. (Located across from Coffee Bean & Trader Joes & diagnol to Long's Drugs.)
Don't even get me started.
Oy.
I've come here more times than I should - but now I know better and will not go back. Honestly, I'd rather starve.
At first, I didn't give up easily - I wanted to make it work. I thought maybe it's me ...maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. Each time I went, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. I'm so naive. I'm a fool I tell you - a foooool.
I dare anyone to order a quesadilla from here. It is unlike any other quesadilla you will ever try - maybe Oaxacan style? I don't know but it looked like a puffy deep fried empanada and tasted like pure oil with melted Mexican crumbly cheese in it. RAWK! or should I say GUELAGUETZA - if you can even pronounce that. The name of the place sounds like a sound you would make up when you upchuck their food. Ugh.
But let me tell you how I really feel about this place. The mole is gross - and this is what they are known for. It's way too sweet and trust me I am the lover of all things sweet. (At work, They don't call me the Resident Sweet Tooth for nuffin) Think of the sweetest cheapest bbq sauce without bbq flavor. Their chips are okay. The service is abrupt.
The menu is hard to decipher. I blame the menu on making it so hard to order anything decent. You will see what I mean if you go here. Better yet, don't because I took one for the yelp team. So just don't go, ok? Promise me!!!! Let me save you the trip, time, money, & indigestion.
Ok ok ok but if you HAVE to go - order the combination plate of meat. -
Review from Sandra V.
Los Angeles, CA
3/11/2009
My ex took me here once and I fell in love with the tamale wrapped in the banana leaf. The dark mole was super-delicious!!
But then we broke up, and I was sad, because Guelaguetza was his spot, so I couldn't go anymore.
Then I heard he'd moved to San Diego, so I'm happy again, 'cause this place is now all mine!Listed in: Au Revoir
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Review from Cahaya S.
Playa del Rey, CA
12/21/2008
it was a dark and nightly night....and there were no open restaurants in sight but we happened upon this little place which looked perfect for our hungry and adventurous tummies.
I know a little about Oaxaca -- but not at all about it's cuisine.....so we were venturing into unknown territory here....plus we didn't speak the language!
Being a novice to Oaxacan food -- we really didn't know what to order...and the nice fellow behind the counter spoke limited English -- so we weren't really able to decipher the items on the menu to determine what the ingredients were. In asking for help -- we were directed to the chicken mole and the pork mole -- which kind of looked very similar.
We asked for something of a different variety -- but kept being reassured that we should go for the two recommended items -- despite us point to several other things on the menu! :)
Actually, come to think of it -- I think those were the only two things left available to be served at that hour....
Well -- all I can say is -- Oaxacan food and mole sauce -- is definitely something of an acquired taste --- and I'm sure it was good -- but the sweetish, smokey flavor was really quite unexpected and the meats were completely doused in the multitude of sauces....
we managed to finish the less sweet mole -- cant remember which -- but weren't quite able to adjust to the others taste well enough....
I'll have to come here with a connoisseur who can help us navigate the menu the next time around..... :(
So sorry - it's hard to know how to rate it -- since maybe the food was authentic and good -- it's just that our taste buds were having culture shock! -
Review from Ani P.
11/13/2007
This is not the average Mexican place, especially if you're looking for Tex-Mex or Americanized Mexican food. The cuisine is distinctly Oaxacan -- I'm not sure what that means but it certainly isn't the standard Mexican fare.
This place is very colorful and nicely decorated. The waitstaff is courteous and prompt. I used to venture over here tons when I lived in the Venice-area and it was always packed.
Guelaguetza was love at first bite. As soon as you sit down you are served a gigantic plate of corn chips (nachos) with mole and Mexican cheese (white and crumbly) for FREE. I have an addiction to these chips. I can't stop after one bite. I can easily consume the entire plate of chips and start on a second plate. It's not healthy and my belly hurts but the damn mole-cheese combination is bonkers.
I haven't been to Guelaguetza in quite some time. I remember the entrees being large (one entree could be split among 2 people since you really do get stuffed from the chips) and quite affordable. The rice drink is ultra unique with chunks of fruit, jellies and nuts. All I really need are the chips and a rice drink and I'm good!
Tip: Don't order the squash blossoms -- LAME! Order anything with mole. -
Review from Sarah B.
5/27/2009
Service was slow, my friend and I were somehow the only two people in there at 6pm on a weekday and the waiter didn't pay much attention to us after he'd brought out the food. We waited like 15 minutes to flag him down for the check after we'd eaten.
I'm not really a sauce person so I got chicken taquitos, which I thought were better than most. I'd definitely go back and order them again. My friend is pretty well-versed in Oaxacan food, and he enjoyed his enchiladas with mole negro. Basically the 3 stars here are for the food itself.
Pretty much everything on the menu was $8-10. -
Review from Sally T.
Encino, CA
2/4/2008
Yelp should either start giving half stars, or start a 10-star rating.
This place is more 4.5 to me.
It's authentic -- don't expect to see modern decor. They have traditional clothings nailed to the wall amongst other things. Food is great and inexpensive, service is always with a smile.
I normally get the Tamal Oaxaqueo de Mole con Pollo (chicken tamale with black mole). or Mole Negro con Pollo (chicken and rice with black mole). Their red mole is good too, I like it as dipping sauce for their tortilla chips.
Speaking of which.. I think it's time for a visit. :-D -
Review from Ming W.
West Los Angeles, CA
11/20/2008
I feel like the people that give this restaurant such horrible reviews don't seem to understand what Oaxacan food is all about. "Greasy, blahblahblah" - YEAH, deal with it. Those of us that eat it on a normal basis understand that it's where the flavor's AT!
Guelaguetza is the real deal - I'm sure there are a slew of other places that have similar dishes that aren't half bad, but you really have to know what you're eating. This place is modest and honest. Rachel Ray can be ridiculously obnoxious, but she knew what she was doing when she reviewed it.
Nobody mentions the fact that the tlayudas they make [they spell them as Clayuda - which isn't proper but probably helps with drawing in a curious customer] are FABULOUS. Their meats are delicious and the service is off the chain.
Mole differs from region to region and from home to home. The quality of their mole is good for the price that you get. It's not we can drive down to Commercial Mexicana in TJ every weekend to buy the fresh stuff they make in the deli - so instead, we deal with canned and jarred mole here in America most of the time.
Compared to the canned crap, I think Guelaguetza has the mole down. I don't like my mole very sweet, I like it savory. My mom likes it sweet. It's just a personal preference, but it doesn't take away from the hard work that is put into the actual sauce itself.
Considering the price range and our current economy, you honestly can't complain. Anybody that knows anything about retail knows that the business has to stay afloat and pay it's employees while making some semblance of profit.
I frequent this place, and last night I took my roommate there for the first time. He left rather pleased as well. The waiters are always polite and even though our entire evening was in Spanish, I heard our waiter speaking in perfect English to the party beside us. He was warm, funny, and very engaging. You don't necessarily always get that when you go out to eat at a local restaurant.
Guelaguetza FTW. -
Review from Darin G.
Venice, CA
11/26/2008
Four of us sat and were pleasantly surprised that there were real tequila margaritas (having experienced the wine margarita sadness of Gloria's) only to discover that they were served bright green...like mountain dew green. I actually don't know how one creates a glow-in-the-dark margarita but I'm pretty sure these did.
While the hispanic channel playing "Rocky" in the background was quaint, the overall experience wasn't great. The food we ordered wasn't terribly tasty and the red mole on the free chips was kind of weak. I was brave enough to order a clayuda (I should have read the review that called it a giant "Oaxacan pizza" because that's basically how it was served). However, pizzas have flavor and this had none. It was like a giant tostada with only some unmelted queso to try and make it savory. The enchiladas were also served with unmelted cheese.
The wait staff was friendly and attentive, though it was Sunday night and it was pretty deserted. I wouldn't go back with so many other great options (and even great Oaxacan options like Tlapazola nearby). -
Review from Gstar K.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/9/2007
Don't let the hokey traditional Spanish theme decor fool you. Unlike the fake brick cracked wall or the plastic table covers, the food here is no joke. Thanks for the guidance Yelpers!
Bf & I had a late lunch here which explains all the open tables. B/c we're sleep-o-holics we usually skip breakfast yet beat the lunch & dinner crowd.
Bf's order: really yummy generously huge Steak Fajitas & Horchata w/pink cactus juice + chopped walnuts.
Mine: gigantic size Taco Barbacoa w/tender goat meat & refreshing Watermelon Juice.
As if the complimentary Mole Nachos (very good btw) weren't enough, we added Guacamole Taquitos to our order. Since it was our first time & the menu pics were somewhat deceiving, prepare yourself for take-home leftovers. So price/portion ratio is aptly justified.
Great place for fam or low key neighborhood dining. Convenient next door to a Dry Cleaner & Longs Drugs. Across the street, yet to try: Yoku Yoku (dessert yogurt I think). -
Review from Mark W.
Culver City, CA
7/27/2008
Went on a whim. My wife had the mole enchilada. All it was though was a lake of mole sauce (she being the mole lover said it was good though) and tarp (yes tarp - looked like Hannibal Lecture skin) of beef on the top and a couple of tortillas which appeared to have nothing in them buried at the bottom of the lake.
I had the chile marinated chicken. It was okay. Probably would have made a good taco. I would have liked a stronger marinade. Plus it was grilled a little too much so it had a slight charcole taste. Chicken was kind of stringy (not good quality) Came with a "salad" (just lettuce).
Best things was the chips with mole sauce that came out. Unfortunately, the chips were a little stale.
For nearly $30 (including 1 beer), I don't think I will be coming back. Maybe I just don't like Oaxacan style food? -
Review from Spence W.
Santa Monica, CA
4/19/2009
I've been going here off and on the past few years and only recently realized I hadn't written a review of this place before. So just to make sure things haven't taken a turn for the worse, I took a little detour from errands this past weekend to stop in and have some mole. Mole negro to be exact mainly cuz the other versions, verde and roja, didn't seem to have as much flavor, consistency and the myriad amount of different spices as the negro one did. I may be totally off base with that, but I knows whats I likes.
Anyways, at around 3 pm the place was about 1/4 full so finding a seat wasn't a problem. They bring out a plate of tortilla chips covered in a sweet red sauce and on top of all that some type of cheese. I gotta say that was a pretty tasty appetizer. The sauce seems to be made from mole or is mole cuz it has that earthy, sweet spicy taste. After 2 plates of that, they brought out the mole negro where the chicken was so tender it started to disintegrate before my eyes. J/k but it was pretty tender and mixed with the mole and rice, it was a pretty sublime moment.
Other than store bought mole, I haven't had any other place's mole so I can't really compare the ones here at Guelaguetza, but it sure tastes hella good. And I never say 'hella'. Oink -
Review from Shane W.
Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2008
I wanted to like this place. It is easy to reach, has plenty of parking (!) and the staff seems to be sincerely trying to make it work. But, aside from the starter chips with mole, the meal was totally forgettable.
The wife had the tamale de oaxaqueno...seemed a pretty safe choice, given the specialization in Oaxacan food, right? Nope. It was heavy, dry, and lacked any sort of flavor kick. Even the mole tasted oddly bland. Same goes for the cocido. I can get by the slick of oil on top, but the soup itself was like water with some chile sauce thrown in. One member of our group had the beef with mushrooms and pronounced it good. Sadly, he was the only one that said he'd return.
If you are in the area and crave Oaxacan food, try Monte Alban. -
Review from Cin S.
San Francisco, CA
3/9/2009
The complimentary mole and chips are AMAZING. It's sweet and savory, and I definitely eat more than my share.
Their dishes are meat-oriented and hearty, and they give you generous heapings. The dark mole is a bit too sweet for me, but the tamales are great, and I love the horchata. It's a really interesting menu - not the usual fare - so I will definitely keep coming back to try the other dishes. -
Review from Z Z.
Los Angeles, CA
8/21/2007
I had such a bizarre but delicious meal here on Friday night! I have never eaten Oaxacan food before but plan to eat it more often after my meal at Guelaguetza! Really unique menu! I ordered the squash blossom and cheese empanada with a side of black beans. The waiter came back a while later and tried to explain that they were out of a certain ingredient, and did I want to change my order. I thought he said squash blossoms so I said I would just have the black bean and cheese empanada. Well, the waiter brought me out this plate and my friend and I laughed when we saw it! It was a scoop of white rice and a giant pile of string cheese. Oh, and a small dish of black beans. Very odd! So, I asked the waiter what exactly this was and he said they were actually out of flour, one of the ingredients for making empanadas. HA! So, I had him bring me tortillas and just started making my own mini tacos.
The food was so delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, I can't stress it enough, it was amazing. I loved it. The tortillas were obviously made within the hour, they were so fresh! The beans and rice mixed so well with the cheese. The cheese was great, salty but very good. Unique taste! I loved it!
My dining companion got a chicken mole and he really liked it. He did say after that eating an entire plate of chicken covered in mole was a bit much but he really liked it! I totally understand what he meant, mole is such a strong flavor it can be overwhelming if you eat too much of it. But, he did like it, he mentioned a few times that it was quite good.
We both liked the warm chips that they gave you. The chips had a bit of cheese and this really delicious sauce on them. I wish I knew what it was, it wasn't salsa....it was great.
The only reason I am not giving Guelaguetza five stars in because of the confusion with my order and the fact that they were out of empanadas. Or at least that is what I think they were out of....I am still not sure what the waiter was saying.
I will totally 150% go back here again. I really loved it! -
Review from Sarah G.
11/20/2008
I can't tell you how many times I have looked at this restaurant and told myself, wow, I should try that place. I had actually heard from a few people that it was pretty good, and considering it shares the lot with my favorite Trader Joes it has to be at least decent right????
Wrong...I mean I would rather drive to this lot and buy trader joes food and take into this restaurant and eat....The only good thing I had here really was their free chips covered in mole. I should have just kept asking for that, because the mole sauce is tasty!!! It was hard for Dave C and I to take turns at this place eating these free little wonders!!!
For vegetarians they do have quite a few options, I being a mean carnivore heh ordered their empanada filled with chicken in this red sauce which our waiter recommended to me over their yellow sauce....The fact that this was his recommendation scares me, because that red sauce had almost no flavor whatsoever. For the amount of sauce they put in this thing, it should be BURSTING with flavor, but instead I felt like I was just eating empty calories. The chicken wasn't even that great....kinda dry and overcooked I thought. AND I asked when I ordered if mushrooms came in it (I LOATHE MUSHROOMS ha) and he said no, but guess what??? There was an ARMY OF MUSHROOMS waiting to attack me and my taste buds inside of that thing!! GROSS!! Literally, I made a mini mountain of them on the side of my plate. Such a waste of food!!! And all of this was served in a big tortilla, which even wasn't that great. I prefer the other types of empanadas that are made with dough almost like a fun pastry style, so will stick to those for now on. This empanada just reminded me of a large quesadilla without cheese and flavor basically ha. But it was very large as advertised I guess. Just a waste of money and food really....so disappointing....All I wanted were the mole and chips, but they didn't keep refilling those like they do at other mexican restaurants....another sad point in the meal.....realizing the one thing that was good, wasn't coming back anymore.....goodbyes are so hard....
Blah blah blah and bland bland bland. Their website is super fancy and way fancier than the inside of this restaurant and their food, so maybe they should pay their web designer less and their chef and interior designer more!!!
Looks like this parking lot is just for Trader Joes and me for now on. I tried, but Joe and I have way more fun than Guelaguetza..... -
Review from Lynn C.
4/19/2007
The ambiance isn't romantic, yet I come here to bond with my husband. We both order tamales - it's like unwrapping a never-ending gift since the portions are so huge.
