- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Guelaguetza Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Latin American Mexican, Latin American [Edit]
3014 W Olympic BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 427-0608
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
308 reviews for Guelaguetza Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Their mole and various dishes are all excellent."
(in 215 reviews)
"Oaxacan food and mole is soooo good."
(in 54 reviews)
"Love the live music they have on Sunday mornings."
(in 28 reviews)
Loading...
308 reviews in English
-
Review from Ryan C.
1/15/2012
Excellent place for large groups!
Oh my goodness I ate so much food here but it was all so tasty. We got the guacamole, grilled cactus, and grasshopper appetizers. Don't get the grilled cactus, get the cactus SALAD. The guacamole was tasty, but since you already get mole chips for free, I'm not sure if you should get that either. The grasshopper appetizer was pretty tasty.
For a main course, we got the mole sampler. This was really tasty and entirely too much to eat for 2 people. My friend got the Tlayuda (giant tortilla thing), and that was REALLY good, especially with the pork and sausage on top! I recommend getting that. Service was pretty good, they easily accommodated our large group, and they had a great live band the night we went too.
The food here is pretty different and unique! -
Review from Vicky C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2012
The food here is ok. I don't know... I just didn't think it was all that great. I went here a few times (all for work-related outings), and each time, I leave wondering why we chose this place.
The last time I went, I came home feeling gross because they over-fried ALL the dishes that came to the table.
The only saving grace for this place is their horchata. It is AMAZINGLY good. It's pink, with chunks of nuts an diced cantaloupes thrown in... If I could, I'd drop by here every few days to pick up a cup!!! -
Review from Jonathan P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Who can hate Mole?!?! And the band with the traditional marimba (I think that's what it was). The elaborate tasty drinks with mezcal and all kinds of liquors and fruit juices. I give this place 5 stars for the combination of atmosphere, food, and spirits. We had a table of 9, so basically every one tried a drink, we tasted probably all but 1 or 2 of the drinks. They were all so good. Whatever that horchata type drink and the pomegranate drink was, soooooo good.
This was my first experience trying Oaxacan food. I have had mole elsewhere, but not in this style I suppose.
Since we had a big group we tried one of the large meat sampler platters, a mole sampler platter, and a couple of other mole type dishes. It was all good, the meat platter had a bed of sliced leafed onion and peppers on a sizzling cast iron platter. with spicy pork, some kind of a cecina I believe it was, chorizo sausages, some kind of yummy tamale, chicken, melted cheese, more than I can really recall, but it was all fantastic.
The mole sampler and mole dishes were equally impressive in flavor and variety of style. We also really loved their tortillas which were also homemade style, thicker and covered with a crisped cheese (I think). My mouth is salivating while writing this review. I definitely will be trying to go back soon! -
Review from Nicole S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/9/2012
Excellent Oaxacan food! I've heard so many good things about this place, and it truly didn't disappoint.
Stopped in for dinner Friday night, and we were seated immediately. There was live music in the main dining area, and though loud, it gave a nice touch to the ambiance.
They start you off with a plate of tortilla chips drizzled with a savory sauce and cheese. We ordered the mole negro and chicken enchiladas, both of which were delicious. The portions were huge--easily enough for 4 people. The Micheladas went perfectly with the meal, which lucky for us, were the 2-for-1 special for the evening!
Parking in that area is a pain, so definitely utilize their valet unless you don't mind circling the block for hours. -
Review from Steph C.
1/4/2012
I don't eat mole often enough. It's so damn delicious and comforting, I doubt I'd object to having it once a week. As it stands, I'm at more of a twice a year pace, if that. It took me well over a year to make it to Guelaguetza once I put it on my list. I hope I don't go so long without coming back.
I came for a weekday lunch with Michael K., and it was worth the lengthy visit on a day off work. The place was spacious and not too busy, and I enjoyed the casual atmosphere and cheesy Mexican decor. Service was great, starting and ending with a friendly valet, who recognized us and grabbed our car when we came out without asking for our ticket. Service was likable inside as well. Our waiter was sometimes hard to flag down, but he was very nice, and everything came out at a good pace.
We had something to munch on as soon as we sat down, as we were fast presented with a basket of tortilla chips topped with coloradito mole and quest fresco. This was delicious - the chips were crunchy and satisfyingly salty, and I loved the sweet chocolatey richness of the coloradito mole with the crumbling tangy cheese. We supplemented these chips with an order of guacamole. This was also excellent, on the smooth side but not too puréed, with splendid avocado, plenty of lime, and a subtle taste of mustard and vinegar that put me in mind of a bowl of naengmyun - when in Koreatown, right? I also ordered an horchata, which was sweet and delightful, topped with crumbled nuts and ripe chunks of cantaloupe.
Mike and I wanted to try as much mole as we could, so we shared the tamale with black mole, the enchiladas campesinas with red mole, and the mole coloradito. Our favorite mole was the mole negro. The dark chocolate sauce was complex and deep with a little spice. It was rich and chocolatey without any sweetness. The tamale, or tamal de mole negro en hoja de platano, was the best dish of the meal. The tamale was wrapped in banana leaf and stuffed with black mole and chicken breast. Each tiny shred of corn was worth eating, and the chicken was tender. The black mole, of course, made the dish. I also enjoyed the mole roja, or red mole, which we had with enchiladas. The enchiladas campesinas were handmade tortillas stuffed with chicken and topped with Italian parsley, onion, and queso fresco. They weren't the highlight, but they were good, and I liked the rich spiced mole. Our third mole with chicken was the coloradito, which we got with a couple nice cuts of thigh. The chicken was moist, and the slightly sweet mole tasted just as good with meat as with chips. The larger mole dishes came with fluffy mounds of rice, which took well to the sauces.
We ended up with some leftovers, and skipped on dessert. The enchilada and coloradito portions were quite large, and our Guelaguetza lunch left me feeling full all afternoon. It was a glorious Oaxacan meal full of rich savory chocolate, and I hope to make it back soon now that I've finally checked the place out. -
Review from John M.
11/29/2011
Tamal de mole negro is the plate to go for, at least for me. I've had the ho-hum mole chicken platter but there's something about the banana leaf-wrapped, mole-infused-and-covered goodness in this tamal dealie that just tastes amazing.
Well-made (though commensurately priced) drinks and very surprised to find such lively live entertainment on a Tuesday night. Friendly crew at work that made me feel Guelaguetza is somewhere I will return to regularly. -
Review from Julie F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2012
WOW! If you are into Mole, this is your heaven! Don't be shy to ask about the differences between each of the mole sauces. When I did, the server just brought me samples of all the ones I asked about - way more effective than trying to describe! I don't eat meat much, but I'm glad I made an exception here because it was so tender, melt-in-your-mouth, juicy chicken off the bone. Mmmmmmm.... One caution though - if you don't have a huge appetite, you'll be in trouble here. I never ever have trouble finishing my meals but I had so much to take home, I had leftovers for days! It was great. Can't wait to come back!!
-
Review from Stephanie F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cafe de olla was watered down, xhampurado was lacking in flavor, eggs had a weird after taste but the mole was on point! I don't think i'd come back for breakfast but i'd come back for dinner.
-
Review from Matthew C.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
9/30/2011
Oaxaca in the heart of K-town. This curiously out of place joint with its mini-palace facade offers some great takes on a variety of moles: amarillo, verde, rojo, coloradito (its on the chips, as well) and the best of them all, the mole negro...
Smoky, rich and complex with notes of dried chiles, cinnamon, cloves, nuts and about fifty other flavors all melded and forged into a thick savory sauce. Its delightful on its own or when served over the banana leaf wrapped tamales. A dry tamale is a food crime and all too common unfortunately. You will not encounter it here, however, as these tamales are mouth-wateringly moist. The other moles (specifically the amarillo and rojo) seemed to lack the flavor density of the negro, but they were good nonetheless.
The setting is bright and lively and I can imagine it would be great for large groups or parties and despite its size, would probably be a nice date spot.
The four stars is well deserved, but I have to believe there are better moles in LA, and the hunt will continue. -
Review from Elaine H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012
Great Mexican food. I'm still not sure what most of the stuff on their menu is but I can't wait to find out. Love their mole!!
-
Review from Jennifer L.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2011
My first time trying Oaxacan food and for me it was a lil too mole too fast.
I asked our server for recommendations, I wanted something delicious and authentic. I went for the Enchiladas which was doused in mole and covered with shredded cheese. The taste of the mole was quite different from the drizzled mole on the chips to when your entire plate is drowning in it. I'm not a big fan of "sweet" in my entrees so I wasn't too thrilled. If I knew earlier that black mole consists of a serving of "oaxacan chocolate" I would've steered clear of having an entree where I couldn't get away from it. But that's my personal taste, don't let it hinder you from trying it.
A got the Carnitas something, forgot the name. Deep fried carnitas bone-in served with corn tortillas rice and salad. It had a lot of potential but ours was a little on the dry side.
So why the 3 stars, because I think everything else sounded good, but I just thought to be adventurous with the mole. And the ceviche dish was absolutely amazing!! We shared one as an appetizer and it was drool-worthy. Comes with shrimp and octopus. The flavors and textures blended perfectly together. I'm desperate for the recipe! -
Review from Barbara C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/15/2011
Guelaguetza is a wonderful authentic Oaxacan restaurant in Korea Town that everyone should visit once in their life. It is a family restaurant where everyone from good babies and not-so-good babies to the best grandparents there are, and all the hungry friends in between, come to enjoy live music, specialty cuisine, and lively atmosphere.
Oaxacan food is different from the traditional Mexican food that I'm used to eating in Los Angeles. You will like it. I would say the biggest difference is the regional influences on standard items. While you might have a regular cheese quesadilla at your corner restaurant, you have to come to Guelaguetza to find a Flor de Cabesa quesadilla, which is especially yummy because it contains squash blossoms. Flowers can be food, and quite tasty food when they are combined with stringy cheese. I can't wait until I have another one.
An appetizer of chips and salsa is enhanced by their homestyle Molé which, if you've never had it, is a sauce usually based in chili pepper mixed with almost twenty other ingredients, which can range from chocolate to garlic. I'm a big fan of putting sweet sauces on my savory dinner. In the Jewish culture, I put applesauce on my potato pancakes. This is just as good.
A nice thing about Oaxacan food is that you can share a few items family-style or order your own entree. This time, my granddaughters and I decided to share a little bit of everything. I was especially impressed by the guacamole, the sweet tamale, the cold, cactus salad, and their version of a thin-crust pizza which is topped with grilled mushrooms and black beans. Come to think of it, I was impressed with everything. And just because I give a lot of positive reviews does not mean that I don't have high standards.
The beverages are really something to write home about. They are famous for their horchata, which is a rice-based cinnamon drink that they topped with nuts and strawberry. I usually don't like cinnamon, and I was surprised to learn that they snuck it into my drink. But if they got away with it, its worth it. My grandchild ordered a fancy squash drink which reminds me of the Chinese Bobas that you drink with a big straw. Only this is better because it is made with fresh squash instead of processed jelly balls.
Be sure to save room for desert! If you have enough people at the table you can justify ordering their sampler desert platter which includes choco-flan, which I thought they invented at Tropicana Bakery in Downey, but happens to be very good here. It also comes with corn-based jello (which is really more appetizing than it sounds, in fact I loved it), and strawberries with salted cream. I'm a fan of anything with cream, so they had my attention from the beginning.
Next time, I will remember to order more food so I can take some home. The best part about this place is the overall experience of this friendly, lively place. It is not just a meal, it is a night out and that is exactly what we all look for. So get out and bring your best girl, and I know that you will enjoy it. -
Review from Ani P.
9/14/2011
How did I just discover this place? I checked this place out for lunch yesterday (Monday). Mole-magic!!!
First we were served complimentary chips with mole and a soft rumbly cheese. Heavenly.
The restaurant is huge with tons of seating. There was no wait and
service was very fast.
We ordered the feast of moles. WOW, great variety and lots of mole to share with at least 4 people. This place is a serious value. Awesome for large parties. -
Review from Martin O.
Los Angeles, CA
9/19/2011
I'm always open suggestions about restaurants, but I'm very skeptical about judgement on food. For years I heard how great this place was , the mole, the environment, the tamales, the blah, and the blah blah...
I eventually ended up at a table at Guelaguetza for brunch on a Sunday.
It was busy but the service was still great. There was live music. A lot of choices for great Oaxacan food. I had to get my drink on, there was a good selection of drinks, enter one of the best michelada versions I have ever had, it was simple and delicious.
Of course this is a review about the food, the best thing has to be the mole, it goes with everything! But there is so much more, so I ordered enough food for four people, everything looked, and then tasted so good!
It's all "hit" and no "miss" with this place.
I hadn't left a place as satisfied as I did after going to Guelaguetza. -
Review from Nicole D.
Rowland Heights, CA
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
i actually did not enjoy the mole;;;
but i mean. the food was good regardless and the service was very attentive. i think for other people who like sweet in their savory would enjoy this! it just wasn't for me though... -
Review from cynthia q.
Los Angeles, CA
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
A very authentic, lively, DELICIOUS Oaxacan restaurant. For first-timers, the horchata is a MUST (it's pink & has chunks of melon in it!).
My go-to dish is the 'especial de carnes'. It has grilled chicken, chorizo, & beef. I've also had the chicken in mole sauce & shrimp cocktail, both of which are also very, very good.
Service is great and although the food is pricey, it's a good restaurant to splurge at for family events, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Highly recommended! -
Review from b c.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2011
***DISCLAIMER***
If the politics of the owners of the places you want to give your business to, at all matter to you, then you should know that the owners of this madhouse are Right-wing PRI supporters. Mexico's political party that betrayed Emiliano Zapata, and had a virtual dictatorship for over 70 years.
Having said that, the food is good, but there are numerous places in the surrounding area that serve Oaxacan food. -
Review from Anita F.
Los Angeles, CA
10/19/2011
First and foremost, VIVE OAXACA Y QUE VIVE EL INDIGENO! The Guelaguetza is one of the most amazing restaurants in LA. When you enter the place you'll see bright colors, traditional Oaxaqueno art, and beautiful servers.
The first thing they'll serve you is delicious mole and chips. It's not your typical Mexican restaurant that serves salsa and chips. The atmosphere is also extremely inviting and while I was there I got a chance to see live authentic music native to Oaxaca. My experience here was wonderful and I hope more people visit this establishment! -
Review from Brian S.
Sierra Madre, CA
9/5/2011
We had crickets here. That's right - crickets! On purpose.
Awesome! -
Review from Loren M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/8/2011
The best indicator that a restaurant is authentic is when you see it full of people from that country. Guelaguetza is the truth!
-
Review from Carsten S.
Washington, DC
11/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's LA and you want Mexican Food? Look no further this is the place. It's not in East LA but this is as good and for those that care, authentic, as it gets. on top of it great and friendly service.
I went there three times now ... and the last time i went the bar tender came over to say hi.
This place is in the middle of Korea Town (ok maybe not right in the middle) and it is in an old Korean restaurant ... and yes the outside still looks Korean rather than Mexican ... well maybe not Korean but at least faux Asian. Once you get inside though you are in Mexico, and here i should probably be a bit more specific ... Oaxaca.
First things first, the Mezcal selection is rock solid ... great. they had my favorite mezcal.
well then the main courses. I had the traditional mole and chicken and it is fantastic. the mole is not sweet at all and has this little zing on the back. the last time I went (luckily on a weekend) I had the lamb dish which again was perfect. the meet was just right and the sauce perfectly spiced.
one tip when you go and order tacos to go with anything from the mole to Guacamole, ask for the handmade tacos not the small ones. -
Review from Jessica D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/29/2011
I've been coming to Guelaguetza for close to 10 years now! I must say I love Nopales and particularly the ones served here!
I recommend the Nopal Zapoteco plate, especially if you love onions and tomatoes sauteed with your meat topped off with oaxacan string cheese this alone deserves 4.5* simply because it's the best one I've had.
On the three stars...prices and overall food quality are not a match!
Many of their dishes are not getting enough attention, for example the meats are too dry...clayudas are abandoned...horchata is losing it's flavor as day's go by...mole needs more spices...chicken needs some flavor...and prices need to come down!
I love Oaxacan food and want to keep coming back to La Guelaguetza, but the owners need to shift their attention back into their business before it is too late. -
Review from Odaliz R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/27/2011
The restaurant leaves much to be desired to the dining customer.
Parking lot was full, had to park a block and a half away and walk. We walked in to a LOUD room with two ginormous flat screen TVs playing a soccer game. My friend and I were practically screaming to one another across the table.
Our server barely said hello, wasnt able to suggest any items from their already limited menu. Needless to say he took our order and never returned. We had to flag him down for refills and the check, he NEVER cracked a smile and fouled up the bill, as he did not credit our http://restaurant.com certificate. Which by the way was the ONLY reason we decided to try it.
In summation, we will not be visiting again. -
Review from Razzledazzle I.
Northridge, CA
9/13/2011
OK more like all the stars you can possibly get.
Chips with mole - amazeballs
Tamale with mole negro - amazeballs
little side of beans they brought out - amazeballs
Carnitas - EFFERVESCENT
ALSO they have a giant xylophone next to the bathroom entrance. This place is perfect. -
Review from Cecilia V.
Gardena, CA
1/8/2012
Came here with my family on a sunday evening. We went the valet route as street parking is minimal. The restaurant had live music which was nice, but can be extremely loud if you sit at a table close to the band; we sat at the other end of the restaurant so it was not an issue. After reading positive reviews on yelp, I had high hopes for this place. Sadly, Guelaguetza did not live up to them. I do not understand why this place has four stars! All of the food was bland and left much to be desired.
The chips with mole and cheese that are given were okay. Not very flavorful and some of the chips were stale. We ordered guacamole and ensalada de nopales, which were the highlight of the meal. They were good, but not great. Overall they both lacked seasoning. The guacamole had a smooth, not chunky texture and could have used some salt and spice. The cactus had lemon juice, tomtaoes, onions and black pepper, which it needed a touch more of. The nopales ended up being the tastiest part of my meal.This place is known for their mole so I expected it to be very good. It was not. My father had the mole negro which was horrid. I thought it was waaay to sweet with an odd flavor, I could not have eaten it, but he thought it was good. My uncle had the mole rojo, which was less sweet and not as intense, and he enjoyed. I thought this mole was okay, edibile but not something I would ever eat again. I had the pechuga de pollo enchipotlada. The menu said it had chipotle sauce and was spicy, but it had zero kick to it. The sauce was the least sweet of all those I tried, with a very mild flavor. So mild that it almost had no flavor. The dish needed more seasoning. The chicken came with mushrooms,onions and french fries! Such an odd combination. The rice and black beans it came with were okay. The rice was white with no flavor, the black beans were the best part of my main course. Now for three dishes I did not try, but were not good per my family. My grandmother had the tamale de raja, which had mole negro poured over the tamale, but it still had the corn husk, so it was a challenge to unwrap and eat when it was covered in mole! It had too much meat and not enough of everything else. My brother had the tasajo a la mexicana, beef with jalapenos, onions, tomatoes and beans and rice. He said it was overall very plain. My mother had nopal zapoteco with chicken. She liked the grilled cactus and disliked the rest. The oaxacan cheese was too stringy and the chicken was too oily. Again the dish lacked flavor. We had no dessert as our server failed to bring the menu after several requests.
The service was mediocre. Our waiter in the beginning did answer our questions about the menu, but seemed frustrated at times. As the place grew increasingly busy, he was absent a lot of the time. The restaurant does not have enough waiters for the number of patrons it serves. All of the employees were in a perpetual rush and had them knock into my chair on numerous occassions.
I gave this place two stars because the appetizers were good as was the hot chocolate I tried. I love live music, so the ambiance was a plus as was the decor. Other than that, there is not much to rave about. Overall, it was a rather disappointing visit. I would not recommend this place. -
Review from Rob C.
Van Nuys, CA
Live music,delicious authentic Mexican food, and great service. Loved it!
-
Review from Kislev A.
I'm a mole virgin.
So to pop that mole cherry, I went to a place everyone seems to agree has decent mole.
I did not regret it!
I was by myself and ordered one entree but ended up getting food enough for 2.5 people!
As soon as you sit down they give you a large freshly baked bun with sesame seeds on top... and tortilla chips with a sweet red sauce and queso fresca on top. Yum.
I ordered the Mole Negro with chicken breast and it came with rice. I was surprised by the bite of the chile.
I also ordered their handmade tortilla which is soft and puffy. So good!
And, I ordered Hot Chocolate. Of course. I love Mexican chocolate!
No regrets calory-wise... but I still had enough leftover for dinner that night for me and my husband! -
Review from Sandy S.
North Hollywood, CA
5/27/2011
Been here a few times and really enjoyed the food so when it came time to host a dinner party for a very special occasion, we agreed this would be the place.
WHAT A MISTAKE!!! The evening was fine but can you imagine our embarrassment when the next day, EVERYONE we talked to who had been at the dinner the night before got sick! A few even had to go to urgent care or their doctors, including a toddler! The only two who didn't get sick was my fiance and I because we didn't really eat; too busy playing hosts.
As if our party getting sick wasn't bad enough, the way we were treated afterwards by Guelaguetza was even worse. The very next day, we made them aware of the situation and let them know we'd have to report this to the City. They said "of course" and also they would "look into the situation." There was NO follow up, NO accountability and NO professionalism. The female manager even started screening and avoiding our calls.
My fiance dropped in multiple times only to see her "hiding" in her office when he was being told to his face that she wasn't there. Finally, she came out, gave him $200 in cash to make him go away. Not even a dent in our almost $900 bill but this was never about the money.
SHAME ON YOU, GUELAGUETZA! Not very impressive for such a landmark type of establishment. Needless to say, we'll never go back. -
Review from Maya S.
North Hollywood, CA
6/30/2011
This is a nice authentic oaxaqueno place in L.A..
I love coming here with my husband,
we really enjoy the atmosphere and he gets to eat
Pickled Pigs feet (eeeew)!!!
But I get to dig into huge clayudas, good moles, and
they have many types of moles.
I like that they give tortilla chips with mole as a free appetizer,
and we always love to watch the Mexico soccer games on their
big screens.
The place is a bit pricey for mexican food, but its a nice place
to take the family for a Oaxacan experience. I never been to Oaxaca
so I don't know what to compare it to, but I really enjoy the ambiance
of the place. -
Review from Paola O.
North Hollywood, CA
7/2/2011
The food was good.
The service was TERRIBLE. I gave the guy a $20 so that he could put it towards the bill, what did he do? He took it as a TIP! They were bothered to try and give me a refund. I got fuchi faces and all. Hey I wouldn't tip the guy $20, specially when he disappeared for about 15 minutes.
I didn't like that they allowed kids to run a muck! -
Review from Rachel M.
Hollywood, CA
7/21/2011
Came here for GRMUD and I was really impressed with the wait staff and the food service. They were very accommodating and friendly to everyone who attended; it was a VERY large crowd. The owner was also really friendly and made sure everyone was having a good time...he went around to every table saying hi and making sure everyone was taken care of.
The food was equally as delicious. I really enjoyed the enchiladas and the mole. Portions are huuuuge and are able to feed 1-3 people at most. The drink/bar menu was pretty reasonable too -- about $5-10 for a drink.
Upboat! -
Review from Enrique G.
Los Angeles, CA
6/21/2011
You know I put this review on the burner because I honestly did not know how to rate this place. My biggest problem is that I kept comparing it to Mexican food but this is not your ordinary Mexican restaurant. It has been awhile since I've tried anything completely new and this day I made several new discoveries.
One, using mole as a chip sauce is an excellent idea and it is not your typical mole that they use either, great way as a starter. The Clayuda which I call the giant thin pizza is quite delicious. Then there is the entree, actually I don't remember what I had ordered except it was flourished with three types of meats. The meat wasn't anything that blew me away, it was a tad salty and dry. I do have to admit these guys have a wide variety of drinks that look good.
Finished off with desert; chocoflan, unfortunately due to time restraints I had to take it to go. Hours later after the long wait I finally got to try it and it was well worth the wait. It may not have been the best flan ever but it was close. -
Review from Claudia A.
Los Angeles, CA
6/9/2011
Food was bleh. Nothing to write home about.
Service was below average, waiter took too long with everything.
Charged my card wrong amount (higher amount than instructed).
Would not re-visit, not worth the wait and money. -
Review from Chelsea K.
North Hollywood, CA
11/14/2011
Eat here, dammit.
-
Review from Jeanie C.
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been holding onto the brochure from this restaurant ever since they served us at the Yelp Elite Christmas party - I love Oaxacan food and mole negro is one of my favorite Mexican dishes, so I was looking forward to eating here for a long time.. it's a little out of the way for me so I had to make a special trip.
I got a mango margarita which was quite large (and tasty)! The chips with sauce on top were super delicious, a nice surprise. For our main dishes we got the huitlacoche quesadilla (don't be afraid, it's good, try it!) and mole negro with chicken. I was pleased with both of our main dishes, especially the quesadilla. Yum! The mole was definitely tasty, but so far I haven't found a mole negro that tops the one I had at La Differencia in TJ. Service was friendly.
I would definitely recommend this place and will go back.. I just wish it were a little more convenient to either where I live or work.. -
Review from Cindy W.
Monterey Park, CA
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Holy MOLE!
With Smörgåsbord of mole options, you'll sooner find yourself stuck in a decision crossroad of which one to choose. (I recommend getting a little bowl of each one to try). And yes... it's pronounced mo-lay, for all the first-timers.
Their huge menu was another decision crossroad I stumbled upon with many options from enchiladas, tamales, meat and seafood dishes, and even authentic Oaxaca dishes.
Prices are very decent. Live music provided (at least on a Wednesday night when we went). Service is good. Parking is valet or street. Come visit!Listed in: ... and eat and eat
-
Review from Todd B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/13/2011
The tortilla chips with mole sauce delivered to the table at the start of the meal had me from hello. The mole pizza with chorizo was unlike any Oaxacan food I've ever experienced. The margarita was delightful.
The best mole restaurant in LA, and possibly the best authentic gourmet Mexican/Oaxacan. It's in Korea Town, but it's worth the drive. -
Review from Fernando H.
Sylmar, CA
4/18/2011
Turns out I had reviewed the wrong restaurant.
Oh well, I got to come here yesterday finally after months of anticipation. It was very good. It was different, not your run of the mill Mexican food and that is why I loved it.
I am so used to having the dishes of Central Mexico, Enchiladas rancheras, frijoles pintos, pollo a la parilla, etc. But here the utter plethora of options was overwhelming.
I got to try the Mole Negro which was like nothing I have tasted in quite sometime. I could tast justa bout everything that went into it, the raisins, the cinnamon, the cloves, the chiles, the peanuts, just about everything. Every little aspect of its complex flavor was hitting my tastebuds at different times.
Don't even get me started on their horchata! I will be craving that thing for weeks to come. Being that I am way too far from this place to be able to come here on a regular basis, I will have to make up a reason for someone to bring me here. "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I got an A on my Cell Biology Exam! Let's celebrate at the Guelaguetza!"
P.S. If you should be so smart as to order any of their mole plates (around $12.95) order yourself a nice BIG warm handmade corn tortilla on the side so you can dip it into the sauce. MM-mm-MM -
Review from Erika V.
Los Angeles, CA
4/9/2011
After countless excellent reviews and a lot of hype from one of my friends, we decided to dine here.
There was live music, the atmosphere was awesome! We all ordered drinks and different things off the menu: empanadas, enfrijoladas and mojarra frita.
Mexican food is my all time favorite and this restaurant was a great disappointment. A reviewer said this is a Oaxacan restaurant, well yes it is! It's in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. There's a variety of different cuisines in Mexico, from Nuevo Leon to Yucatán. Truthfully I'm not familiar with all of them. I hate to use this as an excuse but my family is from Mexico and I lived there for more than four years. Mexican food is the best!
Guelaquetza's food was so utterly bland, we left disgusted.
Most reviewers recommend the mole maybe we should of tried that instead? -
Review from Jane D.
Washington, DC
9/8/2011
I remember when Guelaguetza first opened in 1994, it took days to get a reservation because it had such a hype. The best Oaxacan food in LA! After the hype ended, I came in to see if rumor was true that they have the best mole in town. Oaxaca is known for their mole, after all. I ordered my mole rojo and it was fantastic! The tamales weren't bad either, and I liked their mole & chips. That was when it first opened. When returning the second time around, I didn't walk out as satisfied. I would have to agree with other fellow Yelpers that Guelaguetza was much better when it first opened-- the food has since been losing it's flavor while prices have gone up. It's still a great place to get that dining experience and it's worth checking out once.
