La Oaxaquena Mexican Restaurant

Disclaimer: the 5-star rating here is an objective indicator here. Which means, this restaurant is excellent for what it is: a hole-in-the-wall (not small, just shabby) place in a somewhat iffy neighborhood with authentic and tasty Mexican food. If I was subjective I would give this place a 3.5, as I personally am NOT a fan of authentic Mexican food...For example, I like ensenada style fish tacos, or "clean" takes on Mexican food; or Taco Bell -I lLOVE Taco Bell, and no I am not ashamed to admit...I told you I am not a big fan of "real" Mexican food...To me it makes no sense (re-fried beans and corn tortillas, really?), it lacks balance, and it is so darn heavy. Then why did I go here? Well, first, the menu items looked interesting and the reviews promising. How do I know the food here is authentic and real Mexican when I just confessed I am not a fan (and therefore not an expert on it)? A couple of best friends are from Mexico and I've eaten their moms' food...It's like the food I ate at La Oaxaquena.

OK, so, after reading the following reviews I didn't see many Yelpers mentioning the cow's head/cheeks, or the tongue meat. I am very surprised as those were the best items I had there (best even for my peculiar Mexican food taste). I had then both in tacos. I also liked the chicken mole (and I typically don't like mole unless home-made)...of course I only ate a small piece (that was all my Mediterranean stomach could take). The huaracha was good (but I am not too keen on corn tortillas and this one was very thick too). I also tried the flan, which was yummy! Afterwards I had trouble getting up an walking and it took several hours to stop feeling stuffed. It's been a few days and my health consciousness (which is not the strongest, but it is there) is still bothered by feelings of guilt. That meal (I shared it with others, btw) must have packed 200 grams of lard fat.

Anyway, obviously I haven't learned my lesson, cause I am planning on going there fro breakfast soon (Probably after running a marathon or something). Overall, like I said, for those who love authentic Mexican food, that place is the sh..! And who cares about the service anyway? (In my case it was not bad). You think you get good service in Mexico? If you want good service and good Mexican food go to Javier's in Newport Beach, Ca (my personal favorite upscale Mexican place)