Chicken tastes like it was born in sauce
When people ask me to think of my favorite restaurant, for whatever reason, I inevitably think of Gardens of Taxco first. I don’t go very often, really just for special meals, but my memory just doesn’t miss all the colors and flavors that this amazing West Hollywood spot has to offer.
Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who loves the Gardens of Taxco, so parking can be a bit tricky. There is a small lot in front of the restaurant that is almost always full and street parking can be tricky in this neighborhood. The best thing to do is pay the $ 4 for valet parking. I promise you, it’s worth it.
Gardens of Taxco serves the most amazing and hearty five-course traditional Mexican food you will ever taste. The flavors are so delicate and unusual that they look nothing like the watered-down greasy nonsense found on popular, flavorless chains. Even before your entrée, they bring appetizers of spicy pickled vegetables and fresh tortilla chips with homemade salsa, a quesadilla with Oaxacan cheese and homemade guacamole, a tempting enchilada, and a spicy soup. And the dessert (cherry banana cream pudding and a complimentary glass of sherry) is so rich that even if it’s full, it will leave you room.
While each offering at Gardens of Taxco is wonderfully seasoned and authentic in flavor, what you shouldn’t miss is any plate with mole. The mole served in this excellent restaurant is unlike anything you have ever dreamed of and, as the human menu recounts, it is “the best mole in town.”
Gardens of Taxco offers a variety of wines and beers to pair with a Mexican palette and sangria daiquiris by the pitcher to keep the party going.
The atmosphere here is difficult to define. Small tables and booths scattered throughout the restaurant in low light, with capacity for large parties and intimate dates.
You will feel transported to a strange and resplendent land with a fusion of Spanish and Mexican decoration. The atmosphere is lively
without being too loud or boisterous and the walking mariachi softly playing his guitar makes Gardens of Taxco a romantic place to bring a date. There are no menus, there is simply a man, who has been there since the opening day, who recites the menu like an epic poem and designs the dinner delicacies around his personal tastes.
You won’t know what to expect when you walk through the door; the atmosphere is whimsical and yet gloomy, lively and refined. Just know that you will be treated like a VIP and savor every bite of the delicate and unique cuisine.
Gardens of Taxco
1113 North Harper Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-1746
Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday: 4:30 pm to 11 pm
Friday / Saturday: 4:30 pm-midnight (reservations recommended on weekends)
PS Since I’m always one of those looking for a discount, I’m not ashamed to promote Garden’s version of an “Early Bird” special. If you go Tuesday through Friday before 7pm, you can enjoy this amazing five-course meal at half price. Visit their website for details on the coupons they offer.