WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Gracias Madre doesn’t attract a full house daily with its great food or fabulous cocktails only—it’s also popular for its dazzling decor.
At the heart of the modern farmhouse design is a black-and-white tiled bar, with glowing bottles of mezcal and tequila drawing thirsty Angelenos to its well like moths to flame. An exposed beam ceiling, a tree-shaded patio with outdoor fireplace, a mix of wicker and carved wood seating, and tasteful tributes to the Virgin Mary complete the look of a romantic retreat straight from the pages of Architectural Digest.
This West Hollywood gem provides a wonderful space and energy for friends and familia to escape their busy lives and take pleasure in each other’s company. The Mexican cuisine is 100% plant based and organic, with farm-fresh ingredients sourced locally.
Michelada de la Madre
Who’s drinkin’?
Now let’s talk about those famous bebidas! (That’s Spanish for drinks, y’all.) Gracias Madre has an impressive selection of Mexican spirits, but it’s the “classic cocktails with a Madre twist” and original mixes that make dining here special.
I’ll start with my favorite, the Michelada de la Madre: blonde ale, habanero bitters, lemon, and a giant jalapeño basil ice cube. Served in a chilled pint glass with a salted rim, it’s almost too good to be true. No sipping slow—as the ice melts, the beer goes from spicy to flaming hot quicker than you can say, ¡Ay, Dios mío!
My number two is the Purista, Gracias Madre’s signature margarita. Just like with micheladas, vegan mac ‘n’ cheese, and love, I’m on a lifetime quest to find the world’s greatest margarita—and the Purista is a strong contender. Lucky for me, it’s available only a short drive from home and by the pitcher. 😉
Visit Gracias Madre’s IG page and you’ll see the next two Insta-famous cocktails photographed from every angle. The Raspado is a colorful concoction of guava ponche, kumquat, hi-proof blanco, cranberry apricot chamoy, and shaved ice, like a snowcone. Sandía lovers will enjoy the Slushie: watermelon, cupreata mezcal, aloe, manzanilla, gentian amaro, lime, and agave.
Top: Tamale. Bottom: Barbecue Jackfruit Carnitas Taco & Plantain Chorizo Quesadilla.
El menú
Alright, friends, let’s keep it moving. On to the food we go. 😋 For starters, I highly recommend the guacamole + house-made chips and the Coliflor: cauliflower with habanero salsa, cashew nacho cheese, mustard frill, and pepitas. Although I love salads, I rarely order them when dining out. I tend to go for the dishes I’m less capable of making at home. So yes, all I can say is that Gracias Madre always has a couple of ensaladas on rotation. If you try one, let me know what you think!
Top: Uno Bowl. Bottom: Chimichanga
Next up: platos calientes. I don’t mean to tease you, but Gracias Madre’s menus switch up often. Maybe you’ll score an entree I’ve shared here, or maybe you’ll have to go it alone.
The lunch menu currently features Potato Pimiento Flautas, Chicharron Tacos—battered fried oyster mushrooms, sunflower sprouts, chipotle aioli, and habanero salsa—and nachos made with soy chorizo, cauliflower, guacamole, beans, and cashew nacho cheese.
New players on the dinner menu include Enchiladas Verdes, Mushroom Fajitas, and Grilled Cauliflower Mole. Visit on the weekend and you might catch brunch: Cinnamon Oat Pancakes, Chilaquiles, and Huevos Rancheros—to name a few.
Families who lunch together, save lives together ❤️ Mercy For Animals
⭐️ Must Try: Michelada de la Madre ⭐️
Gracias Madre has a new location in Newport Beach, with a beautiful indoor and outdoor space begging to be enjoyed on those warm Southern California nights.
Looking for more deliciously kind vegan food with a great drink menu? Check out a few of LA’s favorites: O’Cado, Shojin, and Sun Cafe.
