When people ask me to think of my favorite restaurant, for some reason I inevitably think of Gardens of Taxco first. I don’t go there very often, really just for special foods, but my memory can’t get past all the colors and flavors this amazing West Hollywood spot has to offer.
Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who loves the Taxco Gardens, so parking can be a bit tricky. There is a small parking lot in front of the restaurant that is almost always full and street parking can be tricky in this neighborhood. Your best bet is to go ahead and pay the $4 for valet parking. I promise, it’s worth it.
Gardens of Taxco serves the most amazing and hearty five course traditional Mexican meal you will ever taste. The flavors are so delicate and unusual that they are nothing like the watered down, greasy nonsense you find in popular, flavorless chains. Even before your main course, they offer 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 dessert (cream banana pudding with cherries and a complimentary glass of sherry) is so good that even if you’re full, you’ll find room for it.
While every offering at Gardens of Taxco is wonderfully spiced and tastes authentic, not to be missed is any dish with mole. The mole served at this elegant restaurant is unlike anything you’ve ever dreamed of, and as the human menu narrates, it’s “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 buzzing.
The vibe here is hard to define. Small tables and booths spread throughout the dimly lit restaurant, accommodating both large parties and intimate rendezvous.
You will feel transported to a strange and resplendent land with a fusion of Spanish and Mexican décor. the atmosphere is lively
without being too loud or boisterous and the roaming mariachi gently strumming their 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 opening day, reciting the menu like an epic poem and designing his dinner treats based on his personal tastes.
You won’t know what to expect when you walk through the door: the atmosphere is whimsical yet somber, lively yet refined. Just know that you will be treated like a VIP and savor every bite of the delicate and unique cuisine.
taxco gardens
1113 North Harper Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-1746
Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday: 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Fri/Sat: 4:30 pm-midnight (reservations recommended on weekends)
PS Since I’m always in favor of discounts, I’m not ashamed to promote Garden’s version of an “Early Bird” special. If you go Tuesday through Friday before 7 pm, you can enjoy this incredible five-course meal for half price. Visit their website for details on the coupons they offer.