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Gracias Madre
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Gracias Madre
8.9
A modern, upscale Mexican-inspired plant-based restaurant with vibrant, creative dishes that highlight seasonal produce. Known for their fresh, flavor-packed tacos and bowls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Tacos, Mole Enchiladas, Cauliflower Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Plant-based Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Who should go: Vegans and health-conscious diners craving vibrant, upscale Mexican dishes.
When to visit: Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
What to order: Jackfruit Tacos, Mole Enchiladas, Cauliflower Ceviche.
Insider tip: Sit on the patio for the best ambiance and sunset views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $10, street parking available but limited, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are fine but lean dressy for a more refined experience.
Noise level: Moderate – can hear your date but expect a lively ambiance.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – dedicated menu section with plenty of options.
Vegan options: Yes – entire menu is plant-based, so everything is vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Yes – separate prep area and gluten-free options available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, Gracias Madre offers a romantic ambiance with beautiful presentation and vibrant flavors, perfect for impressing a date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's best to make a reservation, especially on weekends, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly. Walk-ins are welcome but may face a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Gracias Madre caters more to adults and a date-night crowd. While kids are welcome, the upscale atmosphere and limited kid-friendly options may not be ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Gracias Madre excels in vibrant, upscale plant-based Mexican cuisine with a stunning patio ambiance and creative presentations.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual, traditional Mexican meal or a family-friendly atmosphere, consider alternative spots with more diverse options.
Gracias Madre
7.8
Plant-based Mexican cuisine meets WeHo glamour in this celebrity-spotted Melrose hotspot. Organic, locally-sourced vegan dishes like jackfruit carnitas and cashew-based quesos prove Mexican food can be both conscious and craveable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos, Coconut Ceviche, Cashew Nacho Cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: High-end vegan Mexican in stunning design-forward space
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and Instagram influencers
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Friday night scene
What to order: Jackfruit carnitas, coconut ceviche, and mezcal cocktails
Insider tip: The outdoor patio has the best lighting for photos
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited on Melrose - recommend rideshare
Dress code: Elevated casual to chic - think designer jeans with heels or button-down
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can talk but expect energy
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, book 1-2 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min wait, reservations recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian - entirely plant-based menu
Vegan options: 100% vegan - this is a fully vegan restaurant
Gluten-free options: Extensive GF options - most dishes can be modified, separate prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for health-conscious couples who want to impress - beautiful setting but can get loud on weekends, so consider weekday dinner
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult evenings/weekends - try bar seating or arrive right at opening (5pm), lunch is more flexible
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - upscale atmosphere, limited kid options despite being vegan, better for teens/tweens
Best For
Better for: High-end plant-based dining, stunning photos, impressing health-conscious friends, creative vegan Mexican interpretations
Skip if: You want authentic traditional Mexican, are on a budget, prefer quiet intimate dining, or need reliable kid-friendly options
Gracias Madre
8.4
Pioneering vegan Mexican restaurant using locally-sourced organic ingredients to create plant-based versions of traditional dishes. The lush patio and Instagram-worthy presentation make it a destination for health-conscious families and curious carnivores alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cashew Nacho Cheese Quesadillas, Tres Leches Cake, Hearts of Palm Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: First fully vegan Mexican restaurant to earn MICHELIN recognition in LA
Who should go: Families with dietary restrictions and health-conscious diners
When to visit: Weekend brunch or dinner on the patio
What to order: Mushroom quesadillas, pozole, and tres leches cake
Insider tip: High chairs available and kid-friendly vegan options that please picky eaters
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking $15, limited street parking - arrive early or use rideshare
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans and blouses work, but avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderately lively - great for families but may require raised voices during peak times
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially for patio seating
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min typical, faster turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: 100% plant-based menu - everything is vegetarian
Vegan options: Entire restaurant is vegan - no animal products used anywhere
Gluten-free options: Extensive gluten-free options clearly marked, including corn tortillas and dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates - the family atmosphere and communal patio seating aren't ideal for intimate conversation, but perfect if you both love Instagram-worthy food
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins accepted but expect 45+ min waits on weekends. Weekday lunches are your best bet for immediate seating
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly with high chairs, crayons, and familiar dishes like quesadillas that even picky eaters enjoy. Best for ages 2+
Best For
Better for: Families with dietary restrictions, vegans wanting elevated Mexican food, and groups seeking Instagram-worthy healthy dining
Skip if: You're craving authentic meat-based Mexican dishes, need a quiet romantic setting, or are on a tight budget
Gracias Madre
7.9
This chic plant-based Mexican spot on Melrose serves innovative vegan tacos like mushroom chicharron and jackfruit carnitas. The Instagram-worthy patio draws a stylish crowd for organic, locally-sourced dishes paired with an extensive mezcal collection and creative cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Chicharron Tacos, Sweet Potato Flautas, Jackfruit Carnitas
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: West Hollywood's premier destination for elevated vegan Mexican cuisine
Who should go: Plant-based eaters and trendy Melrose crowd
When to visit: Weekend brunch or happy hour 3-6pm
What to order: Mushroom tacos, sweet potato flautas, mezcal flight
Insider tip: Happy hour has discounted margaritas and apps
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, street parking very limited especially evenings/weekends - allow extra 10-15 min
Dress code: Trendy casual - think Melrose shopping attire, nice jeans and stylish top perfect
Noise level: Lively but manageable - patio quieter than inside dining room
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Entire menu is vegetarian - this is a fully plant-based restaurant
Vegan options: 100% vegan menu - no animal products used anywhere
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas standard, dedicated GF menu section available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic patio lighting, shareable plates encourage conversation, and interesting vegan menu is a great conversation starter. Just book ahead.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, but dinner and all weekend require reservations 1-2 weeks out. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, and mezcal-forward bar scene. Brunch is most family-friendly time.
Best For
Better for: Best vegan Mexican on the Westside with serious mezcal program - more refined than Crossroads, better Mexican focus than Erewhon
Skip if: Want authentic street tacos with meat options, need budget-friendly prices, or prefer casual no-frills dining
Gracias Madre
8.8
This plant-based Mexican sanctuary transforms traditional recipes with organic, locally-sourced ingredients in a stunning converted antique emporium. Celebrity sightings are common on the lush patio where innovative dishes like hearts of palm ceviche and cashew cream enchiladas redefine vegan Mexican cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coliflor Frito (Fried Cauliflower), Gorditas with Black Bean Puree, Hearts of Palm Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: 100% plant-based Mexican that doesn't compromise on flavor or authenticity
Who should go: Health-conscious foodies and celebrity spotters
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday happy hour 3-6pm
What to order: Coliflor frito, mushroom fajitas, mezcal flight
Insider tip: Book patio seating for prime people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited metered street parking fills up by 6pm on weekends
Dress code: LA chic casual - designer jeans and nice top standard, many dress up for Instagram
Noise level: Lively but manageable - patio quieter than indoor dining for conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, even with reservation expect 15-20 min wait
Weekday lunch: Walk-in usually available, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - entire menu is plant-based vegetarian
Vegan options: Yes - 100% vegan restaurant, no animal products used
Gluten-free options: Yes - extensive GF options marked on menu, separate fryer for chips
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic patio lighting, shareable plates, impressive without being stuffy, and conversation-friendly noise levels
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, but for patio dining book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend dinner
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, though they accommodate families at brunch
Best For
Better for: Best plant-based Mexican in LA with actual depth of flavor, unlike Crossroads it feels authentically Mexican not just vegan
Skip if: You want traditional meat-based Mexican or need budget-friendly options - try Republique or Guelaguetza instead