Gardens of Taxco

A Mexican friend took me here years ago and I could never give it up - it really is the most unique Mexican restaurant in LA. If you are looking for the city's best enchilada or taco - this is NOT the place! I think the few bad reviews this place got were from people expecting something other than what it is - this isn't a place to get burritos and tacos to die for - its a place to get the most amazing Mexico City style meat and fish dishes around. Their sauces are unlike anything else - my fave is the cream cilantro sauce. The soup I don't like - i admit, but who cares when the entree and dessert is to die for? Even the valet parking is prompt and the cheapest around! Try it for yourself - just if you want burritos and tacos, lood elsewhere.

Pros: Unique, Ambiance, Food

Posted 01/02/06

I don't usually give props to Mexican food outside of my grandmothers kitchen, but this place is downright orgasmic! You will never have better Mexican food! From start to finish, the food is so good I wish that I could take these reciepes to my Mexican grandmother in Mexico! No Joke! The margaritas have wine instead of tequila and I recomend the chicken a la crema (their specialty) or the carne asada. People always tell me I thought you were exaggerating when you said how great the food was - this is usually followed by a genuine thank you and a hug for bringing them here. I have taken many cultured people here and they all agree this is the best Mexican food they have ever tasted. There aren't enough words to describe the excellence of this food. Its just too good!

Pros: everything

Cons: parking, crowded

Posted 12/01/05

This place is sooo great!
I loved the waiters with the entertaining opening small performance! ALSO the food is very YUMMY and you totally feel like you are in Mexico! Love that!
It is totally 70's unpretentious and overall a great place to go with a date or group of friends! TRY THE SANGRIA! It is seriously the best yet!

Pros: Sangria, Entertainment, Dark lighting!

Cons: No Airconditioning, Parking

Posted 08/09/05

This is not Mexican food! There are no words to discribe the horrible experience! It tasted as if they had opened a can of food and served it.

Cons: tasteless food, not Mexican food, never again

Posted 06/10/05

After reading the reviews, we thought we'd take a chance...The place has ambiance and the waiters are entertaining...SPIIIICEEEY...NOT HOT! But that's about the only good I can say about the place. Food was edible, but no where near good. The chips and salsa were as good as it got. The cheese in the quesadilla did taste like velveta as did the enchilada...entrees were just okay and the dessert was not worth the calories. For $20 a person, it's a lot of food, but very watered down Americanized mexican food..I guess it's an experience, but not a culinary one. We won't go again.

Pros: Inexpensive, Character, Waiters

Cons: Food, Food, Food

Posted 05/26/05

i really like the old school mexican food. the whole experience reminds me a little of talyor's prime steaks. i think it's the fake leather booths. when we went, our waiter gave an entertaining introduction to the menu that we could only half understand. the food is average, but the drinks and ambiance are worth going.

Posted 05/11/05

When your here you are like family. Yes there is no written menu but the owner or his grandson do a wonderful job of explaining in detail the menu. The people are great all around. I have been going there since I was 13 and I am 25 now. You want to live it up, have romance, anything you want you got it. It is busy on the weekend so just call ahead. And all the food you get soup, a mini enchilada, beef or vegetarian nachos, chips and salsa, cheese quesadilla, main entree, and the dessert that is unbelievable!! I recommend that you valet. Please go see for yourself. When you leave you will be full, happy, and feeling like family. It truely is an entertaining, picturesque, and heavenly experience!!!

Pros: Enchanting, Extraordinary Food, Charming

Posted 04/26/05

Great place to go with a group or on a date. I went here with a few friends and the food never stopped coming. Everything was delicious and at a great price!

Pros: food, service

Posted 03/24/05

I go here often and have never been disappointed.
The margaritas are great and the waiters are very friendly. The food is exceptional too!

Posted 03/23/05

It's been around forever, so be prepared to wait a bit. The tables/booths are pretty close together, and it's a loud place. The drinks are potent because the food is pretty standard - maybe even sub-par for a mexican place with such history. It's a prix-fix menu, (know the prices before hand), and while you get several dishes, none are especially worthy. That said, you'll probably be okay if you go with a bunch of people - cause you can be loud, drink a few drinks, and certainly not bother anyone.

Pros: valet is $2.25, festive atmosphere

Cons: food is average, no bar

Posted 03/20/05

I read a few reviews that said the food here was bad? Someone said they could make a better quesadilla at home? Well, I have an idea. Stay at home and make your quesadilla, then I'll get to eat faster at this place. It's amazing. The food, unlike most LA places, is very very rich. If you're on a diet, don't go eat here. It's not for the calorie counter. If you like eating, then go to this place. I've been countless times, and I have to recommend more than anything, the Chicken a la Crema. It makes you want to sleep after eating it. It's just that good.

Pros: Food, Ambience

Posted 03/13/05

Before tonight i would pump up this restaurant alot. In reality the place is not that great. The food and margaritas are ok. Indoors, the place is still REALLY dark. It might be me but i like to see what i'm eating. They have no menu's you can choose (for the main course) meat, fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate. They start you off with chips and salsa (salsa is great), followed by a cheese quesadilla, a small enchilada (yummy sause), your main course, and a banana cream dessert that is to die for.I reccomend the salmon or any seafood dinner and the vegetarian dinner as well.

Pros: nice waiters, good margaritas

Cons: dark, crowded

Posted 03/04/05

I cannot figure out why people rant over this place. I have been on a couple of special occasions and don't plan on going back. The food is just bland. It sounds so fabulous with the fun waiters telling you all about the dishes and a five course meal - fun atmosphere and then the food actually comes. One course, a quarter of a quesadilla that I make better at home, a cheese enchilada that tastes like it's made with Velveeta, soup with no flavor, the main dish is ok, but not spectacular and the banana cream dessert is awful with cheap port. I don't think it is worth the money or time. It gets very crowded and even with a reservation we had to wait. Its not worth the price especially since you only get to choose your entree...the appetizers are standard.

Pros: ambience, good for groups, service is good

Cons: food is horrible, lack of choices, crowded

Posted 02/22/05

You can't go wrong at this place. My friends and I have been coming here for years. We are always treated with the best serivce possible. The food is always sooooooooo delicious (that's why we keep coming back). Everytime we bring someone new they inbrace this fabulous resturant as their All time favorite resturant. I highly recomend the Garden of Taxco to everyone. If you love great service, food, and drinks this is the place for you.

Pros: great service, great food, Valet

Posted 01/05/05

Based on the reviews here, we just had to try Gardens. Overall, it was a nice change of pace from the usual Mexican experience, but I doubt we'll be rushing back anytime soon.

Most importantly, the food was very well prepared. The salsa was amazing- always a good sign. The worst course was the soup, but it still was very decent. Chris' chicken mole was very good, and Rich's beef skewers were well-cooked, although a bit boring. The banana desert was unexpectedly delicious.

So, why didn't this place completely blow us away? Maybe it was the kitschy, diner-like atmosphere, with 50's era dishware. Maybe it was the over-the-top, cartoonish head waiter. Perhaps it was the disappointing wine-based margaritas, which would have been less so if we were expecting that. The prices also seemed a bit steep, considering the ingredients used. Still, a nice place to try at least once.

Pros: food

Cons: , price

Posted 12/19/04

The one thing that I really get bothered by is the constant logging of questions that need answered, especially on a night out. This place is awesome because there is only one question to answer......beef, chicken, or shrimp? Then the rest is taken care of, you don't have to fidget through a menu or anything. They make your entire dinner from the choice you make and they just bring it as the night rolls along!

Pros: Good value, Well known, Laid back

Cons: , Valet only

Posted 11/25/04

This is the place I always insist upon taking people from out of town. I've probably been there 50 times with new people and never once have they been disappointed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for top-notch food, the BEST margaritas, and EXEMPLARY service.

Pros: GREAT SERVICE, GREAT FOOD, GREAT MARGARITAS

Posted 10/20/04

Living in the East Valley, we had heard of this restaurant but were always hesitant to make the trek... little did we know this little jewel was a quick jump over the hill and well worth the drive had we lived farther away!

Step into Gardens of Taxco and you have saved yourself a trip to Mexico City. The kitchy retro decor and the waiters traditional dress complimented a delicious authentic Mexican feast.

The price fix menu delivered verbally by the head waiter was a refreshing and entertaining alternative to the usual plastic menu dropped at your table. The food was tasty and authentically prepared as if mama was in the kitchen. The top notch service was efficient and discreet. The staff has worked here for years and their dedication shows!

Thanks to Esteban and his staff for making our special occasion truly special! Ellen & Dave

Pros: Homemade quality, Authentic atmosphere, Efficient Service

Posted 09/07/04

This place is fantastic. I have been going here for years. Everybody needs to try this place. The food is as good as any Mexican food I have tasted. Fun, original and one-of-a-kind!

Pros: Great Food, Good Ambience, Unique

Cons: , Some wait on weekends, Limited Selection

Posted 08/11/04

This is by far the best and my favorite mexican food restaurant ever! The wait is a bit long, but you wont notice it if you order a pitcher of Strawberry Wine Margaritas while you wait. The service is great and the food is delicious!

Posted 01/25/04

What a great dining experience! Loved the talking menu, multiple courses, and both the regular (ie guava) and strawberry wine margaritas. Hospitality and service outstanding. Carne asada was so-so, garlic shrimp very good.

Pros: unique hospitality, margaritas, enchiladas

Cons: can be crowded

Posted 12/05/03

You'll have a great overall experience at the Gardens. Try and beat my high score on Ms. Pacman while you wait for your table as they don't take reservations. The menu is presented verbally and is a great experience. Every dish is awesome and you'll want to go back for more. Make sure you fill out the questionaire at the end to get a 2-1 coupon in the mail

Pros: not hot, Spiiiicy

Cons: long wait sometimes

Posted 09/21/03

This is a great restaurant for food and atmoshphere. You will never leave hungry. The carne asada is the best I've ever tasted, lean and tender. This is a great place to take a date

Pros: excellent food, inexpensive

Cons: Crowded, Long waits

Posted 08/17/03

If you are a lover of Mexican food or an out of town neophyte this is a fun experience. Just go and let it happen! Don't worry about anything! It will all be taken care of and you will have a great time, including very good food.

Pros: Fun, Food is excellent, Fun

Posted 08/06/03

The editorial staff reviewer damned with faint praise. Shame! I first ate at the Gardens twenty yrs ago, as a guest from the East. It has somewhat enlarged its menu. The food is darned good, not just cheap. The chips are lot, hot, fresh as can be. The service rivals expensive French restaurants. Nothing wrong with the shrimp in garlic sauce, the chicken a la crema [of course it bursts with calories!], the margarita pie, quesadilla, etc. The wine margaritas are terrific, and the "cheap" sherry after dinner is just fine.

Pros: value, service, food

Posted 06/26/03

Same old unchanging menu. Nothing is ever new. But it works. Chicken mole. Banderillas (beef cubes on a skewer). Go early to avoid crowds. Tip the guitarist.

Pros: chicken mole, beef on a skewer

Cons: parking

Posted 06/23/03

Gardens of Taxco is a great mexican restaurant. the food is authentic mexican food, with a variety of different dishes. The service is exeptional, with no written menu wich makes it origirinal. My recomendation is to go with a lot of hunger because you start eating from the moment you sit. They start with two appetizers, soup, the main dish, desert, and wine at the end. Great for groups or for romantic dates. the prices are very reasonable.

Pros: food, service, prices

Cons: none

Posted 06/20/03

During the 9 years I lived in Hollywood, Gardens... was my failproof 1st date outing. The head waiter never let on that I showed up there at least once a month with a different female and he never failed to help me impress.

The food, the atmosphere and two pitchers of wine margaritas ensured I hit a "home run" each and every time!!!

Pros: Inexpensive, Food, Atmosphere

Cons: Parking

Posted 05/27/03

I went to Gardens of Taxco last week for the first time with a group of 23. The Margaritas, made with Vermouth are on the sweet side, but give you a kick when you're not lookin'. The Albondigas Soup was very tasty as were the cheese enchilada and quesadillas. I couldn't decide between the shrimp with garlic or the chicken in cream sauce, so the owner told me for $1, she'd make me a combination of the 2 dishes. I thought that was very accomodating, The shrimp with garlic and the chicken in cream sauce were outstanding. It was served on a bed of rice with beans. For dessert we had bananas in sweet cream and a glass of sherry. I also tasted the Carne Asada which some in our group ordered and it was excellent. Gardens of Taxco is now on my list of FAVORITES!

Posted 02/10/03

Dark, quiet atmosphere. Incredible 5 course dinner and fantastic maragritas. It is real easy to get over not getting a written menu when you begin to eat all the incredible food.

Posted 10/16/02

Please don't go to the Gardens of Taxco! It is one of L.A.s best lesser known restaurants, and I don't want to share it with anybody!

There is nothing bad you can say about this place. I have been here numerous times, and have NEVER been disappointed. The food, the atmosphere, the margaritas...are fantastic!!!

There are no menus. The menu is actually read to you! True to Mexico City style, you can order dishes made of beef, chicken, pork, or vegetarian. There are a number of delicious dishes in each catagory.

If you like margaritas, you must order a carafe of strawberry margarita. It is one of the best I have every had.

So, please, make sure you steer clear of this restaurant, that way theres more for me.

Pros: Great food, great atmosphere, strawberry margaritas

Cons: can be pricey

Posted 10/13/02

If you have never had the pleasure of being hosted in a mexican home you can scratch it off your list once you have entered Taxco gardens...there is no overwhelming menu the head waiter comes and asks you what you feel like...beef, chicken shrimp then he tells you the way they prepare it...the meal comes with traditional appetizers and a dessert and the ambience is very comfortable..it is the best sit down dining experience for mexican food in LA hands down go fo the food stay for the comfortable atmosphere and come back again and again to be part of the family

Pros: ambiance, food, waiters

Cons: parking

Posted 08/26/02

Who would have thought that the modest exterior of this building was hiding one of the best Mexican Restaurants in the city! The moment you walk in you know you are in for a treat. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is extremely helpful and professional and the food was amazing. Be warned, there are no menus, the waiters describe the house specialties to you at your table. Each meal has 6+ courses, including an after dinner drink. This place is a must try!

Posted 06/26/02

I first discovered this retaurant when I ran into the nearest open establishment with a friend to duck out of the pouring rain. Next thing I knew, we were being brought an onslaught of some of the tasiest mexican food I've ever sunk my teeth into. The atmosphere is great, the service is excellent (and has some creative angles -- Just go, you'll see) and the food is out of this world.

Pros: Delicious, Fun, Authentic

Posted 05/27/02