This Melrose plant-based Mexican hotspot is courtesy of the Engelhart family – yes, the same folks who’ve been turning kale into currency across the Golden State. This isn’t your average taco joint; it’s a temple to organic, non-GMO, plant-based ingredients that’ll make you forget you ever needed cheese on your nachos. Gracias Madre is all about farm-to-table, sourcing ingredients from local regenerative farmers. It’s sustainability with a side of guac, and they’re not shy about it.
It is also one of the best patios in the city. Its beautiful indoor/outdoor space is as photogenic as the patrons, and the vibes are as carefully curated as the menu. We recommend coming for appetizers and cocktails/mocktails, which are their best offerings.
The bar here is like a love letter to agave. It champions independent producers and small-batch distillers from Mexico, all while partnering with ecoSPIRITS to reduce their carbon footprint. They consistently mix some of the most creative and delicious drinks, all crafted from diffuser-free agave spirits and zero-proof spirits (to which, you can add CBD for the euphoria). Favorite drinks include the Cantarito Mai Tai, the No Say (Virgin), La Loteria, and their Espresso Martini (pictured) which is worth the hype, especially when made a little bit smoky when you opt for the mezcal version.
For nibbles, the esquites is a vegan street corn which replaces the cheese and mayo with nut-based creams and cheeses, the ceviche uses hearts of palm instead of seafood, and the guac is classically excellent.