This distinct Oaxacan eatery knows exactly what its culinary mission is—so much so that it is made abundantly clear in everything from its website address (ilovemole.com) to the orange façade that announces its presence from blocks away. Inside, pops of green, vinyl-covered tables and happy faces brighten the whimsical setting. A grill station fills the room with the scent of blistering peppers and more.
The tlayudas, enchiladas and pozole are all delightful, but it is their negro and rojo moles that are absolute favorites. Mole estofado is so complex that it is nearly impossible to pick out the ingredients creating such a rich and dark sauce, slathered onto chicken or pork. Everyone gets a taste of mole coloradito, drizzled over gratis chips.