Gish Bac

Tucked away on Washington Boulevard in Mid-Wilshire, Gish Bac has quietly become one of LA’s most cherished destinations for authentic Oaxacan cuisine. This no-frills spot has earned a devoted following over the past decade with its commitment to traditional cooking methods and bold, smoky flavors that transport diners straight to the heart of Oaxaca.

The menu here is a celebration of fire and smoke. Start with the tlayuda loaded with the house’s signature Oaxacan trio—tender cecina that practically melts on contact, snappy links of housemade chorizo bursting with spice, and tasajo that walks the perfect line between crispy and succulent. Each component showcases the kitchen’s mastery of grilled and cured meats, a skill that’s been honed over years of dedicated practice.

But the real magic happens on weekends when Gish Bac transforms into a barbacoa destination worth planning your entire afternoon around. The slow-roasted goat, cooked low and slow over fragrant avocado leaves, emerges impossibly tender—the kind of meat that surrenders at the mere suggestion of a fork. Paired with a bowl of deeply flavored consomme brightened with fresh lime, it’s the sort of meal that reminds you why you fell in love with Mexican food in the first place.

Whether you’re gathering a big group for a weekend feast or stopping by solo for a quick lunch, Gish Bac delivers the kind of honest, soulful cooking that never goes out of style. It’s a neighborhood classic that’s earned every bit of its reputation.