LA hasn't been the recipient of a James Beard America's Classics Award since 2005, when Yuca's won the prestigious honor which recognizes restaurants that have stood the test of time while reflecting their community through food. That's about to change—today, along with four other restaurants across the country, Guelaguetza was named a 2015 America's Classic Award Honoree.
The Oaxacan eatery has been a staple in Koreatown since Fernando Lopez founded the place in 1994, making a name for itself through fantastic mole and a massive mezcal selection. It gained citywide popularity a few years ago when Jonathan Gold gave Guelaguetza a favorable review, and has been named one of LA's best restaurants on a consistent basis. The James Beard Foundation called it "the center of Oaxacan life in Los Angeles" and a place that "draws both homesick Oaxacans and outlanders in search of honest Oaxacan foods."
Other honorees this year include Archie's Waeside (Le Mars, Iowa), Beaumont Inn (Harrodsburg, Kentucky), Sally Bell's Kitchen (Richmond, Virginia) and Sevilla Restaurant (New York City). All honorees will be presented with their award during the 25th anniversary James Beard Foundation Awards on May 4 in Chicago. Congratulations to Guelaguetza on their much-deserved recognition!
For more on this year's James Beard Awards, check out our list of the LA restaurants, bars and chefs named 2015 semifinalists.