Gish Bac

"Opened in 2010 Gish Bac is led by third generation barbacoa master Maria Ramos, and along with husband David the Oaxacan spot in Arlington Heights turns out Meats cooked slow and succulent plus rich Mole and a top-tier Tlayuda all featuring fresh Tortillas. Roughly translated as “a place of abundance,” an idea uncommon at Los Angeles’ fanciest Mexican eateries, Gish Bac features casual environs plus friendly service across perhaps a dozen tables in full-view of a kitchen working almost non-stop. Lined in brick with Mexican tunes playing overhead it is a mistake to not start with Horchata featuring the works, a trio of Prickly Pear Sorbet, Melon and Walnuts adding depth to housemade Rice Milk that goes great with complimentary Chips plus Salsa and a side of Mole made with minimal sweetness and lingering heat. Well-known for Barbacoa, a dish novices may not associate with Oaxaca, rest assured that Mrs. Ramos is a master whether utilizing Goat or weekend-special Lamb and even those dining solo would be well-advised to not skip the monstrous Tlayudas offered “plain” or beneath a variety of tender cuts of Beef."

"We tried this place for the first time during Cilavia because it was featured on the website. Maybe because of this, it was chaotic to get a table since there was no clear signage for a wait-list and we got passed up by parties that came after us.The food was good and the portion is pretty big for the price though. Their tortilla was really soft n good, possibly handmade??? Will give it another go on a regular business day if we are around."

"Wow. Run to this barbacoa. We ordered both the white and red Barbacoa. The red Barbacoa was similar to a consommé soup and delicious. The white Barbacoa is just flavored with a dry rub rather than the red soup the very similar, I would order the white if you just want more of a meat taste, but order the red is you want a more robust spicy flavor? We also ordered an appetizer - pizza-type thing, which was a base lay of beans topped with meat and cactus. Eh, I could have done without but it was a nice presentation."

"This food was good but not great. The food is like what you would get at a backyard quincinera which is good but not super flavorful or outstanding. I had the taquitos, Chile rellno, and barbacoa plate with chips and salsa. The portions are big which is a bonus. Keep in mind this place is CASH ONLY and they will make you go to the store next door to use their ATM no exceptions."