"Monte Alban, a nearly 30-year-old Oaxacan restaurant on the edge of Sawtelle Japantown, has become one of the Westside’s most reliable restaurants for such fare as bubbling molcajetes, molotes in a silken black bean sauce, and steaming mole negro plates. But soup lovers often come here for bowls of glistening, goat-filled barbacoa de chivo, which, while simply adorned, has some of the most tender barbacoa available on this side of town. Top your bowl with shredded cabbage, finely chopped onion, and herbs, and get ready for a molecularly satisfying experience." - Rebecca Roland
