News Summary
Moles La Tía, a beloved restaurant in East Los Angeles known for its exceptional mole dishes, has reopened after a two-year closure. Founded in 2006 by Alejandra Reyna and Jesus Gabriel Huerta, this restaurant has been a staple in the community. Despite challenges from remodeling delays and the pandemic, Moles La Tía has returned to delight patrons with signature dishes like chilaquiles and enmoladas, celebrating its role in local culinary culture. The reopening signifies a hopeful revival for the community’s dining scene.
East Los Angeles Welcomes Back Moles La Tía After Two-Year Hiatus
Moles La Tía, a cherished restaurant in East Los Angeles, has reopened its doors as of August 21, 2025, after nearly two years of closure. Originally founded in 2006 by Alejandra Reyna and her husband, Jesus Gabriel Huerta, the restaurant became a local favorite for its unique mole dishes and traditional Mexican cuisine.
The restaurant’s reopening is a significant event for the community, as it has established itself as a central dining spot for families and food enthusiasts alike. Many patrons returned to enjoy much-loved dishes such as chilaquiles topped with eggs and a variety of mole, including Pueblan and Oaxacan styles. The vibrant atmosphere was palpable, with families coming together to relive fond memories and enjoy the flavors they have missed.
The restaurant’s closure was initially a result of remodeling that began in October 2019. However, plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also brought numerous challenges such as expired permits and contractor absences. Health inspectors increased scrutiny during this time, further complicating the reopening process. Additionally, Alejandra Reyna faced obstacles concerning employee availability due to the impact of ICE raids, which affected the workforce at the establishment.
Reyna took full control of the restaurant’s operations in 2020 and worked diligently to navigate the complexities of reopening. Despite these hurdles, the warm reception from the community has reinvigorated her spirit and affirmed the restaurant’s role in the local dining scene. Patrons expressed excitement at the return of the flavors they have been eagerly anticipating.
Moles La Tía is noted for raising the profile of chilaquiles within Eastside eateries, contributing to the local culinary culture. Many customers have a long-standing history with the restaurant, with one loyal diner sharing that he had frequented the establishment with his family since his son was in middle school.
The menu remains largely unchanged, offering signature items such as las enmoladas tricolor and camarones sautéed in a creamy white wine sauce. Reyna has collaborated with renowned mole expert Rocío Camacho, a former part-owner, to develop their acclaimed mole recipes which have become synonymous with the restaurant’s identity. Two additional restrooms have been added as part of the remodeling, improving accessibility for all guests.
Moles La Tía is located at 4619 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, East Los Angeles, and operates daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reyna humorously mentioned that a beloved statue of a tía is currently being restored after its absence, adding a nostalgic touch for returning customers. The emotional fulfillment expressed by Reyna resonates with the community, highlighting the restaurant’s deep ties and the vital role it plays in local culture and dining.
The reopening of Moles La Tía not only marks the revival of a beloved restaurant but also signifies a hopeful step towards normalcy within the community after a challenging period. As customers reconnect over traditional meals, the heart of East L.A.’s dining experience continues to thrive.
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Additional Resources
- Boyle Heights Beat: Moles La Tía Reopening
- The Eater LA: Moles La Tía Reopens
- L.A. Taco: Best Chilaquiles in Los Angeles
- SGV Tribune: Best Places for Mole
- Wikipedia: Mole (sauce)
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
