Inside MXO: sbe's New Mexican Steakhouse In West Hollywood
- By: Ashley Joy Parker
“Mexican Origins”…
Located in the heart of the culinary epicenter of West Hollywood, MXO is the hottest new dining destination from the award-winning chef Wes Avila (of Guerilla Tacos, Angry Egret Dinette, Ka’teen, and Piopiko).
Bringing his culinary footprint back to Los Angeles and disrupting the current cuisine offerings on La Cienega, Avila’s sophisticated Mexican Steakhouse concept was opened in collaboration with sbe’s equity partner, singer, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur Marc Anthony, and restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani (of Mother Wolf, Mars Lounge, and Citizen News Events).
MXO’s 4,960 sq. ft. space on La Cienega is a ground-up remodel designed by celebrity designer Jae Omar—whose past clients include Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, Zedd, and LA Rams head coach Sean McVay.
The venue features a central main bar that serves as a focal point, with each of the outdoor patios adorned with cozy firepits, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy. For those seeking a more intimate setting, MXO also offers private dining rooms that can serve up to 22 people for exclusive gatherings. The expansive space accommodates 150 seated guests for dinner service and up to 292 guests for standing events, ensuring a versatile environment for a variety of occasions.
MXO, meaning “Mexican Origins,” pays homage to Chef Avila’s roots as he is best known for his rich blend of regional California and Mexican cuisine.
With the menu centered around the wood-fired grill, guests can expect dishes featuring expertly-grilled proteins and seasonal California produce such as: Whole Grilled Prawns with Vale hot sauce, fennel and lime; and The Cowboy consisting of a 20 oz Bone-in Ribeye; Grilled Cabbage Caesar with lemon aioli, Parmesan and croutons; Seasonal Tlayuda with black beans, Mole Rojo sprinkled with Oaxaca Cheese and avocado; Roasted Squash Mole with Mole Rojo and queso fresco topped with pickled onion.
The wood-fire grilled-prepared dishes are complemented with quintessential Mexican dishes infused with Chef Avila’s modern California sensibility including a showstopping, Birria Beef Hammer with whole braised Waygu Beef shank in a rich and delicate Consome served with radish, lime, cilantro and accompanying salsas as well as a Lobster Ceviche with Bruja sauce, Heirloom tomato and purslane.
The beverage program features unique house-made craft cocktails infused with Mexican influence such as the MXO Negroni with Rooibos Infused Dos Hombres, Granada-Vallet Amaro, Carpano Bianco Vermouth, Amante Aperitif and the Pura Candela with Chipotle Infused Patron, Nixta Elote, Mango Gomme, Cilantro and Lime.
The opening of MXO marks the first restaurant concept from sbe Chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian‘s culinary incubator, Disruptive Restaurant Group since the company announced its exclusive equity partnership with Anthony and his company Magnus. This partnership intends to build sbe’s new multi-vertical business strategy to not only focus on growing the brand among Latin American audiences but to also solidify sbe’s position as the leading luxury and lifestyle hospitality platform in the world.
In addition, sbe is soon to open Zouk LA, in partnership with Resorts World’s Zouk Group as well as its transformative $18 Million buildout of Casa Dani and Katsuya in Century City.
“It has been such an honor to work closely with Chef Wes Avila over the past year and we are thrilled to finally be able to bring our vision to life with the opening of MXO, alongside partners, Marc Anthony and Giancarlo Pagani,” says Nazarian. “Our Mexican Steakhouse is the result of Chef Avila’s passion and creativity and the restaurant truly embodies the history and soul of this extraordinary cuisine. MXO is our first project together and I cannot wait to continue building our longstanding partnership.”
He continued, “This restaurant marks the first of many upcoming sbe restaurant and nightlife openings in Los Angeles this year, and we are excited to revitalize the hospitality sector in the city and provide locals and visitors alike, new inspiring options built on sbe’s unparalleled service and vision.”
MXO Details
826 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles
@mxosteakhouse
Reservations are available on OpenTable. MXO is open Tuesday-Thursday from 5:30-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5:30-11 p.m.
