Guadalajara, Mexico

Eating out in Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara is recognized as the home of some of Mexico's most popular dishes. Stop at one of the local birrierías that make a regional specialty of roasted goat, lamb, or pork covered in maguey leaves. Another local delicacy is pozole, a chicken and hominy (ground maize) soup spiced with lime juice, onion, Mexican oregano, and chiles. If you're tentative with new foods, try the torta ahogada, a sort of submarine sandwich with spicy pork. International cuisine is also popular, especially Japanese, Korean, Italian, and French. The variety of eateries is best west of the cathedral, and for cheap, basic meals, the upstairs of the Mercado Libertad houses numerous little specialty stands. There are many themed restaurants on López Mateos Sur.

Gourmet

Maximino's serves quality food in an elegant mansion, and is considered one of the best restaurants in Guadalajara. The menu is international and the selection of Mexican and international wines is excellent. The quartet playing softly in the background and excellent service complete the fine dining experience. Lerdo de Tejada 2043.

Highly Recommended

La Riconada is renowned for its old Guadalajara charm, and has been featured on numerous Mexican TV shows and movies. Once the showpiece of a 19th-century ranch house, the Colonial dining room is stunning, with its arched pillars and high vault ceiling. Steak and seafood are the staples, and the Pescado Veracruzana, a white-wine-marinated white fish with tomato sauce, is highly recommended. Live piano music brightens the mood. Calle Morelos 86.

Local Flair

La Chata serves excellent, reasonably-priced Mexican fare in a purely Mexican ambience. Sombreros, serapes, and glazed pottery decorate the dining room where you'll dine on local favorites like pozole and tortas ahogadas. The sample platter of antojitos and the carne tampiqueña (meat with rice, beans and enchiladas) are both delicious and filling. Finish the meal off with a chilled horchata, a drink made from rice, brown sugar, and milk. Av. Corona 126.

Romantic

Hosteria del Angel serves a blend of international and Mexican treats in an intimate setting. The head chef has years of experience in both Spain and Italy, and combined his technique with fresh local ingredients. The result is an ever-changing tapas menu accompanied by a large selection of wines. Calle Cinco de Mayo, Zapopán.

Going party in Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara is known for its cultural and performing arts scene, with highly-respected symphony, theatre, ballet, and opera companies performing at venues like the Teatro Degollado. Yet, for such a conservative and traditional city, Guadalajara also makes an impressive showing of modern entertainment fueled by live pop music and club dancing. The hip, young crowd mostly hangs out downtown at places like the Plaza del Sol complex, which hosts several clubs. The Plaza de Mariachis hosts strolling mariachi bands who perform late into the night.

C77

Although it is actually a restaurant, C77 is also the unofficial headquarters of Guadalajara's jazz scene. The city's best jazz musicians play everything from Brubeck to BB King, while you dine on the signature paella rice dish or other specialties.

Salón Veracruz

The party at this spartan, old-style dance hall is fueled by a 15-piece tropical band playing cumbias, merengue, and danzón.

Pena Cuicacalli

For a calm local experience, dedicate a night to this charming site. In the spirit ofthe Beat generation, patrons take their seats around a small stage to listen to the folk music performances. The acts are generally of Mexican, Spanish, or other Latin origin.

Salsa Clubs

Habana offers a Cuban-themed experience, complete with fine cigars. The beautiful old house is adorned with island memorabilia and plays Cuban salsa most every night. Cubilete offers an alternative salsa hotspot, where dancers aren't confined to any designated floor. Rosalia, a "young Celia Cruz," performs weekends.

La Maestranza

This renovated 1940s cantina is a melting pot of locals, visitors, and tequila.

Common events in Guadalajara, Mexico

Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi

This massive event kicks off the one-month celebration of Mexico's independence from Spain. Mariachi bands from all around the world descend on Guadalajara. Join the masses in the traditional grito (shout for independence) commemorating Fr. Miguel Hidalgo de Costilla's cry for independence in 1810. Live music invites dancing in the streets with fireworks and various street performers. September.

Fiestas de Octubre (October Festival)

This enormous festival lasts through the month. It includes more than 300 special art and craft exhibits, parades, live artistic performances, carnivals, rodeos, bullfights, regional dancing, and a Day of Nations. Thousands of international artists and performers from all over the world flock to Guadalajara each year to participate. October .

Feast Day of the Virgin of Zapopan

Starting around sunrise on the morning of October 12th, the small, dark figure of Our Lady of Zapopan begins a 5-hour procession from the Cathedral of Guadalajara to the suburban Basilica of Zapopan. The original icon dates from the mid-1500s, and crowds spend the night all along the route to ensure a good view. Neighborhoods are decorated with streamers and banners. October.