8 Spots to Dine in Guadalajara on Any Budget

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Traveling is a great excuse to stuff yourself with delicious food, and Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico has an overwhelming number of top restaurants. Meat eaters will love dishes native to the region such as birria, a spicy, roasted meat stew, and carne en su jugo, a soup of beef cooked in its juices, beans, and an assortment of vegetables. Vegetarians will fall in love with ­­­­chile relleno, roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and meat, and huevos rancheros, a breakfast dish comprised of tortilla, refried beans, and chili sauce all topped with a fried egg. Attending our upcoming convention, Partnership 2016: Inclusion and Innovation in the AmericasHere, we’ve picked the best inexpensive and upscale restaurants that offer a sampling of the cuisine that Guadalajara offers. 

Casual and Inexpensive

Las 9 Esquinas

Birria de Chivo

Birria, a spicy, roasted goat or lamb stew with tomato broth, is a traditional dish in Jalisco often passed down within families. To try the best birria, head to Las 9 Esquinas, a birrieria (a restaurant that specializes in the dish) on a peaceful plaza located centrally in Guadalajara’s Nueve Esquinas neighborhood. The restaurant also offers delicious mole dishes, soups, and a breakfast plates. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear a mariachi band that frequents playing in the plaza.

Address: Av Cristobal Colón 384, Centro Histórico, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 (33) 3613 6260

Karne Garibaldi

Karne Garibaldi might have the shortest menu you’ve ever seen, but customers really only go for one thing. Carne en su jugo is a specialty in Guadalajara consisting of beef cooked in its own broth, with beans and vegetables. The cilantro and onion garnishes give the comforting soup a distinctly Mexican flavor. In addition to serving high-quality affordable food, Karne Garibaldi boasts the 1996 Guinness World Record for the fastest restaurant service, clocking in at 13.5 seconds. But don’t think that’s a gimmick to attract tourists. Customers are predominantly locals.

Address: Garibaldi 1306, Santa Teresita, 44600 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 (33) 382 61286

Taco Fish La Paz

If you’re willing to skip the table service, this food cart located near the Mexicaltzingo neighborhood of central Guadalajara is a delicious destination. The most popular meal is battered fish tacos. For toppings, add coleslaw, vegetables, salsa, and hot sauce at the condiments bar. Not a fish lover? The stand also offers traditional tacos, empanadas, quesadillas, and more. Though you may encounter a long line, the servers are efficient so you won’t be waiting long.

Address: Av. de la Paz 494, Mexicaltzingo, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 (33) 1200 4647

La Chata

Restaurant La Chata

Since opening in 1942, La Chata’s affordable, family-style meals continues to make it a local favorite. Options range from a variety of chicken dishes including pollo frito, fried chicken, and pollo con mole, chicken and mole sauce. There are also several beef options such as enchiladas and arrachera, skirt steak marinated with garlic, chiles, and onions. The restaurant is centrally located and within walking distance from many hotels. The line of customers is a good indication that this is a tasty eatery.

Address: Av Ramón Corona 126, Zona Centro, 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 (33) 3613 1315

Upscale

La Tequila

Tequila

The conception of tequila can be traced to 1000 B.C., when Mexican Aztecs produced pulque, an alcoholic beverage made from the Agave americana plant’s milky fermented sap. Over time the Agave tequilana (commonly known as blue Agave) plant was discovered, creating the marketed tequila we know and love today. La Tequila in Guadalajara offers more than 200 tequila varieties and even sells tequila ice cream. A sophisticated fish and poultry menu complement offer dishes to complement each drink. This is a restaurant for a special occasion.   

Address:  Av. México 2830, Terranova, 44600 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 (33) 3640 3440

Alcalde

Restaurante "El Alcalde".

Two of the top chefs in the world, Francisco Ruano and Luis González Rodríguez, came together to create one of the top restaurants, and it’s located in Guadalajara. Alcalde is a modern Mexican-style dining experience with innovative dishes you can’t find anywhere else such as octopus with risotto or fish with cauliflower puree. The ingredients are all locally sourced and served seasonally, such as pitaya, a cactus fruit. Select individual meals or try the 4- or 7-course tasting menus.

Address: Av. Mexico 2903 Col. Vallarta Norte, 44690 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 (33) 3615 7400

Ristorante Da Massimo

Jalisco is home to delectable international cuisine. Head to Ristorante Da Massimo for a top-quality Italian meal. The food menu has a variety of fresh, homemade pastas, risottos, and meat dishes, while the drink menu includes 120 types of wine from around the world. Start your meal enjoying the complimentary flat bread pizza and upon finishing your entrée, indulge in an authentic dessert such as homemade cannoli or tiramisu.

Address: Prolongacion de las Americas 1213, Agraria, 45160 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: + 52(33) 3656 8403

Talento Restaurante

For Asian fusion dining, try Talento Restaurante. The restaurant has an upscale modern atmosphere and frequently hosts live acoustic music. Meals range from Argentinian beef and fries with Asian chimichurry sauce to Vietnamese Pho. Talento Restaurante has gained international recognition through its Diamond Star award-winning hospitality and the Gold Fork award for Mexico’s Best Fusion Restaurant of 2014.

Address: Paseo Andares, Puerta de Hierro, 45116 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
Phone: +52 (33) 3611 1975

Explore Partnership 2016: Inclusion and Innovation in the Americas.