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Dining in GuadalajaraGuadalajaran restaurants specialize in hearty tapatío fare. Specialties include grilled steaks; carne asada a la tampiqueña, broiled or roasted meat served with bacon and beans; pozole, a thick, hominy-based soup with hunks of carnitas (pork), tomatoes, cilantro and frequently chickpeas; and birria (stewed goat or pork in a spicy tomato broth).
Restaurantes campestres are country-style establishments that serve steaks and side dishes like beans, quesadillas and tortillas. The food is accompanied by mariachi music and entertainment—sometimes in the form of a charreada, or rodeo, giving willing customers the opportunity to go mano a mano with a young bull. Restaurantes campestres are located within the city and also along main highways outside the urban area.
There is also an astounding variety of street food. Inexpensive taquerías can be found along Plaza Tapatía; the freshly made corn tortillas are wrapped around a variety of meat or vegetable fillings. The Mercado Libertad is a great destination where you can choose from countless tiny stands offering full-course comida corrida meals, tamales, enchiladas, quesadillas and other treats. You can also find cheese, fruit and pastries. Cleanliness levels vary, however, and anyone planning to nibble their way from stall to stall should keep in mind the possibility of bacterial contamination, especially if the food has been sitting for a long time.
Except at first-class hotels and restaurants where purified water is customarily used, be careful of drinking water; this includes the ice cubes in drinks. Avoid unpeeled raw vegetables and fruit as well as untreated milk and dairy products. See the Lodgings & Restaurants section for AAA Diamond designated dining establishments.
Guadalajara, JA
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Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara5065 Puerta de Hierro. Guadalajara, JA 45116
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AC Hotel by Marriott Guadalajara Mexico1500 Ave De Las Americas. Guadalajara, JA
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Hampton by Hilton Guadalajara ExpoAve de Las Rosas 3030. Guadalajara, JA 44500
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The Westin GuadalajaraAve de Las Rosas No. 2911. Guadalajara, JA 44530
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City Population
1,385,629
Elevation
1,552 meters (5,091 feet)
Police (emergency)
Dial 911 (emergency services) and ask to be connected to an English-speaking operator if you need immediate assistance.
Police (non-emergency)
(33) 3668-0800.
Hospitals
Hospital México-Americano, Calle Colomos #2110, (33) 3648-3333 or 01 (800) 462-2238 (toll-free long distance within Mexico), and the Red Cross (Cruz Roja), (33) 3614-1269, 911 (ambulance assistance) or 01 (800) 667-4767 (toll-free long distance within Mexico), both provide 24-hour emergency service. Major hotels and the U.S. Consulate should have information regarding doctors who are on 24-hour call.
Newspapers
English-language newspapers, including the weekly Guadalajara Reporter, are available at newsstands and the Hotel Fenix, downtown at avenidas Corona and López Cotilla. The monthly Lake Chapala Reporter has information about the communities around Lake Chapala.
Publications
Sandi Bookstore, Av. Tepeyac #718 in the Chapalita neighborhood west of downtown, has English-language newspapers and books. The Sanborns restaurant chain has several area locations and also offers books, newspapers and magazines in English; the downtown branch is at avenidas Juárez and 16 de Septiembre, a block south of Plaza de Armas.
Visitor Information
A tourist information booth is inside the southern doorway of the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), facing Plaza de Armas; it is open Mon.-Fri. 9-3 and 6-8 p.m., Sat. 9-1.
Currency Exchange
A number of casas de cambio (currency exchange houses) are located downtown along Avenida López Cotilla between calles Corona and Degollado, about 3 blocks south of the cathedral. Most of them post their rates, and they normally don't have the lines that banks often have. Dollars can be exchanged at branches of Banamex banks Mon.-Sat. 9-1. A centrally located downtown Banamex branch is on Paseo Degollado, 3 blocks east of the Degollado Theater. ATMs are the quickest and most convenient way to get cash; withdrawals are in pesos.
Staying Safe
The rules in Guadalajara are the same as those in any big city. At night, avoid urban neighborhoods that are away from the downtown core or other tourist areas; dark side streets in particular can be dangerous. If going out for the evening or taking a side trip during the day, it's a good idea to hire a taxi driver affiliated with your hotel. Keep an eye on personal items at all times, especially in the crowded shopping districts, and avoid wearing jewelry or carrying large sums of money. Women are not welcome in cantina bars and other bastions of heavy drinking and machismo attitudes.
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