A Guide to the Guadalajara’s Top Bars
Whenever we get the chance to visit Guadalajara, we know we are in for some amazing cocktails. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is a city renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also home to some of the best bars in Mexico, offering a wide variety of drinks, food and live music. Whether you're a local or a tourist, here are some must-try bars in Guadalajara that you won't want to miss:
El Gallo Altanero
Recently named to North America’s 50 Best Bars, is a cozy spot located in the historic center of Guadalajara. The bar features a wide selection of tequilas and mezcals, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. This is a great spot to enjoy craft beers and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.
The bartenders at El Gallo Altanero are friendly and approachable. They are very knowledgeable and take great pride in their craft, ensuring that each drink is expertly made with the freshest ingredients.
De La O Cantina
De La O takes the local flavors and combines them with the tropical and exotic flavors of tiki culture, resulting in a unique and exciting food and drink menu, which is definitely a work of art.
One of the highlights of its impressive cocktail menu, which features drinks such as the Margarita Fancy and Pepita Tequila Mai Tai, made with local tequila and other unique ingredients. The bar also incorporates traditional Mexican ingredients like tepache, a fermented pineapple drink, and pulque, a fermented sap from the agave plant, into its drinks.
In honor of its namesake, the bar has a section of its cocktail menu dedicated to Mexican revolutionary Genovevo de la O, as well as a selection of more sophisticated drinks called "The Landed Gentry." De La O Cantina also offers a concise selection of small plates to accompany your drinks.
Galgo
Galgo is a unique and innovative concept located in Guadalajara, Mexico. This prohibition-era style which bar sits behind a hidden door of an old law firm, offers a great selection of craft cocktails and beers, as well as a small but tasty menu of bar bites. The bar is popular among locals and visitors alike. We got their late night and the place was jumping with a live ska behind. If you are looking for some nightlife, this spot should be at the top of your list.
Santo Coyote
Santo Coyote is easily one of the coolest spots in Guadalajara. This lively bar and restaurant, features a modern and colorful decor, with eye-catching murals and bold accents throughout. The menu at Santo Coyote is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and bold flavors.
The food menu is equally impressive, featuring a range of classic Mexican dishes as well as some more creative options. Some of the standout dishes include the mole poblano, a rich and flavorful sauce made with chocolate and spices and the tacos al pastor, a classic street food made with marinated pork and served with fresh toppings.
The highlight of our visit here was checking out the Tequila Hall of Fame located upstairs in the event space. Tequila lovers definitely need to add this spot to their next trip.
Guadalajara is a city with a rich and diverse nightlife scene, offering something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a cozy and laid-back spot or a lively and energetic bar, these must-try bars are sure to offer a great experience and amazing cocktails.
Where to Stay?
We stayed at a few really cool hotels on this visit.
Hyatt Regency Andares Guadalajara - this was a nice modern hotel, located close to food, shopping and was pretty reasonably priced. It also had a very cool rooftop pool.
Grand Hotel Boutique Tepatitlan - part of our trip we stayed here since it was a little closer to the distilleries in Jalisco. Very cool, more authentic boutique hotel with fun themed rooms. Fun lobby bar, amazing staff, great for groups.
Defranca Boutique Accommodation Guadalajara - we didn’t get a chance to stay overnight here, but we did get some photos and lunch. Beautiful grounds, amazing pool, breathtaking views. Definitely a must-visit.