Seeing as we only spent 5 days in Guadalajara, we didn’t have the time or the experience to put together a substantial “Top 5” (let alone “Top 10”) list of best bars or best places to drink in Guadalajara, so we are going about this in a more abstract format. Some drinks, areas, bars, and categories; here are the must have libations when visiting Mexico’s second largest city:
1. Tequila the Town
The birthplace of Mexico’s most famous national drink, this town is a must visit day trip for anyone vacationing in the city of Guadalajara. Even if you aren’t a drinker and are just reading this list to live vicariously through us, it is a necessity. The town itself is super cute and endearing. Barely a few square blocks make up the center and you get to see a more rural side of Mexico while visiting and on your ride there. Make sure to hit up multiple distilleries if possible (we liked Jose Cuervo and Herradura). We also found that if you can hire a private driver (our hotel arranged one for us for $100 for the day) that that will allow you more time and freedom to do as you wish. Plus if you’re not waiting for the rest of your tour group, you can zip around faster and get even more tequila tastings under your belt.
2. Tequila the Drink
Obviously when you are in the town of Tequila and visiting its many distilleries, you will be imbibing the wonderful agave spirit. But don’t be afraid to indulge in the city as well. Being close to Tequila provides Guadalajara with a unique perspective on the beverage as it has access to it cheaper than normal but, must utilize it in a way to satisfy some of it’s higher end customers. Try more expensive tequila straight or order exotic versions of the margarita. Being as this is a guide to drinking in Guadalajara, make sure you don’t limit yourself to drinking the elixir solely in its home town.
3. Fat Charlie’s
Easily our favorite drinking establishment in Guadalajara, we tentatively rang the doorbell at this unassuming house-turned speakeasy. When we gave the password (found by messaging them on Facebook), the door opened to a painstakingly charming, dimly lit bar. Each small section is like a different living room and you’re invited to make yourself comfortable in all of them. There is even a great “backyard” space for the warm summer nights. Everything we had was quite delicious but the Mole Bloody Mary and “The Hipster” stood out to me as favorites. They also have a sampler available if you’re not into commitment right now.
4. Av. Chapultepec
It is the main party drag in Guadalajara. A street that contains bar after bar, restaurant after restaurant, taco stand after taco stand. If you are an enthusiastic drinker that can’t get enough of ALL the bars, then this is the zone for you. With epic dance parties (as in at Bar Americas), dollar everything spots (Cervecería Chapultepec), more laid back joints (Escutia) and even beach themed bars (La Guajirita), you pretty much have your pick of the litter.
5. El Parian
This collaboration of restaurants has yielded one of the more traditional and entertaining venues you can find in Guadalajara. Built in a circular formation, each restaurant takes up a certain amount of real estate on the borders. In the center of it all is a giant gazebo-like structure that at night time, comes alive with some of the best mariachi music that you can find in all of Mexico. Normally mariachi bands will come to solicit customers in random restaurants and then play music way too loud at the table next to you, but here, they are scheduled and expected which I think makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Plus the liquor flows heavily throughout the numerous hours you will undoubtedly find yourself there. Pro-tip – try the cazuelas for a refreshing but strong drink. You choose how many shots go in it.
