Bringing Mexican cuisine to Guadalajara is a different kind of challenge. This is where many of the things the world understands as "Mexican" were born: mariachi, tequila, charrería. Torta ahogada, birria and carne en su jugo are everyday life. A Mexican restaurant here speaks to an audience that knows its own tradition very well.
Where It Is
Porfirio's Guadalajara is in Punto São Paulo, in the Providencia neighborhood. It's a mixed-use complex with offices, retail, a hotel and entertainment, on Avenida de las Américas. Its tower, about 100 meters tall, is one of the highest in the city. The restaurant has private parking.
Providencia in Context
Providencia began in the mid-20th century as a residential area and over the years became one of Guadalajara's main business and restaurant districts. It has a café and restaurant scene, plenty of work activity during the week, tree-lined streets and good connections to Chapultepec, Chapalita, Zapopan and Andares.
Hours
- Sunday to Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Thursday to Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
What Sets This Location Apart
- Terrace and wine cellar: in a city with mild weather much of the year, the terrace is ideal for long lunches or spring dinners.
- Mariachi on Saturdays: in the city of mariachi, live music carries a different weight. It's best to confirm the time with the location.
- Porfiritos: in a city where weekend family meals are almost sacred, kids get their own space and adults stay at the table.
- Langostinos al Carbón: 600 g, marinated in chile de árbol, onion and garlic, with lime and melted butter. According to the menu, they are only offered in Polanco and Guadalajara.
- Events: spaces for more than 200 people.
What to Order in Guadalajara
- A local nod: the Barbacoa in a Cheese Crust, with Tlaquepaque-style salsa.
- A broth with history: the Jugo de Carne, which speaks to the Guadalajara tradition of carne en su jugo.
- To share: the Trompo Callejero al Pastor, carved at the table by a server dressed as a taquero.
- From other regions: the Enmoladas Oaxaqueñas or the Poblano Chalupas, to step outside the Jalisco repertoire.
- To toast: the Jalisco, with Don Julio® Blanco tequila, strawberry, cucumber and grapefruit. Here, ordering the cocktail of the state is almost mandatory.
What Kind of Visit It Suits
It works for weekday business lunches, Saturday family meals with mariachi and Porfiritos, terrace dinners from Thursday to Saturday and large celebrations.
Guadalajara is demanding about its food, and that's good news. It forces contemporary Mexican cuisine to show technique and respect for tradition, in front of an audience that knows exactly what it's tasting.
