A 2016 Specialty Coffee Shop Tour of Guadalajara, Mexico

Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, is growing. We’re seeing more businesses, more arts, more music, more restaurants… and more good coffee.

Inhabitants of this city used to believe that a good brew was a scalding hot cup of instant that would burn the tongue. But over the last five years, attitudes have been evolving. Specialty is here.

Of course, coffee’s not the only thing Guadalajara has going for it. It’s also the home of magnificent historical architecture, great museums, and stunning art. It’s the birthplace of mariachi and several other Mexican traditions. It has fantastic food.

So whether you’re from Guadalajara or just stopping by for a visit, I’m going to suggest a tour of the city – orientated around coffee shops.

Read a more recent version of this article: A Specialty Coffee Shop Tour of Guadalajara, México

Sip on a coffee outside the historic Guadalajara Cathedral. Credit: Walkirya8899 via Wikimedia Commons

Why These Cafés?

There are many excellent cafés in Guadalajara, and it would be impossible to choose the best six – or even the best twenty!

Instead, as a Tapatio (resident of Guadalajara), I’ve chosen some of my personal favourites. And every one of them is close to some great places to visit. This tour is sure to give you a taste of the city.

In no particular order, here they are:

1. Taller de Espresso

After wandering down Avenida Chapultepec or through the iconic Colonia Americana, sit with a coffee on Taller de Espresso’s terrace.

This café serves more than seven different Mexican origins, and the café provides information not only about the regions but also about the flavor profile, aroma, body, acidity, and processing of the coffee. They also offer barista courses, so if you want to learn even more about your coffee this is the place to go.

The staff are experts, and include Pedro Gómez Orozco, two-time National Barista Champion, and Javier Gamboa Rendón, two-time National Latte Art Champion. In other words, it’s good coffee served well.

A good place to sit with a book and a coffee.  Credit: Taller de Espresso

Good coffee, good snacks. Credit: David Plascencia

2. Matraz Café

Stop off at Matraz Café and fall in love. The name means lab flask, and in this case symbolizes the chemistry between dessert and coffee. They make their own baked goods and savoury snacks, such as roast beef sandwiches. As for the coffee, they aim to offer high-quality coffee from all the main origins in Mexico. Any milk-based coffees use local organic milk.

They hope to soon begin selling artisan coffee products, such as cups, and juice, as well as roasting their own coffee.

As you might expect, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Hidden between the houses on a residential street, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours before visiting the nearby sights.

A warm and intimate environment. Credit: David Plascencia

Cakes baked in store are the perfect companion to Matraz Café’s coffee. Credit: Matraz Café

3. Amoroso Café

This small, cozy spot is part bicycle shop, part roastery, and part café. It’s also a fantastic spot, whether for a date, catch up with friends, or work session. But I particularly recommend popping by for breakfast: pair your Mexican coffee with French toast and pancetta, chilaquiles, salad, or some excellent bread.

The staff are friendly and most of the customers are neighbors, meaning it’s the perfect place to strike up conversation with a local.

                                                                Cute and welcoming. Credit: Amoroso Café

4. El Terrible Juan

El Terrible Juan opened last year in Juan’s garage. The unusual location makes it feel like you’re round a friend’s – a friend who makes really great coffee.

Oh, and don’t forget the breakfast. The Terrible Bacon Cheese Sandwich might just give you a heart attack, but you’ll die thinking it was worth it: a four cheese sandwich with bacon bathed in maple syrup. Or if that’s a bit too much for you first thing in the morning, try some of their store-made baked goods.

It’s not just great coffee and food here, though. The team at El Terrible Juan are also involved in coffee research, and aim to work closely with producers.

Feel at home at El Terrible Juan. Credit: David Plascencia

The Honey Chiapas is not to be missed. Credit: El Terribe Juan Cáfe

5. Amable Café

A modern space in one of the city’s most famous districts, Amable Café is an excellent stop before visiting the historic center of Guadalajara.

It offers a wide range of coffees, not just from Mexico, but from all around the world. Sip on a Guatemalan, Kenyan, or even Indonesian coffee, perhaps try their nitro cold brew, and enjoy the atmosphere.

A relaxing spot before serious sightseeing begins. Credit: Óscar Chávez

6. Café PalReal

PalReal is loved by many local foodies, bloggers, and coffee lovers. The team of chef Fabian Delgado, barista Fabrizio Sención, and roaster Jorge Sotomayor produce excellent food and drinks. Try a pork belly sandwich, roast beef biscuit, or tuna with guacamole.

As for the drinks, they offer high-quality coffees from more than eight states around the country. The exceptionally friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have about them.

There’s a reason people flock to PalReal. Credit: PalReal

High-quality coffee with excellent food. Credit: PalReal

Feature photo credit: Óscar Chávez

All views within this opinion piece belong to the guest writer, and do not reflect Perfect Daily Grind’s stance.

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