Yet, Guadalajara is the source of all happiness according to our MD, who hails from these sunny shores. New neighbourhoods are giving rise to modern new cuisine, exciting retail, and some of the best, and most intriguing cocktails you can imagine – including one ranked 8th in North America. Take a walkthrough with two GWB founders, Jez and Alex, and tell us if you think we’re biased…

RECOMMENDATIONS

Casa Occidente

Jez was in dire need of a haircut and a close shave, so we booked him in for the Experiencia CO at Casa Occidente, a retail haven designed for discerning gentlemen. Arriving slightly ahead of schedule, we ascended the stairs and were greeted by the warm ambiance of the barbershop. Drinks were offered, and while the allure of a Saturday morning tequila soda was tempting, we settled for a less destructive cup of coffee instead.

Soon enough, Jez was whisked away for an hour of pampering like never before—his barber washed, cut, and shaved, and followed up with not one but two face masks, a soothing eye mask and chamomile tea bags to de-puff those weary eyes. A quirky contraption using water pressure and steam provided a scalp exfoliation and a heavenly head massage.

Post-treatment, we were led to a hidden speakeasy behind what appeared to be a library door. Still too early for cocktails, we explored the adjacent tailor and consignment shop, where the curated selection of fabrics was nothing short of superb. If you go later than us, stop by the seafood restaurant on the top floor which is meant to be out of this world. 

Experiencia CO (HKD 435)
Av. Patria 1814, Santa Isabel, 45110 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico
@casa.occidente

Amelie

This brunch spot is a must-visit, and we couldn’t leave Guadalajara without indulging in an early breakfast. Alex opted for duck chilaquiles with corn smut (huitlacoche), while Jez savoured oeuf cocotte with bacon. We couldn’t resist sharing the crème brûlée French toast, washed down with two cafés de olla—traditional Mexican coffee with a hint of rosemary. Pure indulgence.

Brunch for two (HKD 396)
Avenida Terranova 604, Prados Providencia 44670 Guadalajara, Jal. México
@mexico.monamour

Miau Zedong

We were eager to try this noted hotspot in what TimeOut Magazine once hailed as the coolest neighbourhood in the world. The concept? Pan-Asian cuisine with a Mexican twist. Jez dove into a chicken mole bao, while I tackled the largest dumplings imaginable—bursting with chicharrón, cochinita pibil, and pork belly for those of you wondering. For dessert, the Nutella bao was nothing short of heavenly nutty goodness.

Lunch for two (HKD 350)
Av. de la Paz 2183B, Col Americana, Lafayette, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
@miau_zedong_

Bruna

Alex’s favourite haunt, Bruna serves one of the best meals we’ve ever had. Think of it as the perfect spot for special occasions. It’s one of the priciest options in town, but honestly, by Hong Kong standards, still an absolute steal. Since Bruna is known for imaginative quality cocktails, Jez ordered a Torii Espadin, while Alex sipped a glass of exquisite red from local winery Altos Norte – probably the best she’s sipped this year. We shared Chicharron de Rib Eye and Probaditas de Mole. Although this sampling of ten different moles—sweet and savoury delights that left us wanting more.

In homage to his British / Mexican ties, Jez chose Pork Belly Wellington, good lad, while Alex indulged in a duck tamal (her love for duck is well-known). We wrapped up with an array of desserts, including the standout “Avocado.” With avocado ice cream, raspberries, and chocolate dessert this sweet treat was simply irresistible.

Dinner for four (HKD 2,500)
C. Miguel Lerdo de Tejada 2418, Lafayette, 44150 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
@bruna_mx

Gallo Altanero

Before departing Guadalajara, we had to visit the eighth-best bar in North America and the 48th in the world. Finding it was a bit of a quest, given its outdoor signage – a totally different name. Once inside, we were met with expertly crafted cocktails. Alex enjoyed a Jericalla—think a boozy Macanese egg tart made with butter, cream, egg whites, and Charanda, a rum from Mexico’s Uruapan—while Jez opted for a Café de Olla.The atmosphere was electric, with a lively mix of awkward first dates and flirtations surrounding us. So good were the drinks that Jez couldn’t resist ordering more. This time, a La Yerba de La Buena, made with Tequila, spearmint, agave syrup, salt, lime, and chili, followed by a Paloma served by none other than the owner Alejandra, who’ll be gracing the 50 Best Awards in Hong Kong this year.

Drinks and snacks for two (HKD 321)
Calle Marsella 126, Col Americana, Lafayette, 44160 Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico
@elgalloaltanero

HIGHLIGHTS

La Lucha Pulqueria

One of the trip’s highlights was a visit to La Lucha Pulqueria in Tlaquepaque. Pulque, a fermented agave drink, is often dubbed “the drink of the people” and has made a comeback among Mexico’s youth. Jez’s fondness for this milky concoction – or, as he calls it, alcoholic yakult – led to a rather sleepy end. He still blames jet lag for an unexpected nap in the SUV, but Alex knows otherwise. 

Pride March

On our way to Miau Zedong, many roads were closed. It was only when we tumbled into a parade filled with rainbow flags we realised why. We had unknowingly just joined the GDL Pride March, and, as expected, the mood was bright.