60’s In Paradise
766-4721
Hefty hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes in this casual restaurant are the real deal. Ambience is American ‘60s. Pets are welcome.
Open Tues – Sat 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hidalgo #10.
Ajijic Tango
766-2458
One of the top four restaurants in Ajijic for their outdoor ambience, menu, and service, Ajijic Tango features Argentinean sausage, carpaccio, flap steak, and rack of lamb. The salads and sides are a cut above the usual. Expect Espresso and a good wine list. Reservations required. MasterCard and Visa accepted.
Open Wed – Mon 12:30 – 10 p.m.; Sun 12:30 – 6 p.m.
Morelos #5.
Armando’s Hideaway
766-2229
Hidden away on the east side of the Hotel Danza del Sol, Armando’s rarely disappoints. Flambeéd dishes and delicious alcoholic drinks are his specialties. Steak Mostaza, fish almondine and crepes suzette will delight!
Open Wed – Mon 1 – 9 p.m.
Privada Ocampo #18.
Bruno’s ‘El Circo’
766-1674
Bruno continues to serve up excellent grilled steaks, chicken, sausage and pork chop dinners with the best baked potatoes in town. Their lunch menu offers stir fry dishes, grilled meat sandwiches, and salads. Order up drinks from their full bar. Reservations essential in the high season as seating is limited.
Open Tues – Sun 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Carretera Ote. #20.
Café Grano
766-5684
Ajijic’s first coffee shop to roast their own beans, Café Grano offers excellent cappuccino, carrot cake, and other goodies. They sell organic coffee beans from Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Open Mon – Thurs 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Fri – Sun 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Marcos Castellanos #15-C across from the church.
Café In Acalli
766-4859
This little café serves very reasonable breakfasts and lunches, inside or out. Scruffy, but earnest, it is well located along gallery row, 16 de Septiembre.
Open Mon – Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
16 de Septiembre, not far from the Lake Chapala Society.
Chayo & Chimi / Chimi’s
766-3290
This tiny breakfast and lunch place is well-located across from the Lake Chapala Society. Try their light lunches and juices. Good for vegetarians.
Open Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
16 de Septiembre #27.
Danny’s
766-2222
Practically an institution in Ajijic, Danny’s serves reliably tasty breakfasts and lunches. Hamburgers, chili, and chilaquiles are favorites.
Open Mon – Sat 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Carretera Ote. #2-A near the corner of Colón and the Ajijic carretera or main highway.
David’s Café
766-2341
A cozy café for breakfast, lunch and other light fare one-half block from the Ajijic plaza, visit David’s for smoothies, hotcakes, waffles, burgers, and club sandwiches.
Open Mon – Sat 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hidalgo #21.
Donas (Donuts)
766-1996
A popular breakfast, donut, and coffee shop on the main carretera in Ajijic, Donas serves up substantial donuts that are well worth the price. Look for tasty reasonable breakfasts of eggs, yogurt, and light lunches.
Open daily 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Carretera Ote. #49 on the north side of the main highway in central Ajijic.
El Jardin de Ninette
045 331 410 4046
This petite restaurant delights with a lovely ambience and menu of very tantalizing dishes. Shrimp in green curry, beef filet with chocolate sauce, and other well-crafted dishes can be found on their menu.
Open Wed, Thurs, and Sun noon – 9:30 p.m.; Fri and Sat noon – 10:30 p.m.
Constitution #57.
El Sarape
766-1599
If you like Tex-Mex, Arizona-Mex, and northern Mexican fare, ride your pony to El Sarape. This is the place for machaca beef chimichangas, flautas, and albondigas soup. You’ll find a good hamburger, grilled steaks, ribs, and chicken. They offer a full bar.
Open daily 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Carretera Pte #26-A.
Fonda Doña Lola
766-4455
This open-air, country-style restaurant serves reasonably-priced breakfasts and lunches.
Open Fri, Sat and Mon – Wed 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #36 across from Casa del Waffle.
Gatherings
766-5665
This bakery is also a café that serves quiche, empanadas, and other delicious baked goodies. It is reputed to sell the best loaf of bread in the area. Wine available.
Open Mon – Sat noon – 9:30 p.m.
Ramon Corona #11.
Gerrard’s
045 333 476 6577
Wood-fired pizza-oven pizzas, burgers, pastas, crepes suzette, spaghetti, and other popular Italian-inspired dishes can be found at Gerrard’s. They also serving breakfast.
Open Mon – Sat noon – 9:30 p.m.
In La Joya del Lago at Rio Zula, in west Ajijic.
Hole in the Wall (No Name)
Christened with several names over the years, “Hole in the Wall” seems to have stuck for this very rustic village house that serves up tamales, empanadas, and beer and wine from the fridge. The project of three local women, Monday night is popular with gringos. Be sure to have the address in hand. It’s hard to find, but a great “dear diary” entry! No bathroom.
Open Mon 5:30 – 9 p.m., Tues 7:30 –10 p.m.; Sat 7 – 10 p.m.
Hidalgo #96.
Jardín Plaza
766-0039
With its prime location on the village square, Jardín Plaza is the best place for people-watching. You’ll find predictable breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees at reasonable prices. Service may be slow but no one cares as long as the view is good. Alcoholic drinks available.
Open Mon - Sat 8 am. To 9 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jardín Oriente #2.
Johanna’s
766-0437
Johanna’s gives her clients exceptional Austrian-German cuisine in a spotless, cheerful, and cozy setting. Take a moment to check out the reviews on their wall of fame. Their traditional dinner menu includes bratwursts, veal, trout, duck, rabbit, and sauerbraten as well as borscht, reibekuchen (potato pancakes), and spåtzle (noodles). Their wine list is long. German, Dutch, and Mexican beers are available. Make reservations during the high season.
Open Tues – Sun noon to 8 p.m.
Blvd. Ajijic #118-A (in upper La Floresta, opposite the Auditorium).
Jose’s Illusion
766-5142
This bistro serves Greek and Mediterranean dishes: hummous, stuffed grape leaves, salads, pizzas, spanakopita, moussaka, gyros in pita bread, pastas, and lamb, beef, and seafood. The Thai entrees are delicious. Courses are well-crafted and well-priced.
Open Tues – Thurs and Sun 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri and Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #123 near Villa Nova.
La Bodega de Ajijic
766-1002
This restaurant offers a charming interior and a kitchen serving up lunch and dinner – and hosting live entertainment every evening at 8 p.m. The restaurant offers a full bar, coffee drinks and good service. Food quality can fluctuate. Now serving breakfast. The Diabla Felix shrimp is delicious but spicy – so cool off with a slice of Angelwings cake, baklava over a light cheesecake.
Open Thurs – Tues 8 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
16 de Septiembre #124.
La Casa del Waffle (Waffle House)
766-1946
A very successful restaurant in Guadalajara, the Waffle House is a pro breakfast operation. It will be crowded on weekends and holidays. Juices, waffles, egg and sausage burritos, and pancakes are just a few of the items they offer.
Open daily 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #75.
La Nueva Posada Hotel Restaurant ‘La Ruso’
766-1444
A landmark destination on the Northshore for meals, holiday events, and meetings, La Rusa is appreciated for its consistent service and competitively-priced international menu. Try their comfort meal menu or order from their regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The bar is a prime meeting area. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
Open Sun – Thurs 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri and Sat 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Donato Guerra # 9.
La Tasca
766-5269
Overlooking the lake, La Tasca is a prime spot for live music with a view. Across the street from the Nueva Posada hotel, the food is secondary to the music but try the coconut shrimp anyway. A $2.50 US cover charge is added if there is entertainment. Note that their parking lot may be under water at the moment.
Open Tues – Sat 3:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Sun noon – 10:30 p.m.
Donato Guerra #22.
La Taverna dei Quattro Mori
766-2848
Italian chefs Maria Grazia and Guillano serve up their version of the real thing – homemade pasta, gnocci, ravioli, tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, lamb, and Italian sausages. All sides and salads are priced separately. Food preparation is fresh expect to wait for your meal. Their bar offers Italian wines, liqueurs, and coffees. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
Open Fri – Tues noon to 10 p.m. Carretera Pte. #23.
La Vieja Posada Ajijic
766-0744
“If these walls could talk…” Known as the Old Posada, this landmark next to the Ajijic pier has been the watering hole for local and foreign characters for decades. It was revived several years ago to offer a menu of sandwiches, salads, soup, burgers, and dinner entrees. The food is average, but the location is convenient and cozy. There is occasionally live music.
Open Mon – Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri – Sat 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Morelos #1.
Los Telares (The Looms)
766-0428
Well-situated on Morelos across from Ajijic Tango, this restaurant boasts umbrella- covered tables around a pretty garden. Try the salmon, steaks, and chicken; finish the meal with an espresso. Full bar. The food is tasty and reliable.
Open Tues – Sat noon – 9 p.m.; Sun 1 – 7 p.m.
Morelos #6.
Manix
766-0061
A steadfast restaurant in which to recover from hoards of guests – or as a place to take them for an excellent meal, you can always count on consistently good service and excellent entrees from Manix’s immaculate kitchen. Osso Bucco, Veal Valdostana, and Shrimp Curry are several of their established favorites. Daily specials, full bar, and holiday meals are offered. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
Open Mon – Sat noon – 9 p.m.
Ocampo #57.
Mariscos Peter
766-4450
This is an open-air place that features fish and chicken cooked over a brazier. Both the Shrimp Diablo and Shrimp Zarandeado are good. Bottled sodas and beer.
Open Thurs – Tues 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #524.
Melanies
766-4253
Its location next to the Danza del Sol pool is unbeatable. Sunday brunch is popular and suitable for vegetarians. Live entertainment is available most nights. Visa and Mastercard.
Open Wed – Sat noon – 11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ocampo #151-A
Inside the Hotel Danza del Sol.
Min Wah
766-0686
Billed as Cantonese fare, this restaurant serves 80 fairly predictable Chinese entrees in their comfortable restaurant. They offer a full bar, take out food to go, a wheelchair ramp, and plenty of parking. Portions are generous.
Open daily 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Callejon al Tepalo #96-A.
Number FOUR
766-1360
Near La Nueva Posada hotel, Number Four is a class act with a well-thought-out menu, exceptional service, a good wine list, and espresso. Try the soups, salmon, Steak Florentine, and pannacotta for dessert. Look for music in the afternoons and evenings.
Open Tues – Fri 5 – 10 p.m.; Sat 1 – 10 p.m.; Sun 1 – 9 p.m.
Donato Guerra #4.
Pedro’s Gourmet
766-4747
Pedro’s get top marks for creating delicious fusion cuisine at a good price. Of the many delightful restaurant settings at Lakeside, his is one of the best. His menu includes Thai- Indian- and Mexican-influenced entrees. Good for vegetarians and those with a sweet tooth. Wheelchair access. Make reservations during the high season.
Open Mon – Fri noon – 8:30 p.m.
Ocampo #71.
Pepito’s
766-2060
This is a tiny place next to Waffle House. Good burgers and other grilled sandwiches.
Open Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat noon – 5 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #69.
Qué! Taco Bar
766-4155
A satellite of the original place next to it, the new Qué! Taco Bar is run by the same cook and offers virtually the original menu, without the wonderful ambience of the original. It’s a good selection nonetheless and the food is good for vegetarians. Wine offered.
Open Tue – Sun noon – 11 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #12 in La Canacinta, Lake side of the carretera.
Ricki’s Japanese and Thai
766-1627
A very popular spot for Japanese/Asian-style food at Lakeside, Ricki’s is great for take-out orders.
Open Mon – Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Marcos Castellanos #27.
Roberto’s
766-1616
A reincarnation of his earlier restaurant, Roberto’s offers a pretty view and about the same quality of food. Look for daily specials. The fish dishes are good. Wine available.
Open for lunch Tue – Sat noon – 8 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #35 on north side of the carretera between Tempisque and 5 de Febrero.
Saint Peter’s
766-1919
On Hidalgo across from Mis Amores B & B, this intimate restaurant serves ambitious dishes that usually perform well such as escargot, chateaubriand, and prime rib. The ambiance is lovely. A full bar and wine are available. The chocolate mousse is delicious. Open Mon, Tues & Thur 1 – 9 p.m.; Fri – Sat 2 – 10 p.m.; Sun noon – 8 p.m.
Hidalgo #17.
Salvador’s
766-2301
Popular because of its location, this restaurant serves Denny’s-style food and some Mexican entrees. It offers daily specials, a salad bar, and a full bar for alcoholic drinks. It is an established hangout for smokers, but patio seating can be pleasant in the mornings.
Open Mon – Wed & Fri – Sat 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Thur 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sun 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Carretera Ote. #58 next to El Torito Grocery.
Secret Garden
766-5213
Fresh, very clean, and excellent value are the hallmarks of this well-run natural food restaurant a half block from the Ajijic plaza. The menu is designed for vegetarians but everyone will enjoy the breakfast and lunch entrees. Try the black bean Cuban eggs, the veggie burger, the fruit and garden salads, and yogurt shakes. Their flan is the best in town. You’ll enjoy their espresso, too.
Open Thur – Tue 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Hidalgo #8.
Señor Sushi
This tiny sushi bar serves sushi, teriyaki, tempura, teppanyaki and noodle bowls. They offer saki, Sapporo beer, Mexican beer, and wine.
Open Mon – Sat noon – 9 p.m. Sun noon – 7 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #421 in the strip mall near Rancho del Oro.
Super Burrito
766-2233
This modest café serves burritos, burgers, Mexican pizza, and other similar fare. They offer free delivery.
Open Mon – Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Encarnación Rosas #76 on north side of carretera opposite Farmacia Guadalajara.
Susazón
766-4314
Susazón is a storefront for frozen entrees ‘to go’ that also serves coffee and coffee drinks.
Open Mon – Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun 9 a.m. – 4.
Carretera Ote. #58-B in Plaza San Juan.
Tabarka
766-1588
This pleasant restaurant on the carretera on the west side of Ajijic serves Spanish/Mediterranean entrees including tapas and, some say, the best seafood in the area. Look for daily specials, a full bar, and wine.
Open Mon – Wed & Fri – Sun 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Carretera Pte. #424-F near Rancho del Oro.
Tío Domingo
766-2453
This well-liked outdoor restaurant serves a short menu of delicious entrees. Along with the charming owner, the ribs, shrimp, medallion steak, and other favorites keep clients returning. For special occasions you’ll find Chiles en Nogada on the menu. Private parties can be booked in their large indoor dining room. End the meal with their superb Spanish Coffee.
Open Fri – Tue 1 – 9 p.m.
Ocampo #204.
Trattoria di Axixic
766-3796
Well-established with a focus on pizza and Italian-style food, this restaurant enjoys a bar trade as well an excellent location on the highway in the middle of Ajijic. Look for pizza, pasta, a salad bar, and such favorites as ravioli and spaghetti. Full bar, wine.
Open Mon – Thur noon – 10 p.m. Fri & Sat noon – 11 p.m.
Carretera Ote. #30 on the highway in Ajijic central.
Vicki’s Hideaway
766-0632
Primarily a bar with nightly entertainment, Vickie’s Hideaway can grill a terrific steak and served it up with a Bruno-style baked potato.
Open Thur – Sun 5 – 11 p.m.
On the carretera in La Canacinta. Look for the banners.
Villa del Arte
766-2772
As the former gallery of Javier Ramos, Villa del Arte is a beautiful setting for classical international fare. Shrimp in mango sauce, chicken, and beef entrees are beautifully presented. Full bar, wine, and coffee drinks.
Open Mon – Sat noon – 9 p.m.
Rio Bravo #7-A on the west end of Ajijic.
American Legion Grill
765-2259
When open to non-members, the restaurant serves large servings of basic food for a reasonable price. Try the breakfasts and grilled sandwiches for lunch. Cigarette smoke can be oppressive at times.
Open Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Morelos #114.
Beer Garden
765-3656
Long an institution on the Chapala pier, the Beer Garden’s main draw is it’s exceptional view of the Lake. It offers casual Mexican fare and fish.
Open Mon – Sat 1 – 10 p.m.; Sun 1 – 8 p.m.
Av. Madero #200 on the west side of the boardwalk or malecón.
Cozumel
765-4606
This weary Lakeside favorite serves a large selection of seafood entrees and potent bar drinks. Their cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped shrimp are a specialty. Careful – they’ll light you up with margaritas while you wait for your food. You’ll be singing along with the musicians! Wheelchair access.
Open daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Paseo Ramón Corona #22-A on the Chapala boardwalk, at the far east end.
Cucumber
765-6978
A fresh find near the market in Chapala, Cucumber is a tiny, scrubbed bistro with outdoor tables serving fresh juices, soups, salads and other light-on-the-meat-and grease fare. Wheelchair friendly.
Open Fri – Wed 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Paseo de los Hijos Ausentes #4.
El Arbol de Café – The Coffee Tree
765-3908
Fresh roasted coffee and pastries are the mainstays of this long-standing café.
Open Mon – Sat 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hidalgo #236.
El Zapote
765-2402
Chapala locals are very fond of ‘the bullfrog’ and his Mexican fare served up at very reasonable prices. Small portions rule as do aguas frescas (fresh fruit blended with sugar and water). Try the pozole, enchiladas, burritos, and the carne en su jugo.
Open Tue – Sun 2 – 11 p.m.
Morelos #185.
Jose’s
No telephone.
Chapala locals love this little place on the south side of the permanent market in Chapala. It serves tasty, convenient, and consistent meals Mexican-style on tables placed on the plaza. Open for breakfast, lunch, and very early dinners.
Open Tue – Sun 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Paseo de los Hijos Ausentes #72.
La Casita de Molcajete
Near Cozumel on the Chapala boardwalk, this restaurant distinguishes itself from the others by serving molcajetes, or stews served in a sizzling, three-legged lava rock bowl. Free margaritas or white wine with the meal.
Open 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Ramon Corona #132 on the Chapala boardwalk, far east end.
La Leña
765-2654
Grilled steaks from Sonora with traditional side dishes is the appeal of this open-air restaurant. The mixed grill is tasty and enough for two.
Open daily noon – midnight.
Madero #236-C on the west side of the main street.
Superior
765-2180
Basic fare has been served up in this tidy restaurant for years. Well located on the main drag, try the breakfast and light lunches. Espresso is served.
Open Wed – Mon 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Madero #415.
Tomás
765-3897
This is my first choice for dinner in Chapala, even though the dining area is through both the bar and the kitchen and up the stairs. The shrimp, steaks, fish, steak sandwich, and other entrees consistently please with their straightforward style and quality. The view over the soccer stadium and nearby streets always manages to please. The service is friendly.
Open Tues – Sun noon – 9 p.m.
Alvaro Obregón #1, across from the Pemex station.
Café Magaña
765-7007
From its earlier incarnation in Ajijic, Café Magaña continues to please in Riberas. Noted for their Manchester-style fish and chips, ribs, deep-fried shrimp, and chili con carne, the café is good for ‘to go’ orders. Wine is available.
Open Mon – Sat noon – 7 p.m.
Hidalgo #100.
Grandma’s Kitchen
765-2255
Next to Puritan Poultry and S&S Auto, Grandma’s serves Slovakian home-style cooking.
Tasty and filling. Free wireless Internet.
Open Mon – Sat 1 – 9 p.m.
Hidalgo #101-A.
Mom’s
765-5719
You’ll find comfort food, as well as soups, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches, done right in a clean, pleasant, and homey atmosphere. Better still, you can order their food ‘to go’ by calling ahead. Watch them cook in the small kitchens on the perimeter of the dining area while you wait. Daily specials are consistently good and will remind you of home. Wheelchair friendly.
Open Mon – Sat 7 – 11 a.m. and 11:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Hidalgo #79 – 1 next to Plaza Maskaras.
Pizzaria Toscana
765-6996
Delicious thin crust Italian pizzas and pasta dishes bring customers in by the score, helped by their friendly staff and the young Italian-speaking owner. Salads, desserts, and wine keep them happy. Wheelchair friendly.
Open Thur – Sat & Mon noon – 10 p.m.; Sun noon – 9 p.m.
Hidalgo #75 in the lake side of the carretera in a yellow house.
Mariscos Lety
045 331021-4857
For dependable seafood entrees on the side of the highway, Marisco’s Lety continues to please. It’s more pleasant than it may sound. Recommended for fish filet and shrimp dinners. Wheelchair friendly.
Open Wed – Mon 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Carretera #154 across from the Coca-Cola warehouse.
Mario’s
766-1452
Sparkly-clean fonda featuring regional fare, as well as hamburgers, French fries and daily specials. The proud, courteous owners serve breakfast and lunch. Eat in their front dining room or back in their garden.
Open Tues – Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ramón Corona #132, half block from the square.
Tony’s Plus and Tony’s ‘Plus’ Fried Chicken
766-4069 and 766-3222
This equipal table-and-chair restaurant squeezed between Tony’s Meat Market and the Hernandez Brothers’ garage serves Mexican fare and very good meats. Their barbequed ribs are delicious and their salad bar is one of the freshest in town. Service is prompt and friendly. Watch a little TV while you dine or listen to Tony try on some Sinatra. Full bar. On the other side of Super Lake is Tony’s ‘Plus’ Fried Chicken. Visit it for light breakfasts and chicken-fries-and-slaw at midday. Good for take out and available for delivery.
Open Thur – Tues noon – 9:30 p.m.
Carretera Chapala – Jocotepec #28, next to Super Lake grocery store.
Panino
766-3822
Excellent location, consistent quality, and great service characterize this lunchtime gem that now boasts a lovely garden setting. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and daily plate specials never fail to please. Try the open-face grilled sandwiches, shrimp Louie salad, and vegetarian specials.
Open Mon – Fri 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Carretera Chapala – Jocotepec #91-A, two blocks east of Super Lake grocery store.