Best Burgers in Guadalajara: Neighbourhood Guide

The best burgers in Guadalajara cluster around Avenida Chapultepec in Colonia Americana, in Providencia and Chapalita, and across the city line in Zapopan. Two styles share the city: charcoal-grilled burgers, a long-running habit of local burger joints, and a newer wave of smash and gourmet counters in the colonias west of the historic centre.

Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco, one of Mexico’s main livestock states, and its burger scene grew up next to a strong street-food culture. The local icon is not a burger but the torta ahogada, a crusty birote roll drowned in tomato and chile sauce, so a tapatío burger competes with serious sandwiches. Charcoal is the marker to look for: many of the city’s older burger spots grill over coals rather than on a flat-top.

Burgers in Guadalajara: key facts

• Neighbourhoods to explore: Colonia Americana and Avenida Chapultepec, Providencia, Chapalita, Zapopan and Tlaquepaque.
• Local style: the charcoal-grilled burger, hamburguesa al carbón.
• Local rival: the torta ahogada, Guadalajara’s signature sandwich.
• Currency: Mexican peso (MXN). Menu prices include 16% VAT (IVA), and a tip of 10 to 15% is usual at sit-down restaurants.
• Getting around: light rail Line 3 links Zapopan, the city centre and Tlaquepaque.

Every guide we publish on Guadalajara is dated and lists only venues, addresses, prices and ratings we could verify. To compare Jalisco with other cities, browse our burger restaurant guides by city.