Guadalajara Hacienda

A GuestLife Houston Great Restaurant

By George L. Rosenblatt
Photography by Jim Caldwell

South of the border, the name Guadalajara evokes the image of Mexico’s great cities. North of the border, in Houston, the name Guadalajara evokes images of Mexico’s food.

While Mexico’s supercities include only one Guadalajara, Houston’s super-comida includes several easily accessible Guadalajara Mexican restaurants. At all of them, Mexico’s kitchen traditions of fresh, wholesome ingredients reign in dishes both familiar and innovative. In a city where really good salsas abound, for example, Guadalajara’s stands out with its flavorful accents of cilantro and peppers. Whether dipped in the salsa or nibbled out of hand, the accompanying tostadas are tasty chips of freshly made corn tortillas gently fried.

Guadalajara serves its specialties in an appealing atmosphere that is at once festive and friendly. On I-10 west, near Memorial City Mall, is an authentic example of a timeless Mexican hacienda. Colorful lights festoon dining areas and outdoor patios. Tables sit comfortably along walls whose painting and structure suggest the streets of Tlaquepaque, long a picturesque artistic sector of the city of Guadalajara. The newest location, Guadalajara Del Centro, is downtown next to the House of Blues. It features the cozy and upscale Agave Lounge upstairs — the perfect place to begin or end your evening out. Most importantly, however, the food is flavor friendly, well beyond the relative simplicity of handmade tortillas, fresh salsa, and pico de gallo. It is also deliciously creative, mirroring the vast, inventive culinary repertoire of Mexico itself.

Fresh Yucatan style ceviche and made to order guacamole are a favorite. Chicken enchiladas? Si, como no? (Yes, why not?) How about enchiladas filled with shrimp and crabmeat topped with cheese and a creamy avocado sauce? Fajitas or chile con queso? Yes, of course. From an extensive menu that bridges Mexican and Tex-Mex food with expertise and creativity, Guadalajara restaurants invite exploration of their meat, poultry, and seafood entrées, their flavors; and their charms.

Open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.

Menu Highlights

STARTERS

Baja Cocktail
Fresh shrimp and lump crab meat combined with fresh tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro

Guacamole Vallarta
Chunks of boiled shrimp blended with fresh avocados, tomatoes, red onions, seasoning, and cilantro

ENSALADAS

The Cabo Salad
Fire-grilled, bacon-wrapped shrimp and jumbo scallops on a bed of field greens or spinach (please verify), with roasted pecans, red onions, roasted bell peppers and Cotija cheese

Ensalada Del Rio
Fire-grilled salmon with raspberrychipotle glaze, roasted pecans and Mexican cheese over mixed greens with mango-lime vinaigrette.

ENTRÉES

Red Snapper Veracruz
Known in Mexico as “Huachinango,” grilled over hard wood and topped with Veracruz sauce. Served with Hacienda Rice and grilled vegetables

Carne Asada Vallarta
Three jumbo bacon-wrapped shrimp atop our delicious carne asada, sautéed mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers, and pepper jack cheese. Served with cilantro rice and fiesta green beans

Ceviche Tostadas
Three tostadas with fresh ceviche and shredded lettuce.

DESSERT

Trés Leches Cake

MIXED DRINKS

Mango Margaritas

Fruit Mojitos

Seen above: Carne Asada Vallarta

Guadalajara Hacienda
• 27885 Highway 45 North, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
(281) 362-0774
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

• 9799 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024
(713) 461-5300
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

Guadalajara Mexican Grille and Bar
2925 Southwest Fwy, Houston, Texas 77098
(713) 942-0772
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

Del Centro
1201 San Jacinto, Space 141, Houston, Texas 77002
(next to House of Blues Downtown)
(713) 650-0101
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

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