2026 begins with critical repairs to Guadalajara’s water systems

Earlier this month, 892 neighborhoods across the Guadalajara metro area experienced disruptions to their water service as the public utility SIAPA addressed critical infrastructure issues.

The affected areas included Tonalá (375 neighborhoods), Tlaquepaque (247 neighborhoods), Guadalajara (205 neighborhoods), and Zapopan (65 neighborhoods), spanning more than 2 million residents and 800,000 customer accounts. These areas are primarily supplied by the Miravalle and Las Huertas water treatment plants. 

With a budget of 38.4 million pesos ($2.1 million USD), SIAPA stated that the work was urgently needed to prevent major failures, reduce the risk of system collapse, and ensure the safe operation of the metropolitan area’s main water system.

Among the most critical system components addressed was the electrical substation at the Chapala Pumping Plant, a facility that has been in service for 34 years without meaningful improvements. This substation supplies power to the pumping and control equipment that transports water from Guadalajara’s main water source. 

In addition to improvements to the Chapala substation, SIAPA’s work this month involved replacing power circuit breakers, Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) meters, hardware, surge arresters, and disconnect switches, as well as installing new control panels and reprogramming electromechanical equipment. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and reliability of water service across the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area.

While the work was underway, residents of the affected neighborhoods experienced low water pressure or a complete cutoff. To mitigate the inconvenience, local officials mounted a special operation to distribute drinking water to affected residents via hundreds of water trucks and stationary tanks around the city. 

As of January 6, SIAPA reported that water services had been fully restored to its customers. Moreover, this month’s intervention eliminates the need for additional maintenance to the system in 2026, traditionally completed over the Semana Santa week.

Guadalajara Airport adds 4 new international routes

As the city prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded international service is being added at Guadalajara airport to support the anticipated increase in demand. New flights launching in recent weeks connect Guadalajara with Calgary (WestJet), Montreal (Air Transat), Toronto (Air Canada), and Bogotá, Colombia (Volaris). These new routes are expected to support continued passenger growth at Guadalajara’s international airport in 2026. 

WestJet’s non-stop flights between Calgary (YYC) and Guadalajara are offered twice weekly, on  Tuesdays & Sundays. This service was originally conceived as a seasonal winter route, but was recently extended to year-round service.  

Air Transat offers nonstop flights from Montreal (YUL) to Guadalajara (GDL), twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays. This service is expected to run through mid-year in 2026.

The two new Canadian routes come on top of two other international destinations added late last year. In November 2025, Air Canada began offering nonstop service between Toronto and Guadalajara three times a week, and Volaris began nonstop service between Guadalajara and Bogota, Colombia twice weekly.

According to Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Jalisco’s Secretary of Tourism, the state is also in talks with several European carriers about potential new destinations. This is exciting news for Guadalajara’s five million residents, who would no doubt embrace more connectivity to Europe, building on Aeroméxico’s successful introduction of a Guadalajara to Madrid route in 2021. 

Air pollution reached record levels in 2025

Air quality in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area set a dubious record in 2025, with a dramatic increase in days with unhealthy air compared to 2024.

According to the official report “Air Quality Statistics 2025,” issued by the Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development (Semadet), Guadalajara’s metro area saw 239 days with poor air quality in 2025. The rate was nearly five times higher than in 2024, when the city experienced 68 days with air pollution exceeding recommended safety levels.

As in prior years, Guadalajara’s worst air pollution in 2025 was recorded on the south side. Guadalajara’s southern neighborhoods see higher industrial emissions, alongside epic traffic congestion and less tree cover than other parts of town. On top of those man-made contributors, the south side’s lower elevation, combined with thermal inversions, exacerbates pollution levels in winter.

The most dangerous pollutants afflicting Guadalajara are PM10 and PM2.5 particles. These terms refer to the types of particulate matter (PM) in the air, based on their size. PM10 particles are small enough to enter human lungs, whereas PM2.5 particles are so small that they can pass into the bloodstream.

Despite multiple initiatives by the state government to improve the city’s air quality, results in 2025 suggest the need to find new and better ways to improve air quality, to fulfill Jalisco’s public health and environmental sustainability goals. 

Public transportation set to rise 27%

The general fare charged for the city’s public transportation is increasing from 11 pesos to 14 pesos in 2026. The new fare, which will take effect in April 2026, affects passengers on all modes of public transport, including buses and light rail.

As part of the deal, service providers committed to a fare freeze from 2026 to 2030, meaning that no additional price hikes will occur until after 2030. Public transportation authorities have also committed to numerous improvements, including increasing the frequency of routes, hiring more staff, putting more focus on safety, and increasing operator pay to improve quality.

For senior citizens, teachers, people with disabilities, and heads of household, a 50% fare reduction is available, while Mexican citizens with the “La Única” card will be eligible for a subsidy, paying only 11 pesos. Additionally, following a successful negotiation with student activists, students with a valid ID will be eligible to ride public transit for 5 pesos. 

Despite the concessions to vulnerable groups, many Guadalajara residents remain displeased with the fare hike. A public march on January 13th attracted an estimated 500 people, with one participant stating flatly, “The quality of transport is not worth the increase.” 

After discovering that life in Mexico was a lot more fun than working in corporate America, Dawn Stoner moved to Guadalajara in 2022, where she lives with her husband, two cats and Tapatío rescue dog. Her blog livewellmexico.com helps expats live their best life south of the border.

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Don’t know what I’m referring to? Let me explain.

How dynamic currency conversion works

When you’re shopping or dining in Mexico and use a foreign credit card to pay, the merchant’s payment processor (often referred to as a terminal) identifies the card’s country of origin based on the issuing bank. In some cases, this triggers a choice of two payment options.

In this situation, a salesperson may ask if you prefer to pay in U.S. dollars (or whatever your home currency is) instead of Mexican pesos. While the question may seem harmless, in truth, it’s anything but.

When a consumer agrees to pay in their home currency instead of the local one, the purchase price displays on the terminal’s screen, with the merchant’s exchange rate and any fees shown beneath it, in smaller print. If the customer declines, the purchase is made in Mexican pesos, and the cardholder’s bank does the currency conversion at its own rate.

Transacting in your home currency, or accepting DCC, invariably means paying a higher price due to the merchant’s bigger exchange rate markups. 

How much more will you pay with DCC? It varies by merchant since they’re the ones who set the exchange rate for customers who accept DCC. But the bottom line is that DCC usually works out badly for the consumer.

The subtext of this practice is that merchants are counting on buyers with foreign cards being inexperienced and intimidated to transact in Mexican pesos. When they find a customer that fits the bill, they take advantage.

Now, I’m not blaming front-line staff for ripping off customers. Most store clerks and waiters probably have no idea how a decision like this financially impacts the consumer. But their boss certainly does!

How to protect yourself from DCC

Whenever you use a foreign credit card in Mexico, you must be alert to this practice. If a restaurant, hotel, shop or other business establishment asks if you prefer to pay in dollars (or another foreign currency) instead of pesos, politely but firmly refuse with a “no, gracias.”  

Or, do as I do and proactively tell the merchant that you want to pay in pesos when handing them your credit card. This preempts the question.

Sometimes, a merchant may hand you the terminal with both the peso and dollar prices displayed side by side. Always tap the peso price.

In expensive restaurants where there are lots of foreign diners, you may be handed a bill with two totals displayed, one in pesos and the other in U.S. dollars. Circle the amount in Mexican pesos before signing the bill.

While no merchant is obligated to offer the customer an uncompetitive exchange rate on DCC transactions, they almost all do. It seems they can’t help themselves – reputations be damned.

Whenever I’m out buying things, I pay particularly close attention to Mercado Pago terminals, because I know their software is built to offer dynamic currency conversion.

How to fight back when you’ve been DCC’d

I fell prey to this practice last summer at a gourmet food store I visit regularly in Guadalajara. I’d been chatting with my spouse during checkout, and the clerk proceeded to charge my credit card in dollars without asking me first. 

It wasn’t clear that I’d been duped until a few hours later, when I pulled the receipt out of my wallet at home.

By processing my payment in dollars, the sale was roughly US $16 higher than it would have been if I’d paid in pesos. This was thanks to the merchant’s horrible exchange rate, which equated to an 8% markup! Sheesh. 

According to Visa and Mastercard policies, consumers have the right to decline dynamic currency conversion when it’s offered. Merchants cannot default the customer to a DCC transaction without their consent.

Disputing purchases with your credit card issuer

If you discover a Mexican merchant has done exactly that — i.e., ringing up your purchase in dollars (or another foreign currency) without asking your preference — ask them to reverse the charge and ring it up again in pesos. If they refuse, then mark the receipt “local currency not offered” and inform the clerk that you will be disputing the charges with your credit card company.

Similarly, if you were pressured to accept payment in a foreign currency instead of the local one, dispute the charge with your card issuer. Be sure to provide the original receipt showing the merchant’s name, location, contact information and the amount charged in dollars.

Your bank will initiate an investigation and, in the best outcome, refund you the excessive fees and/or charge them back to the merchant who ripped you off. I successfully challenged the 8% overcharge mentioned above with Capital One, my credit card issuer, and was reimbursed in a few weeks. 

But it’s not always so easy. With some companies, dispute resolutions can drag on for months. Nevertheless, I think it’s worth holding merchants accountable when they rip off buyers paying with foreign cards.

Now, if you were offered the choice of paying in your home or local currency and chose your home currency, there’s no basis to dispute the excess charges after the fact. In this case, chalk it up to “expat education” and pay closer attention the next time you pull out a foreign credit card in Mexico.

Why DCC is becoming more common in Mexico

Mexico has long been a cash-oriented economy. According to the National Survey of Financial Inclusion (ENIF) released in March by the Mexican government, cash was used by 85% of Mexicans when purchasing lower ticket items in 2024. Meaning, those that cost less than 500 pesos.

But things are starting to change thanks to Latin America’s fast-growing financial technology sector, driven by the likes of Mercado Pago, Adyen and others. New products aimed at increasing digital payments in Mexico are rolling out at a rapid clip.

In its second-quarter letter to shareholders, Mercado Libre (the biggest e-commerce platform in Mexico) highlighted the release of dynamic currency conversion for its Mexican business customers using the Mercado Pago payments system. 

What this means for anyone shopping here with foreign credit cards is that DCC will be even more prevalent going forward, especially in major cities and tourist destinations.

After discovering that life in Mexico was a lot more fun than working in corporate America, Dawn Stoner moved to Guadalajara in 2022, where she lives with her husband, two cats and Tapatío rescue dog. Her blog livewellmexico.com helps expats live their best life south of the border.

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After a difficult patch that saw the Corona Capital GDL festival go on hiatus, the closure of Guanamor Teatro Studio for renovations and a management change and construction issues delaying the brand-new Guadalajara Arena’s opening, things are finally getting back on track (musically speaking) for La Perla Tapatía. 

This fall, Guadalajara’s live music calendar is jam-packed. Here are four events that diehard alt-rock/indie music fans should have on their radar.

Brian Jonestown Massacre

Indie rock veterans The Brian Jonestown Massacre performing at the U.K.’s Glastonbury Festival in June.

I first became a fan of Brian Jonestown Massacre after watching “Dig!,” the critically acclaimed (and totally loco) 2004 documentary chronicling the love/hate relationship between BJM and rival band, the Dandy Warhols.

Formed by Anton Newcombe in San Francisco back in the early 1990s, BJM never achieved big stardom, but it developed an intensely loyal following. The band’s lush, ethereal sound harkens back to 1960s psychedelic-rock and blues (think early Rolling Stones) with a twist all their own.

If new to the band, check out the instantly captivating “Straight Up and Down” — best known as the theme from HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” — or the bluesy “Anemone,” which was featured in a 2021 documentary about chef Anthony Bourdain.

At a live BJM show, the wildcard is always Newcombe himself — a man equal parts musical savant and mercurial diva. If I may use a tired cliché, their shows are like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re going to get. And that’s part of the fun.

Brian Jonestown Massacre performs at C4 Concert House in Guadalajara on October 23. Tickets are available at TicketNow.

Morrissey

Morrissey plays to excited fans at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City in 2018.

Lead singer and lyricist of the seminal 1980s band The Smiths, Steven Patrick Morrissey is headed to Guadalajara in early November.

Mexicans (and especially Mexican Americans) have long adored Morrissey. Some speculate that the intense connection stems from his writing’s similarity to Mexican ranchera music, which also embraces themes of alienation and longing.

But I don’t think you have to dig that deep to explain Morrissey’s appeal in Mexico. This handsome devil with a slick pompadour, enchanting voice and dark, melancholy lyrics seems quintessentially Latin. Add to it his brooding persona and witty observations that evoke a modern-day Oscar Wilde, and his cult-like following is no surprise.

For his part, Morrissey loves Mexico back, having once declared onstage, “I wish I was born Mexican, but it’s too late for that now.” 

Lately, Morrissey’s diva-like antics and penchant for cancelling concerts has rubbed some the wrong way. It leaves me feeling like holding a ticket to a Morrissey concert is a bit of a gamble. But once you’ve seen Morrissey live, I’m guessing you’ll roll the dice again. 

Morrissey performs (hopefully) at Telmex Auditorium in Zapopan on November 4. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Corona Capital Guadalajara 2025

Corona Capital returns to Guadalajara this fall as an “extension” of the annual 3-day music festival in CDMX. Following a two-year hiatus in Jalisco’s capital, the 2025 edition moves to the campus of UAG in Zapopan for one day only.

The lineup features three talented European bands that hit it big in the early 2000s. Set to headline the event is Keane, the British alt-rock quartet.

More than 20 years after the release of its multiplatinum debut album Hopes and Fears, Keane is still known for its gorgeous, piano-driven melodies and Tom Chaplin’s rich falsetto vocals. Through sincerity and musicianship, they’re one of those rare bands with no need for flashy stagecraft or gimmicks to connect with fans. 

Also on the bill is Grammy-winning, French synth-pop darlings Phoenix, making their first trip to Guadalajara since headlining Corona Capital back in 2019. Rounding out the lineup is Britpop duo The Kooks, who are touring in support of their new album “Never/Know.”

Corona Capital rolls into Estadio 3 de Marzo on the campus of Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara (in Zapopan) on November 6. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

The Echoes Festival

Headlining the Echoes Festival will be Foster the People, seen here performing at the P’al Norte Festival in Monterrey this year in April.

Returning to Guadalajara for its third edition, the Echoes Festival is the city’s only homegrown indie music festival. The lineup announced thus far includes alt-rock, electronic and jazz musical acts, along with art and culinary offerings. 

Headlining the event is Los Angeles-based Foster the People. With an upbeat, danceable music catalog spanning nearly 15 years, FTP is a festival-circuit mainstay. 

Composer and lead singer Mark Foster honed his craft as a jingle writer and D.J. before breaking through with Foster The People back in 2010. Even those who don’t follow the band will likely recognize the irresistible “Pumped Up Kicks,” which Foster initially released as a free download on his website before he landed a record deal. 

Additional acts on the bill include Cuco, Two Feet, Puma Blue, and Disco Bahia. 

This year’s Echoes Festival takes place in Tesistown, a grassy, open-air venue far removed from Guadalajara’s typical urban chaos (but reachable via mass transit). The event’s previous location is now an IKEA store, sigh. 

Echoes Festival is happening in La Cuchilla, Jalisco (about 1 hour northwest of Guadalajara Centro) on November 29. General admission and VIP tickets are available at Fever. 

After discovering that life in Mexico was a lot more fun than working in corporate America, Dawn Stoner moved to Guadalajara in 2022, where she lives with her husband, two cats and Tapatío rescue dog. Her blog livewellmexico.com helps expats live their best life south of the border.

The post For Guadalajara’s indie rock fans, the drought is finally over: Keane, Morrissey and more to play this fall appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Though Guadalajara still lacks the thriving wine bar scene of Mexico City, a new wave of bottle shops and bars have opened in the past two years. It seems like wine culture may at last be taking root here.

What makes a great wine bar? 

In my book it’s someplace that’s all about the grape. A great wine bar isn’t  a bar selling wine alongside a cocktail program; it’s a spot with knowledgeable staff offering wines not found elsewhere, with food meant to be  paired with wine in a setting conducive to conversation.

With that in mind, below are my top five places in Guadalajara to enjoy a good glass of wine. 

Roothouse 

Tucked away on a quiet street in the Colonia Americana, Roothouse has an elegant, low-key ambience. Since its opening in 2023, it has developed a strong following.

The wine list contains both old and new world wines, but skews towards European labels. We enjoyed a light, refreshing Crémant from Loire, a stunning Tuscan red blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and a full-bodied Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero. 

Roothouse’s food is an ideal complement to its wines: Spanish-inspired tapas, small pizzas and a few large plates. Our pizza was prepared with goat cheese, cherry tomatoes and peppers. I love that they use double-zero flour, which produces a chewy and delicious crust every time.

Indoor tables are generously spaced and low-lit, ideal for quality conversation. Or just relax and sip while you take in lo-fi jazz and trip hop on the sound system. The outdoor, partially covered patio in back is more convivial, with live jazz musicians on weekends.  

Juan Ruiz de Alarcón 92, Colonia Americana, Lafayette

El Corcho

I first visited El Corcho, another Colonia Americana staple, about three years ago, not long after relocating to Guadalajara. While I loved its well curated wine list, the ambience felt a bit spartan. 

Owner Nahum Camacho decided to spruce things up in early 2025, and the place has a new energy. With tan suede banquettes, soft lighting and a menu overhaul, El Corcho is now a cozy and cool spot worthy of a date night. 

The wine list skews European, with a particular affinity for Italian reds from lesser-known regions like Puglia and Campania. Like most other wine bars in town, Mexican wines are oddly overlooked. Perhaps the cosmopolitan young Tapatíos who frequent these spots just feel sexier drinking imports?

Wines rotate regularly, with about two dozen options by the bottle and four to five by the glass. I had a memorable red made from the seldom seen Nero di Troia grape, while my husband quaffed a refreshing rose of Aglianico. 

Unlike some wine bars where you leave hungry, El Corcho’s kitchen consistently turns out sophisticated and delicious plates. 

Our favorite dishes here are the pan-seared cauliflower with artichoke cream sauce, almonds and parsley; the tomato salad with extra virgin olive oil, pistachios, parmesan, goat cheese and aged grapefruit; and the mussels with pomme fries. 

Argentina 15, Colonia Americana

LAVID Cava y Copa

Without a doubt, LAVID is the swankiest wine bar in Guadalajara — and probably all of Jalisco. Its floor-to-ceiling blond wood shelves display fine wines from prestigious vintners, Riedel glassware and a small library’s worth of wine books. 

Whenever I visit, I half expect to see Anna Wintour seated at the marble U-shaped bar, sipping champagne. LAVID is a place with serious wines for beautiful people with money to burn.

It can all seem a bit intimidating. But the staff are welcoming and unpretentious, so it’s worth a stop before or after dinner in Andares.  

This is your go-to spot for hard-to-find Super Tuscans, Napa Cabernets, Ribera del Duero Tempranillos, and top wines from Valle de Guadalupe. There are coveted bottles from storied wineries like Stag’s Leap, Marchesi Antinori and Viña Tondonia that will cost you a pretty penny, as well as premium pours from their Coravin.

Upstairs, an inviting lounge is the perfect spot for a private soirée. On Thursday nights, a younger, smartly dressed crowd descends to sip and socialize while enjoying live DJ sets.

If you’re short on time, just grab a bottle to go. And don’t miss the tiny tins of caviar! Visit LAVID’s Instagram for information on seasonal flights and upcoming tastings.

Blvd. Puerta de Hierro 5225, Puerta de Hierro, Zapopan

La Cave Liberté

On the grittier south end of Colonia Americana sits a tiny gem of a wine bar called La Cave Liberté, run by a Frenchman named Louis. I started visiting this place late last year, after hearing foodie expats rave about it.

As a Guadalajara resident for the past three years, I’d resigned myself to foregoing my favorite French wines and artisanal French cheeses as too exotic to find here. But with the opening of La Cave Liberté, I found those things, as well as a kindred spirit in Louis. 

Louis — whose main gig is poker — decided to open the wine bar as a passion project. His wines are 99 percent French, with bottles from lesser-known regions like Alsace and Loire, along with perennial favorites Bordeaux and Burgundy. 

Prices range from US $20 white blends to triple digit Burgundies. No matter what you choose, it’s still cheaper than a flight to Paris!

La Cave Liberté’s wines are wonderful, but what makes it extra-special is the artisanal cheese, sourced mostly from France, along with a few gems from Mexico. Customize a plate and pair it with these unique wines for a next-level sensory experience. 

On our last visit we devoured a creamy Pirámide de Cabra from Queretaro, a pungent Roquefort, and Tête de Moine, a melt-in-your-mouth Swiss mountain cheese. 

All bottles, cheeses and charcuterie can be purchased to take away. Check out LCL’s Instagram for upcoming tasting events. And like any worthwhile French bistro, dogs are welcome too.

Libertad 1416b, Colonia Americana

Rayuela Bodega de Vino

Rayuela is a cozy, under-the-radar spot in the leafy Colonia Moderna, south of Guadalajara Centro. Its vibe is bohemian chic, with unmatching wooden tables, a vintage stereo system playing jazz-hip hop fusion and a shaded garden patio.

Unlike pretty much everywhere else, Rayuela devotes its attention to biodynamic and natural wines, paired with exceptionally tasty Italian-inspired dishes. 

The bottle list is refreshingly arranged by style, not region. Reds are grouped as light, robust and complex or structured and interesting, with tasting notes for each bottle to help you decide.  

Italian wine fans are well taken care of here, with bottles from France, Spain and Austria as well. If you can’t decide, staff are happy to make a recommendation. You can also visit Rayuela’s cellar to explore more options.

We chose a funky natural sparkling Pét Nat  of Durello, from the Veneto region, to pair with a stunning burrata and tomato salad, and a Grenache-Syrah blend from the Rhône Valley to pair with wild mushroom pappardelle pasta.  

While it’s a little off the beaten path, Rayuela is a charming spot worthy of a detour. If I lived nearby, I’d definitely be a regular.

Av. Alemania 1779, Moderna

Honorable mentions

Three other wine bars in Guadalajara I recommend visiting if you’re thirsty for more are La Mantequería in Andares, for top Valle de Guadalupe wines; Romea in Americana, for European wines; and Cava Charmat in Monraz, for Mexican and imported wines.

After discovering that life in Mexico was a lot more fun than working in Corporate America, Dawn Stoner moved to Guadalajara in 2022, where she lives with her husband, two cats and Tapatío rescue dog. Her blog livewellmexico.com helps expats live their best life south of the border.

The post Where to drink good wine in the heart of tequila country appeared first on Mexico News Daily

It’s just a store, right?

I used to work as a retail analyst on Wall Street. My job back then was to figure out which companies could attract a loyal following with unique products that drove consistent profits, which signaled an investment opportunity.

I left that work long ago but am still intrigued by businesses that develop a “secret sauce” that has customers falling over themselves to shop there, despite easier alternatives.

What it’s like shopping at Costco in Mexico

Never been to a Costco in Mexico? Let me give you a taste of what it’s like here in Guadalajara. 

The manager of Costco’s store on the city’s west side claims his is the busiest in all of Mexico. I believe him. Shopping there feels like entering a Ninja Warrior competition without training — or a sanity test no one asked for.

The first challenge is parking. This Costco’s parking lot is always jammed with slow-moving cars circling like predator sharks waiting for a spot to open up. I admit that we once left our car in a fire lane after circling for 15 minutes and failing to find one. Nothing happens when you do this in Guadalajara.

Next, you must get your hands on an empty shopping cart. On weekends, it’s common to see a line of customers queued up at the entrance waiting for one to be surrendered. 

• Pro tip: You’ll have no trouble finding an abandoned cart inside the store, most likely by someone who crumbled after seeing the length of the checkout lines.

Once inside, you’ll see families pushing carts overflowing with electronics, clothing, enormous  packages of snack food and so on. Most will push these heavy loads around until they arrive within 10 feet of the checkout counter. Then they’ll hurriedly cast off items they don’t really need but grabbed impulsively. 

As this ritual gets repeated over and over, the checkout area starts to resemble retail chaos. I pity the employees who have to deal with the aftermath. 

Once you’ve finished shopping and are ready to pay, your commitment and loyalty to Costco is truly put to the test. Each checkout line can stretch half the store’s length, requiring another 45-minute wait. 

It’s enough to have you questioning if you really need that fancy air fryer, four-pack of toothpaste, and kilo of Norwegian smoked salmon right now. You may begin wondering:

 

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Can I still salvage this day if I leave now, or do I suck it up and kill this time by reading my entire phone? Most stick it out since it’s the easiest way to get your parking validated.

My husband has endured exactly two Costco visits in Mexico. The last one left such an impression that he swore he’d never return. While gringos may not put up with this, Mexicans seem more than willing to suffer for their love of Costco products.

What Mexicans love about Costco

When I asked some local friends to explain Costco’s allure, they described the “abundance” they find there, with one declaring, “They have everything. Everything!”

To my eye, Costco Mexico is selling a privileged lifestyle that’s catnip for fresas, or posh, elitist urbanites. Where else in Mexico can you find Ninja blenders, Dom Perignon champagne, Norwegian smoked salmon and Tommy Bahama beach gear in the same place? 

By the numbers, only 4% of Costco’s 133 million worldwide members are in Mexico. But that figure includes both personal and business accounts. Probably no more than 2% of Mexican households are Costco members.

But that doesn’t mean only 2% of Mexicans consume Costco products. 

I see mom-and-pop grocers around Guadalajara advertising that they sell Costco pastries. There are entire stores in expat haven Ajijic devoted to selling Costco’s Kirkland brand products at a hefty markup. Demand appears insatiable.

One Mexican woman took it a step further. 

Late last year, social media influencer Ximena Figueroa managed to buy 970 rosca de reyes cakes from Guadalajara Costco stores ahead of the Three Kings’ Day holiday. She resold them all at a premium in nearby Colima — which doesn’t have a Costco — netting a profit of 164,900 pesos (US $8,600)!  

That takes some bravado, ingenuity, and a real passion for Costco pastry.

One possible explanation

Does anyone truly know why? Perhaps the Mexican obsession with Costco is best understood through a cultural lens.

As one Guadalajara native told me, it’s the exclusivity Costco represents that certain Mexicans crave. To those who can afford it, shopping at Costco feels like being part of an elite club. After all, you have to be a card-carrying member to get in the door.

Buying an annual Costco membership in Mexico costs 600 pesos but is usable anywhere in the world. To a gringo that may sound like a bargain, with Costco memberships in the United States now going for US $65. 

But it’s no bargain for Mexicans when you adjust for income. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the average household income in Mexico is US $16,200, or less than one-third the U.S. average. So buying a Costco membership represents even more of a stretch to the average Mexican than the average American.

In other words, shopping at Costco in Mexico is one way of signaling that you’ve made it.

Another thing I’ve noticed living in Guadalajara is that Mexicans generally embrace their multi-ethnic background but are very class-conscious. The wealthy generally don’t mix with the lower classes.

Maybe this is why well-to-do Mexicans love Costco so much. They feel good about shopping somewhere that’s literally a club, sells high prestige imported goods and is effectively out of reach for ordinary people.

Guadalajara welcomes its third Costco this summer

For those who can’t get enough Costco, the city’s third store is set to open shortly on the north side, a mere five minutes from my house. 

Last month I began seeing five-star reviews pop up for the new location on Google Maps. Curious to check it out, I pedaled over on my bicycle one recent Sunday morning.

When I arrived, I found the entrance blocked by orange fencing and an unpaved parking lot. For some locals, I guess just the idea of a new Costco was worthy of five stars.

When it does finally open, I can guarantee you won’t be running into my husband there.

After discovering that life in Mexico was a lot more fun than working in Corporate America, Dawn Stoner moved to Guadalajara in 2022, where she lives with her husband, two cats and Tapatío rescue dog. Her blog livewellmexico.com helps expats live their best life south of the border.

The post Why do Mexicans love Costco so much? appeared first on Mexico News Daily

But there’s plenty for a global foodie to get excited about beyond the tried and true. Below are four can’t miss destinations where Mexican chefs trained in some of the world’s best kitchens deliver modern takes on the classics — or innovate with local ingredients in ways that are entirely their own.

Xocol 

Since 2018, husband and wife chef team Xrysw Ruelas and Oscar Segundo have led one of the most creative (and coolest) restaurants in all of Guadalajara.

Located in the humble working-class Santa Tere neighborhood, the restaurant combines a vibrant open kitchen with a single long communal table stretching the entire length of the dining room. Hanging from the black ceiling are hundreds of dried corn cobs usband and wife chef team Xrysw Ruelas and Oscar Segundo part art installation, part political statement. 

Around the massive dining table, a festive mix of local foodies and adventurous tourists dine together in the spirit of farm workers breaking bread after a day in the fields. 

“Xokol” is the Aztec word for pinto corn. And while corn is a staple of every Mexican kitchen, Xocol’s chefs favor heirloom varieties long absent from the urban culinary scene. 

Xocol’s menu changes seasonally, giving the chefs ample opportunity to showcase the versatility of heritage corn. The menu is divided into three sections: sea, no meat and with meat. While fish and shellfish feature in many dishes, vegetarians are also well cared for at Xocol. 

If you find yourself tripping over indigenous words and obscure ingredients (as I do), staff are ready to help with English translations. 

Standout dishes from our last visit were a ceviche of snapper bathed in leche de tigre juices with green cactus pear, pumpkin tamales with sea urchin bisque, and wild mushrooms with a side of quesadillas and an earthy mushroom pate. 

Whatever you do, please don’t skip the ceremonial taco Mazahua featuring an elaborate design made with indigo colored ink derived naturally from the cochineal insect. This signature dish — a vegetarian taco — is best paired with the complimentary smoky, savory and fiery salsas.

The wine list draws heavily from Europe, with obscure varietals like Gruner Veltliner rarely encountered elsewhere in Guadalajara. There are also local artisanal brews and cocktails, i.e. fermented potions that seemingly emanated from a mad scientist’s lab.

Xocol. Herrera y Cairo 1375, Santa Tere, 44600 Guadalajara, Jal. About US $75 per person.

Alcalde 

Ranked #12 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023, Alcalde sets the standard for cutting-edge contemporary Mexican cuisine in Guadalajara. Head chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano brings stellar credentials, having worked at Mugaritz and Noma before opening the restaurant in 2013. 

Alcalde’s culinary proposition is described by Ruano as “cocina franca.” Think traditional Mexican ingredients with precise European-style plating. Diners can choose from an elaborate tasting menu, which changes about four times a year, or the à la carte menu.

On our last visit my favorite plate was the otherworldly octopus in sikil p’aak. This dish riffed on a traditional Mayan recipe originating in the Yucatan, blending ground pumpkin seeds, roasted tomatoes, habanero chilies, onion, garlic and other seasonings. It delivered smoky, savory, spicy and creamy notes so addictive, I would have licked the bowl if not in public. 

Another standout was a tostada with sea bass, black beans, and macha sauce of chilies, garlic and oil. Inspired by Mexican street food, this dish was prepared using the Japanese technique kombujime, which involves curing the sashimi with seaweed to intensify its flavor. 

Besides the stunning food, Alcalde’s service is also exceptional. The staff know every nuance and detail about the ingredients, dishes, and drinks. Our waiter suggested a 2022 Clos Roussely Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire not listed on the menu as the ideal match for our dishes. It paired so beautifully with the meal we were still talking about it days later.

Pro tip: Be sure to visit the restroom at some point during your meal. The staircase provides a bird’s eye view into the kitchen where this beautiful food comes together. 

Restaurante Alcalde. Av. México 2903, Vallarta Nte., 44690 Guadalajara. Tasting menu about US 148 per person. A la carte also available. Vegan diners accommodated with advance notice.

Erizo de Mar 

The first thing you notice upon walking into Erizo de Mar, which occupies the ground floor of the Bellwort hotel in Colonia Americana, is that everything is black, including the walls, curtains, barstools, tables and chairs.

You might catch yourself thinking…am I in a nightclub? Once seated, it becomes clear that you’ve entered a food temple where nothing is meant to compete with the food.

Led by head chef and owner Alfredo “Freddy” Monteros, Erizo de Mar (sea urchin in Spanish) is dedicated to serving the freshest ingredients from Mexican waters. While still relatively unknown even amongst locals, Erizo de Mar is rapidly gaining a following for creating some of the most inventive food in Guadalajara.

While Erizo de Mar does offer an à la carte menu, we opted for the tasting menu with wine pairings on our most recent visit. If you’re in the mood to splurge, the tasting menu rewards you with a comprehensive meal showcasing the breadth of ingredients and techniques this talented kitchen can deliver.

With culinary influences from Mexico, Spain, Italy, Japan, and China (reflecting Monteros’s culinary experience on 3 continents) dishes could easily become muddled. But that’s not the case here.

Top plates from our recent meal were a delicate brioche with white sturgeon caviar and snails, a crab wonton dumpling bathed in a smoky dashi broth with chili oil, and a sea bass pil pil (a Basque technique of cooking fish with its skin on to maximize flavor). For dessert, we enjoyed a light-as-air mascarpone ice cream served with a profiterole filled with hoja santa cream.

Drink options include European and Mexican wines, Spanish sherry, and cocktails featuring distilled agave spirits. One glass worth seeking out is a sparkling white wine from San Luis Potosi made exclusively for Erizo de Mar. It’s the perfect match for briny, salty shellfish. 

Erizo de Mar. C. Miguel Lerdo de Tejada 2257, Col Americana, Obrera, 44150 Guadalajara. Tasting menu about US $84 per person. A la carte also available.

Allium

Since relocating to the Providencia neighborhood from Colonia Americana in 2023, Allium has really hit its stride — becoming a go-to spot for local foodies in search of a satisfying meal. 

We regularly bring out of town guests here because the food is consistently delicious, fresh, and unique.  The atmosphere feels informal and relaxing, with the best tables on the outdoor patio facing a towering rubber tree.

The chef team of Adolfo Galnares and Maria Ortega bring lofty credentials to Allium, with Galnares having worked at 3-Michelin star Arkelarre in San Sebastian, Spain and Ortega at NOBU.

The dishes evolve seasonally, but the foundational elements never change. Dishes incorporate Allium’s own produce as well as ingredients from small, local farmers. Think vegetables from Lake Chapala, cheeses from Antonilco, and fish from Nayarit. Their creations embody the best of contemporary “farm-to-table” dining. 

If you happen to visit in springtime, one dish that’s worth seeking out is escamoles (ant eggs). While this may not sound appetizing to non-natives, they’re a delicacy sometimes referred to as “caviar of the desert.” Unlike caviar of the sea, escamoles can only be harvested from Mexico’s central highlands between February to April. They are oh so creamy, nutty, and delicious! 

Other dishes I love at Allium are grouper fish with capers and an earthy, rich risotto with huitlacoche and smoked shiitake mushrooms. But honestly, I’ve never left Allium feeling like I “ordered wrong.”

Besides the delicious food, another reason we’re so fond of Allium is their knowledgeable and attentive servers, who share their deep passion for food with guests. For my money, it’s hard to eat better in Guadalajara for such excellent value.

Allium. Av. Providencia 2411-Local 106, Providencia, 44630 Guadalajara. About US 80 per person.

After discovering that life in Mexico was a lot more fun than working in corporate America, Dawn Stoner moved to Guadalajara in 2022, where she lives with her husband, two cats and Tapatío rescue dog. Her blog livewellmexico.com helps expats live their best life south of the border.

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Modern speakeasies aren’t illegal, but they recreate the vibe of the old clandestine bars with discreet, low-lit spaces accessed via unmarked doors, back alleys and hidden staircases. Some up the ante further with secret passwords and reservations-only policies. The reward for intrepid visitors is an underground spot to relax and imbibe with like-minded souls. Below are five of my favorite Guadalajara speakeasies that are worth the trouble to find.

Búnker Brew Club

If the idea of quaffing craft beer in a real bunker 10 meters underground dating back to World War II sounds cool, then Búnker Brew Club is the place for you.

Located in Zapopan’s charming Seattle neighborhood, BBC is known for its rotating selection of international craft brews from places including Belgium and California.  The pub’s owners have an encyclopedic knowledge of beer and are happy to offer suggestions. For connoisseurs, I recommend ordering a flight of the bartender’s choosing. 

Cool and dark, BBC is an especially good choice during one of Guadalajara’s diabolical spring heatwaves. You can forget about the suffocating heat when seated 45 feet below ground with a crisp pilsner in hand.

To find the bar, look for the pink sign that reads “Ceci” above an outdoor staircase, then descend four flights.

San Jorge 225, Colonia Seattle, 45150 Zapopan. Reservations required. Book via OpenTable.

Galgo Speakeasy

When you arrive, head through the lobby to a closed gate in back. If no one is there, ring the bell. Once you provide the password, the doorman will let you through. To enter the bar, pass through a frosted glass door that reads “Galgo Criminología,” like some old-timey detective agency. 

Packed with a young, well-dressed crowd, Galgo feels like it’s been around forever. There are wingback leather chairs, a marble top bar, vintage books, a British telephone booth and Art Deco posters on the walls.

If the ambience harkens to a bygone era, Galgo’s music brings you back to the present. On the night we visited, remixed disco beats gave way to thumping house music as the night progressed.

Galgo’s stocked bar can handle most any request, but their custom cocktails are where it’s at. Most are tequila-based — this is Jalisco, after all — and served in vintage glassware with botanicals, fresh fruit and flowers. The Barragán and Apocalypto are standouts, and oh-so-Instagramable.

As an aside, if you’re hoping to chat with whoever accompanied you, consider arriving early. When the DJ takes over around 10:30 p.m., conversation becomes nearly impossible.

Avenida Pablo Neruda 3055, Colonia Providencia. Reservations by phone or DM. Password required. More information via Instagram.

PIMP 

Unlike most speakeasies tucked into windowless back rooms and basements, PIMP occupies the floor above a Tuscan restaurant, Osteria 10. 

To enter, ascend the wooden staircase next to the restaurant’s pizza oven. Once upstairs, open the door masquerading as a bookshelf, and… benvenuti!

For my money, this is the coolest spot to grab a cocktail in Colonia Americana. PIMP’s indoor-outdoor space overlooking the treetops is bathed in soft light and perfect on cool evenings. 

This secret lair feels like your eccentric aunt’s apartment. Its shabby chic décor features faux Renaissance art, exposed brick walls and vintage chandeliers. Wingback chairs, mismatched sofas and puffy ottomans provide plenty of comfy gathering spots.

Unlike other speakeasies in town, PIMP’s music is Prohibition-era jazz and blues, and isn’t  too loud for conversation. It may explain why this spot attracts a lot of couples.

Cocktails are straightforward and cheap at just 90 pesos each. PIMP also offers Bohemia beer. I suggest visiting on a weeknight, as the place gets packed on weekends. 

Calle Manuel López Cotilla 1498-A, Lafayette, 44150 Guadalajara. No reservation or password required. More information via Instagram.

Fat Charlie

Some speakeasies should come with an experts only warning label. Nabbing a reservation at Fat Charlie took us a week and multiple inquiries via social media. For best results,  use Facebook Messenger. 

Finding the place was easier. When you arrive at the unmarked storefront, just walk through the black curtain with a red pig on it and knock. When the door opens, provide the correct password and you will be let inside. 

Upon entering, be sure to say hello to the owner’s adorable side kick, a scruffy mutt named Jack who staff members refer to as the manager. 

Once your eyes adjust to the low light, Fat Charlie offers guests a haven for a chill night out. The drinks menu includes all the usual suspects, but I’d skip the Negroni in favor of an innovative cocktail like No Rules. It blends cognac, berries, balsamic vinegar and mascarpone cream. After consuming one, you might want to skip dessert.

In addition to being a cool hangout, Fat Charlie hosts mixology classes for those looking to level up their cocktail game. 

Calle Manuel López Cotilla 1940, Colonia Americana. No entry without the password. More information via Facebook. 

Nomu 

Nomu is a gorgeous, cozy, candlelit bar hiding in plain sight. You enter from inside a sleek Japanese restaurant called Honne via an unmarked door next to the sushi bar. 

While dining at Honne, I didn’t even notice the door until someone exited through it. Its black tile façade matches the wall perfectly, rendering it invisible.

Nomu’s vibe is low-key and sophisticated, making it the perfect spot for a special date, secret rendezvous, or conversation with an old friend. 

Their drinks menu features various concoctions with tequila, mezcal and raicilla, all derived from the agave plant. It’s also a great spot for fans of Japanese sake and whiskey. Like the décor and drinks, service at Nomu is also top-shelf.

While this upscale neighborhood isn’t popular with out-of-towners or expats, Nomu is a great option if you find yourself on the west side of Guadalajara for dinner or a concert at the 3 de Marzo stadium.

Avenida Naciones Unidas 4839, Int. 103, Jardines Universidad. No password or reservation required. More information via Instagram.

After discovering that life in Mexico was a lot more fun than working in corporate America, Dawn Stoner moved to Guadalajara in 2022, where she lives with her husband, two cats and Tapatío rescue dog. Her blog livewellmexico.com helps expats live their best life south of the border.

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