Birrieria La Guadalajara — Restaurant in Ensenada

We were on the hunt for carne en su jugo, but alas they were out, it’s a non menu item that as it’s name suggests is a simple “meat it in it’s own juice” stew. It’s a little different than the types of birria’s, which this place specializes in. It’s also different than the Souse style where they just take the basic stew and serve it with the meat.

Jalisco birria is generally a stew or wet, while the Michoacan birria is closer to what most think of as barbacoa. Think of it as wet vs. dry. Most people consider goat the main birria meat because of the slow cook times being ideal for the gamey and often tougher meats, but they offer lamb, goat, pork and beef styles.

Service can be slow and not all the staff speak English, you can get by without speaking Spanish, but there are some basic descriptions. Prices are very affordable. I was here with some friends and got service 1 glass of water, and wasn’t served again. They are Johnny on the spot to seat and take that first order, but forget all about you.

We ordered a wide variety of items. Cabeza being a favorite for 2 of us we got the regular order, a surtido mixed meats taco, some lamb quesotacos, some goat quesotacos. The tortillas were good as usual down here. The beans and rice were ok. The service was so slow that our cabeza had coagulated in the time it took to get our check or try for another drink. All the meats were tender, juicy, nothing really stood out except the level of meats were exceptional. The tacos were a little on the sloppy side for presentation. Some dishes are well plated and others on paper, what napkins?

The chips they serve are puffs and the salsas and hot sauces are quite good. They do not skimp on the onions or cilantro. We had dinner here after a long day of boozing so we tried to steer clear from the booze, my beer was semi cold and not ice cold like you’d expect, selection was ok, but as with most places basic.

It’s a place of great value and history, excellent food and pretty unique, but they know that and still...

Absolutely incredible. Friendly service (our server did not speak English but was very accommodating) and the food was amazing and a great value. Order the birria (meet stewed in its own juices and spices). You will not be disappointed. We especially liked the birria de res (beef) tacos con queso (with cheese). Upon sitting you are immediately given chips, salsa, and a bunch of toppings for the birria (cilantro, onion, radish, limes, and a red Chile sauce). Use them! The salsa was incredibly fresh and just the right amount of spice. Chips were unique. We also had the horchata which was quite tasty (not overly sweet like many places in the US). The place was filled with locals which is always a good sign. Like most places outside the US you do have to ask for the check so if you’re in a hurry do so when your food arrives. Overall an incredible experience and even though we live in a state with fabulous Mexican food my husband and I have been dreaming about this since. Only downside was asada (steak) tacos were only okay. Beans were awesome!...

Omg this place is amazing! Two of us came here around 10:30am on a Sunday. The place was super busy, but luckily we were able to snag a table without waiting.

We ordered a small order of lamb birria, lamb birria quesataco, goat birria quesataco, a beer and a margarita. The margarita was delicious and strong! While we waited for our food, we were given chips and salsa, plus the normal fixings (onions, cilantro, salsa, limes, & radishes). We were later given fresh tortillas and beans when the food arrived.

The food. Just outstanding! The broth for the birria was a thinner consistency & clearer than what I'm used to, but it was just amazing! I don't understand how much flavor they can pack into just one spoonful of broth! Embarrassingly, I could drink it everyday. The meat was incredibly tender that it just melts in your mouth. The quesatacos were everything I...