Los Chilaquiles Lázaro Cárdenas — Restaurant in Jalisco

This is supposedly a restaurant popular among Mexican celebrities so my friend decided it would be a good introduction to genuine Mexican cuisine after my long flight.

FOOD:

This was a very generous serving for someone who hasn't experienced a Mexican restaurant in Mexico before. I was happy with the free side dish that came with every table (the sauces and tortillas pictured on the left), but the mole with more than 30 ingredients just wasn't my thing. I would love to have tried another style of chilaquiles though, as the options took up one whole page of the menu.

Other options were available but I wanted to try the infamous chilaquiles this restaurant was named after.

DRINK:

The horchata I got tasted the same as Vancouver, nothing really special as other places I visit later on in my trip would add more cinnamon or spices to really bring out its flavor. In hindsight, I would have gotten another agua fresca.

INTERIOR:

This is a beautiful and colorful restaurant with servers dressed like mariachi that make delightful photo opportunities, especially if someone has a birthday: they will play a traditional birthday song on the radio and all the staff will sing along.

There are small hooks beside every table so you can hang coats and small backpacks while dining and a lot of space so it doesn't feel crowded despite the abundance of staff running around the two-storey restaurant. I was able to fit my suitcase and backpack around the table with little discomfort.

SERVICE:

I was impressed! There was valet parking that you only needed to tip for (maybe less than $2 Canadian) and the valets will work magic to park your car nearby. My friend, a local, advised me to take everything of value out of the car as thefts have been known to happen.

Just be ready for the street around the restaurant to be chaotic during a busy time as there will be plenty of people picking up their cars in the middle of the road and waiting to drop them off.

Nobody here speaks English, so it is better to have some level of Spanish when...

Came here because we saw a YouTube video of the restaurant with a very good review, but honestly, I’ve gone to less “fancy” restaurants that are better, where they treat you equally despite what you’re wearing. For all of us to leave feeling like they failed to attend us as quickly as other tables that had “better dressed customers” it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. The presentation of the food was alright, the ribs I asked for did not look like the ones that looked like the traditional rib stack that are juicy and tender. Mine was very dry and the salsas weren’t spicy. My orange juice? It wasn’t cold. If they’re used to serving it luke warm, they should atleast advise the customer. It was sweet but a warm orange juice isn’t as enjoyable. My friend ordered a coffee, the first one was alright, she asked for extra 2 creamers and a new one once she finished and one of the creamers was already OPENED.., and the 2nd coffee was cold. It had no steam coming out so they replaced it where the 3rd one actually showed steam and it was alright. Her eggs cost 122 pesos and they came out cold by the time she got them and her plate was SIMPLE since she didn’t want a big platter. I usually don’t ever complain but since my peers didn’t enjoy it, of course I’ll express their concerns and mine as well now that I’m speaking forth. They took long to attend us, my peers would try to get someone’s attention and everyone would pass by and not acknowledge her. The chilaquiles per my peers were more Americanized and they wanted something SPICY !!! for a restaurant that has many celebrities come by, they definitely need to step it up. In America, and anywhere else if the service is good of course the tips will follow. So for workers … they should know not to discriminate...

If you’re a chilaquiles lover, this place is a must-visit! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warm hospitality, a clean and cozy atmosphere, and the mouthwatering smell of authentic Mexican food. The star of the menu is definitely the chilaquiles—crispy tortillas soaked in just the right amount of sauce, whether you prefer red, green, or a spicy blend. The flavors are rich and traditional, and you can really tell they use fresh, quality ingredients.

They offer a variety of toppings like eggs, chicken, and even arrachera, all cooked to perfection. The salsa has the perfect balance of spice and flavor, and everything comes out hot and fresh in no time. The service is impressively fast, and the staff is friendly and helpful if you’re not sure what to order.

What I loved the most is how authentic everything tasted—just like a homemade meal in a Mexican kitchen. It’s clear that this place takes pride in their food and their service. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full breakfast, this restaurant delivers an excellent experience every time. Can’t wait to go back...