Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (Redding) — Restaurant in Redding

This restaurant was referred to me by someone who said they had been there and really enjoyed it. I must go back and talk with them - they must have been to the wrong restaurant. I think that I have said that I'm no "foodie", but I know how to cook and what it a good meal and what is not.

This restaurant was embarrassingly bad. I recognize that some eateries are, unless they are in a bigger city where there is more similar places against which to compare, or the chef/owners are escaping from the city and opening a place that just their names will attract attention (Pangea, Point Arena, is an example - founded by two top chefs from San Francisco a number of year's ago, now closed), are undeserving of some of their reviews. The margarita at the top of the list says in clear print Fresh mix - it came out of a bottle and was horribly sweet. There was a lip mark on the edge. The chips were not made there and were stale, tasteless, and I have eaten better cardboard. The salsa was not bad. We were taking our time ordering, and the wait staff asked us about three times if we were ready. I politely said no each time. The last time the individual walked off in a huff, and I could see him complaining to someone. I ordered the pork-ball soup (Albondigas) in a "rich broth". That broth was watery with fat floating in the top and the day's overcooked celery, carrots, and gooey potatoes lurking in the bottom. It is not supposed to be super-thick, but not dishwater thin like this was. I was drinking water through the night, it was so salty. My wife ordered Quesadillas and while the black beans were ok (out of a can), and the guacamole edible, the actual Quesadilla was mushy, the meat when I was able to find it, was obviously not even close to fresh. It was all shriveled up. The waiter came over to ask the obligatory "How is your meal?" and when I said "only OK" he took offense at my comments, muttered something about the chef (his English was not good), and stormed off. Why is it that one feels like one has to say the food is good - when it is not. It is as if why ask in the first place if the restaurant is not interested in knowing in that first place. I took a trip to Australia via Hong Kong and went to the British chef Jamie (name?)'s, restaurant along the harbor - the hamburger was not very good and I mentioned it to the waiter. The chef came out, asked a lot of questions of me, listened carefully, apologized, and gave us free of charge a whole new order - AND came out to check again. Now that is listening to the customer!

So much for that restaurant - I'd never go back. There is a comment in these reviews about the large portions of food. Large portions are still large portions of bad food. There was a food truck near the hotel that had a crowd outside. I stopped out of curiosity - it smelt wonderful and the enthusiastic diners were most complimentary. Just goes to show that you can get good Mexican food in...

Guadalajara is definitely a great place to eat. When you walk in, you're always greeted with a smile and seated right away. I've been here several times and I have never waited for a table. Wait staff is pretty fast and thorough and always pleasant. The place is very clean and very colorfully decorated.

Tip: The restrooms are located to the right of the bar. You have to walk down a little hallway to access them. You can see it as soon as you walk in.

Their bar I've never visited, so I can't say anything regarding the bartender skills, but I can tell they have quite a selection of different alcohols.

Now, down to the food. It's great! It's not the greatest Mexican restaurant I've ever had in my entire life, but I've been to some extremely authentic restaurants, so that's quite hard to compare to. I'm not saying they aren't authentic, by the way.

You are greeted with a basket of chips and salsa (go figure!), Their chips are always warm and seem to be freshly cooked. The salsa itself has a very mild bite and is wonderful albeit a little soupy.

I typically get the Carne Asada plate, which is served with rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, their own type of pico de gallo and, of course, a hearty helping of Carne Asada. Topping that is char-grilled green onions.

Every time I eat there I'm satisfied, stuffed and walk away happy. I've never had a bad experience. I gave 4 stars simply because their menu is fairly chosen (they don't have ALL of the great classics), and they are a little pricier than I'd like for what you get. However, I'll continue to go back.

I've read some reviews on this restaurant talking about a "lack of hispanics" seated in the restaurant. Now, I know you're talking about the diners, not the wait staff. What does that have to do with the restaurant? Really? Restaurants don't choose the people who dine there. Also, this is Redding. If you want to see hispanics at restaurants because it makes it "authentic" or something, then you don't belong...

We found this place by searching "best restaurants in Redding" and the internet didn't lie. First of all, the decor is freaking awesome, it looks like a Guadalajara market square at night in there. If you look up, theres the illusion of a night sky, with big star light fixtures hanging from a black background. Even the chairs are colorful and artistic. Its a great vibe in there. The guy who greeted us (later we found out his name is Mondo) saw my Mom had a cane and he sat us in a special place at the bar that was easier to access. So very considerate, we really appreciated that.. I think he may own the place. The chairs at the tables in the bar area are SO freaking comfy. Usually the chips and salsa are telling of how bomb (or not) the food will be. I kid you not, they have the best salsa. Ever. This has been verified by SCE (Salsa Connoisseurs of Earth). They bring your food on the giant plates with very generous portions. It was all very impressive before we even took a bite. Then they bring you these yummy a** churro chips with creme on top and drizzled w strawberry stuff for a little dessert. It was an exemplary restaurant experience, from start to finish. I cant wait to go back. I'm getting the chicken mole...