El Gallo Altanero

El Gallo Altanero is considered one of the best bars in the world. We came here without a reservation and was lucky to find seats. The cocktails were very good and very well-priced. I also tried the torta ahogada, a local specialty from Guadalajara. I paid less than 500 pesos for 2 cocktails and the torta. The atmosphere was pleasant. A mariachi band played for a while.

Cool speakeasy kind of feel. The name of the place on maps was different than the name on the sign so we had to confirm when we got to the entrance. The place is kind of nondescript and quiet at the front but once you get back to the bar it’s lively and a hidden gem. The service was excellent, they were very accommodating when we had a large group even though they didn’t have much space. It’s a tight fit so be prepared to wait if you go on a busy night. The drink menu is extensive and there are creative drinks.

El Gallo Altanero is a must-visit for anyone interested in tequila and craft cocktails. This hidden gem in Colonia Lafayette (near Obrera) is within easy walking distance of the Lafayette neighborhood hotels. Don’t let the entrance fool you! We nearly walked past it - there’s a charming St. Bernard and a hostess behind a chain gate, and at first glance it almost looks closed. But once inside, you’re escorted through an eclectic space to the second floor. The second-floor bar opens onto an inner courtyard illuminated with hanging lights, creating an incredibly cool, sophisticated vibe. The crowd skews younger and energetic, with people enjoying conversation and expertly crafted cocktails. It strikes the perfect balance between lively and intimate. While we came hoping to learn about tequila at the bar, El Gallo Altanero is best classified as a cocktail bar with an exceptional tequila program. The bartenders are knowledgeable and the cocktails are expertly crafted. We were just stopping for cocktails before dinner, but the casual food coming out looked excellent and is clearly worth trying on a future visit. El Gallo Altanero exceeded our expectations and we’ll definitely be back on our next trip to Guadalajara.

The bar is really cool, good vibes, but I was not impressed by the drinks. And we tried 4 different cocktails

This place is perfect for a date night! The live music, drinks, tapas, and most importantly the staff are phenomenal! I’m sure that the atmosphere set the mood for the moment I asked my date to be my girlfriend 6 rounds for 2 people + food was +$2000 We were here on a Sunday night around 9 pm - it was packed but we only waited about 20 mins for a table to free up. It is first come first serve so be strategic on where you want to sit.

Great place for drinks. Staff was very service minded. Great drink for a good price. Nice vibe and interior

#48 on the list of best bars in the world, and I think it deserves the recognition. El Gallo Altanero is incredibly charming. Located in a courtyard between two buildings, visitors are seated both downstairs and on the patio upstairs. The roof of the patio opens to a dreamy night sky and lanterns. The drinks were incredibly good and well made. We tried four cocktails and all of them were delicious so I think you can’t go wrong with any of the menu options. My favorite was probably the one that had coffee in it. It was like an espresso martini or Carajillo but super creamy and no alcohol taste. The service is great, the servers all spoke English and took their time to explain how to drink certain cocktails. The food was surprisingly really good as well. The torta was soaked in a bowl and had to be eaten with a spoon but it was amazing. The tacos were good. The potatoes…I thought would be crispier, but honestly they grew on me as I ate them. We came at 8:30pm (party of 2) on a Friday night and we were seated immediately. Any time after around 9:30, you will most likely have to wait in a line.

This place has been, by far, the best bar experience I have ever had. Wonderful service, beautiful ambience, and the best cocktails. They deserve all the praise. Thank you.

We had to wait a bit to get in. There as a bit of confusion on where the line was to put our name down so some people got in front of us even though we arrived before them. Drinks were good. I probably wouldn't come again if there was a super long wait.

I absolutely loved the vibe of this place. It is small but the architecture and music is amazing. The food and drinks were great as well. The servers were super nice and entertaining. I absolutely recommend a visit!

Phenomenal bar -- lively, intimate, and a must do in G'jara! We attempted to go late Saturday and not knowing what to expect we were met with quite the line outside so, we came back Sunday for a do over and the best time. The bartenders and waitstaff were so awesome, the food was amazing, and the drinks incredibly creative and considered. The dj, the other patrons, the whole experience was good vibes.

I've been to a ton of the top rated bars in the world and so naturally when I was coming to Guadalajara I was excited to see this place as a recent addition to the 50 Best Bars list. I'll start with the positives: the cocktails are fabulous, inventive, affordably priced, and showcase tequila/mezcal nicely. In particular we really enjoyed the Superbueno ($155 MXN), which was complex yet refreshing and nicely balanced. They also have well-priced tequila and mezcal flights. The atmosphere (for the most part, more to come) was great and we loved the music. Bathrooms were clean. We did not order any food but it looked great from what we saw around us. Now the negatives: I'm not sure how much of this is due to increased hype after the new 50 Best list, but it was insanely busy and they did not have a great system for managing the influx of people. After waiting outside for 20 or so minutes, we started in a standing room area, which set the evening off on the wrong tone. Certain things were a bit confusing; for example, they clearly serve food but there was nothing listed in the menu. Perhaps you're meant to ask for a separate menu, but this was unclear. Service was overall decent, but just a bit discombobulated. Unless they develop a system (eg reservations) for handling busy nights, I would not go back, which is a shame because the cocktails really were excellent.

The Unyielding Rooster, this bar pays homage to agave from famously known distilled spirits for Tequila and Mezcals to lesser known agave spirits, Raicilla. They showcase about ~8 main drinks in their menu as well as a couple of house cocktails they always have ready. The space is super casual, I was thinking that this place made it into the Best 50 Bars, it might be fancy, but it's laidback, chill and friendly. Most of the seating is stools, with 1 corner for a bench, good place to meet up for a drink. It's located on a walkup, open air, small courtyard/rooftop. Personally for me, it felt hot despite it being Feb in Mexico, but that's just me, someone coming from Chicago. Prices for drinks are pretty reasonable, if not good for the area. Definitely has a explorative menu for local spirits unique to this area.

This place is a place you don't expect when you walk up to the front door. Get past that and it's amazing here. The tequila is top notch, the drinks are delicious, and the food... the food is delicious. Recommend coming here. FYI in the evening I'd recommend business casual dress. Tshirt and shorts don' really fit in. The servers are Johnny on the spot with cleaning up. Quick service!!!

The little girl at the front had the worst attitude and acted like she was the owner. Only letting in a few people she knew and completely ignoring everyone else. Came all the way from Los Angeles CA as this place was highly recommended in the Tequila community. Clubs/Bars in LA aren't even as bad. I wouldn't attempt to come back if you paid me.

I've been to many of the top bars in the world, and this is the first one where I've thought oh wow this is deserving. There is a dining area, followed by a tall staircase that opens up into a small bar, some small tables, and then an open roof section where you can look down or up. The collection of cocktails with relative Mexican ingredients is small but meaningful. Pineapple, cinnamon, rice, jalapeño, habanero, coconut and more or charcoal throughout the cocktails. There is a DJ to set the mood, in the bartenders speak English very well.

This is a tiny bar with a great atmosphere. Owned by a Swedish man and an Australian man. They love Guadalajara and want to showcase the alcohol found in this region. Their menu seemed to change since the last time I came in 2019. Our group did a shot of Tromba tequila. So good! Also, we each got a different drink and tasted it all. Such different flavors but all delicious. I've only been to Guadalajara twice, but both times I'm glad I stopped by The Gallo Altanero.

Great drinks. The music is fantastic. A DJ that actually plays vinyls. Sunday's are the best. Get in early because there is a line and they don't take reservations.

This is a fun tequila bar where you can find the sorts of traditional tequilas that are sought after by purists. They have a simple but great food menu as well. It can get kind of noisy, but that's part of the charm.

Cute bar. Tried Vino de Coco & San Diablo. Both drinks were good; I personally liked San Diablo better :)