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Guadalajara

About Us

Guadalajara is a premier Mexican restaurant located in Charlottesville, VA, that has been serving the surrounding areas since 1988. Celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine, this vibrant eatery serves up a plethora of traditional dishes, such as savory tacos, succulent birria, and hearty burritos alongside American classics like juicy burgers. The lively bar scene invites diners to sip on expertly mixed margaritas and explore a selection of desserts for the perfect finish. Whether you're looking to enjoy a casual dinner or host a festive party, Guadalajara provides a colorful and welcoming ambiance for all occasions. Join us today!

Our Story

Who We Are

Guadalajara is more than just a restaurant—it’s a story rooted in passion, experience, and a lifelong dedication to great food and hospitality. The owner began working in restaurants at just fourteen years old, gaining firsthand knowledge of what it takes to create a welcoming and memorable dining experience. That early start laid the foundation for what Guadalajara is today: a premier Mexican restaurant in Charlottesville, VA, proudly serving the community since 1988. As the very first of three locations, our downtown spot holds a special place in our history and continues to be a cornerstone of authentic flavor and tradition. Today, with new management, new cooks, and a refreshed look, we’ve elevated every aspect of the experience while staying true to our roots. Our menu celebrates authentic Mexican cuisine with favorites like birria tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, carne asada, and California burritos, alongside creative options like birria pizza and Cali tacos. We also offer American classics like burgers, making sure there’s something for everyone at the table. From fresh guacamole and chips and queso to flavorful chicken, steak, and fish tacos, every dish is crafted with care. Guests can also enjoy a lively bar featuring margaritas, tequila, beer, and delicious desserts like sopapillas to finish the meal. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or drinks, Guadalajara delivers bold flavors in a vibrant and welcoming setting.

Stop In Today

At Guadalajara, what truly sets us apart is the way we treat our guests. We believe every person who walks through our doors deserves the same level of care, attention, and respect—no matter the time of day. From the moment you arrive, you can expect friendly service, a colorful atmosphere, and a team that is dedicated to making your experience enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, enjoying a relaxed dinner, or meeting friends for margaritas at the bar, we strive to make every visit feel special. Our space is perfect for any occasion, offering accommodations for small gatherings, large parties, birthday celebrations, and special events. With a lively ambiance and a menu full of crowd-pleasing favorites like nachos, tacos, burritos, and sizzling fajitas, there’s always something to satisfy your craving.

Guadalajara is a place where great food meets genuine hospitality, creating an experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, we invite you to stop in, relax, and enjoy everything we have to offer. Join us today and see why Guadalajara has been a trusted and beloved dining destination in Charlottesville for decades.

Areas Served

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Authentic Mexican Food

Our Services include:

Small Parties
Large Parties
Birthday Parties
Events
Bar
Dinner
Lunch

Our Products include:

Birria Tacos
Tacos
Nachos
Birria Pizza
Enchiladas
Chips and Queso
Fajitas
Burgers
Cali Tacos
Margaritas
Carne Asada
Beer
Guacamole
Tapatio Chicken
Chicken
Steak
Fish Tacos
Sopapillas
Tequila
California Burritos

Testimonials

On 7/19/2026 Thomas Smith had this to say:
Best Mexican food that I have had in years.

On 7/9/2026 Brinn Garcia McGhee had this to say:
I’ve loved this Mexican restaurant for many years! Their indoor and outdoor vibes are mexillent. Recently they added soft serve margaritas to their menu and they are absolutely to die for! Currently they have mango & strawberry with 1800 tequila but soon they’re going to add pineapple and watermelon 🤤

On 6/26/2026 Cole M. had this to say:
Honestly this is by far the best location in Cville for Guadalajara. Right next to the downtown mall with easy access to all the fun things it has to offer but also easy to park and leave whenever you want. The food here is always solid. The staff is fantastic. And for some reason or another their drinks just taste better. We're very pleased they allowed dogs on the outdoor patio. It certainly makes life so much easier when bringing our little partner around. Would absolutely come here again

On 6/21/2026 Vanessa Oliveira had this to say:
We had such a great time there! Great food, very gentle servers, friendly atmosphere. We will certainly go back!

On 6/9/2026 Kylla Custom Rock Wear had this to say:
We come here every summer Sunday and have a meal and a margarita on their beautiful patio! Always great service that makes us feel like family, lots of delicious menu items for everyone (tacos al pastor is my favorite), and loving the new soft serve margaritas! The Cadillac margarita is also delicious!

Contact Us

Guadalajara
805 E Market St Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: (434) 977-2676
Email: guadalajaradowntown@gmail.com

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Android Pay, Apple Pay, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Venmo, Cash App

Our Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Info

Specials
Toast Online Ordering

FAQ

Do you offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery?

Yes! We offer a full dine-in experience in our vibrant restaurant, along with convenient pickup and delivery options so you can enjoy your favorite dishes wherever you are.

Do you host parties or special events?

Absolutely. We accommodate small gatherings, large parties, birthday celebrations, and special events, providing great food and a fun, welcoming atmosphere for any occasion.

What types of food do you serve?

We specialize in authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, birria, enchiladas, fajitas, and burritos, along with select American favorites such as burgers, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Do you have a bar?

Yes, we have a lively bar featuring margaritas, tequila, beer, and other refreshing drinks that pair perfectly with our flavorful dishes.

Are your dishes made fresh?

Every meal is prepared fresh to order using quality ingredients and traditional recipes to deliver bold, authentic flavors in every bite.

Do you offer vegetarian options?

Yes, we offer a variety of dishes that can be made vegetarian, and our team is happy to help customize your meal to fit your preferences.

What makes your restaurant different?

We take pride in giving every guest our full attention, treating everyone who walks through our doors with the same care, respect, and genuine hospitality every time.