The Best Spots For Mariachi Music In Guadalajara (2024)

Violins, guitars, Mexican vihuela, guitarrón (“big guitar”) trumpets, and of course voice are the basic elements of mariachi music. But listening to mariachi also means having a good time with your friends, and drinking tequila. Here’s our pick of the best places to visit if you want to experience an authentic fiesta, Jalisco style.

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El Parián de Tlaquepaque

El Parián de Tlaquepaque

This restaurant could be considered to be the largest canteen in the world. It’s really just a large square flanked by columns and surrounded by restaurants and bars. During the Mexican Revolution it was a downscale and dirty place to eat and drink; now it’s one of the city’s main attractions, and mariachi bands frequently approach the tables to ask visitors if they would like a song. We recommend that you agree a price in advance.

Calle Juárez, Centro, 45500 San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, México, +52 3336960488

Casa Bariachi

Restaurant, Mexican

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In this restaurant, which has been going for more than 20 years, you’re always guaranteed to find some mariachi music, as well as colorful folklore, regional dancing, typical cuisine, and an authentic Mexican atmosphere. You’ll hear classic songs as well as modern hits.

Plaza de los Mariachis

Plaza de los Mariachis

This place, in the heart of downtown, is a favorite of locals looking for a mariachi band to get them in the party mood, or a classical serenade at midnight. It’s also a popular tourist destination, and although it’s not the most elegant or sophisticated place in the city, it’s one of the most original. You do need to keep a careful eye on your belongings, though.

Álvaro Obregón, Lic. Verdad 23, San Juan de Dios, 44360 Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, +52 3336174421

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Restaurante el Patio

Restaurante el Patio

El Patio is a restaurant in the center of Tlaquepaque, a few minutes from downtown Guadalajara. It has a number of small rooms and estancias around a central courtyard, a very classic Mexican architectural style. There’s almost always some live music playing, whether it’s a trio, or one of their main attractions, female mariachi.

Calle Independencia 186, Centro, 45500 San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, México, +52 3336351108

El Adobe

Restaurant, Mexican

It’s almost impossible to listen to mariachi and not want to get closer to the music, it’s that captivating. Restaurant owners know this, and hire mariachi bands to play while people enjoy their food. El Adobe is a great example of this, offering great food and excellent live mariachi music, not to mention an art gallery.

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El Alazán y el Rosillo

El Alazán y el Rosillo

Guadalajara is well known in the rest of Mexico for its charros or cowboy culture, and there are a few restaurants around the city that reflect this. One of them is El Alazán y el Rosillo; the name refers to the names of the two horses that belonged to the original owner. Tequila, horses and grilled food are all perfect with mariachi music, and if you’re looking for that kind of experience, this is one of the best places to go.

Carretera Libre A Zapotlanejo #317, Santa Paula, 45400 Tonalá, Jalisco, México, 01 3336901686

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The Best Spots For Mariachi Music In Guadalajara (2024)

FAQs

The Best Spots For Mariachi Music In Guadalajara? ›

In the heart of downtown, the Plaza de los Mariachis is a great—if slightly seedy—place to sit for a tequila, a bite to eat, and a late-night serenade. If you're really into mariachi music, visit Guadalajara in August for the annual International Mariachi Festival.

How much does mariachi cost in Guadalajara? ›

Hiring Mariachis

You can expect to pay between 100 and 150 Mexican pesos (around $5 to $7) per song; depending on the location, the size of the troupe, and their proficiency. Keep in mind that this is for a sizable group of musicians. You may also be able to agree on a price for an hour's worth of music.

Where is mariachi music most popular? ›

Mariachi music has its roots in the western central region of Mexico with a stronghold in the state of Jalisco. By 1905, rural musicians began performing in Mexico City, initiating the transformation of Mariachi music into the urban genre that is popular today.

How much do you tip a mariachi band in Mexico? ›

The customary Mexican tip for musicians such as Mariachi players at local restaurants is about 5 to 20 Pesos. If the musicians come to your table, you may politely decline for them to play, but if they do play, they will expect a tip. 20 to 50 Pesos is recommended for a Mariachi band playing a song at your table.

Where is the best place for mariachi in Mexico City? ›

Plaza Garibaldi is the spiritual home of Mariachi music in Mexico City. Bands gather here each day to play traditional folk songs for a few pesos and at night, the square comes alive with music and rowdy bars. The Guitarist carefully plucks his strings before clearing his throat and bellowing in a low, baritone voice.

Do you tip mariachis? ›

While tips are always welcome, according to Miguel, the band's expectations can depend on the situation. "If the restaurant owner pays for our services, [we don't] expect a tip.

How many songs can a mariachi play in an hour? ›

You can usually count on 12- 15 songs per hour. Create sufficient space for the musicians to play and for a dance floor. Appoint a person to welcome the mariachis, request the songs, identify the guest of honor and arrange for the comfort of the mariachis ( drinks, food, washroom facilities)

What is the mariachi capital of the world? ›

Guadalajara is the capital of the Mariachi music (Mexican folk music).

What are the names of 3 famous mariachi bands? ›

The most famous mariachi bands in Mexico

Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán. Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa. Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara. Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.

What is the saddest mariachi song? ›

Slow or Sad Mariachi Funeral Songs
  • “Cuando Un Amigo Se Va” from Coincidencias. ...
  • “Amor Eterno” from Amor Eterno: Los Éxitos. ...
  • "Déjame Ir" from Trece. ...
  • "Mariachi Funeral" from Lost in Translation. ...
  • "El Amor De Mi Vida" from Ricky Martin. ...
  • “Las Golondrinas” from En Vivo Para Ti. ...
  • “Te Vas Angel Mio” from 20 Exitos.
Sep 10, 2021

Is $5 a good tip in Mexico? ›

It's up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.

Is it better to tip in Mexico dollars or pesos? ›

Tipping in the local currency, pesos, is of course the most convenient option for the recipient, but you can also dole out U.S. dollars. If you do that, be sure to use bills, not coins, because the latter are difficult to exchange.

Is 50 pesos a good tip in Mexico? ›

In Mexico, a good rule of thumb for tips is to leave 10-15% of the bill. 50 pesos would be a standard tip for a bill that was around 500 pesos.

What famous mariachi is from Jalisco? ›

The most important group in the history of mariachi music is Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, founded in 1898 by Gaspar Vargas in Tecalitlán, Jalisco.

What is the center of the mariachi world in Mexico City? ›

Every night the city's mariachi bands belt out heartfelt ballads in this festive square. Wearing silver-studded outfits, they toot their trumpets and tune their guitars until approached by someone who'll pay for a song.

Why are mariachis so expensive? ›

Mariachi groups are bigger (usually 6-8 people), have instruments (and therefore can't fit all their stuff into a standard mid-sized vehicle). A singer would need a PA system or microphone system. I would not expect a casual 'garage band' type of group to get into a truck for under $500, maybe $750.

How often is the mariachi festival in Guadalajara held? ›

International Mariachi and Charrería Festival

Every year, since 1994, thousands of spectators attend the festival to enjoy performances by some of the best mariachis in the world, the National Charro Championship, and other culture related events.

How expensive is Guadalajara? ›

Summary of cost of living in Guadalajara, Mexico: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,472.9$ (42,296.9MXN) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 678.4$ (11,603.0MXN) without rent. Guadalajara is 54.4% less expensive than New York (without rent).

Are mariachi bands expensive? ›

How much do mariachi bands cost? On average, professional mariachi bands cost $350-$650 an hour depending on your location, the number of band members, and their overall experience. Most mariachis can tailor the size of their band and instruments to any event, so be sure to ask about different pricing options.

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