Where To Eat, Drink, Dance & Stay In Guadalajara, With Clase Azul’s Master Distiller Viridiana Tinoco 

When you think of Clase Azul, you likely picture its beautiful, hand-painted decanters or recall tasting its meticulously crafted tequila (while giving the bell on the top of the bottle a ring). But behind every shot is a master distiller who has worked tirelessly over the years to perfect the drink. At Clase Azul, this is Guadalajara’s Viridiana Tinoco, the woman behind the brand’s well-loved Tequila Gold, has used her love and understanding of science to master the art of spirit crafting. 

For Tinoco, the work is a true labour of love, driven by a passion for science and an insatiable curiosity. “I love collaborating with my team in the distillery to refine our spirits,” she says. Her process involves endless tasting, smelling and analysing tequila samples to reach the perfect balance. “Spending time with our clients, sharing moments while we taste spirits and hearing their feedback always keeps me inspired and motivated,” she says. 

The company’s mission, as the master distiller puts it, is to “captivate the world through the magic of Mexican culture”. This guiding principle influences every decision, from supporting local artisans and communities to the brand aiming to create a circular economy by 2050. “Every decision we make aims to have a positive impact,” she says. 

True to her ethos of being a supporter and ambassador of Mexican culture, Tinoco has shared her personal guide to the city of Guadalajara, from the traditional spots locals love to the best cocktail bars – where you’ll be able to enjoy Clase Azul at its finest… 

Viridiana Tinoco‘s Guide To Guadalajara

Local-Favourite Spots To Visit In Guadalajara 

1. Alfredo Martínez Design Studio – “This designer from Guadalajara who has promoted contemporary fashion in Mexico, is one of the best in the country. His beautiful boutique is something you can’t miss.” 
2. Americana neighbourhood – “One of the coolest neighbourhoods in [the state of] Jalisco. It is one of the oldest in Guadalajara and one of the most hyped in the city, with gastronomic options, fashion, galleries and bars. It is ideal for walking.” 
3. The CURRO and GAGA art galleries – “Guadalajara is a cradle of artists. Many of the most famous contemporary Mexican artists are from Guadalajara, so walking through one of these galleries and getting to know the local art is something you cannot miss.” 

Where To Find The Best Casual Food In Guadalajara 

“In my opinion, you can find the best gastronomy in Mexico in Guadalajara,” says Tinoco. “Tortas ahogadas are exclusive to Guadalajara, since you cannot find this type of bread anywhere else in Mexico. [Try them at] my favourite spot – El Profe Jiménez Tortas Ahogadas. Delicious street food.” 

1. Barbacoa Tacos Juan – “A culinary gem born in the heart of Santa Tere. With more than 10 branches, their barbecue tacos, whether soft or golden, offer an explosion of flavour.” 
2. Birriería Las 9 Esquinas – “The best birrieria in Guadalajara, in the city centre.” 
3. Tacos Providencia – “An essential in Guadalajara for the most delicious tacos.” 
4. Café Sinónimo – “A must-see cafeteria in Colonia Americana.” 
5. Pal Real – “One of the best culinary hotspots in Guadalajara for breakfast or lunch.” 
6. Yunaites: Menjurjes Pueblerinos – “Try the local creations by chef Fabián Delgado.” 
7. El Habanero Negro – “An amazing bar. You need to eat their pork tacos!” 
8. La Panga del Impostor – “The best seafood restaurant in town.” 
9. Churros La Bombilla – “A tradition since 1952 – they sell churros and hot chocolate beloved by Tapatios (Guadalajara locals).” 
10. Raspados Jalisco – “One of the oldest Guadalajara traditions and a destination in its own right. It was the first ice cream shop to open in the centre of Guadalajara in 1926.” 

The Fine Dining Restaurants To Try In Guadalajara 

1. Alcalde – “A restaurant that embodies Mexican and Jalisco gastronomy in all its forms. The cool thing is the mix of Mexican gastronomic techniques and avant-garde cuisine that create unique dishes that will exceed your expectations.” 
2. I Latina – “Offers Asian fusion cuisine with a Latin and Mediterranean accent. A classic.” 
3. Hueso Restaurante – “Alfonso Cadena’s restaurant surprises guests with its spectacular design and a fusion of French and American cuisine, as well as its use of exotic flavours.” 

The Best Cocktail Bars To Head To After Dinner In Guadalajara  

1. De La O Cantina – “Takes local Guadalajaran flavours and combines them with a tiki [bar concept] to get Guadalatiki, an idea that underpins the food and drink offering at this seemingly traditional Mexican cantina. It’s the best place to try local tequilas!” 
2. Salón Candela– “Ideal for drinking good tequilas and dancing.” 
3. Gastón Wine Bar – “An incredible wine bar.” 

Where To Go Dancing Into The Early Hours In Guadalajara 

1. Bar Américas – “The most emblematic club of electronic music in Latin America!” 
2. Casa Cobra – “Ideal for dancing. Also great for electronic music.” 
3. Jamaica GoGo – “A speakeasy with great DJs and cocktails.” 
4. Pardo – “[A club that] transports visitors to the golden age of Acapulco: music, drinks and a tropical atmosphere.” 

Where to Stay In Guadalajara 

1. Libertad 1416 – “A new boutique hotel built like a typical Guadalajara mansion. I love it for therooftop overlooking the Expiatory temple, the most important Neo-Gothic temple in Guadalajara.” 
2. Casa Habita – “Unbeatable location and design in the trendiest area of ​​Guadalajara, Colonia Lafayette. A house designed in the ’40s with a newly built contemporary tower offering 37 rooms and suites.” 
3. Demetria – “With its glass and metal design, the Hotel Demetria has just 37 rooms [and six apartments] distributed over 14 floors and is also located in the Lafayette neighbourhood.” 

Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95