To develop our designs, the team spent a week in Guadalajara – a destination that’s become a hotbed for contemporary design. During our time in Mexico’s second largest city, we fell in love with its gallery-lined streets, art deco interiors, and cultural rivalry with D.F. that reminded us of Madrid vs. Barcelona.
The birth place of Luis Barragán, starting point of mariachi, and a haven for small-batch tequila (fun fact: Tequila, Mexico is only an hour away!). What’s not to love? The next time you need an inspired getaway, do yourself a favor and make the trip. We tapped Haley Seidel, our Product Design Director, to round up a few of the team’s favorite spots from their time in this bustling city.
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TO EAT
Known for their hearty breakfast (go for the pancakes!) and coffee, start your morning off at Peligro al Fondo. With ivy covered walls and red brick pathways, its courtyard brings a little bit of zen before a busy day.
This spot is easily the most thoughtfully designed (and beautiful!) restaurant we’ve ever been. Hueso means “bone” in Spanish, so this all-white communal dining concept is covered in more than 10,000 animal bones across the walls, stairs, and tables. Renowned chef-owner Alfonso Cadena has outdone himself with an offering of creative dishes full of local color. From burnt tortilla with chorizo powder to octopus and leche de tigre, we wanted to order pretty much everything on this menu.
According to our local photographer, Juan Luis, this is the place to see and be seen. With live music, drinks, and dancing, Cantina La Fuente makes for a perfect night out on the town. Insider tip: instead of ordering a margarita, do as the locals do, and ask for a beer with a side of tequila or mezcal for sipping.
TO DO & SEE
A trip would not be complete without a stop at one of architect Luis Barragan’s homes. Born and raised in Guadalajara, you’ll find the modernist designer’s work throughout the city – most notably the Parque de la Revolucion. Our favorite? We’re partial to the bright yellow walls and leafy greens of Casa Iteso Clavijero (also known as Gonzalez Luna’s house). We spent hours walking through these courtyards and terraces.
TLAQUEPAQUE
Drive fifteen minutes outside Guadalajara’s city center to explore this quaint neighborhood known as the mecca for handicrafts in Jalisco. Pronounced tuh-lah-keh-pah-keh, this colorful and charming suburb is the place to go for textiles, pottery, and hand-blown glass. We could spend hours strolling its colonial-style streets and popping into small boutiques and ceramic studios along the way.
TO STAY
Right in the middle of the Colonia Lafayette district, you’ll find this little slice of art-deco heaven. With its velvet couches, salmon pink walls, and geometric-tiled courtyard, this 37-room hotel is chock full of design inspiration.
Kick off your mornings with a "Cafe Oriental" at the Este Norte cafe (located in the hotel) and cap off the day with a mezcal Negroni (mezcal, Campari, vermouth, orange peel) on the rooftop terrace.