Around Quetzalroo, Zonas 9 y 10:

Though Zone 10 offers some more expensive dining options, Calle 16 is a great bet for finding food on a tramper’s budget. Near the intersection with Avienda 2, approaching La Plaza Obelisco, there are street vendors selling everything from bags of cut fruit, to American Doughnuts, if you want to grab a snack. Also here is a shopping center with cheap, fast food options, if you are craving something that might remind you of home… or just want to see what a Big Mac tastes like in Guatemala (There are over 70 McDonald’s in the city alone! So you should have plenty of opportunities to find out.) Pollo Campero is at the entrance to the shopping center, and I’ve heard rumors that they offer free wi-fi, which could be a perk to those traveling with a smart phone who want to check-in.

Not exactly what you were hoping to find? Okay, good…

El Menu del Dia: Carne, arroz, papas, y… tortillas!

Continuing up Calle 16, at the intersection of Ave 4 is a tipico-style restaurant offering empanadas for Q10 and plates of food (el menu del dia) for Q50. They have a window where you can order food from the sidewalk, but if you head inside, there are tables, and an internet cafe tucked in here as well. Also just up the street (still heading away from La Plaza Obelisco) is the Cafeteria Las Gardenias, offering similar fare, and charging Q20 for el menu de hoy. If you are looking for something typical, reasonably priced, and delicious, these are both great options in this part of town. And with the menu changing daily, you’ll won’t mind going back again and again. Also, as with elsewhere in the city, the more you explore the more you are bound to discover.

Luna de Miel  (still on Calle 16, closer to Avenida 6) offers dishes that I had not expected to enjoy in Guatemala: For $3-$7USD they serve up delicious crepes, both sweet and savory, the most expensive option being filled with goat cheese, pears, bacon, and spinach. Not what I would call a traditional meal, but, yum. Beers here are Q10-Q18, and mixed drinks and coffee (Q10) are sold as well. The crepes we had were excellent, though after seeing the size of the salad bowl, I know what I’ll be trying when I return.

Near La Coperacha, Zonas 1 y 2

Like what you see? Click the picture for more photos of Eating in Guatemala City

Okay, first: Regardless of where you are staying, we would recommend everyone to visit el Mercado Central. Here, in the city’s center market, you will find not only all the souvenirs you could want to take home (the prices here can be cheaper than in other cities) but that plates of tacos, enchiladas, chili rellenos, and other delicious, beautiful food options (pig’s feet included) will cost you only a few dollars. An order of Chili Rellenos, one cerveza, and a plantain/black bean dessert, came to Q22.50 (About $3 USD). The Market is located Behind the Cathedral, and underground. I guess the former Bishop didn’t want to have to look at it (seriously.) Walking on either the left or right side of the Cathedral, head away from the Park and on the next block you’ll see the entrances heading down into the Market. The first level is for gifts, souvenirs, etc, and the bottom level is where you’ll find the food. This is also worth exploring if you are buying food to cook at “home”.

Second: Zona 2 is literally littered with small restaurants and tiendas selling mainly breakfasts and lunch plates for the phenomenal price of Q10-Q30 ( around $1-$4 USD). And if those prices conjure up images of the Taco Bell Value Menu, you’ll be in for a wonderful surprise. Think grilled chicken breast that comes right off the bone, a healthy portion of rice and even larger portion of fresh cut “fries” with a drink, and this was at a Q10 restaurant. Located between the San Sebastian and Jocotenango Parks, there are more of these little restaurants than we can name. Namely, because many don’t have names as far as we can tell, just small, hand-written signs advertising desayuno (breakfast) and almuerzo (lunch) and the prices. Oh, and most of these places only have a few tables or sometimes only a few chairs. But they do usually offer to-go options, just ask “para llevar” if you want carry out.

502 Pizza Menu

502 Pizza: (4 calle 5-15, Zona 1) Opening earlier in the day on Sunday, Thursday-Saturday this is your spot for finding food later in the night in Guatemala City. Opening in the afternoon, doors don’t close until 2am. Great pizza options are reasonably priced, and beer/wine is Q15.

Senora Pu: (6 Avenida “A” 10-16, Zona 1) Offering a mind-boggling variety of Mayan Dishes, this is an option you don’t want to pass up, if you don’t mind paying a little more for your meal. Plates are Q65-Q85, ($8-$11 USD) Maybe save it for a treat on your last night in town, or as a date option if you have another tramper that you’re trying to impress… The restaurant has only ten seats, and the food is cooked in front of you. You have choices of chicken, beef, duck, lamb, pork, even beef tongue (so if you aren’t into it, make sure you know what you are ordering: Pollo=chicken, Pescado=fish, Cerdo=pork ,Cordero=lamb, Pato=duck, Lengua=tongue, is enough to get you started!) Vegetarians might not be as excited, as the only meal option without meat is vegetables cooked in olive oil. Still delicious, though we’ll admit, not as enticing. Be sure to try a traditional drink as well: anything with cacao is recommended.

GETTING // GOING          •          SLEEPING          •          EATING          •         DOING          •         MAP

Take me back to GUATEMALA CITY // Take me back to GUATEMALA // Take me back HOME