mara"s - Chapala

How did we not find this place in the five years? We just read about it on Trip Advisor and decided to try it. We were so happy. Veronica and Armando are warm and welcoming, and their hot-cooked food is excellent. As noted in other reviews, the available dishes vary from day to day, and you can also order chicken or fish. They serve flounder, unless it is not on the market in Guadalajara, in which case they buy alone. Veronica's wonderful tortillas come steaming and still puffy out of the coma. Your beans and rice are seasoned. The basic price is $70. The decor is mexican, with lots of fun art and objects on the walls. There are large plants and a well in the small garden area where you can bring your well-deserved dog. Inside the house are tables for larger groups, and they also do private parties and events. They no longer serve in a buffet line as they converted this room to make more table seats. As a hint, this could be a hard place for a pure vegetarian, as the stuffed dishes are already prepared. It is handicap accessible. The site will not allow me to give my reviews for service, food and value, but I would give them 5 stars for everyone. We cannot wait to return with friends and share this wonderful find with them.

We went for lunch after reading the reviews. And yes, it is tucked away and a bit hard to find but well worth it. The downstairs of the house has been converted into a very attractive restaurant with several seating areas. Its colorful, nicely decorated...and welcoming. The food is buffet style, cooked fresh daily. But don't think typical US buffet. They have about 5 main entrees to choose from then add rice and beans to your plate. I had the chicken mole and it was fantastic. And corn tortillas are constantly being made fresh and brought to your table hot. In addition we had a drink they make there that was a combination of mint and pineapple. Excellent! Overall, for two people, it was less than $10.00 and authentic Mexican.

This place is a true gem a little off the beaten path, but worth it. You get to choose from a variety of homemade dishes, all served with a genuine smile. The ambiance is delightful with tons of plants and original art. Never ending homemade...tortillas, extremely attentive staff, and ridiculously affordable.

Good service and food. large selection of food on the buffet and fresh hand made tortilla cooked in front of you. a little hard to find but worth it. Ate here several times during my stay and every time it was very good.

The sign says buffet it's a little different from an American version of a buffet but if you're up for an adventure it's well worth your time! There's a selection of 8 10 primarily meat entree style dishes. They serve your plate and you can...try as many as you like. We've been here twice so far and we may go back. It's out of the way and for two people you have to work at it to spend over $10 US, and that includes drinks and a tip. You MUST try the avocado and cucumber salad! It's reasonable because it's away from all of the tourist places.