Antigua Cheap Eats
The dining scene in Antigua, Guatemala is full of variety, and as much as I love to sample the nicer restaurants not every meal needs to be fancy. Sometimes you need to stick to a budget or eat on the cheap. So with that in mind, here’s a list of ten cheap eats in Antigua!
Doña Luisa Xicotencatl
Located inside a beautiful colonial mansion built in 1650 this is a classic restaurant in Antigua that has been serving the community since 1978. Doña Luisa also has a famous bakery attached to it.
The courtyard is something dreams are made of and hanging out under an umbrella and admiring the plants and flowers is a great way to spend some time.
No, it’s not an extravagant gourmet restaurant, but that’s not the point. It’s simple, effective, and inexpensive. For example, I had breakfast here one morning and bought half a loaf of bread from the bakery for 51Q ($6).
The pan de banano guatemalteco (banana bread) is famous in Antigua. I also enjoyed their espresso. The ladies that work at Doña Luisa are really sweet too. Tip them well. They know how to make you feel at home!
Hours are from 7am-7pm daily.
4a Calle Ote. 12, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Restaurante San Fernando
Located in Hotel Casa San Fernando. If you want to try local food where locals eat, go here. You can eat a couple of things for 16Q ($2). They offer tostadas, chuchitos (Guatemalan tamales), atol, rellenos, and banano frito for dessert. One of the best budget spots I found in Antigua!
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This restaurant appears to have no online presence and I wasn’t able to get exact hours. They’re open in the evening for dinner, but likely close by 9. Look for a sign out front on the sidewalk.
1a Avenida Nte 16a, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Chicharonnes La Cindal
If you enjoy eating pork, this is a must-eat restaurant in Antigua. It’s not a touristy place at all, so expect a no-frills experience. It was recommended to me by a few chefs as one of their favorite local spots in the city and I’m glad that I listened to them.
I’m not lying when I say that this restaurant has some of the best pork I’ve eaten in my life!
Before visiting I thought I wasn’t that big on chicharrones, but these completely changed that perception. They’re perfectly crispy! The carnitas are tender and delicious too.
The tortillas are also handmade to order, fresh, and perfect for building your own tacos. Pile on the radish, add a slice of avocado, squeeze lime on it, and enjoy!
Open daily from 8am-5pm
H725+776, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Mais Tortia
This is a classic hole-in-the-wall taco joint. Another creation from Chef Mario Godinez, it’s new to the Antigua dining scene. Mais Tortia is just a few doors down from Barriga Llena. They have 3-4 kinds of stewed tacos on any given day (including a veg option).
The carnitas were my favorite! They also offer handmade tortillas, three kinds of salsa, and an optional melted cheese. I went twice and yeah, they were absolutely better with the cheese.
Hours are from 12pm-9pm daily. Closed Wednesdays.
6 Avenida Norte, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala
Toko Baru
The motto of this restaurant is “a large tasty plate for a small price” and I have to say that I’m down with it. There’s an interesting fusion of food at Toko Baru, resembling a blend of Mediterranean and Indian cuisine.
They have curries, dal, tikka masala, pita wraps, and plenty more. You can also get two glasses of wine for 28Q ($4). A helluva deal!
It doesn’t have an amazing vibe or anything, but the food makes up for it. I ate the eggplant wrap. They offer three sauces with the wraps, a sweet fruit-based one, a spicy five chili sauce, and salsa de ajo (garlic aioli). You can easily eat here for 100Q or less and I recommend you do!
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Toko Baru hours are from 12pm-9:30pm
1ra avenida sur #17 B Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
La Cocina Del Lobo – The Wolf’s Kitchen
This is a very basic restaurant. It can only fit a few people at a time. Delfin the chef is a friendly and inviting lady. She’s usually more than happy to chat if you dine in and want to practice your Spanish. Each item costs between 15-25Q. On the menu, you’ll find shucos, mixtas, tacos, etc. Everything is made to order!
Open daily 11am-11pm
6a Avenida Sur 10, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
El Carbonero Pupusas 100% Salvadoreñas
You only need to eat two pupusas. These are cheaper and even better than the ones you’ll find on the street in Antigua too. They’re topped with cabbage and red salsa. Beans and cheese 9Q. Queso y jalapeno 13Q. Drinks are only 7Q.
You get the idea. It’s a very cheap spot for a traveler on a budget! I think the people working there are also friendly and accommodating.
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Open from 12pm-9pm. Closed Mondays.
1era Avenida Norte #20B , Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Comedores en Mercado Central de Antigua
Head to Mercado Central if you’re looking for cheap eats in Antigua. Try the soups, enchiladas, hamburguesas, pepián de pollo, rellenos, y mas. It may not be the most amazing meal you have, but it does the trick. At least you know your money is going directly to a local family!
Mercado Central is open from 7am-6pm daily.
Poniente 4, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
La Merced Street Food
On weeknights and all day on weekends in front of Iglesia La Merced vendors line up to hawk their food to tourists. It’s a good place to sample a variety of things including Guatemalan street food. Pupusas, shucos, pan con longaniza, tostadas, tacos dorados, etc.
Don’t miss trying one of the Guatemalan desserts after dinner like mole banano or a granizada!
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Rincon Tipico
You can eat here for just 35Q. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch. Serving authentic comida tipica. They serve up big portions too!
Try the roast chicken and potatoes or Pulique Guatemalteco (traditional Guatemalan stew). Get the lemonade as well. This place is very popular with Antigueños. Expect a wait on weekends.
H749+659, 3a Avenida Sur, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Open daily from 8am-4pm
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What are your favorite cheap eats in Antigua? Leave a comment…
Nice tips! Gracias!
De nada!
Thanks for this article. One thing: don’t use the phrase “chicken bus.” It is very offensive. You should mention that Doña Luisa belongs to two former Peace Corps volunteers who stayed on during the bad days in the eighties. When I was a volunteer, it was always a place of refuge. And they have kept the prices low.
Hi the use of chicken bus has been noted. It’s so widely used among travelers, but I changed it to camioneta or put a caveat next to it. I didn’t know that about the restaurant either. That’s interesting. Thanks for reading