Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant is a mexican restaurant in Durham, NC. Open: Mon–Thu 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri–Sun 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: (919) 973-3475. Average rating is 4.3 stars from 1,174 reviews.
Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant
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Exterior view of Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant with parked cars.
4.3 1,174 reviews Today 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Real Mexican Flavors, Right on Roxboro Street

Authentic plates, generous portions, and bold spice that Durham keeps coming back for.

About Us

Menu board displaying various Mexican food options. — Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant
Menu board displaying various Mexican food options.

Over 1,174 reviews and a 4.3-star rating don't happen by accident. At Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant on North Roxboro Street, the food does the talking. Plates arrive loaded, prices stay honest around $15 to $16 a dish, and the kitchen doesn't cut corners on flavor. This is the kind of place where regulars order the same thing every time because nothing on the menu disappoints.

The menu pulls straight from the culinary traditions of central Mexico. The Camarones a la Diabla brings real heat, not the watered-down kind. The Pozole is the real deal, rich and slow-built. Tortas arrive stuffed to the point where you need two hands. Steak Mexicano comes plated with rice, beans, and salad, a full meal that earns every dollar.

The dining room is small and fills up fast, especially on weekends. That's not a complaint from the regulars, it's a signal. Good food in a tight space means the kitchen stays busy and the ingredients stay fresh. Get here early or expect a short wait, and consider it worth every minute.

What We Offer

Guanajuato serves breakfast through dinner seven days a week, opening at 9:00 AM daily so you can start your morning with something better than a drive-through. The full menu runs through 9:00 PM Monday through Thursday and stays open until 10:00 PM Friday through Sunday.

The kitchen covers the range of Mexican cooking that matters most. Hearty entrees like Steak Mexicano and grilled chicken plates come with all the sides. Seafood lovers go straight for the Camarones a la Diabla. Soup fans order the Pozole and don't look back. Tortas, tacos, and classic combination plates round out a menu built for people who actually want to eat, not just snack.

Dine in and experience the energy of a packed neighborhood spot, or call ahead to arrange a takeout order when the wait isn't in your schedule. Either way, the portions are generous and the food travels well.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Very good authentic Mexican food!! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!”

— Sebastian Rios

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Very good authentic Mexican food!! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!"
— Sebastian Rios
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"Very good authentic style Mexican place in Durham. Small so it gets packed and waits happen. Camerones a la Diabla was spicy in a good way. The torta was stuffed. The Pozele was authentic!"
— Olympus_Travel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"We had steak Mexicano and I forgot the name of the other one(chicken, rice, bean, salad). They were soooo good and they gave you a lot of food for this price. It's about $15-16 each. It's a small restaurant next to a gas station and you wouldn't imagine they have such good food. Most people who dine here are local Hispanic and you can tell food would be food. The only thing is that the mean is kind of hard to read so if you are new, it may take quite a while to read it. But for sure will be back next time."
— Summer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"The food was hot and fast. I ordered 3 chorizo tacos and they were a little salty. The salsa was spicy and delicious. Next time I’ll get a variety of tacos."
— Chris Mulvey
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 years ago
"Omg... I thought N.C didn't have good Mexican food. My how I was wrong. Durham has it covered. Found this place, recommended by my fellow workers. Can't say enough of how lucky I was to discover such a place. Check out my dinner, Mole and Tacos! 5 star all the way! Don't mind the line of people ordering. The food comes fast and often. I'm happy as can be!"
— Bryan Heatherington

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Guanajuato's hours?

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. They are open all seven days of the week.

Where is Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant located?

You'll find them at 2103 N Roxboro Street in Durham, NC 27704. Street parking is typically available in the area.

What dishes are most popular at Guanajuato?

Reviewers consistently rave about the Camarones a la Diabla for bold heat, the Pozole for authentic depth, the stuffed tortas, and the Steak Mexicano plate. Most entrees run around $15 to $16 and come with generous sides.

Does Guanajuato get crowded? Should I expect a wait?

Yes, the dining room is small and popular, so waits do happen, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours and on weekends. Arriving early or coming on a weekday morning is your best bet for a shorter wait.

Is the food here actually authentic Mexican cuisine?

Reviewers consistently describe it as authentic Mexican cooking, not the Americanized version. Dishes like the Pozole and Camarones a la Diabla reflect traditional Mexican flavors and preparation.

Can I get takeout from Guanajuato?

Yes, takeout orders are available. Given how quickly the dining room fills up, calling ahead for takeout is a great option if you're in a hurry or want to skip the wait.

Is Guanajuato good for a big group?

The restaurant is on the smaller side, so large groups may face a longer wait for seating. For groups, arriving right when they open or calling ahead is recommended to make the experience smoother.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 10:00 PM
Monday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday Today 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
88° Clear Durham
Sat 92° 72°
Sun 85° 72°
Mon 76° 71°
Tue 89° 71°
Wed 99° 72°
Thu 104° 78°
Fri 105° 83°

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