Casa Chapina

Description:

• While nowhere near as formal or fancy as Kacao, this is another good option for traditional Guatemalan cooking. The first thing you'll notice is the open area where local women are hand-making fresh tortillas on steel comales over open flames. The rest of the space features high ceilings, wood furniture, and various wall hangings of traditional Guatemalan textiles. Unfortunately, there are also a couple of TVs showing sporting events or whatever the staff wants to watch when there's no game on. I find this breaks the mood. However, the mood is quickly restored as wandering mariachi groups come through from time to time and will play you a song or two tableside for a few quetzales. The menu is heavy on steak and grilled chicken dishes. Every meal is served with three different sauces, two of which are fairly spicy. Be sure to ask for some of those fresh tortillas, or you may be served some mediocre garlic bread.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010