Comala - OAXACA DE JUÁREZ

We were in Oaxaca for a week and ate here twice. We especially liked the rooftop view of the nearby Santo Domingo church lit up at night. It was chilly and breezy but there were heaters to help us stay comfortable. We enjoyed the Tlayuda...More

I was amazed by this place. Great rooftop and view. The best guacamole I ever had. The best margarita I ever had. Live blues music on a Tuesday. Does it get any better? Yes! They have artisanal beers too!

We had only been in Oaxaca for four hours when we went in quest of dinner. The obvious direction to walk, map in hand, was toward Santa Domingo Church where we found lots of people and lots of restaurants. We had been advised to only eat Mexican food when visiting this fascinating city so this seemed to fit the bill. The rooftop patio was also a big draw. There eventually were a couple of drawbacks to being on the patio - many of the customers were smoking (not sure what the smoking regulations are or if they exist), the music from the patio next door was excessively loud and bad and when it got dark we could not see. There is one string of lights against the wall but the tables on the other side could benefit from a candle or two. Were those grasshoppers we were eating? Three of us shared a dish with a variety of things on it. Unfortunately I cannot recall the name but it was 200 pesos and on the menu was written as something to be shared by two people. The three of us have healthy appetites and found it was more than enough. All the items were tasty and interesting. There were Queso Panela, another cheese, chorizo, sliced beef, very good guacamole with pork chips and something we aren't sure about but it was good - chapulines? My companions enjoyed two for one Margaritas while I had a delicious papaya and orange juice. The service was fairly quick and quite good humoured considering our appalling lack of Spanish. There are so many outstanding restaurants to try in Oaxaca that we probably won't return.

Went for comida and was surprised by the lack of atmosphere. Waitress spoke no English but she sure tried to help. meal for that day had excellent bean soup, but main course was mediocre. Would not go back as it was not a good value or meal.

We spend winters here in Oaxaca and the Menu del Dia at Comala has been a favorite for years. The price is right (currently 80 pesos), especially for a pleasant restaurant so close to Santo Domingo and the museum, and it's often a relief to step into the coolness and shade of the patio tables or to sit by the windows at the inside tables by the bar. This year, Comala has a choice of two menu del dia entrees, one ,a meat dish and the other vegetarian. We usually order one of each and share. The first course can be a soup, salad or other interesting appetizer. The menu comes with agua de sabor/ fruit water, dessert, coffee or tea, and a decent bread followed by tortillas. We usually ask for salsa and extra limes.It's always fun to see what's on the daily menu board by the entrance and then make our decision to eat at Comala or to press on.We find the service to be pleasant and attentive, and enjoy seeing Carlos, the friendly and warm owner. We've rarely been disappointed by our lunch and often find the food and presentation pretty impressive.Often in the evenings Comala has live music and is packed with a young crowd, but afternoons are peaceful and quiet. Prices on the regular menu are quite a bit higher and we've always been pleased by the fixed price daily menu.