Guads Tacos & Beer
About This Spot
Stepping into Guads Tacos & Beer is like dropping into a lively, unpretentious corner of Davis where the rhythms of a busy college town and the comforting pulse of authentic Mexican flavors come together. This is not a polished, quiet affair—it’s a bustling, animated spot where the chatter hums under the clatter of plates and the aroma of grilled pork and fresh cilantro floats through the air.
The pace here is friendly but spirited. You might find yourself waiting briefly for a table or sharing a communal vibe in the modest indoor seating or on the sidewalk patio, where locals and students naturally seek refuge. The atmosphere is casual and approachable, inviting you to settle in without fuss, to focus on the joy of genuine, hearty Mexican fare and good company.
What defines the Guads experience isn’t just what arrives on your plate but the rhythms of the place itself—the self-serve chips and salsa bar that keeps the energy flowing; the clinking of bottlenecks and the refreshing pull of a Michelada or a crisp bottled beer; the smiles and movements of staff who keep the service smooth despite the rush. It’s a place where portions are generous, and the flavors—whether the smoky pork of the pastor, the bright, tangy ceviche tostada, or a veggie quesadilla—carry you straight to street-food warmth and comfort.
Guads is a place woven into the fabric of downtown Davis, beloved not just for its food but for the familiar, dependable moments it offers. Whether you’re pausing on a weekday or joining the weekend crowd, it feels like a shared secret: a spot where the local energy meets the simple pleasures of Mexican cooking made with care and pride.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating
-
Takeaway
-
Dine-in
-
Delivery
-
Fast service
-
Great beer selection
-
Serves local specialty
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Solo dining
-
Wheelchair-accessible car park
-
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
-
Wheelchair-accessible seating
-
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
-
Alcohol
-
Beer
-
Cocktails
-
Comfort food
-
Late-night food
-
Quick bite
-
Small plates
-
Vegetarian options
-
Wine
-
Breakfast
-
Brunch
-
Lunch
-
Dinner
-
Catering
-
Dessert
-
Seating
-
Table service
-
Bar on site
-
Toilet
-
Wi-Fi
-
Wi-Fi
-
Casual
-
Trendy
-
Groups
-
Tourists
-
University students
-
Usually a wait
-
Accepts reservations
-
Credit cards
-
Debit cards
-
NFC mobile payments
-
Credit cards
-
Good for kids
-
High chairs
-
Kids' menu
-
Free of charge street parking
-
Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM | |
| Tuesday | 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM | |
| Thursday | 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM |
Andrea Liu 06 Jan 2026
One of the most popular places in downtown Davis for a reason! Portions are huge and tasty, and the chips and salsa bar is phenomenal. Beware, though: this place is so popular that seating is often difficult to find. Recommended: Quesadilla zuiza, super giant burrito, grilled fish plate
Ted mtrc 03 Jan 2026
Always great experience across the board. Salsa bar and free chips are just perks on top of the very flavorful dishes and good selections of tap beer and mixed drinks. I have not seen or experienced any bad service from the staff. These are the reasons why don't mind driving 15 to 20 minutes out of sac to enjoy a good Mexican meal.
Jason Ballard 27 Dec 2025
OMG! AMAZING! Food was off the charts! Some of the best tacos I’ve EVER had! Tried regular & street tacos. Top NOTCH! Chips & salsa bar (free) was on point! Wow watermelon drink was superb! Super friendly staff who was cleaning down tables, etc. as soon as people left. See the pics for more! I would HIGHLY recommend this location and suggest you leave a rating to help others.
just fee 24 Dec 2025
Must try. Food is delicious. I ordered a torta yello and mimosa. So good. Large portions for the value. Free homemade chips and salsa. Wait time was not long. Seating can be a challenge as it is not a big eatery. You order at the register, then they hand you a number, and then you go find a seat. They bring your food. There's also outside seating. Nice location. Lots of character in the area to sit outside and check out the street scenery. Parking can be a challenge. Street parking. Friendly and welcoming staff.
Tierney Kilgariff 15 Dec 2025
Guads doesn't disappoint. It's a reliable, Mexican style restaurant near campus that everyone loves. The service is quick and the menu has good variety without being overly expensive. It's best feature is the complimentary chip bar which stays well-stocked even during the rush. It can sometimes be difficult to find seating and I've noticed the guac quality is spotty.
Danny A 13 Dec 2025
10/23/22 Sunday Nice location n always busy with students. We ordered chicken burrito, fish & shrimp tacos, veg enchilada plate, chicken enchilada plate, chicken burrito with red sauce all were super delicious. They have complimentary chips n salsas. Will come back n try more menu items.
Jessica Ureste (Jess) 08 Dec 2025
Really good Mexican food. I tried the taco plate and got one hard taco and one soft. Both were tripa. The menu doesn’t state this, but apparently tripa is $1 extra as they charged extra when I viewed my receipt. Only criticism is that the menu should be updated to reflect which meats cost extra. Both tacos were good but the hard one surprisingly is the best. My friend had advised me and she wasn’t wrong! The rice and beans have great flavor, and they also have the chips and salsa bar.
__ 13 Oct 2025
Visiting Davis for the first time over parents weekend and was elated to find good tacos. I brought my kid and 2 roommates and we crowded around a table and dug in. They all loved it. So happy to find this place.