La Pérgola

La Pérgola has grilled Hereford beef across from the Estadio Xalapeño since 1965, making it one of Xalapa's longest-running steakhouses. The kitchen is built around imported and domestic Hereford cuts grilled over open flame, with corte Hereford a la parrilla, arrachera, and BBQ ribs as the anchors of the menu, alongside simple grilled sides rather than an elaborate tasting format. The dining room is an open-air terrace with a casual-to-smart atmosphere, wooden furniture, and a steady stream of families and regulars, particularly around university sports events at the stadium across the street; noise levels rise on weekends when the terrace fills. The drinks list is centered on Mexican beer and simple mixed drinks rather than an extensive wine programme. Reservations are recommended on weekends, when demand is highest, and the restaurant's daytime hours (closing at 5:30PM) mean it functions more as a lunch and early-dinner destination than a late-night steakhouse.