The Taco Stands of Mexico’s Roma and Condesa
Spit-roasted pork, charcoal grilled meats, spicy sauces, melted cheeses and warm hand-rolled corn tortillas. You’re in Mexico City for tacos. And while there are virtually thousands of taco stands and taquerias sprinkled about the sprawling capital, we’re sharing a few of our favorites in the neighborhoods of Condesa and La Roma. And, since most are open into the wee hours, the only requisite is to come hungry.
El Farolita
While the original opened in Condesa market back in the 1960s, these days you’ll find over two dozen locations around the city. Hit the original on Hipodromo Street and order the tacos al pastor (spit-roasted pork with charred pineapple) – a Mexican riff on the Lebanese shawarma that was brought to town in the 1930s. The eatery also claims to have invented tacos al carbon (tacos cooked on charcoal) which we enjoyed with a bevy of the homemade sauces. Or perhaps opt for the cecina de Yecapixtla (tasty strips of salted beef) topped with a smattering of charcoal-grilled onions. Altata 19, Hipódromo Condesa, 06100 Ciudad de México
El Califa
It’s 3 a.m. somewhere. Welcome to El Califa, where a carnivore-heavy menu focuses on beef tacos (think flank, rib-eye and sirloin). Sample the grilled arrachera (marinated steak taco) or the decadent gringas, a quesadilla-style presentation of two tortillas stuffed with meat and gooey cheese. Don’t miss the salsas which include a charred, slightly smoky vegetable tatemeda. And, only in Mexico City would you have two iconic taco stands so close together (El Farolita is across the street). Altata 22, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06170 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
El Tizoncito
Sure, the history books might be chalked full of who first created al pastor tacos (please don’t ask us). Still most believe that El Tizoncito was responsible for adding pineapple to their spit-roasted pork recipe. Also, don’t let the fact that this eatery is a chain derail you – just wait until you’ve sampled the tender pork (seasoned with garlic, vinegar, chiles, seeds)topped with salsas and a squeeze of lime. You can also try the alambres (grilled beef topped with chopped bacon, bell peppers, onions, cheese, salsa). Wash it all down with an aqua fresca. Av. Tamaulipas 122, Condesa, 06140 Ciudad de México
Los Parados
On the corner of a bustling Roma street, you’ll find a string of hungry patrons waiting to eat at Los Parados. With its sparse environs and massive grill, this shop is known for its tacos al carbon (coal-grilled meats). Here, you’ll find the hot holy trifecta: costilla (ribs), arrachera (beefsteak) and chorizo (pork sausage) tacos. You can also opt for chicken tacos with nopal (cactus) and a side of cebollitas (grilled green onions). But that’s not all: Mexican-style burgers are lovingly topped with bacon, cheese and homemade salsa. Monterrey 333, Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, 06760 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Pescadito
Inside this simple, laid-back eatery, you’ll find a pint-sized menu of perfectly battered-and-fried fish tacos, shrimp tacos and of course, the signature ‘que-sotote’ –an airy corn tortilla taco stuffed with fried shrimp and cheese. If you want to layer the taste profile, top your taco with complimentary salsas, pickled red onion and coleslaw. Then, quickly pull up a folding plastic seat outside and get down to the pleasurable business of eating. C. Atlixco 38, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México
El Huequito
Looking for delectable, slow-cooked pork street tacos tacos with grilled onions, avocado sauce and spicy red sauce rolled into a crispy tortilla and then grilled? Indeed, you have arrived at the correct spot. Since 1959, El Huequito has been doling out tasty street treats to guests. Just don’t expect to sit down — the scrappy, no-frills locale is for grab-and-go grub only. Ayuntamiento 21, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06050 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
