Mexico City Classic Cantinas & Taquería Rankings
An exhaustive ranking of Mexico City's most essential and culturally significant drinking and dining institutions. This directory contrasts the historic, alcohol-fueled camaraderie of the traditional cantina with the fast-paced, culinary perfection of the street taquería. From 19th-century salons steeped in revolutionary history to late-night street corners serving Michelin-starred tacos, this guide captures the absolute best of CDMX's vibrant, chaotic, and universally acclaimed gastronomic culture.
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El Vilsito (Taquería) — An auto repair shop by day that transforms at night into a bustling, legendary Narvarte destination widely considered to serve the best al pastor tacos in the city.—
La Ópera (Cantina) — An opulent, 19th-century French-style cantina in the Historic Center famously featuring a bullet hole in the ceiling allegedly fired by Pancho Villa.—
Los Cocuyos (Taquería) — A legendary, Anthony Bourdain-approved street stand in the Centro serving masterfully slow-cooked suadero, tripa, and cabeza late into the night.—
Salón Tenampa (Cantina) — The beating heart of Plaza Garibaldi since 1925, offering an unforgettable, chaotic atmosphere fueled by tequila, traditional Jalisco dishes, and roaming mariachi bands.—
El Califa de León (Taquería) — A historic, microscopic taco stand that recently made history by becoming the first Mexican taco stand to win a Michelin star, famous for its Gaonera cut.—
Salón Covadonga (Cantina) — A cavernous, brightly lit Spanish-style cantina in Roma Norte that eschews music for loud conversation, serving as a beloved hub for artists, writers, and locals.—
Taquería Orinoco (Taquería) — A trendy but universally respected Monterrey-style taquería offering exceptional chicharrón, trompo, and res tacos alongside heavily spiced smashed potatoes.—
Cantina El Tío Pepe (Cantina) — One of Mexico City's oldest operating cantinas (circa 1874), maintaining a perfectly preserved, cinematic interior complete with ornate woodwork and stained glass.—
El Huequito (Taquería) — Meaning 'The Little Hole', this historic 1959 establishment is credited as one of the earliest pioneers of the al pastor taco in the capital.—
La Coyoacana (Cantina) — A vibrant, traditional cantina in Coyoacán boasting a massive outdoor patio, roaming musicians, and an extensive menu of classic Mexican bar food.—
Tacos Hola El Güero (Taquería) — An iconic Condesa institution since 1968, celebrated for its wide array of guisados (stews) served over rice on fresh corn tortillas.—
Cantina La Peninsular (Cantina) — Operating since 1872, this historic establishment was famously guarded about allowing women until the 1980s, but now serves everyone excellent traditional botanas.—
Taquería El Abanico (Taquería) — A massive, bustling culinary destination in the Tránsito neighborhood widely acknowledged by locals as serving the absolute best carnitas in Mexico City.—
El Gallo de Oro (Cantina) — Operating since 1874, this classic venue remains a favorite among downtown office workers for its incredibly generous midday comida corrida (set lunch).—
El Borrego Viudo (Taquería) — An institution famous for its unique drive-through service where waiters sprint to your car to deliver hot tacos and incredibly fermented tepache.—
La Faena (Cantina) — A delightfully bizarre, museum-like cantina filled with vintage bullfighting memorabilia and dusty displays, offering a genuinely eclectic dive bar experience.—
Taquería Los Parados (Taquería) — A classic, standing-room-only Roma Sur spot that pioneered the charcoal-grilled taco preparation, excelling in arrachera and costilla cuts.—
Cantina Riviera del Sur (Cantina) — A modern classic in Roma that expertly marries the boisterous, traditional cantina atmosphere with exceptional, elevated Yucatecan cuisine.—
Tacos Don Juan (Taquería) — A neighborhood butcher shop that transforms into an elite taquería on weekends, serving incredibly high-quality cuts of meat and specialty stews.—
El Bosque (Cantina) — A beloved old-school establishment where ordering drinks continuously yields a procession of increasingly elaborate, complimentary traditional Mexican tapas (botanas).—
Tacos Chupacabras (Taquería) — A late-night Coyoacán legend famous for its secret mixed-meat taco recipe and an incredible, unlimited self-serve condiment and salsa bar.—
Salón España (Cantina) — A historic downtown gem boasting an impressive selection of over 200 tequilas and generously portioned, highly traditional complimentary bar snacks.—
El Farolito (Taquería) — An upscale, highly influential chain that popularized the 'tacos al carbón' style, offering high-quality charcoal-grilled meats in a comfortable setting.—
El Mirador (Cantina) — Located near Chapultepec, this classic institution is revered for its pristine, old-world service and exceptional traditional dishes like chamorro (pork shank).—