Mexico City, or CDMX, as locals call it, is a sprawling, vibrant capital where ancient history meets modern energy. But for all its grand plazas, colorful murals, vibrant nightlife, and bustling markets, there’s one thing that fuels this city from sunrise to well past midnight: tacos.
In CDMX, tacos aren’t just food. They are a way of life. You will find them sizzling on street corners, piled high in bustling taquerías, and dressed with salsas so flavorful they make your eyes water. But with thousands of taco spots across the city, how do you find the best tacos in Mexico City? That’s where this guide comes in: Best Tacos in Mexico City: Where to Find the Absolute Best Taco in CDMX. From smoky street-side treasures to legendary establishments that locals have sworn by for decades, this is your ultimate taco roadmap.
Want to try the best tacos in Mexico City and have unforgettable experiences? Find out what our Concierge service can do for you!
Why Mexico City Is a Taco Paradise
When it comes to tacos CDMX, variety is everything. The city’s culinary landscape blends traditions from all over Mexico, meaning you can eat tacos in dozens of regional styles without ever leaving the city. Whether you crave tender al pastor sliced from a spinning trompo, melt-in-your-mouth barbacoa slow-cooked in maguey leaves, or fresh seafood tacos with a coastal flair, CDMX delivers.
Street food culture thrives here. it is not unusual to see a suited businessman grabbing a quick taco between meetings or families gathered around a sidewalk stand for Sunday breakfast. And the best part? The most delicious tacos are often the most affordable. This is a proof that world-class flavor doesn’t have to break the bank.
Essential Taco Styles to Try in Mexico City
Before venturing into the vibrant streets of CDMX for tacos, it helps to know the essential styles you will encounter:
Tacos de Canasta: These “basket tacos” are sold in the morning by vendors on bicycles, often covered and slightly steamed. Popular fillings include potatoes, beans, chicharrón, or adobo, perfect for a quick and inexpensive breakfast.
Tacos de Guisado: These are pre-cooked stews, ranging from chicken and beef to vegetarian delights, served fresh on tortillas. They are comfort food in taco form, with bold, slow-cooked flavors.
Tacos al Pastor: Perhaps Mexico City’s most iconic taco. Thin slices of pork marinated in a vibrant red chili sauce rotate on a vertical spit (trompo), topped with pineapple. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and smoky.
Suadero: This tender beef cut is confit-style cooked in oil and served on soft corn tortillas, often with fresh cilantro, onions, and salsa.
Longaniza: A spiced, long pork sausage typically grilled and chopped into hearty tacos.
Campechano: A combination taco, usually suadero and longaniza, offering two textures and flavors in every bite.
Carnitas: Originating from Michoacán, carnitas are slow-cooked pork, traditionally fried in their own fat until crispy yet tender.
Cecina Enchilada: Thin cuts of beef or pork, marinated with chili and spices, perfect for those who love a punchy, smoky flavor.
Birria Tacos: Juicy, slow-cooked beef tacos, often served with consomé; a savory, spiced broth that’s perfect for dipping.
Mixiote: Meat wrapped in thin agave leaves and slow-cooked, infusing a distinct earthy aroma and tender texture.
Tacos de Barbacoa: Typically lamb or beef, these tacos are a weekend specialty, slow-cooked until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Each taco style carries its own history and tradition, and exploring them is as much about understanding Mexico’s culinary culture as it is about tasting. Contact us today to receive personalized guidance and understanding of taco styles in Mexico City!
The Best Tacos in Mexico City: Legendary Spots to Satisfy Every Craving
Finding the best tacos in Mexico City can feel like a lifelong quest. The city’s sprawling taco scene ranges from hole-in-the-wall street stands to more upscale, modern taquerías. Here’s a curated journey through some of CDMX’s most celebrated taco destinations.
El Turix: Polanco
A Yucatán-style treasure, El Turix has earned a global reputation. Here, cochinita pibil tacos steal the show, featuring slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote paste and citrus juices. The panucho, an open-faced, thick corn tortilla topped with cochinita pibil, is equally irresistible. Seating is minimal, so embrace the local custom of eating on the curb, wrapped in plastic, as flavors mingle with the bustling energy of Polanco.
Maizajo: La Condesa
Maizajo is a triad of taquería, restaurant, and tortillería, with a deep devotion to masa. The ribeye tacos, topped with shoestring fries, are rich and flavorful, while the vegetarian taco de papa con queso showcases the ingenuity of Mexican vegetarian cuisine. The downstairs taquería offers an immersive experience, with diners standing behind a bar, watching chefs at work, and squeezing fresh lime over each taco.
Castacán: La Condesa
Brought to life by the team behind Contramar, Castacán is visually vibrant, with colorful tiles and lively music. Their menu is simple but expertly executed, Yucatán-style pork tacos, including the cochinita pibil and fried pork belly (lechón con castacá), highlight the authentic flavors of the region. Even their drink menu is thoughtfully curated, offering Carta Blanca beer, rosé, white wine, and Boing guava juice.
La Onda: Lomas de Chapultepec
La Onda has been a fixture in this upscale neighborhood long before taquerías became trendy. The tacos de costilla con tocino y queso are a must, and stepping inside feels like a journey back in time. The walls are decorated with autographs, including a Mexican soccer player’s signature from 1996, adding to the sense of history.
Los Parados: Roma
This standing-room-only taquería is perfect for a mid-afternoon snack. Must-try items include tacos de chile poblano con queso and machitos de carnero (goat tripe). Pair them with salsa morita and fresh lime for an unforgettable bite. Don’t skip dessert—Los Parados’ arroz con leche is a creamy, subtly sweet treat.
Tacos Hola El Güero: La Condesa
Specializing in tacos de guisado, Tacos Hola El Güero offers a variety of pre-cooked stews, including chicken tinga, beef picadillo, and chicharrón in salsa. The lively atmosphere encourages you to call out your order with confidence. Always add a hard-boiled egg, locals swear it elevates the taco to perfection.
Siembra Taquería: Polanco
Siembra started as a tortilla shop, and their dedication to perfecting the masa shows in every taco. The daily-changing menu features exceptional fish tacos, paired perfectly with guava Boing juice. The original taquería remains intimate, offering a personal and authentic taco experience.
Por Siempre Vegana Taquería: Roma
For plant-based food lovers, Por Siempre Vegana serves the city’s best vegan tacos. The taco de milanesa, topped with avocado, is consistently popular, and the free toppings allow you to customize each taco to your heart’s content.
El Hidalguense: Roma
Barbacoa lovers rejoice: El Hidalguense is open only Friday through Sunday, specializing in slow-cooked lamb tacos. The rustic interior evokes a ranch in Hidalgo, and mornings are the best time to visit to avoid the weekend crowd.
El Greco: La Condesa
For a modern twist, El Greco offers doneraky meat plates and pita tacos with mushrooms and cheese. With four decades of history, it is a welcoming spot for locals and tourists alike.
El Vilsito: Narvarte Oriente
By day, El Vilsito is a car repair shop; by night, a lively taco haven. Known for their gringa de pastor, these tacos are served late into the night, accompanied by an energetic atmosphere perfect for people-watching.
Taqueria Orinoco: Roma
Even frequent visitors can’t resist Orinoco’s soft, seared tacos de chicharrón and perfectly executed tacos al pastor. A late-night stop here is an essential part of CDMX’s culinary adventure.
El Pescadito: La Condesa
For seafood lovers, El Pescadito serves fried shrimp and fish tacos, including the signature quesotote, a corn tortilla enveloping a chile relleno and fried shrimp. The casual cafeteria-style seating makes it ideal for a relaxed, flavor-packed meal.
Los Panchos: Anzures
A longstanding favorite since 1945, Los Panchos excels in classic tacos like carnitas, campechano, and cecina. Handmade tortillas, fork-tender fillings, and flavorful salsas make this spot an essential stop for taco aficionados.
Tacos Don Juan: La Condesa
Known for tacos de suadero and quesabirria, Tacos Don Juan has been serving locals and visitors since 1982. The menu rotates daily, so trying the specials alongside the slow-cooked pork tacos ensures a memorable meal.
Now that you have an idea of where to find the absolute best taco in CDMX, let us tailor-make a 3-day Mexico City itinerary for your adventure in this city.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Tacos In Mexico City
Every taco in Mexico City tells a story of regional flavors, family recipes, and the city’s dynamic street food culture. Whether you’re savoring the perfectly spiced al pastor at El Vilsito, the tender suadero at Los Parados, the slow-cooked barbacoa at El Hidalguense, or vegan innovations at Por Siempre Vegana, you’re tasting a piece of Mexico’s soul.
Exploring tacos CDMX is more than eating, it is a journey through neighborhoods, flavors, and history. From Polanco’s upscale streets to Roma’s bustling corners, Condesa’s leafy avenues to Narvarte’s night buzz, every taco stand offers a new adventure.
Bring your appetite, an adventurous spirit, and a willingness to explore the city beyond tourist spots. Your personal best taco in Mexico City awaits, somewhere between the vibrant streets, sizzling trompos, and glowing taquerías of CDMX.
Craving for the best tacos in Mexico City? Let us be your flavor guide! Our Concierge team can arrange everything from food and tours to transport and accommodation, ensuring you enjoy the best of Mexico City.
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