Taquerias of La Condesa

As an official taco addict, I am so very very lucky to live in a neighborhood that is a proud home to some of the best taquerias in Mexico. Of course there are many jewels of these noble establishments outside of La Condesa but here is my local top list:

#1 Tacos Hola

Amsterdam corner with Michoacan, right in front of Superama

These tacos are number one for the concept, history, and this is your breakfast people. By 2pm everything is sold out. This is the only taqueria that I know that specialized in guisados (veggie and stew like tacos that are a perfect breakfast). My favorites include:

- taco with fresh white cheese, black beans, and guacamole;

- taco with scrambled eggs, fresh white cheese and black beans (or guacamole);

- taco with nopales and fresh white cheese.

There are many other choices such as stuffed chiles, chicharron (fried pork skin), chicken, veggies, etc. Tacos Hola have been in La Condesa for over 50 years now and it’s an institution.

#2 El Greco

Michoacan 45, corner with Nuevo Leon

These are the original Arabic tacos. You can have them with a corn tortilla or a typical Arabic bread. They even call them “Doneraki”. With over 30 years of loyal service, this is definitely nice twist to the traditional Mexican taco concept. For desert you can try the house specialty of yogurt gelly or a lemon pie.

#3 El Califa

Alfonso Reyes corner with Nuevo Leon

Some will say that this recommendation may lack originality as Califa is an already well known chain but the fact of the matter is that these are quality tacos and you go there at any night from Wednesday day to Saturday in the middle of the night and see if you can get a table. On the expensive side for a taco place (around 40 pesos per taco) but definitely high quality meat, fresh hand-made tortilla, and delicious salsa to top the cake. You must try caldo de carne (meat bouillon) and frijoles de la olla (black beans stew).

#4 El Tizoncito

Alfonso Reyes, next to Califa

Campeche corner with Cholula

Campeche corner with Tamaulipas

This is another popular taco chain in Mexico City. This is the place to have taco al pastor (pork meat marinated in achiote and chile).

#5 Don Juan

Atlixco 42, corner with Juan Escutia

Don Juan has the classics of La Condesa and yes, this is where they filmed “Amores Perros”. Well, at least one scene. This little corner of the street is always packed during lunch time offering tacos of arrachera, longaniza, and guisados. During Saturdays and Sundays you can enjoy carnitas. The interesting fact about Don Juan is that they started as a butcher shop and are still offering this service for the ones who want to take some of this goodness back home to their families.

#6 Don Manolito

Campeche 346, corner with Saltillo

You cannot miss Don Manolito when passing by simply because you will turn your head to look at its proud representative the Bull, big and hunky it will be in your face. Don Manolito opened its business right next to el Tizoncito, which I have to say was a brave move but its working out for them. The key is differentiation. Created for the younger crowd in mind, they suggest that you cure your hangover with tacos Palac and follow with frijoles charros. They even have a sangria if you are tired of beer. If you want a better review, just go and read the wall as on your way out one shall ask for a pen and write the full Don Manolito experience on the wall.

#7 El Faron

Oaxaca 92

I have heard comments that it is the replica of “El Califa” but half price. Not bad ha? I am personally totally pro competition in that sense. So here you can also have your share of gaona, costilla, pastor and bistec. Though I have to say, the long lines at 3 am are still at Califa.