This post was certainly not intended to offer a definitive eating guide to traditional Mexico City food… (given that I listed a mere 2 spots & did conclude with the “fresa” disclosure) Additionally, the two spots I listed certainly aren’t the “fancy” overpriced standard-Mexican-food locations you warn against (which I also agree with avoiding– the only “hair enchilada” I’ve had has been at a VIPS!). Rather, my intent was to highlight a couple amusing niche spots for folks in the event they need a break from Vitamina T (tacos, tamales, tlacoyos, etc.)

Sarah– So glad you’ll be making the trek down to DF!! I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do. Just holler if I can offer any further biased advice.

Those places look adorable. I’m planning a visit to Mexico City and I’ve found your blog to be very helpful, informative and entertaining. I’m definitely going to get my fill of taco stands while the getting is good (yea!), but it’s also great to know a cute place in Condesa to get a glass of wine.

Thanks so much!

I’ve lived here for a good 18 years of my life (give or take) and taught my share of americans what Mexico really is, and I have to tell you, I’m yet to get any complaints.

I don’t mean to be rude, but honestly, the places you’re showing are made for tourists and mexican pompous-snobby-wannabes, which is not to say the two are the same, but that only that kind of mexican would eat in a place like that, even on a “special occasion” you would go to a place selling some other kind of food, not overly fancy everyday food (which this is).

The very first thing I tell tourists that come to me is “eat anywhere on the street and avoid fancy restaurants” and the reason isn’t only the fact that they will charge you 10 times more than they should, but that so far, every single tourist I’ve taken around has LOVED the taco stands (yeah those that seem to have NO concept of hygiene whatsoever), the tortas, quesadillas, mueganos, churros, panes, etc. that you find on the street (those in La Merced and Central de Abastos are some of the best), and NEVER gotten sick from it, however, those who have tried VIPS or Burger King, or El Lago, or any other sort of fancy place (even “well established” sushi places) have wished they never even thought of it….

Not entirely sure why they get sick from those, but they sure do. The only “dangerous” stands I’ve found in here so far are those INSIDE chapultepec, actually, those the government regulates. Because even the ones OUTSIDE that no one cares to lay a hand on are DELICIOUS and sooooooo cheap!