A taco lover’s guide to the most mouthwatering spots in CDMX.
Mexico City runs on tacos. Forget coffee shops on every corner — here, it’s taquerías. Walk down a busy avenue, and the smell of sizzling meat on the plancha will guide you before you even spot the stand. You’ll hear the slap of tortillas, the chop of knives against wood, the calls of “¡Dos al pastor con todo!” and the clink of bottles of soda.
Tacos here aren’t just food. They’re part of the city’s rhythm. Each taquería has its own style, its own loyal following, and its own secret salsa recipe that can make or break the experience. After countless late-night bites and taco crawls, here’s a curated list of 5 unforgettable taco spots you can’t miss — each one with its own personality, vibe, and must-order dish.
1. Taquería Arandas
Vibe: Street-style, plastic stools, salsa bar, and the non-stop hum of the city around you.
There’s something about eating tacos at Arandas that feels like peak Mexico City. The trompo al pastor spins under bright lights, with the taquero slicing meat and pineapple in one sharp motion that looks almost like a dance. The air is smoky, filled with spices and the chatter of hungry customers who never stop coming.
Why go? Because al pastor is the taco of CDMX, and Arandas does it like it should be done: juicy, charred just right, and balanced with sweetness from the pineapple. It’s messy, it’s bold, it’s everything a street taco should be.
What to ask for: Al pastor with pineapple. Load it with green salsa if you like heat — and don’t be shy to order seconds, you will.
2. Tacos El Güero
Vibe: Classic neighborhood stand, nothing fancy — just a crowd gathered around, eating fast, talking loud, and loving every bite.
This is the kind of place locals swear by. No big signs, no trendy branding, just pure taco craftsmanship. You grab your taco, stand at the counter, and in two bites you’re wondering how something so simple can taste this good. The sizzling sound of the bistec and the drip of suadero fat onto the grill create a perfume that could convince anyone to stop.
💡 Why go? Because sometimes the best tacos aren’t about Instagrammable looks or trendy crowds. They’re about tradition, flavor, and meat that speaks for itself. El Güero is that — greasy, juicy, honest tacos.
🌮 What to ask for: Suadero, soft and rich with flavor, or a bistec taco if you want it classic. Always finish with lime and salsa roja.
3. El Remolkito del Sirloin Roma
Vibe: Roma neighborhood spot, part late-night lifesaver, part meat-lover’s paradise.
Step into Remolkito and you’ll smell the sirloin before you see it. This is where carnivores feel at home — thick cuts of beef grilled and chopped, served in tacos that are generous enough to be a meal on their own. At night, you’ll find friends piling in after bars, still laughing, salsa dripping onto the table, while the taquero flips cuts of sirloin on the hot grill.
Why go? Because when you crave a taco with substance, something meaty and filling that goes beyond the “grab and go” bite, this is where you go. Their sirloin is tender, smoky, and unforgettable.
What to ask for: Sirloin taco. Add their smoky salsa for a kick, and if you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a cold beer — it’s a perfect late-night combo.
4. Taquería Los Amigos
Vibe: Cozy, family-style taquería, with tables to sit and chat, and a warm, welcoming energy.
There’s something about Los Amigos that makes you feel at home, even if it’s your first visit. It’s not just the food (though the food is fantastic), it’s the way everyone eats like they’ve been coming here for years. The chatter is slower, more familiar, compared to the rush of street stands. It’s the kind of place where you stay for an extra taco just to keep the vibe going.
💡 Why go? Because sometimes tacos aren’t about rushing — they’re about comfort, about sharing a table with friends, and about food that tastes like it was made for you.
🌮 What to ask for: Campechano (a mix of meats), which is hearty and satisfying. Their suadero is also worth a dedicated trip.
5. Taquería Orinoco (Condesa)
Vibe: Trendy sit-down taquería, Monterrey-style, with neon lights, music, and a young, hungry crowd.
Orinoco is an institution. Originally from Monterrey, it’s the taquería that showed up in CDMX and instantly gained a cult following. You’ll see long lines outside on weekends, but that’s part of the ritual. Inside, it’s loud, it’s busy, it’s alive. And then the tacos arrive — bold fillings wrapped in flour tortillas, a northern twist that stands out in the land of corn tortillas.
💡 Why go? Because it’s more than a taquería, it’s a scene. And because trying northern-style tacos in Mexico City is a must-do contrast to the typical chilango experience.
🌮 What to ask for: Tripa (crispy and golden) if you’re feeling adventurous. Chicharrón, if you want something rich and crunchy. Always, always order flour tortillas.
Final Bite
Tacos in Mexico City aren’t just meals — they’re stories. Each taquería tells its own version: the late-night sirloin, the comforting campechano, the fiery al pastor that defines a city. Together, these 5 spots paint a picture of CDMX’s taco culture: loud, flavorful, diverse, and absolutely unforgettable.
👉 So here’s the question: are you more about the street taco chaos or the trendy sit-down taco experience? Either way, one thing’s for sure — in Mexico City, there’s always room for “just one more taco.”
