Top 20 Taquerias in Mexico City

Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis, is a true culinary paradise, particularly renowned for its vibrant and diverse taco scene. From humble street-side stands to sophisticated restaurants, the city offers a taco experience for every palate and budget. This comprehensive guide ranks the top 20 taquerias in Mexico City, considering their specialties, locations, menu highlights, customer reviews, history, price ranges, hours of operation, and any notable recognition or awards. This list is based on a synthesis of multiple expert sources and aims to provide a detailed and accurate overview of the city's best taco offerings.

1. Taquería Orinoco

• Location: Avenida Álvaro Obregón 179, Roma Nte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX; Avenida Yucatan 3, La Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 CDMX.
• Specialties: Known for its northern-style tacos, particularly chicharrón (fried pork skin), tacos al pastor, and res (beef) tacos.
• Menu Highlights: The chicharrón and trompo (taco al pastor) are must-tries. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options.
• Customer Reviews: Popular among locals and tourists, often with long lines, indicating its consistent quality and appeal.
• History: While specific historical details are scarce, Taquería Orinoco has become a modern staple in Mexico City's culinary scene, originating from Monterrey.
• Price Range: Generally affordable, with tacos ranging from 29 to 47 MXN pesos.
• Hours of Operation: 12 PM to 2 AM daily.
• Notable Recognition: Frequently listed as one of the best taquerias in Mexico City.
• Style: Canteen-style decoration with red chairs and white tiles.
• Sources: World of Mouth, Travel Mexico Solo

2. Taqueria Los Gueros

• Location: Calle Lorenzo Boturini 4354, Colonia Aeronautica Militar, Venustiano Carranza, 15970 CDMX.
• Specialties: Authentic tacos al pastor, a favorite among locals and chefs.
• Menu Highlights: Tacos al pastor are the main attraction.
• Customer Reviews: Always crowded, indicating its popularity among locals.
• History: Featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, highlighting its long-standing reputation.
• Price Range: Generally affordable.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles.
• Sources: Netflix's Taco Chronicles, Travel Mexico Solo

3. Taqueria Los Parados

• Location: Monterrey 333, Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, 06760 CDMX.
• Specialties: Tacos al pastor and tacos al carbon (meat cooked over charcoal).
• Menu Highlights: Rib-eye tacos are highly recommended, along with the traditional tacos al pastor and tacos al carbon.
• Customer Reviews: Frequented by local office workers and late-night patrons.
• History: A standing-room-only institution in Mexico City.
• Price Range: Generally affordable, with tacos priced around the local average.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Known for their authentic tacos al carbon.
• Sources: Saveur, Travel Mexico Solo

4. Taquería El Califa de León

• Location: Avenida Ribera de San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, 06470 CDMX.
• Specialties: Taco de gaonera, bistec (steak), chuleta (pork chop), and costilla (ribs).
• Menu Highlights: The taco de gaonera is their signature dish.
• Customer Reviews: Received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Mexico 2024.
• History: Open since 1968.
• Price Range: Tacos are about 75 MXN pesos each.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Michelin star recipient.
• Sources: Michelin Guide, Travel Mexico Solo

5. Taqueria Los Cocuyos

• Location: Simón Bolívar 59, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 CDMX.
• Specialties: Suadero, campechano, longaniza, cabeza, and tripa.
• Menu Highlights: Suadero is one of their most popular options. They also offer unusual options like offal, tripe, and tacos de ojo (eyeball tacos).
• Customer Reviews: Featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles and visited by Anthony Bourdain. Known for its eternal crowds.
• History: A 24-hour taqueria with a long history.
• Price Range: Generally affordable, with tacos priced around the local average.
• Hours of Operation: 24 hours.
• Notable Recognition: Featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles and visited by Anthony Bourdain.
• Sources: Netflix's Taco Chronicles, World of Mouth, My Mexico Trip

6. Taqueria Los Especiales

• Location: Centro Histórico, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Tacos de canasta (basket tacos) with fillings like frijoles, papas, and two types of chicharrones.
• Menu Highlights: All four fillings are recommended, especially the frijoles.
• Customer Reviews: Known for its cheap and flavorful tacos.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Tacos cost 8 pesos each.
• Hours of Operation: 9am-10pm (6pm on Sundays).
• Notable Recognition: Highly recommended for its value.
• Sources: My Mexico Trip

7. Ricos Tacos Toluca

• Location: Centro Histórico, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Chorizo, with four types: red, green, tamarind, and habanero chili.
• Menu Highlights: Green chorizo is highly recommended.
• Customer Reviews: Known for its unique and delicious chorizo options.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Tacos cost 27 pesos each.
• Hours of Operation: Best to visit after 2pm.
• Notable Recognition: Known for its unique chorizo options.
• Sources: My Mexico Trip

8. El Tizoncito

• Location: Multiple branches, including in Centro Histórico.
• Specialties: Tacos al pastor, though their claim to inventing them is disputed. Known for their bean dip.
• Menu Highlights: Bean dip served with tortilla chips and salsas is a must-try.
• Customer Reviews: Popular for its bean dip and other menu items like alambres and huaraches.
• History: Claim to be the inventors of tacos al pastor, though this is not confirmed.
• Price Range: Not specified.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Known for its bean dip.
• Sources: My Mexico Trip

9. Taquería El Jarocho

• Location: Colonia Roma, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Tacos de guisados, particularly the mole verde.
• Menu Highlights: Mole verde with tender pork and jade green sauce made with pumpkin seeds and hoja santa.
• Customer Reviews: High prices for Mexico City, but each taco comes with an extra tortilla.
• History: In business since 1947.
• Price Range: Higher than average for Mexico City.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: A long-standing landmark in Colonia Roma.
• Sources: Saveur

10. Birria Las Margaritas

• Location: Mercado de La Merced, Pasillo 29 Banquetón, Centro, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Birria, a spicy, soupy stew of mutton or beef.
• Menu Highlights: Birria tacos garnished with cilantro, onions, and avocado, served with a bowl of consomé.
• Customer Reviews: Highly praised for its birria and accompanying consomé.
• History: Run by the Gómez family from Guadalajara.
• Price Range: Not specified.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Highly recommended for its birria.
• Sources: Saveur

11. Tizne Tacomotoro

• Location: Roma Norte and Del Valle, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Smoked meat tacos, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and pork belly.
• Menu Highlights: Baby back rib taco glazed in chile morita and topped with verdolagas.
• Customer Reviews: Known for unique flavor combinations and a unique menu.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Not specified.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended for its unique offerings.
• Sources: Culturestraveled

12. Contramar

• Location: Calle de Durango 200, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX.
• Specialties: Gourmet tacos, including tacos de charal, tuna tostadas, and pescado a la talla.
• Menu Highlights: Tacos de charal and tuna tostadas are highly recommended.
• Customer Reviews: Known for its gourmet and seafood options.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Generally higher than average for gourmet options.
• Hours of Operation: 12 PM–6 PM, closed Mondays.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended for gourmet taco enthusiasts.
• Sources: Travel Mexico Solo

13. Taquería el Tarasco

• Location: Narvarte, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Traditional tacos with various fillings.
• Menu Highlights: No specific highlights provided.
• Customer Reviews: Recommended as one of the best in Narvarte.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Not specified.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Highly recommended in Narvarte.
• Sources: Culturestraveled

14. Arrachera Tacos el Tigre

• Location: Narvarte, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Arrachera (skirt steak) tacos.
• Menu Highlights: No specific highlights provided.
• Customer Reviews: Recommended for its arrachera tacos.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Not specified.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended in Narvarte.
• Sources: Culturestraveled

15. La Taquiza al Carbón

• Location: Narvarte, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Tacos al carbon.
• Menu Highlights: No specific highlights provided.
• Customer Reviews: Recommended for its tacos al carbon.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Not specified.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended in Narvarte.
• Sources: Culturestraveled

16. El Fogoncito

• Location: Various locations in Mexico City.
• Specialties: Traditional tacos with a focus on quality ingredients.
• Menu Highlights: No specific highlights provided.
• Customer Reviews: Known for its consistent quality.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Generally affordable.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended for its quality.
• Sources: Will Fly For Food

17. Taquería La Taquería

• Location: Various locations in Mexico City.
• Specialties: Traditional tacos with various fillings.
• Menu Highlights: No specific highlights provided.
• Customer Reviews: Recommended for its traditional tacos.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Generally affordable.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended for traditional tacos.
• Sources: Will Fly For Food

18. El Pescadito

• Location: Various locations in Mexico City.
• Specialties: Seafood tacos.
• Menu Highlights: No specific highlights provided.
• Customer Reviews: Known for its fresh seafood options.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Generally higher than average for seafood options.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended for seafood enthusiasts.
• Sources: Will Fly For Food

19. Cityzen

• Location: Roma Norte, Mexico City.
• Specialties: Gourmet tacos with unique fillings.
• Menu Highlights: No specific highlights provided.
• Customer Reviews: Recommended for its gourmet and unique offerings.
• History: No specific historical data provided.
• Price Range: Generally higher than average for gourmet options.
• Hours of Operation: Not specified.
• Notable Recognition: Recommended for gourmet taco enthusiasts.
• Sources: Travel Mexico Solo

20. El Turix

• Location: Emilio Castelar 212, Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 CDMX.
• Specialties: Cochinita pibil tacos, panuchos.
• Menu Highlights: A no-frills spot serving Yucatecan-style cochinita pibil, marinated in achiote and slow-cooked to perfection.
• Customer Reviews: Patrons love the tender pork and the flavorful red onion escabeche.
• History: A hidden gem in Polanco, El Turix has been a go-to for authentic Yucatecan flavors.
• Price Range: $40–$80 MXN per taco.
• Hours of Operation: 10 AM–6 PM daily.
• Notable Recognition: Featured on Eater’s list of best tacos in Mexico City.
• Sources: Eater, Travel Mexico Solo

This list represents a diverse selection of the best taquerias in Mexico City, offering a range of experiences from traditional street tacos to gourmet interpretations. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring these taquerias will provide an unforgettable culinary journey through the heart of Mexico's taco culture.

Additional Notes

It is worth noting that the taco scene in Mexico City is constantly evolving, with new taquerias emerging and existing ones refining their offerings. This list is based on the most current information available as of December 2024, but it is always a good idea to check recent reviews and recommendations before visiting. Additionally, some taquerias may have varying hours or may be closed on certain days, so it is advisable to confirm their operating hours before planning a visit. Finally, while price ranges are provided, they can vary slightly based on the specific tacos ordered and any additional items.