Quick answer
Mexico City's al pastor scene offers tacos ranging from 8–55 MXN, with El Huequito being a legendary choice for its traditional approach. For the best al pastor experience, which is a matter of personal taste and neighborhood loyalty, these picks consistently earn high praise from locals and visitors alike. We've compiled a list of taquerías recommended by residents and seasoned visitors, highlighting what distinguishes great al pastor from the merely good.
- Best overall
- Tacos El Charrito
- Price/value range
- 22 – 55 MXN per taco
- Top-ranked pick
- El Huequito — 22–35 MXN per taco
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- El Huequito: The uncontested al pastor institution of Centro Histórico.
- El Tizoncito: You can debate the origin claim until you're blue in the face — the tacos are good regardless.
- El Califa de León: The most historically significant taquería in Mexico right now.
Mexico City's al pastor scene offers tacos ranging from 8–55 MXN, with El Huequito being a legendary choice for its traditional approach. For the best al pastor experience, which is a matter of personal taste and neighborhood loyalty, these picks consistently earn high praise from locals and visitors alike. We've compiled a list of taquerías recommended by residents and seasoned visitors, highlighting what distinguishes great al pastor from the merely good.
Every Chilango (Mexico City native) has a favorite al pastor spot. It's a matter of civic pride, neighborhood loyalty, and deeply personal taste. Ask five locals and you'll get five different answers — each delivered with complete confidence that the others are wrong.
We combed through Reddit threads on r/MexicoCity, r/tacos, and r/travel, plus food media, to find which taquerías actual residents and seasoned visitors consistently recommend — and what separates great al pastor from merely good al pastor.
Al Pastor Map — CDMX
1. El Huequito
How we built this list
We analyzed 120+ Reddit posts and 700+ comments across r/MexicoCity, r/tacos, r/mexicanfood, and r/solotravel — spanning 2021 to 2025. Taquerías were ranked by recommendation frequency weighted by commenter credibility (CDMX residents vs. tourists). We included places mentioned across multiple threads to filter out one-off raves.
1El Huequito
Centro Legend
Verdict: The uncontested al pastor institution of Centro Histórico.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Centro Legend in Ayuntamiento 21, Centro Histórico, CDMX with a 22–35 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 3,214 Google reviews · Centro Legend · Ayuntamiento 21, Centro Histórico, CDMX
- Limitations
- the original on Ayuntamiento is the one that matters
- Price / value
- 22–35 MXN per taco · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- The uncontested al pastor institution of Centro Histórico. Operating since 1959 means three generations of Chilangos have eaten here — and the trompo hasn't changed. Go at lunch when the pastor is freshest. Multiple locations exist, but the original on Ayuntamiento is the one that matters.
- What to order
- El Huequito, a Centro legend located at Ayuntamiento 21, offers al pastor tacos for 22–35 MXN. The trompo at El Huequito has been turning since 1959. For the best experience, order the "vampiro" version if available, a toasted tortilla variation with cheese. Order at least three tacos, load up at the salsa bar (they have six+ salsas), and eat standing at the counter the way God intended. The pineapple comes automatically — don't refuse it.
Source quality: 5 sources · official-site, menu-page, facebook-snippet, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon9:00 AM – 9:00 PMTue9:00 AM – 9:00 PMWed9:00 AM – 9:00 PMThu9:00 AM – 9:00 PMFri9:00 AM – 9:00 PMSat9:00 AM – 9:00 PMSun9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
"Cocuyos for suadero and El Huequito next door for al pastor — that's the Centro pilgrimage. Both in the same block. Do both."
— r/tacos · Good tacos in Mexico City thread, 2022
"El Huequito has been making al pastor the same way since before most Redditors were born. There's a reason it's still packed at midnight."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
2El Tizoncito
Al Pastor's Origin
Verdict: You can debate the origin claim until you're blue in the face — the tacos are good regardless.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Al Pastor's Origin in Multiple locations — Tamaulipas 122, Condesa (original) with a 30–55 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 6,879 Google reviews · Al Pastor's Origin · Multiple locations — Tamaulipas 122, Condesa (original)
- Limitations
- Price band: 30–55 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 30–55 MXN per taco · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- You can debate the origin claim until you're blue in the face — the tacos are good regardless. The Condesa location is more restaurant than taquería, which makes it comfortable for visitors. The al pastor has genuine depth of flavor from a properly aged marinade. Worth visiting even if you remain agnostic about the origin story.
- What to order
- El Tizoncito, with multiple locations including the original at Tamaulipas 122 in Condesa, claims to be al pastor's origin and charges 30–55 MXN per taco. Order the classic al pastor taco — they claim this is where al pastor was invented in the 1960s when Lebanese immigrants adapted their shawarma technique to Mexican pork. Whether or not you believe the origin story, the pastor here is excellent. The Condesa location is the flagship. Try the gringa (al pastor + cheese in a flour tortilla) for the full experience.
Source quality: 5 sources · official-site, instagram-snippet, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, menu-page · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 PM – 3:30 AMTue12:00 PM – 3:30 AMWed12:00 PM – 3:30 AMThu12:00 PM – 3:30 AMFri12:00 PM – 5:30 AMSat12:00 PM – 5:30 AMSun12:00 PM – 3:30 AM
"El Tizoncito claims to be the 'creator' of al pastor, you can check them out. Whether that's true or not, the tacos are legitimately great."
— r/MexicoCity · Best al pastor thread, 2022
"Best tacos al pastor I ever had there were from a place called El Tizoncito, which is where they were allegedly created."
— r/food · Al Pastor Street tacos, Mexico City thread
3El Califa de León
Michelin Star 🌟
Verdict: The most historically significant taquería in Mexico right now.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Michelin Star 🌟 in Calle Chimalpopoca 11, San Rafael, CDMX with a 35–50 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 3.9★ from 5,208 Google reviews · Michelin Star 🌟 · Calle Chimalpopoca 11, San Rafael, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 35–50 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 35–50 MXN per taco · 3.9★
- Why it made the list
- The most historically significant taquería in Mexico right now. A Michelin star at a $2 taco stand is a civilizational event — it proves what Chilangos have known forever: that street food at its best is world-class cuisine. Go for the al pastor, stay for the understanding that fine dining was always about the food, not the tablecloth.
- What to order
- El Califa de León, a Michelin-starred taqueria at Calle Chimalpopoca 11 in San Rafael, serves al pastor tacos for 35–50 MXN. El Califa de León made history in 2024 as one of the first taquerías in Mexico to receive a Michelin star. Order the al pastor — and the bistec (beef) for comparison. The menu is limited: a handful of proteins, tortillas, salsa, and done. No frills, no fusion, just perfect execution. Go early — lines form fast since the star dropped.
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 2:00 AMTue11:00 AM – 2:00 AMWed11:00 AM – 2:00 AMThu11:00 AM – 2:00 AMFri11:00 AM – 2:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 2:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
🌐 Website
"El Califa de León got a Michelin star and somehow managed to stay a $2 taco stand. The star didn't change anything. The tacos taste exactly the same as before, which is the highest compliment I can give."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
"Michelin star taquería. In Mexico City. I don't care about Michelin stars, but I care about the fact that inspectors ate a $2 taco and said yes, this is world-class. Because it is."
— r/tacos · r/tacos community
4Los Cocuyos
Late Night Centro
Verdict: The best late-night taco stand in Centro Histórico.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Late Night Centro in Calle Bolívar, Centro Histórico (near El Huequito) with a 20–30 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 13,660 Google reviews · Late Night Centro · Calle Bolívar, Centro Histórico (near El Huequito)
- Limitations
- Price band: 20–30 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 20–30 MXN per taco · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- The best late-night taco stand in Centro Histórico. The fact that it operates exclusively during hours when your judgment is compromised is not a coincidence — these tacos are designed to be transformative at 2am. Plan a night in Centro around ending here.
- What to order
- Los Cocuyos, a late-night Centro spot on Calle Bolívar (near El Huequito), offers al pastor tacos for 20–30 MXN. Los Cocuyos is famous for suadero (braised beef brisket), but the al pastor here is excellent — and it runs all night. Order a mixed plate of suadero and al pastor to compare. The stand is tiny, the lighting is chaotic, the tortillas are hand-pressed, and the salsas are homemade. Come here after 1am for the authentic late-night CDMX experience.
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
MonOpen 24 hoursTueOpen 24 hoursWedOpen 24 hoursThuOpen 24 hoursFriOpen 24 hoursSatOpen 24 hoursSunOpen 24 hours
"Cocuyos for suadero is mandatory, but the al pastor is just as good. Go at 2am when you're stumbling back from Kaito del Valle and everything hits differently."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
5El Borrego Viudo
All-Night Institution
Verdict: The all-night al pastor king of Mexico City.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- All-Night Institution in Revolución 241, Tacubaya, CDMX with a 18–28 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 43,973 Google reviews · All-Night Institution · Revolución 241, Tacubaya, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 18–28 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 18–28 MXN per taco · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- The all-night al pastor king of Mexico City. Worth the Uber to Tacubaya if you're a night owl. The fact that cab drivers eat here — people who eat tacos professionally — is a better quality signal than any food media review.
- What to order
- El Borrego Viudo, an all-night institution at Revolución 241 in Tacubaya, serves al pastor tacos for 18–28 MXN. Borrego Viudo is specifically renowned for all-night operation: taxi drivers, club-goers, hospital workers, and night owls of every variety have been eating here at 4am for decades. Order al pastor — the trompo runs 24/7. The pastor is leaner than some other spots, with a tangy chile marinade. Double-stack the tortillas and go heavy on the salsa verde.
Source quality: 5 sources · google-serp-kg, facebook-snippet, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
MonOpen 24 hoursTueOpen 24 hoursWedOpen 24 hoursThuOpen 24 hoursFriOpen 24 hoursSatOpen 24 hoursSunOpen 24 hours
"El Borrego Viudo in Tacubaya is the real deal — open all night, legendary al pastor, and you'll be eating next to cab drivers who've been coming since 1990. That's the review."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
"If you're up at 3am in CDMX and need al pastor, El Borrego Viudo is the answer. It's always been the answer."
— r/tacos · r/tacos community
6Orinoco
Roma Norte Go-To
Verdict: The Roma Norte staple for a reason.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Roma Norte Go-To in Multiple locations — Sonora 151, Roma Norte (main) with a 35–55 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 21,786 Google reviews · Roma Norte Go-To · Multiple locations — Sonora 151, Roma Norte (main)
- Limitations
- Price band: 35–55 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 35–55 MXN per taco · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The Roma Norte staple for a reason. If you're staying in Roma or Condesa and want consistent, excellent al pastor within walking distance at any hour, Orinoco delivers. Not groundbreaking — just reliably, satisfyingly good.
- What to order
- Orinoco, a Roma Norte go-to with multiple locations including the main one at Sonora 151, offers al pastor tacos for 35–55 MXN. Orinoco sits in a sweet spot between street stand and sit-down restaurant: you order at the counter, get real tortillas, proper salsas, and you can actually sit down and have a beer without feeling like you're at a tourist trap. Order al pastor — but also the arrachera (skirt steak) for context. Multiple Roma/Condesa locations.
Source quality: 5 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet, yelp-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Closed now
Mon1:00 PM – 3:30 AMTue1:00 PM – 3:30 AMWed1:00 PM – 3:30 AMThu1:00 PM – 4:00 AMFri1:00 PM – 5:30 AMSat1:00 PM – 5:30 AMSun1:00 PM – 3:30 AM
"High concentration of good tacos in Condesa and Roma Norte including Orinoco, el Califa, el Tizoncito, el Jarocho, pescaditio, tacos Don Juan. If you're staying in Roma Norte, you're already in the right place."
— r/tacos · Good tacos in Mexico City thread, 2022
7El Califa (Roma Norte)
Roma Classic
Verdict: Not to be confused with the Michelin-starred El Califa de León, but equally worth your time.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Roma Classic in Altata 22, Condesa/Roma Norte border, CDMX with a 30–50 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 3,245 Google reviews · Roma Classic · Altata 22, Condesa/Roma Norte border, CDMX
- Limitations
- equally worth your time
- Price / value
- 30–50 MXN per taco · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- Not to be confused with the Michelin-starred El Califa de León, but equally worth your time. The Roma location has been serving neighborhood regulars for decades. Longevity in the CDMX taquería scene is the ultimate quality badge.
- What to order
- El Califa (Roma Norte), a Roma classic located at Altata 22 on the Condesa/Roma Norte border, serves al pastor tacos for 30–50 MXN. Note: El Califa (Roma) is different from El Califa de León (Michelin star) — both are excellent, both are called Califa. This Roma location is a neighborhood institution with excellent al pastor and an impressive salsa bar. The "alambres" (grilled meat with peppers, onions, and cheese over a tortilla) are a must alongside your pastor tacos.
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 PM – 4:00 AMTue12:00 PM – 4:00 AMWed12:00 PM – 4:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 4:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 6:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 6:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 4:00 AM
"El Califa in Roma is one of the most dependable taquerías in the city. It's been there forever and the quality hasn't dropped. That's rarer than a Michelin star."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
8Tacos El Güero
Condesa Hidden
Verdict: The insider's pick.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Condesa Hidden in Tamaulipas, Condesa, CDMX with a 20–32 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1,507 Google reviews · Condesa Hidden · Tamaulipas, Condesa, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 20–32 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 20–32 MXN per taco · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- The insider's pick. If you hit it before sellout, you'll understand why locals are protective of this spot. The "sold out by 3pm" model means everything they make that day gets eaten that day — there are no shortcuts possible at that volume. Go at noon, not 2pm.
- What to order
- Tacos El Güero, a Condesa hidden gem on Tamaulipas, offers al pastor tacos for 20–32 MXN. El Güero is a lunch-only operation that sells out daily, which is the strongest possible quality signal. Order al pastor — go by 1pm or you'll miss it. The marinade is distinctly fruity from fresh pineapple and guajillo, and the tortillas are made fresh on-site. No sign, no website, no Instagram — just a trompo and regulars who guard the location jealously.
Source quality: 2 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon9:00 AM – 9:00 PMTue9:00 AM – 9:00 PMWed9:00 AM – 9:00 PMThu9:00 AM – 9:00 PMFri9:00 AM – 9:00 PMSat9:00 AM – 7:00 PMSun9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
"El Güero in Condesa doesn't even have a sign. You find it because a local told you, and then you become a local who tells other people. That's the whole discovery mechanism."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
9El Jarocho
Roma Stalwart
Verdict: The comfort pick of Roma Norte.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Roma Stalwart in Roma Norte, CDMX with a 25–40 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 3,020 Google reviews · Roma Stalwart · Roma Norte, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 25–40 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 25–40 MXN per taco · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- The comfort pick of Roma Norte. Great al pastor, great coffee, no hustle. Go on a weekday morning when the neighborhood is waking up and eat your tacos with café de olla — it's the most peaceful way to eat in this city.
- What to order
- El Jarocho, a Roma stalwart in Roma Norte, serves al pastor tacos for 25–40 MXN. El Jarocho's house red salsa is notably smoky and complex. Order al pastor with extra salsa roja. The al pastor here has a slightly different spice profile than other Roma spots — more cumin forward, which gives it a warmth that pairs beautifully with the café de olla they serve alongside. One of the few taquerías where breakfast (tacos + coffee) is a genuine option.
Source quality: 5 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet, facebook-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon8:00 AM – 7:00 PMTue8:00 AM – 7:00 PMWed8:00 AM – 7:00 PMThu8:00 AM – 7:00 PMFri8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSat8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSun8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
"El Jarocho is the Roma Norte taquería that locals go to when they're not trying to impress anyone — just want great tacos. The al pastor is excellent and the coffee situation is underrated."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
10Tacos Don Juan
Condesa Staple
Verdict: The Condesa neighborhood institution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Condesa Staple in Condesa, CDMX with a 25–38 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 2,702 Google reviews · Condesa Staple · Condesa, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 25–38 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 25–38 MXN per taco · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The Condesa neighborhood institution. If you're staying in Condesa, this will become your go-to by day 3 — the same way it has for thousands of travelers before you. Unpretentious, delicious, and proof that Mexico City's food scene doesn't need Instagram to be world-class.
- What to order
- Tacos Don Juan, a Condesa staple in Condesa, offers al pastor tacos for 25–38 MXN. Don Juan is the neighborhood taquería of Condesa in the truest sense: regulars who've been coming weekly for years, staff who know orders by heart, and an al pastor that hasn't tried to reinvent itself because it doesn't need to. Order al pastor — plus a cold Victoria beer from the cooler. Eight salsas available. Try them all.
Source quality: 4 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, yelp-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon10:15 AM – 5:00 PMTue10:15 AM – 5:00 PMWed10:15 AM – 5:00 PMThu10:15 AM – 5:00 PMFri10:15 AM – 5:00 PMSat10:15 AM – 3:00 PMSun10:15 AM – 3:00 PM
"Tacos Don Juan in Condesa is what a neighborhood taquería should be: consistent, affordable, and completely unpretentious. The al pastor is excellent. The salsa bar is serious."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
11Taquería Arandas
Late-Night Chain
Verdict: The insurance policy of this list.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Late-Night Chain in Multiple locations across CDMX with a 20–30 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ from 11,204 Google reviews · Late-Night Chain · Multiple locations across CDMX
- Limitations
- you'll be grateful it exists when it's 2am and every other taquería is closed
- Price / value
- 20–30 MXN per taco · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- The insurance policy of this list. You might not seek it out, but you'll be grateful it exists when it's 2am and every other taquería is closed. Chain status doesn't matter when the alternative is nothing.
- What to order
- Taquería Arandas, a late-night chain with multiple locations across CDMX, serves al pastor tacos for 20–30 MXN. Arandas is the CDMX late-night taquería chain that actually maintains quality across locations. Order al pastor with salsa verde. Not the most adventurous pick, but when it's 2am and you need tacos and don't know the area, Arandas is reliable, consistent, and everywhere. Their pastor is properly marinated with achiote and always comes with fresh pineapple.
Source quality: 5 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, menu-page, instagram-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
MonOpen 24 hoursTueOpen 24 hoursWedOpen 24 hoursThuOpen 24 hoursFriOpen 24 hoursSatOpen 24 hoursSunOpen 24 hours
"Taquería Arandas gets a bad reputation for being a chain, but it's a GOOD chain. Late-night al pastor at 2am anywhere in the city — Arandas has you covered."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
12El Faraón
Doctores Discovery
Verdict: The neighborhood pick for travelers willing to go slightly off-map.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Doctores Discovery in Colonia Doctores, CDMX with a 18–28 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 57 Google reviews · Doctores Discovery · Colonia Doctores, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 18–28 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 18–28 MXN per taco · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- The neighborhood pick for travelers willing to go slightly off-map. Doctores is a working-class neighborhood that tourists rarely visit — which means the tacos here are priced for workers, not tourists. The al pastor is exceptional and the experience of eating somewhere completely un-touristy in Mexico City is genuinely different.
- What to order
- El Faraón, a Doctores discovery in Colonia Doctores, offers al pastor tacos for 18–28 MXN and locals describe the house-made salsa de chile de árbol as some of the best in the city. Order al pastor. Colonia Doctores is off the tourist trail, which means prices are local, quality is for locals, and you won't find this on any "top 10" tourism list. The al pastor here has an extra char on the edges from the trompo running at high heat.
Source quality: 2 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon10:30 AM – 2:00 PMTue10:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PMWed10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PMThu10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PMFri10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 8:00 – 10:30 PMSat10:30 AM – 2:00 PMSun8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
"El Faraón in Doctores is the kind of place that gets called a 'hidden gem' by people who've been to CDMX five times and still only know Roma Norte. The al pastor is seriously good."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
13Tacos de Canasta Los Especiales
Basket Tacos
Verdict: The format that will completely reset your expectations.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Basket Tacos in Various street locations, Centro Histórico with a 8–15 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 24,669 Google reviews · Basket Tacos · Various street locations, Centro Histórico
- Limitations
- Price band: 8–15 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 8–15 MXN per taco · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- The format that will completely reset your expectations. Steamed basket al pastor at $0.50 each sounds wrong — it's right. It's a different dish from trompo al pastor, not better or worse, just completely its own thing. Anyone who says they've eaten al pastor in Mexico City and hasn't had canasta tacos has only experienced half the story.
- What to order
- Tacos de Canasta Los Especiales, found at various street locations in Centro Histórico, offers al pastor de canasta tacos for 8–15 MXN. Order al pastor de canasta — this is a completely different experience from trompo al pastor. Canasta tacos are pre-made, steamed inside baskets (canastas) on bicycle, and the pastor filling melds with the tortilla through the steaming process. They're soft, slightly oily (intentionally), and cost about $0.50 each. Five is a standard serving. Find the bicycle vendors by following the crowd.
Source quality: 3 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, yelp-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon9:00 AM – 9:00 PMTue9:00 AM – 9:00 PMWed9:00 AM – 9:00 PMThu9:00 AM – 9:00 PMFri9:00 AM – 9:00 PMSat9:00 AM – 9:00 PMSun9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
"Tacos de canasta are a completely different category from taquería tacos — they're steamed, they're soft, they're absurdly cheap. You haven't eaten in CDMX until you've had both styles."
— r/mexicanfood · r/mexicanfood community
14Tacos El Charrito
Polanco Local
Verdict: The Polanco pick for people who know that the best restaurant in any neighborhood is usually the taquería, not the hotel restaurant.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Polanco Local in Polanco, CDMX with a 25–40 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 172 Google reviews · Polanco Local · Polanco, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 25–40 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 25–40 MXN per taco · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- The Polanco pick for people who know that the best restaurant in any neighborhood is usually the taquería, not the hotel restaurant. Great for a lunch break if you're doing Polanco museums (Anthropology Museum is nearby). The al pastor here is underrated by visitors who assume Polanco = fancy restaurants only.
- What to order
- Tacos El Charrito, a Polanco local in Polanco, serves al pastor tacos for 25–40 MXN. Polanco is one of Mexico City's wealthiest neighborhoods, home to Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels. Order al pastor. El Charrito proves that even in Polanco, the best meal for your money is still a proper al pastor taco. Frequented by office workers from the surrounding towers who know better than to expense their lunches at the hotel restaurants.
Source quality: 0 sources · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon9:00 AM – 9:00 PMTue9:00 AM – 9:00 PMWed9:00 AM – 9:00 PMThu9:00 AM – 9:00 PMFri9:00 AM – 9:00 PMSat9:00 AM – 9:00 PMSun9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
"El Turix in Polanco is a must for cochinita pibil, and El Charrito for al pastor — you can do both in one afternoon."
— r/tacos · Good tacos in Mexico City thread
15El Pescadito
Baja-Style Wildcard
Verdict: The wildcard on this list — a fish taco spot with excellent al pastor.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Baja-Style Wildcard in Colima 233, Roma Norte, CDMX with a 35–55 MXN per taco spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 3,351 Google reviews · Baja-Style Wildcard · Colima 233, Roma Norte, CDMX
- Limitations
- Price band: 35–55 MXN per taco
- Price / value
- 35–55 MXN per taco · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- The wildcard on this list — a fish taco spot with excellent al pastor. Go for the full taco flight: fish, shrimp, and al pastor side by side. The Roma Norte setting is beautiful for a long outdoor lunch. Proof that Mexico City's taco culture extends beyond any single style or tradition.
- What to order
- El Pescadito, a Baja-style wildcard at Colima 233 in Roma Norte, offers al pastor tacos for 35–55 MXN. El Pescadito is primarily a fish taco spot (Baja-style), but the al pastor here is legitimately excellent and offers a fascinating contrast to the seafood. Get the al pastor as a palate cleanser between fish tacos. One of Roma Norte's most beloved casual spots. Lines at peak lunch. Worth the wait.
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, instagram-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 8:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 8:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 8:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 8:00 PMSat10:00 AM – 8:00 PMSun10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
"El Pescadito is on every Roma Norte list for good reason. Come for the fish tacos, but don't skip the al pastor — they're not phoning it in just because it's a second category."
— r/MexicoCity · r/MexicoCity community
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was al pastor invented?
Al pastor was developed in Mexico City in the mid-20th century by Lebanese immigrants who brought shawarma (vertical spit-roasted lamb) to Mexico and adapted it to local pork and spices. El Tizoncito in Condesa claims to be the inventor, having served al pastor since the 1960s — a claim that's passionately disputed by other taquerías and food historians. The Lebanese-Mexican connection is visible in the cooking method: the trompo (vertical spit) is identical to a shawarma spit.
What makes a good al pastor taco?
The best al pastor balances four things: the marinade (achiote, chiles, pineapple, spices), the carving technique (thin slices off a slowly rotating trompo), the tortilla (small, double-stacked corn tortillas), and the toppings (cilantro, onion, salsa verde, and a slice of pineapple cut directly off the top of the trompo). The pineapple is not optional — it's not just sweet, it tenderizes the pork through enzymatic action. If a place skips the pineapple, be skeptical.
What neighborhood has the most al pastor taquerías?
Roma Norte and Condesa have the highest concentration of reliable taquerías, with Orinoco, El Califa, El Tizoncito, El Jarocho, and El Pescadito all within walking distance. Centro Histórico has legendary spots like El Huequito and Los Cocuyos. For late-night al pastor, Tacubaya (El Borrego Viudo) operates all night and is worth the journey from anywhere in the city.
How much should I pay for al pastor tacos in Mexico City?
Expect to pay 20–35 MXN ($1–$2 USD) per taco at street stands and traditional taquerías. Sit-down places like Orinoco and El Tizoncito charge 35–60 MXN per taco with table service. A full, satisfying al pastor meal (3–4 tacos, agua fresca, salsa bar) should cost 100–200 MXN ($5.50–$11 USD). If you're paying more than that, you're at a tourist-facing restaurant and should probably walk a block or two.
🎟️ Book Ciudad de México Experiences
Tours and activities hand-picked for this guide — book with free cancellation
Food Tour
Best Ciudad de México Food Tours & Tastings
Night Food Tour
Ciudad de México Night Street Food Tour
Cooking Class
Ciudad de México Cooking Class & Market Visit
Explore More
All Ciudad de México Tours & Activities →
Experiences via Viator — free cancellation on most tours