Beyond the Tourist Taco
In Mexico City, tacos aren’t just food — they’re a way of life, a happy life. And if you’ve only eaten tacos at tourist-packed spots from Netflix or your classic best tacos in Mexico City guide, you’re barely scratching the surface.
At Bondabu, we explore the real side of CDMX. Our team loves spending their time chasing the most authentic, flavor-packed, and soulful tacos the city has to offer.
And now, we’re sharing a few of those secret spots with you. These aren't the taquerías you'll find in glossy magazines or trending videos — these are the taco joints where locals actually eat.
🌮 1. Los Milanesos: Michelin-Worthy Tacos de Milanesa
📍 Location: Glaciar 121, Olivar de los Padres
🍽 Must-try: Taco de milanesa de res, suadero con nopales
💡 Local tip: Get there early — they close in the afternoon
You won’t believe that some of the best tacos in CDMX come out of a modest, no-frills taco stand. But in 2025, Los Milanesos was awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, putting this humble taquería on the map — without selling out.
Their specialty? The taco de milanesa — lightly breaded pork, fried to perfection, laid over two handmade tortillas with optional nopales, cheese, or sauces. It’s crunchy, juicy, and deeply satisfying.
But this place isn’t about fanfare — it’s about flavor. They serve other brilliant tacos too: suadero con nopales, chicharrón en salsa, and costilla de puerco — all with bold, home-style spicy salsas.
🥩 2. Los Forcados: Campechano Masters in Portales
📍 Location: Alhambra 509, Portales Norte, Benito Juárez
🍽 Must-try: Campechano with longaniza, cecina, and chicharrón
💡 Local tip: Try their salsa de chicharrón — it’s a local legend
Located in a quiet corner of Portales, Los Forcados is one of those places you only hear about from someone who grew up around the block.
They’re masters of the taco campechano — a glorious mix of meats like cecina, longaniza, and crispy chicharrón, all grilled and layered onto freshly warmed tortillas. The real kicker? Their famous salsa de chicharrón, which adds texture and a smoky, savory kick to every bite.
No signs, no hype, no tourists. Just generations of local love and a commitment to the kind of tacos that speak louder than hashtags, and cure even the most aggressive hangover.
🔥 3. El Paisa (Escandón): Suadero That Locals Swear By
📍 Location: Avenida José Martí 101, Escandón
🍽 Must-try: Suadero taco bien dorado, tripa with grilled onions
💡 Local tip: Best enjoyed after dark with a cold soda or cerveza
In Escandón — a neighborhood still flying under the radar of most guidebooks — you’ll find El Paisa, a down-to-earth taco spot with some of the best suadero tacos in town.
Their famous suadero is juicy and tender on the inside, with crispy golden edges that crackle with flavor. Ask for it bien dorado if you like that crunch.
El Paisa also makes a killer taco de tripa and has a loyal late-night crowd of construction workers, artists, and local foodies. No tourists. No drama. Just pure taco excellence. BTW is right in front of a great cantina, just do the math.
🤔 Why We Don’t Recommend the “Famous” Spots
Look, we love a good taco al pastor as much as the next person. But if a spot is on Netflix, in every English-language food blog, and has an English menu… it’s probably not the best anymore. Ok, maybe it is, but for us there is nothing like the feeling of being at that legit place getting the real deal.
At Bondabu, we support small taquerías that stay true to their roots — and we bring you to the places that still put flavor first.
🧭 How to Find the Good Stuff (If You're Exploring Solo)
If you’re venturing out on your own, follow these street taco rules:
Look for lines of locals, not tourists
Avoid places with menus in English or flashy decor
Talk to people! Ask “¿Cuál es el bueno aquí?” and let the locals guide you
Or, better yet…
🍴 Want to Taste the Real Deal With a Local?
Our Mexico City street food tours at Bondabu are led by locals who actually live and breathe this city. DJs, photographers, anthropologists, food freaks — real people with real passion.
We take you beyond the usual taco joints, into markets, hidden street corners, and vendors that don’t advertise — because they don’t have to.
Everything is included — food, drinks, stories, connection.
🤫 Small groups. Zero tourist traps. 100% delicious
Final Bite: Tacos That Connect
The best tacos in Mexico City aren’t on TikTok. They’re on the corner of a quiet street, sizzling on a steel comal, waiting for someone curious enough to find them.
Now you know where to start.
Come hungry. Leave happy.
— Bondabu
