Tacos in Roma Norte & Condesa
A walking guide to the neighborhood's taquerías
Pastor, birria, barbacoa and suadero, all within minutes of Colima 71.
Roma Norte and Condesa are, among many other things, two of the best neighbourhoods in Mexico City for serious eating. The density of significant restaurants is well known. The density of significant taquerías is less talked about — partly because the best taquerías rarely advertise themselves, and partly because they coexist quietly alongside the more visible dining culture of the area.
This is a curated selection of the taquerías we believe a considered traveler should know within walking distance of Colima 71, organized by type of taco. For taquerías beyond Roma Norte and Condesa — including the legendary stands that justify a longer trip — see our companion guide in Issue No. 03.
A Brief Note on Format
The best taquerías in this neighbourhood are rarely the most comfortable. Plastic stools, bright lights, no reservations, cash only. The quality is in the meat, the salsa, and the hand of the taquero — not in the setting. We recommend leaning into that.
Walking Distance from Colima 71
Several of Roma Norte's best taquerías sit within minutes of the hotel. For guests who want to begin without crossing the city, four are particularly worth knowing.
Barbacoa Gonzalitos
Across the street
The closest serious eating to Colima 71 — practically across the street. Lamb cooked in the traditional Hidalgo style: slow-cooked underground in maguey leaves, served with consommé and freshly made tortillas. Most of the city's best barbacoa requires a Sunday-morning pilgrimage across town. Here, it sits across the street. Weekend mornings only; arrive early. @barbacoagonzalitos
Los Caramelos
1 min walk
A neighbourhood taquería that anchors the daily life of the block. The right place to begin if you've just arrived and want to eat before unpacking.
@tacosloscaramelos
Tizne Tacomotora
8 min walk
A respected taquería for tacos al pastor and grilled meats. The kitchen runs a wood fire that flavors the entire room.
@tiznetacomotora
Tacos al Pastor in the Neighbourhood
Tacos al pastor — marinated pork cooked vertically on a trompo, sliced onto small tortillas, finished with pineapple, onion and cilantro — are the taco most associated with Mexico City. Roma Norte and Condesa hold several worthy expressions of the form.
Tizne Tacomotora
8 min walk
The closest pastor to the hotel.
Tacos Don Juan
Condesa
A neighbourhood favorite for tacos al pastor and tacos de guisado, beloved by locals who eat in Condesa regularly. Walkable through the leafy streets that connect the two neighbourhoods. Atlixco 42, Condesa.
Tacos de Barbacoa: The Sunday Ritual
Barbacoa is a weekend ritual in Mexico City. The best places open Saturday and Sunday morning and sell out by noon. Roma Norte holds two of the most respected addresses in the city.
El Hidalguense
Roma Sur
The most famous barbacoa restaurant in Mexico City, in operation for decades. Lamb cooked in the traditional Hidalgo style, served with consommé and freshly made tortillas. Reservations recommended on weekends. Campeche 155, Roma Sur.
A Note on Salsas, Tortillas and Etiquette
Salsa choice matters.
Most taquerías offer between three and five salsas. Try them in small amounts before committing. The green ones are often hotter than the red ones — the opposite of what most travelers expect.
Tortillas.
Always ask if the tortillas are made on-site. A taquería that makes its own tortillas is signaling something about the level of care.
Order in twos or threes.
Tacos are designed to be eaten in succession, not contemplated individually. Order at least three to start; you can always order more.
Cash, often.
Many of the best taquerías do not accept cards. Carry cash.
Standing is normal.
Several of the most respected taquerías have no seating. This is not a defect — it is part of the form.
Hours matter.
Pastor is generally a late-night taco. Suadero spans the full day. Barbacoa is weekend mornings only. Plan accordingly.
A Walking Itinerary
Sunday Morning.
Begin at Barbacoa Gonzalitos directly across the street, before they sell out. Walk it off through Roma Norte's tree-lined streets.
Late Afternoon.
Lunch at Los Caramelos one minute from the hotel, or La 89 for birria three minutes away.
Evening.
Dinner at Tizne Tacomotora for late-day pastor and grilled meats.
A Considered Base in Roma Norte
Few neighbourhoods in Mexico City offer this density of serious taquerías within walking distance of one another — and walking distance of a single address. Colima 71 sits at the center of it. Sixteen studios designed by Alberto Kalach, organized around an interior courtyard, in the most walkable food neighbourhood of Mexico City.
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