Top 5 Centro Histórico Food & Drink: A Local’s Review

Okay, so if you are hunting for some truly amazing places to grab a bite or a drink in Centro Histórico, that historic heart of so many different things, then you’ve come to the right place. Very often, it’s almost tough to separate the tourist traps from the real gems, right? Basically, that is where this guide comes in. It’s from someone who actually lives here and actually spends their pesos in this very neighborhood! Basically, I’m here to share some spots that are worth every single penny, giving you a taste, too, of Mexico City that goes deeper than just what you see in postcards. I am, if you will, providing great tips on where to eat great.

1. El Cardenal: A Breakfast of Champions

To start things off, very few experiences capture the heart of a leisurely Mexican breakfast the way El Cardenal does. Clearly, this restaurant, with several locations across Mexico City, has a very special spot in the Centro Histórico that gives it a bit of a unique flavor. Right, its location is that it’s close to the Zócalo, so that it makes it perfect for beginning your day before sightseeing. Like your regular fancy eggs Benedict? Okay, El Cardenal probably offers something quite different. Anyway, you are looking at trying their pan dulce (sweet bread), very freshly baked and absolutely amazing when paired with their rich, famously hot chocolate. Of course, it’s made right at the table. Arguably, you will want to sample their egg dishes, like huevos revueltos con escamoles (scrambled eggs with ant larvae). As a matter of fact, if you are adventurous, you will want to check that dish out! So, the food is truly magnificent and the service is really outstanding. The restaurant’s ambience offers a feeling of warmth that enhances what is overall just a welcoming and special experience.

What to Order:

Hot Chocolate: This comes served with a traditional molinillo (a wooden whisk) for you, too, to froth it just the way you like it.
Pan Dulce: Such a lovely array, but try the concha – it’s pretty classic!
Huevos Revueltos con Escamoles: Now, for the bold eater! That could be a unique, maybe even pre-Hispanic delicacy!

2. Tacos El Güero: A No-Frills Taco Fiesta

In fact, if you’re strolling down Avenida Madero, you won’t miss Tacos El Güero—it’s very, very popular and nearly impossible to miss. Alright, the reason that is has to do with the simple setup of this small taco stand. Yet, it’s that which is very emblematic of street food in Mexico City: totally unfussy and totally unforgettable. Seemingly, the main thing here are the tacos al pastor, which are those little morsels of marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. Anyway, El Güero offers them in such a lovely way that the meat is just a little bit crispy. We get that and love that with the rich taste further boosted with just some pineapple, cilantro, and onions. Then, of course, there’s their fiery salsa! Obviously, it will really wake you up! This may not be where you can spend a super long relaxing afternoon, but if you want a fast taste of what CDMX street food tastes like, El Güero could be just the stop. As a matter of fact, it’s where you will be wanting to pull up.

Taco Recommendations:

Tacos al Pastor: Now, it’s a must-try for those that have never tasted it before, that’s almost for sure! You should also enjoy that perfect combo of tangy and just a little spicy.
Salsa Bar: Seriously, go on, experiment a little! Be careful about going very big very early on because they are quite hot!
Agua Fresca: That’s natural fruit-flavored water and it just adds to a tasty taco experience!

3. La Opera Bar: A Step Back in Time

Arguably, if what you need is a little bit of atmosphere alongside your drinks, you might have found it. The very historic La Opera Bar, established way back in 1876, is clearly not just any bar. Instead, its halls whisper stories of days long gone. Now, one legend says that Pancho Villa, a really iconic revolutionary leader, even shot a bullet into the ceiling, and yeah, the hole’s still there. What that makes for is, too, a real talking point and a unique piece of history. It is inside! Seemingly, the decoration looks truly great and the food tastes good. Although, actually, a lot of people come here, like, mostly for the experience, of having that authentic Cantina style vibe. Still, you are more than welcome to sample from what can be described as a pretty impressive collection of tequila and mezcal, sipping something strong as you absorb all the old world kind of charm. So, this place, I am pretty sure, will leave quite an impression, really transporting you straight back to the times when Mexico’s elite met here to share news about what the political hot topics were. Very definitely worth seeing even just once!

What to Order:

Mezcal Margarita: Basically, a cool little twist on a pretty classic drink using a pretty typically smoky agave spirit.
Tequila Flight: As a matter of fact, try different types and broaden your horizons regarding tequila!
Traditional Botanas: It comes included in your drink order; that’s quite lovely, really. Just be aware: the snacks sometimes might be spicy!

4. Churrería El Moro: A Sweet Escape

Seemingly, if that’s what you need at any point, maybe especially on chilly evenings, very few treats compare to some super warm, very fresh churros. Like your donut? Okay, then the taste is quite similar to those of that kind. Anyway, Churrería El Moro, that’s a pretty well loved institution with multiple spots, could be known very well for making them to perfection. In fact, they should! Arguably, it first opened way back in 1935! Just a little family operated shop selling churros, and that’s what keeps people coming from around the globe to purchase these strips that are deep fried and totally dunked in sugary joy. By the way, what a dream! You can totally combine your churros too, for instance, with a pretty rich Mexican chocolate, and a quite thick coffee drink such as a nicely frothy latte. The decorations are typically styled with Talavera tiles, something which very, very greatly adds on, that’s my opinion at least, to what becomes simply a visually quite pleasing location that is a cozy little place where that kind of old meets something new. As I was saying, don’t miss out and visit one of the greatest Churros places on this Earth. As a matter of fact, make sure that you visit here.

Must-Try Treats:

Churros with Chocolate: What I see as an absolutely unbeatable combination, to be frank. And also? Very, very satisfying.
Latte El Moro: Just add cinnamon and that thing will blow your mind.
Ice Cream Churro Sandwich: A pretty brilliant dessert that is so delicious it’s quite ridiculous.

5. Nicos: A Modern Take on Mexican Classics

Basically, situated a little just north of Centro Histórico, in the Clavería neighborhood, Nicos does offer a spin, in a way, to what may seem just traditional Mexican dining. What that offers, basically, is pretty authentic dishes done a little in a slightly stylish way! Actually, Nicos feels kind of special. This kind of eatery goes all the way back for, oh, nearly six decades; that’s since 1957! Clearly, its owners really make the place warm. Apparently, there is this thing with slow cooking methods that are old style that ensure every dish is actually so flavorful and also respects ingredients from right here in the community and traditions. Maybe the sopa de médula (bone marrow soup), that might actually make you start salivating even from only reading about it? By the way, that does speak highly of how amazing things taste here, and also that they really honor classic flavor combos. At the end of the day, expect a pretty delightful and special occasion here; something very refined. Also the food there may be quite authentic Mexican; very much the experience has the capacity of becoming elegant.

Recommended Dishes:

Sopa de Médula: As a matter of fact, if you are one of those meat lovers? Yeah, for sure, consider this as your new best friend.
Enchiladas de Pato: Slow cooking style, rich flavors; as a matter of fact it can give you everything you are looking for.
Mole Poblano: If you like to discover dishes that represent dishes in Mexico that are, like, of national importance then what do you need even hesitate about?