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Mexico City

Café restaurants in Mexico City

  1. A

    Café El Popular

    So popular was this tiny round-the-clock café that another more amply proportioned branch was opened next door to catch the considerable overflow. Fresh pastries and good combination breakfasts are the main attractions. Café con leche (coffee with milk) is served chino style (ie you specify the strength).

    reviewed

  2. B

    Churrería El Moro

    A fine respite from the Eje Central crowds, El Moro manufactures long, slender deep-fried churros (doughnut-like fritters), just made to be dipped in thick hot chocolate. It’s a popular late-night spot, perfect for winding down after hours.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Café la Blanca

    White-coated waiters and orange upholstery set the tone for this 1960s relic offering hearty breakfasts and daily lunch specials. Sit at the U-shaped counter or grab a table by the window for people-watching over a cappuccino.

    reviewed

  4. D

    12:30

    Located at the heart of the gay nightlife district, 12:30 is good for sandwiches, salads and other ‘ munchis’. In fact, the relaxed, social atmosphere may appeal to exhausted clubbers – the electronica soundtrack is usually low enough for actual conversation. Go upstairs to dine on a terrace overlooking Amberes. Service can be a challenge.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Hip Kitchen

    At the stylish bistro of Condesa’s Hippodrome Hotel, star chefs fuse Mexican and international cuisine in exciting ways: slow-cooked ribs get brushed with hoisin sauce, and baked prawns are served with risotto and wild mushrooms. Dining is in a narrow, romantic space with a wall-length sofa and art deco fixtures. Reservations recommended.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Cafetería del Claustro

    If you’re touring the Alameda museums, put this self-service café, inside the tranquil courtyard of the Museo Franz Mayer, on your itinerary. The light fare includes Italian cold cuts on chapata rolls, ample green salads, quiches and excellent cakes, with seating at marble tables and baroque music to set the mood.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Café Colón

    Dishing out traditional fare from this location for almost half a century, Café Colón remains popular with local office workers who pour in mid-morning for coffee or mid-afternoon for the filling comida. The café’s two neatly renovated rooms retain old maps of the Alameda and vintage light fixtures.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Pastelería Maque

    Condesa sophisticates gather in the mornings and evenings at this Parisian-style café-bakery near the south end of Parque México. Waiters bring around trays of fresh-baked croissants and conchas (round pastries sprinkled with sugar).

    reviewed

  9. I

    Mi Fonda

    Working-class Chilangos line up for their share of paella valenciana, made fresh daily and patiently ladled out by women in white bonnets. Jesús from Cantabria oversees the proceedings. Space is limited, but you can share a table.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Barracuda Diner

    This retro-style diner does a fine facsimile of gringo comfort food, including cheeseburgers, onion rings, and macaroni and cheese. The late-night hangout also sets up some pretty far-out milkshakes (mmm, mamey).

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Orígenes Orgánicos

    More than just a place to buy soy milk and certified organic produce, this store/café facing one of Condesa’s loveliest plazas prepares tasty meals with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, organic ingredients.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Primos

    Avoid the hectic lunch crowd at this popular sidewalk bistro with a low-key breakfast of eggs Benedict layered with pastrami, or French toast topped with raspberries, maple syrup and whipped cream.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Frutos Prohibidos

    When you need a break from bistek, Forbidden Fruits puts together healthy salads, wraps and fruit-juice combos. Consider taking out for a picnic in nearby Parque México.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Los Bisquets Obregón

    Chilangos flock here for the pan chino (Chinese pastries) and café con leche, dispensed from two pitchers, Veracruz style.

    reviewed