Best Fast Food Restaurants in Mexico

"Taco joints are generally more functional than design-oriented, but El Califa has raised the bar, using the tortilla as a guiding design piece. Esware Studios have lined walls with white, circular tiles showing how tortillas can be folded in different ways – an effect multiplied by the reflective ceiling and terrazzo flooring emblazoned with a golden circle motif. Avenida Insurgentes 810, Colonia del Valle, 03100 Ciudad de México, CDMX"

"El Califa is one of a few big-name taquerias that's bringing the brazen street classic to a button-down, posh format. The menu is expansive, focusing beef tacos (sirloin, flank, and rib-eye) as well as al pastor. Beyond that, there are quesadilla-like gringas—two flour tortillas with meat and cheese, and costras, a crispy dish of cheese-covered meat that's flipped like a pancake so the cheese will caramelize."

"Right across from Mercado San Juan is El Huequito, which is all al pastor all day, and it’s a great example of the Mexico City staple that's been around since the 60s. Crispy, salty, slightly sweet from pineapple, and perfect with a liberal dose of their piquant salsa verde. The tacos are so small you could eat about 12 before you’d notice." - Heidi Brown, Journy Mexico City expert. Calle Bolívar 58, Cuauhtémoc, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico. READ MORE: Heidi Brown's Guide To Mexico City"

"Tacos al pastor are a Mexico City staple, al pastor meaning ‘in the style of a shepherd’. At El Huequito, the chilli pork is roasted on a revolving spit like a kebab. Served in a small tortilla with onion and coriander, these tacos are a taste of the city."

"This was another breakfast and lunch spot that I used to go to almost once a week (their sandwiches are some of the best in the city). I love grabbing a table outside and sitting with a coffee first thing in the morning. Once that’s settled, I’ll usually dig into their french toast or waffles."

"If there were spots dedicated to expert sandwich tasters, Belmondo would be at the top of that rotation. Miwi, aka Adriana Lima (Pizza Felix and Felix Bar) is a chef and founding partner of this humble sanctuary, where there’s a chance you might find Thom Yorke grabbing a bite."

"A chic deli to be sure, Belmondo serves American-style sandwiches like Reubens, tuna melts, grilled cheeses, etc.—about which its young, fashionable adherents rave—but the menu holds some surprises as well, like a barbecued brisket or..."

"Falafelito is, in their own words, ‘As Vegan as it gets.” As the name suggests, this falafel restaurant serves nutritious, healthy food with just the right amount of South-American twist. Renowned for their gigantic falafel balls, you’re sure not to be leaving hungry. If you’re out and about, or in the mood to try something a little different, give this hip spot a go!"

"There are a few Falafelitos dotted around the city, but we thought the best one was located in Condesa. In the early evening, you can sit under the lamp-lit tree and enjoy your falafel pita overlooking the park. Google Map: Av México 105, Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México"

"This is a really great spot for suadero tacos, which are made with stewed pork meat in a variety of spices. I love just getting a few of their suadero tacos as well as a bowl of the birria. A small bowl is enough for two people to share if you’re also having some tacos."

"Calle Isabel la Catolica 30, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. You have a few different options when it comes to stopping for a coffee at The Shops at Downtown, the retail complex inside Hotel Downtown in Mexico City's Centro Histórico. There's the hotel's own restaurant, which offers comfortable chairs and..."

"There’s nothing like watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand from the rooftop of this splendid 18th-century building. From time to time, pool parties are organized, but on a normal (preferably sunny) day, it is the ideal place to enjoy a Negroni or gin and tonic. Isabel la Catolica 30, Centro"

"The castle has a small entrance fee and is home to the National Museum of History, where you can get a great insight into Mexico’s past. If you’re still feeling up for more adventure, spend the next couple hours wandering around Condesa, popping into the street markets, stalls, and vendors you see along the way. Or, if you’re a museum buff, stop into the National Anthropology Museum or the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán — both world famous and easy places to spend an afternoon."

"Chapultepec Castle, home of the National History Museum in Mexico City | © Kamira / Shutterstock.com. This is another of Mexico City’s museums from the 60’s, and is located inside the impressive Chapultepec Castle. This castle is built atop a hill that used to be sacred Aztec ground, but then became a presidential residence, until it was given to the country in 1944 to become a national museum."

"Housed in Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), the Museo Nacional de Historia is located in Section 1 of Chapultepec Park. The castle contains displays that show the evolution of Mexico from the conquest and formation of New Spain and up to the early twentieth century, but besides the history museum, there's a large section of the building that is furnished as it was during the time of some of its previous inhabitants including Maximilian and Carlota, and Porfirio Diaz and his wife. The museum also contains some wonderful murals by Orozco, Siqueiros, and O’Gorman."

"The Museo Nacional de Historia is found within Chapultepec Castle, one of the only royal palaces to have been built in North America. The historic location features exhibitions of Mexican history beginning from the colonial era, into the Mexican Wars of Independence, and then the Mexican Revolution all defining events which helped to develop the Mexico of today. There are literally hundreds of museums to visit in Mexico City, and this guide of the best museums in Mexico City is barely scratching the surface."

"Interior of the National Museum of Anthropology | © Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com. Many would consider the Museo Nacional de Antropologia to be the best in Mexico City, if not the world, and it is easy to see why. The architecture of the building itself makes the museum look so avant garde, even though it was designed way back in 1964, making it easy to see why some visitors flock here for just the architecture alone."

"Antonio León 82, San Miguel Chapultepec I Sec, 11850 Ciudad de México, CDMX. Barely a foot in this house, and you will be transported by a mixture of colors, elementary but well thought out, while playing with light effects. Designed by the architect Luis Barragan in the late 80’s, this work will add a simple and unusual touch to your photos."

"Antonio León Loyola #82, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, 11860 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Mexico City is full of architectural masterpieces, but there is nothing like the experience of being inside a Barragán-designed home. Very few are still in good shape and open to the public, including Casa Luis Barragán (the architect's former..."

"As you step into the long corridor off of the entry way, the mood instantly shifts. A flood of yellow washes over the room and a sense of calm settles into your body. There are double doors at the end of the hallway."

"German-born financier Franz Mayer amassed an extensive collection of Mexican silver, ceramics, textiles, and furniture in his adopted country. This private collection is now on permanent display at his namesake museum, in Mexico City's historic center. The beautiful everyday objects also include maps, globes, rugs, and books from around the world."

"Galería Eugenio sells more than 4000 traditional, mostly wooden and clay masks from artisans across the country. Prices start from M$800. It’s in the Lagunilla market area."

"Only a red curtain separates this dimly lit mezcal bar from the bustling streets of El Centro. The establishment gets its products directly from the producers, and in the spirit of Oaxaca, be sure to order chapulines (grasshoppers) roasted with lime and chile. On the weekends, get there early to assure a spot."

"If you are downtown and find yourself in the peaceful pedestrian street of Calle Regina, stop for a cafecito or americano at Cafe Regina. This place is old-school and has kept its vintage charm. Sit at wooden benches, or outside under umbrellas, and after you order your coffee, you’ll wish you ordered food when you see it come out to the other tables."

"The following ten cafés have formed the coffee scene in Mexico City today. Café Avellaneda is the next legendary after Passmar, however third wave. Almanegra competes in popularity, with Cups of Excellence brewed in scientific precision."

"Musak is a sleek and cool cocktail bar in Roma Norte, more for the traveler who wants to get dressed up and upgrade from the dives in Condesa and around. Known for perfectly-executed cocktails, their menu is not to miss. This is the ideal place to relax and forget the sounds of the city (of which there are many) and sit back with a drink in hand with your date or with your friends."