Two Wheels Through Mexico City

CDMX No Reservations w/SEANWICHES

Mexico City, where the streets pulse with life and the air is thick with the smell of sizzling meat and spice. It is one of my favorite places to eat, a city that feels like one long episode of No Reservations. So grab an Eco-Bici bike rental and come along on a SEANWICHES adventure. It might get messy, but it will be damn good and exactly what food should be.

These are not upscale or high-end spots, just no-frills joints that I love and want others to experience. Places that stick with you, where you stand shoulder to shoulder with locals, balancing a meal in one hand and a drink in the other, and somehow every bite feels like the best thing you have ever tasted. No pretense, just good food and a vibe that makes every meal feel like an experience.

Los Rancheros – Santa Maria La Ribera

Los Rancheros isn’t just a taco joint in Santa Maria La Ribera, it’s a slice of the neighborhood’s soul. Spits of meat turn slowly, filling the heavy Mexico City air with smoke and the smell of charred meat. The corner is alive with noise and movement, perfect for sitting back and watching the city go by. Grab a seat on the sidewalk, order an ice-cold Corona tall boy, and dig into a trio of tacos: al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada. 

After you eat, walk over to Alameda de Santa María. No need to look it up, just trust me, it is worth it. Find a bench, sit back, and take in the energy of the neighborhood’s gathering place. 

El Veneno – San Rafael

Now this is what street food is all about. Carnitas served straight off the back of a guy’s bike. No fancy setup, no hype, just pure flavor. The tacos are tender, crisp in all the right places, topped with onions and salsa that lands perfectly. The salsa verde has a real kick, but it is worth the burn. There is always a crowd gathered, people smiling and eating together. El Veneno is not just another taco stand, it is a revelation. The kind of place that turns street food into something almost spiritual. No frills, just the essence of Mexico City’s street food culture, and completely unforgettable.

La Casa de los Trompos – San Rafael

Al pastor has always been a favorite, but this spot takes it to another level. I went for my birthday and it was the only choice that made sense. The meat comes off the trompo perfectly charred, smoky and tender, then finished with a slice of pineapple that adds just the right sweetness. A spoon of tomatillo salsa sharpens every bite. The tortillas are soft yet sturdy, holding it all together without getting in the way. Wash it down with a cold horchata or cerveza and you understand why this place sets the standard. For me, it has become a tradition, the kind of meal that stays with you long after you leave Mexico City.

Hamburguesas a la Parrilla – Roma Norte

Do not be fooled by the simplicity. Hamburguesas a la Parrilla serves up some of the best street burgers you will ever have. No frills, just a perfectly charred, backyard-style burger with toppings spilling out the sides. The doble queso y piña con todo is the one to order. The setup is as humble as it gets, a couple of guys on the grill while another loads them up with shredded lettuce, tomato, chopped onions, peppers for a little heat, a slice of sweet pineapple, and a quick squeeze of mayo, mustard, and ketchup. It is messy, it is cheap, and it is damn near perfect. I usually grab two and eat them in the park across the street. This is the pregame move if you’re heading to Lucha Libre at Arena México. Pro-tip: grab a Coke or a cold beer on your way.

El Pescadito – Colonia Centro

El Pescadito is a seafood lover’s paradise, tucked between art deco buildings and tree-lined streets. It is easily one of my favorite spots in the city. The camarón, pescado, and chile relleno tacos steal the show, but the real magic is at the salsa bar. Pile on fresh toppings and choose from Baja sauce, tomatillo, or smoky chipotle to bring each bite to life. The open-air seating adds to the laid-back vibe, especially with an ice-cold Pacifico in hand. It is the perfect escape in one of Mexico City’s trendiest neighborhoods.

Tacos Richard – Condesa

Earlier we ate tacos off the back of a bike, and now we are eating from the back of a truck. These tacos are local legends. Do not be fooled by the modest setup, what is happening here is pure magic. The menu is simple: sesos, milanesa, carnitas. Each bite pulls you deeper into the street food culture of Mexico City. By lunchtime there is always a line, and for good reason. This is a true street food experience. The salsas bring serious heat, and you will enjoy every second of it.

Mezcal. Smoky, earthy, and a little dangerous. From my first sip in Mexico it had me hooked, and it quickly became a ritual. Every time I scanned a drink menu I looked for it, and over time I found a few spots in CDMX that always deliver a proper pour.

If you're after a no-frills dive bar experience, Mezcalería Tlachiquero is your place. Cheap beer, decent mezcal, and '90s hip-hop thumping through the speakers. A locals joint where you can chill in a corner with a few friends and down a couple cocktails. It's also the perfect spot to pregame before heading to Lucha Libre at Arena México.

For something more relaxed, La Botica is always a win. A few tables spill out onto the sidewalk, beers come cold, and the mezcal list is long without being overpriced. Service is sharp, the vibe is easy, and happy hour has a way of stretching longer than you planned. Last time I was there the playlist was pure Dre and Biggie, and it gave the whole place a throwback to the 90's energy.

Then there’s Estudio Mezcal, another favorite of mine. The patio somehow feels like a secret even though it is right out on the street. The bartenders are pros, ready to take the lead and steer you toward the good stuff. One of them introduced me to a Tobela mezcal I am still thinking about, and the 2-for-1 cocktail deal did not hurt either. Order some sopes, settle in, and let the music do the rest.

It is never only about the food. It is about throwing yourself into the rhythm of a city, where every bite pulls you further into its layers of history and daily life. A meal becomes a dialogue, a street corner turns into a story, and each stop reveals something unexpected. This guide is simply a path through some of my favorite spots in Mexico City. The city is vast, unpredictable, and alive in a way that refuses to be contained. The real magic comes from exploring it on two wheels, letting the neighborhoods and flavors carry you forward. It is not about where you end up, but how you get there. And if you are lucky, you will stumble onto that one perfect bite that follows you long after you have gone.

let curiosity lead the way

@Seanwiches_