El Huequito, Mexico City

They say, you shouldn’t leave Mexico City without eating at least three Tacos Al Pastor, which is a Mexican take on Middle Eastern shawarma – only with pork instead of lamb, tortilla instead of pita, and a spicy adobo rub. They also say that they the best tacos you may possibly have ever are the ones by El Huequito. In business since 1959, this place claims to be the first to serve this dish in Mexico City, started off as a walk-up stand on the street in the historic center near Mercado San Juan. Although today El Huequito has several sit-down locations dotted around the city, the original “hole in the wall” with a skinny high-topped table out front is still considered to be their best.

Famous among "Tacos Al Pastor" aficionados, this small, closet-sized stall, with no sitting area, has a lot of character and is always surrounded with tons of locals. Prepare to stand by the sidewalk to eat your tacos, which is, in fact, the proper way to have a taco in the first place. Whilst adhering to the adage “do one thing, and do it well,” at El Huequito, alongside traditional Tacos Al Pastor, you can get fresh tortillas, gringas, salads, and guacamole salsas to die for. Paired with their on-point service, this ensures the dining experience by far more more than just casual.

Why you should visit:
To try the no-frills grande dame of Tacos Al Pastor the proper way, i.e. shaved off a rotating spit and eaten while standing on the sidewalk.

Tip:
Make sure to add a dollop of herby-spicy green salsa on top of your Tacos Al Pastor, and grab plenty of napkins.