The Best Taco Spots in Colonia Narvarte and Colonia Del Valle

Mechanic shop by day, taco stand by night, Vilsito is not just a great taco al pastor, it’s a great experience. Three massive vertical roasting spits turn the marinaded pork meat that is shaved off for tacos al pastor. Dozens of people mill about in the street eating, talking and drinking beers, and the handful of spaces inside are always packed. You can order ham, chicken or milanesa tortas (Mexican sandwiches), but we recommend the pastor tacos or a gringa pastor – pork pastor marinaded meat and lots of quesillo cheese squashed between two toasted tortillas.

Tacos Tony is just down from El Vilsito and a true late-night taco stand. Their specialty is suadero (Mexican confit) but they also have various organ meats and things such as cheek, eye, intestines, etc. The salsas are spicy and they offer clients a bouquet of pápalo, a fragrant herb in the coriander family but with a unique flavor unlike anything else. Longaniza (Mexican sausage) and suadero together are particularly popular, if you want to try one, order a “campechano.”

Ceci’s place is located right next to the Narvarte’s local market and their specialty, as you may have guessed from the name, is Cecina from Yecapixtla. Cecina is a type of salted beef dried in the sun, a smokehouse or drying room. The consistency is a little like a soft jerky. Beware of Ceci’s red sauce – it’s extremely spicy, so if you want to take it easier, try the hand-ground green sauce or the extra-thick guacamole. The Ceci special has longaniza, cheese and cecina and is divine.

Los Parados is renowned around town for grilled tacos of all types. They have a huge menu that includes al pastor, cecina, chorizo, machitos (instestines), chicken, arrechera (marinaded skirt steak) and bistec (tender chunks of beef). You can get any of these combined, covered in cheese or in pita bread instead of a taco. The word “parado” means to be standing and the numerous locations of Los Parados throughout the city only have space to stand. The Narvarte location, however, has tables as well and is big enough to bring your whole family for a meal.

Packed every night it’s open, Tacos Beto’s claim to fame is its tacos a la cochinada. This disgustingly good taco stand delicacy is quite possibly only found here at Don Beto’s. Tacos a la cochinada are any of their meats or a combination (crispy chicharron, bistec, suadero) dressed in the grease that pools at the bottom the grill – with all the tiny bits of meat mixed in. It’s not heart-healthy and it might sound gross, but we assure you that the flavor is incredible.

Manolo makes a couple of out-of-this-world tacos – one is bistec with bits of bacon and chopped onion and the other is their tacos al pastor. They have a peanut and citrus sauce that is piping hot but delicious if you like spice. There are two Manolo locations, one is the original taco stand and the other, just in front of it, a larger place with tables. If you take a moment to look at their logo, you will find a pictorial description of exactly the proper form in holding a taco (pinkie up!). Manolo’s also has tortas, tacos with a crispy cheese shell called a costra and alambres which are a mix of grilled meats and veggies.

For something slighty different, El Hayito sells tacos arabes, which at their very essence are the closest thing Mexico has to the original sharwma, brought across the ocean by Arab immigrants. This is a marinade pork meat that’s less sweet than a taco pastor with more of a cumin-oregano vibe, maybe even a pinch of clove. They also sell other Arabian delights such as tabouli and a taco al pastor named the “oriental.” There are two locations, so take your pick.